Studying in France is already far cheaper than the UK or the US, and several scholarships can reduce the cost further for Indian students. Here is an honest overview of the main options, who they are for, and how to combine them.
Scholarship rules, amounts and deadlines change every year. Always check the official call (Campus France India, France Excellence) before applying.
1. School scholarships (the most accessible)
Many French schools reduce tuition for international students. At AI2, the scholarship is applied directly to tuition: MSc programmes start from €10,500 a year and the Bachelor in Applied AI from €9,000 a year after the AI2 scholarship. See AI2 scholarships.
2. Charpak scholarships (French Embassy in India)
The Charpak programme is run by the French Embassy in India for Indian students, with tracks for master’s study, exchange semesters and research internships. Benefits can include a monthly allowance and help with visa and Campus France fees. Eligibility depends on the track, your profile and your programme: read the current conditions on the Campus France India website and confirm with your school that your programme is eligible.
3. France Excellence Eiffel
Eiffel is a highly selective excellence programme for international students at master’s and PhD level. You cannot apply directly: your French institution must nominate you, usually in the autumn for the following academic year. Age and field criteria apply, and not every programme takes part.
4. Other ways to fund your studies
- Education loans from Indian banks, often used for studies abroad.
- Part-time work: up to 964 hours a year with a student residence permit; see work while studying in France.
- Paid internships: in France, an internship of more than two months must be paid.
- Staggered tuition payments, detailed in your admission letter.
Example budget for an Indian student
MSc tuition from €10,500 a year after the AI2 scholarship, plus living costs of about €900 to €1,700 a month in the Paris region; for the visa, show at least €877.50 a month of resources. Full breakdown: cost of studying AI in France.
How to maximise your chances
- Apply early: most scholarships require an admission letter first.
- Prepare a strong statement of purpose linking your studies, the programme and your career plan.
- Keep your academic documents and financial proof ready and consistent.
- Prepare your Campus France interview.
Funding your studies: compare all scholarships in France for international students (Eiffel, embassy programmes, Erasmus Mundus, school scholarships).
No GRE? No problem: read masters in France without GRE to see how admission works.
Visa from India: follow our France student visa from India guide (Campus France, documents, timeline).
Frequently asked questions
Are there scholarships to study in France for Indian students?
Yes. The French government runs programmes such as Charpak (for Indian students, managed by the French Embassy in India) and Eiffel (a nomination-based excellence programme). Many schools also offer their own scholarships, such as the AI2 scholarship.
Can I get a fully funded scholarship?
Fully funded awards exist but are very selective and have strict eligibility rules. Most students combine a school scholarship, family funds or an education loan, and part-time work.
Is every school eligible for Eiffel or Charpak?
No. Each programme has its own rules and selection process. Check the official call and ask your target school whether its programme is eligible before you count on it.
What is the AI2 scholarship?
AI2 applies its scholarship directly to tuition for international students: MSc tuition starts from €10,500 a year and the Bachelor from €9,000 a year after the AI2 scholarship.
Do scholarships replace the visa funds requirement?
You must show at least €877.50 a month of resources for the student visa; an official scholarship can count towards this. Check with Campus France India.
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