Are you a student from South Africa, Lesotho, or Malawi? Do you dream of studying in France without worrying about tuition fees or rent? The France South Africa Scholarship Programme 2027 could be exactly what you need. It is fully funded. It is backed by the French Government through the Embassy of France in South Africa. And it covers Masters and PhD study in any field, with priority given to STEM subjects.
Studying in France is a goal for many African students every year. However, the cost of tuition, housing, and daily living often stands in the way. That is why this scholarship exists. It was created to remove that financial barrier and open the door to advanced study in France.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know. This includes eligibility, benefits, required documents, the step by step application process, and the exact deadline you cannot afford to miss.
Scholarship Overview
The France South Africa Scholarship Programme 2027 is funded by the French Government. It is administered through the Embassy of France in South Africa. Campus France South Africa and the Alliance Française network also support the programme.
The scholarship supports students who plan to begin Masters or PhD studies in France in September 2027. Unlike many scholarships, it does not restrict you to a narrow list of subjects. You can apply in almost any field, from engineering and data science to law, humanities, and social sciences. That said, preference goes to candidates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Scholarship Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | France |
| Study Level | Masters and PhD |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Countries | South Africa, Lesotho, Malawi |
| Fields of Study | All subjects, priority to STEM |
| Application Opened | 21 July 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 8 October 2026 (23:59 SAST) |
| Intake | September 2027 |
Scholarship Benefits
This scholarship covers nearly every cost linked to studying abroad. In total, the support package can reach approximately €22,200 a year, depending on your level of study. Here is what you get:
- Full tuition waiver at public French universities charging standard national rates for international students
- A monthly living allowance, roughly €900 for Masters students and around €1,850 for PhD researchers
- One economy return flight ticket between your home country and France
- Priority access to CROUS and CNOUS student housing, plus eligibility for the CAF housing subsidy
- Full health insurance and social security coverage while in France
- Visa fee exemption and arrival assistance from Campus France
- Free online French language courses through Alliance Française, running from February to July 2027
As a result, this is one of the most generous fully funded scholarships available to Southern African students today.
Eligibility Criteria
Before you apply, check that you meet these requirements. First, confirm your citizenship. Then review your academic background and language ability.
- You must hold citizenship of South Africa, Lesotho, or Malawi
- You must plan to start your studies in France in September 2027
- You must hold a bachelor’s degree, or be in your final year of study
- You must plan to enrol in a programme taught in English or French
- You must meet the admission requirements of your chosen French institution
All academic disciplines are welcome. However, candidates applying to STEM programmes, along with related humanities and social science fields, receive priority from the selection panel.
Available Courses And Fields Of Study
This scholarship stands out because of its openness. You are not limited to a fixed list of courses. For example, you could pursue a Masters in artificial intelligence, a PhD in public health, or postgraduate research in international relations. As long as a recognised French institution offers the programme, you can apply.
That said, some fields give you an edge. Applicants targeting engineering, technology, environmental science, and mathematics tend to be more competitive. This is because these fields match France’s current research priorities with African countries.
Required Documents
Prepare these documents early so you are not rushing near the deadline:
- Academic transcripts from your previous studies
- Degree certificate, or proof of enrolment if you are in your final year
- An updated curriculum vitae
- A well written motivation letter explaining why you want to study in France
- A research proposal, required only for PhD applicants
- Proof of citizenship, such as a passport or national identity document
- Any admission related documents from your chosen French university
English Language Requirements (IELTS, TOEFL, Or Waiver)
There is no single language test required across the whole programme. Instead, your requirement depends on the university programme you choose. If you apply to an English taught programme, you must meet that university’s own English proficiency rules. Often, this means an IELTS or TOEFL score. However, some institutions accept proof of prior English medium education as a waiver instead.
If you choose a French taught programme, you will need a suitable level of French. For this reason, the scholarship includes free Alliance Française courses between February and July 2027. These courses help selected scholars reach the required level before they leave.
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How To Apply (Step By Step)
Applying involves two connected steps. First, you secure your place in a French study programme. Then, you submit your scholarship application. Here is how to do both.
Step 1: Research and shortlist your programme Use Campus France South Africa resources to explore French universities. Compare Masters and PhD programmes and check their admission requirements.
Step 2: Prepare your application documents Gather your transcripts, degree certificate, CV, motivation letter, research proposal (if applicable), and proof of citizenship.
Step 3: Submit your scholarship application online Visit the official scholarship portal. Then complete the online application form and attach all required documents.
Official Scholarship Portal: https://www.southafrica-france-scholarships.com/
Step 4: Apply for university admission Depending on your programme, you may also need to apply separately through the relevant French university or the Études en France platform. Note that you do not need confirmed university acceptance before you submit your scholarship application.
Step 5: Await the outcome Shortlisted candidates are contacted individually for interviews. So, keep checking your email during the review period.
Always apply through the official portal above. Never send money to anyone who claims to help with your application, because the process is completely free.
Application Deadline
Applications opened on 21 July 2026. They will close on 8 October 2026 at 23:59 South African time. Late submissions are not accepted. Therefore, aim to finish your application at least two weeks before the deadline.
Selection Process
Once the application window closes, a Scholarship Panel reviews every submission. This panel includes representatives from the Embassy of France and its academic partners. Shortlisted applicants are usually invited for interviews later in the year.
After that, successful scholars are notified. They then begin preparatory online French courses, where needed, before departing for France in September 2027. Panel decisions are final. If you do not hear back by the announced deadline, you should consider your application unsuccessful for that cycle.
Why You Should Apply
France remains one of the most respected destinations for postgraduate study. It is home to globally ranked universities, strong research centres, and a rich academic tradition across every discipline. Beyond the prestige, this scholarship removes the financial pressure that stops many capable students from studying abroad.
With tuition, a monthly stipend, flights, housing support, and health insurance all covered, you can focus fully on your studies. You will not need to worry about survival costs. In addition, this scholarship gives you a rare chance to build academic and professional networks in Europe. You will also gain international research experience, which can strengthen your career prospects at home or abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the France South Africa Scholarship 2027? Citizens of South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi who plan to start a Masters or PhD programme in France in September 2027.
Is the scholarship really fully funded? Yes. It covers tuition, a monthly living allowance, flights, accommodation support, health insurance, and visa fee exemption.
Can I apply if I have not finished my current degree yet? Yes. Students in their final year of study can apply, as long as they will hold a qualifying degree by the time studies begin.
Do I need to speak French to apply? No. You can apply for a programme taught entirely in English. Free French courses are available for scholars who need them.
Is there an application fee? No. The application process is completely free. So, be cautious of anyone who asks for payment.
When is the deadline? 8 October 2026 at 23:59 South African time, for study starting in September 2027.
Where do I apply? Through the official portal at https://www.southafrica-france-scholarships.com/
If you meet the eligibility requirements, do not wait until the last week. Start preparing your documents today. Shortlist your preferred French programme now. Then submit a strong, well written application before the October deadline closes.