Back to Scholarships
Partially FundedMasters, PhDAI Enhanced Profiles

France-South Africa Scholarship Programme 2026 – Opportunity Desk

The France-South Africa Scholarship Programme 2026 offers funding for Master's and PhD students from South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi to study in France, providing monthly stipends, airfare, and accommodation support.

Target region

France

Submission deadline

8 October 2026

Authority origin

Opportunity Desk

Verify Source Page

Nexea intelligence

Automated scholarship analysis & strategic breakdown

AI Insights Enabled

"The France-South Africa Scholarship Programme helps students from South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi pursue Master's or PhD degrees in France. While it does not cover university tuition fees, it provides a generous monthly living allowance, health insurance, free housing placement assistance, and a round-trip flight."

Tips for success

  • You do not need to have secured university admission at the time of applying for the scholarship.
  • Utilize the Campus France South Africa office to help align your academic background with French programs.
  • Ensure your motivation letter clearly outlines your personal and professional project.

Common mistakes

  • Applying if born before January 1, 1997.
  • Assuming the scholarship covers university tuition fees.
  • Applying with an academic average below 60%.
  • Dual French citizens attempting to apply.

Strategic recommendations

  • Submit high-quality translations of your academic transcripts if they are not in English or French.
  • For PhD candidates, establish early contact with potential supervisors in France.

Benefits & Funding Scope

  • Monthly allowance of approximately €900 for Master's students.
  • Monthly allowance of approximately €1,850 for PhD students.
  • Social security coverage for the entire stay in France.
  • Priority access to accommodation in CROUS student residences.
  • One round-trip air ticket to France.

Application Roadmap

  1. 1

    Verify your eligibility based on age, nationality, and academic requirements.

  2. 2

    Identify your desired Master's or PhD program in France with the help of Campus France.

  3. 3

    Prepare all required academic documents, CV, and motivation letter.

  4. 4

    Submit your scholarship application through the official Campus France South Africa portal before the deadline.

  5. 5

    Apply for admission to the French higher education institutions (if not already done).

Eligibility Profile

  • Must be a citizen of South Africa, Lesotho, or Malawi.
  • Must be born on or after 1 January 1997.
  • Must have achieved a minimum average of 60% in the most recently completed degree.
  • Must plan to enroll in a French higher education institution for a Master's or PhD.
  • Dual French citizens are not eligible.

System Verification

Funding Classification

Partially Funded

Academic Metric Target

Masters, PhD

Nexea Engine Audit

Fully Verified

France-South Africa Scholarship Programme 2026 – Opportunity Desk | Nexea