France South Africa Scholarship 2026 | Apply Now

About the Scholarship Provider

Campus France is an agency of the French Ministries of European and Foreign Affairs and of Higher Education and Research. The Embassy of France in South Africa promotes higher education in France and facilitates academic exchange between French and global institutions. It partners with French businesses and South African organisations such as DHET, DSI, NRF, and Universities South Africa (USAf). Each year, it awards scholarships for Master’s and PhD studies in France.

France South Africa Scholarship Programme – Fields Covered

The scholarship is open to students from South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi, for studies towards a Master’s degree or PhD in France, starting September 2026.

Scholarship Coverage & Benefits

There are two types of scholarships:

1. Full Scholarship: Includes return flight to France, monthly allowance (approx. €850 for Master’s, €1,400 for PhD), accommodation aid (€150/month), social security, priority access to student housing, visa fee exemption, and Campus France support.
2. Cost-Sharing Scholarship: Includes a monthly allowance from a partner and all benefits of a full scholarship.

Duration of Funding:

• Master’s: 10–22 months (possible 2nd year funding based on performance)
• PhD: Up to 3 years, with progress review each year
• PhD co-supervision/cotutelle: Funding for periods spent in France, specified by the candidate

Selection Process

Important Dates:

• 8 October 2025: Applications close
• November 2025: Eligible candidates interviewed
• End November – early December 2025: Final results
• Feb – July 2026: Pre-departure programme in South Africa (online French courses, possible internship)
• Early September 2026: Departure to France

Selection is based on:

• Academic record and professional background
• Quality and coherence of study project
• PhD applicants: preference for joint supervision, commitment of supervisors
• Language proficiency
  Decisions are final; interrupted studies result in automatic suspension.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the following:

• Citizen of South Africa, Lesotho, or Malawi
• Born on or after 1 January 1996
• Intend to pursue a Master’s degree or PhD
• Intend to enroll at a French higher education institution (acceptance not required before applying)
• Intend to start studies in September 2026

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the France South Africa Scholarship Application 2026 portal. Candidates must register an account before applying. Applications can be saved and resumed, but cannot be edited after submission. Enter “bursariesguru.co.za” when asked how you heard about the scholarship.

Required Supporting Documents

All Applicants:

• Completed online application form
• Passport
• Updated CV with academic record
• Covering letter with motivations and interests in the academic project
• Degree certificates (Bachelor’s or Master’s)
• University transcripts (last 2 years)

Master’s Applicants Additional:

• List of intended study programmes with application dates and tuition fees
• Proof of acceptance (Feb–May/June 2026)
• Email correspondence with a French institution

PhD Applicants Additional:

• Supervisor commitment letter (both South African and French for co-tutelle)
• Co-tutelle agreement, if applicable
• Detailed plan of periods in France
• Research project description and work plan (2–3 pages)

Optional Documents:

• Academic/professional recommendation
• Language proficiency certificates
• Cost-sharing commitment letter

Closing Date

8 October 2025 (23:59) – applications submitted after this date will not be accepted.

Contact Information

For queries, contact the Embassy of France via the contact page.