France – South Africa Scholarship Programme 2026

The French Embassy in South Africa invites applications for the 2026 France – South Africa Scholarship Programme, open to nationals of South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi who wish to pursue Master’s or PhD studies at public higher education institutions in France, starting in September 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

• You must be a citizen of South Africa, Lesotho, or Malawi

• You must be born on or after 1 January 1996

• You must be eligible for admission to a Master’s or Doctoral programme in France

• You must be accepted by a French public higher education institution, or an eligible African institution (where applicable)

• PhD applicants under co-supervision (cotutelle) must clearly outline the periods spent in France

Fields of Study

All academic fields are eligible. However, preference may be given to applications in Science, Engineering, Technology, and niche areas not available in South Africa.

Important: Confirm that your chosen programme is officially recognised by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research. The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) only recognises diplomas that meet this requirement. Some MSc degrees are not considered full Master’s degrees in France.

Application Timeline

• Applications close: 08 October 2025 at 23:59 (South African time)

• Webinar information session (with DHET): 09 July 2025

• Interviews for shortlisted candidates: November 2025

• Final results released: Late November or early December 2025

• Pre-departure programme in South Africa: February – July 2026

• Departure to France: Early September 2026

Pre-departure Track

From February to July 2026, successful candidates will take part in a preparatory programme in South Africa. This includes:

• Online French language courses (offered through Alliances Françaises)

• Possible internships in French companies or organisations based in South Africa, depending on candidate profiles and availability

Scholarship Options

Two types of scholarships are offered:

1. Full Scholarship

• Monthly allowance (approximately 850 euros for Master’s students, 1,400 euros for PhD students)

• Social security and health insurance

• Priority access to student housing

• Exemption from visa fees

• Return flight to France

• CVEC and potential tuition exemption (for public institutions only)

• Accommodation assistance (approximately 150 euros per month)

• Assistance and support from Campus France

2. Cost-Sharing Scholarship

• Monthly stipend is partially or fully provided by a partner (e.g., university, private sector, or other organisations)

• All other benefits of the full scholarship remain covered by the French Embassy

• Applicants are encouraged to seek additional funding from universities, companies, or other bodies

Application Process

All applications must be submitted online through the France – South Africa Scholarship Programme platform.

Required documents include:

For All Applicants:

• Completed online application form

• Copy of passport

• Up-to-date CV with full academic history

• Motivation letter

• Certified copies of degree certificates (Bachelor’s or Master’s)

• Official academic transcripts for the last two years

Additional for Master’s Applicants:

• Proof of application or acceptance to a programme in France (between February and July 2026)

• List of identified programmes with links, deadlines, and tuition fees

• Evidence of communication with host universities (email exchanges are acceptable)

Additional for PhD Applicants:

• Signed confirmation from your academic supervisor(s)

• If under co-supervision, the agreement must outline joint supervision and enrolment at both institutions

• Detailed research proposal (2–3 pages) with a timeline

• Schedule of periods to be spent in France

• Signed co-tutelle agreement (where applicable)

Important Notes

• The programme is not administered by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in South Africa

• It is your responsibility to confirm that your chosen qualification will be recognised in South Africa

• No additional financial assistance will be provided by DHET

• Final selection decisions are not open to appeal

More Information

For more details, visit the official scholarship website:
www.southafrica-france-scholarships.com

You can also register for the webinars and consult the rulebook and FAQs on the site. For guidance on finding a study programme, contact Campus France South Africa.

Register Now