For talented graduates looking to continue their education in France, Université Paris-Saclay offers a range of academic funding routes connected with internationally recognised master’s programmes and research laboratories. Its 2027 opportunities include merit-based master’s scholarships, doctoral preparation pathways, mathematics awards and government-backed excellence funding. Each scheme has its own selection process, so choosing the right one matters as much as having strong grades. Paris-region living expenses also require realistic planning: the overall cost of an international degree can be significant, and an expensive relocation becomes more manageable when a student secures an appropriate scholarship or funded research position.
About Université Paris-Saclay
Université Paris-Saclay is a major French research university with strengths in science, engineering, mathematics, health, economics and social sciences. Its academic network includes institutions such as ENS Paris-Saclay, CentraleSupélec, AgroParisTech and other partner schools. Students benefit from specialist teaching, research facilities and links with laboratories working on advanced scientific and technological questions.
Financial support is offered through several programmes rather than one award covering every international graduate. Some schemes provide a yearly scholarship for master’s study, while others combine master’s funding with a possible doctoral contract. Additional opportunities are linked to specific disciplines, including mathematics and research mobility. Applicants should therefore match their academic background to the programme’s actual requirements before preparing an application.
1. International Master’s Scholarship Programme
One of the university’s main funding routes is its International Master’s Scholarship Programme. It is designed to attract outstanding students of foreign nationality to eligible master’s degrees, particularly candidates who may wish to continue towards doctoral research.
The published scholarship value is €10,000 per academic year, paid in monthly instalments from September to June. Selected students may also receive a yearly flat allowance of up to €900 towards travel and visa expenses. The exact additional amount depends on the candidate’s country of origin. Support with administrative procedures and the accommodation search is also available, although housing cannot be guaranteed.
Both first-year master’s (M1) and second-year master’s (M2) students can be eligible. A student awarded funding in M1 may receive renewal for M2 after obtaining the required credits and securing admission to the second year at Paris-Saclay. A student who has to repeat the year does not retain the scholarship under the published regulations.
Who Can Apply for the International Master’s Award?
Applicants must hold foreign nationality, gain admission to an eligible national master’s programme and meet the programme’s first-enrolment conditions. The published rules require candidates to be under 30 during the application year and to be enrolling in French higher education for the first time, subject to specified exceptions such as exchange programmes and certain joint degrees.
Students already receiving other financial support above €600 per month are ineligible under the current regulations. The scholarship cannot be combined with France Excellence Eiffel, France Excellence Europa or Erasmus Mundus funding. Vocational apprenticeship programmes are excluded, although master’s degrees across a wide range of academic fields are otherwise eligible.
Importantly, students do not simply submit an unsolicited scholarship application. They first apply for an eligible master’s degree. Programme coordinators identify suitable candidates and invite selected applicants to complete the scholarship application process. The jury then assesses academic background, personal plans and, particularly for M2 candidates, motivation to pursue doctoral research.
2. PhD Track: A Master’s-to-Doctorate Route
The Paris-Saclay PhD Track is an attractive option for students who already have a strong interest in research. It is structured to connect master’s education with doctoral training. Participants receive mentoring from a researcher or lecturer, follow a dedicated support programme and receive funding during the two years of master’s study.
After the master’s stage, successful candidates may progress to a three-year PhD contract, subject to a favourable assessment by the relevant doctoral school. This makes the programme different from a standard one-year master’s scholarship: it is designed around a longer academic pathway and the development of future researchers.
For the 2027 session, the university lists ten scholarships: four in Sustainable Development and six without a specified subject theme. The programme is open across academic fields. Eligible applicants include first-year master’s students at Paris-Saclay and second-year students from engineering schools, subject to the programme’s conditions. Selection involves an application and an interview.
3. France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
The France Excellence Eiffel programme is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. It supports talented international students at master’s and doctoral levels, with the aim of developing future leaders and strengthening academic cooperation. Paris-Saclay accepts and submits eligible applications through the required institutional process.
The university’s 2027–2028 call is open for master’s and doctoral candidates. At master’s level, eligible subject areas include biology and health, ecological transition, mathematics and digital studies, science and engineering, French history and civilisation, law and political science, economics and management. Applicants must satisfy the programme’s nationality, age and academic conditions.
For the doctoral level, Paris-Saclay has specified a narrower approach for the 2027–2028 campaign: it will support applications involving international joint supervision, with funding periods of 12 to 18 months. Candidates need an established or developing cotutelle arrangement and supporting documentation from the French and overseas institutions. The Eiffel scholarship cannot be combined with another French government scholarship.
4. Sophie Germain Master’s Scholarships
Students interested in advanced mathematics should examine the Sophie Germain scholarship programme, organised through the Fondation Mathématique Jacques Hadamard. It supports talented candidates entering the Mathematics and Applications master’s programme at Université Paris-Saclay or Institut Polytechnique de Paris, in eligible research-oriented tracks.
The award is intended to encourage promising students to continue towards mathematical research. Selection is based on academic excellence and the strength of the candidate’s study project. Applicants should explain their mathematical interests, previous preparation and intended direction rather than relying only on general statements about wanting to study in France.
The 2027 first application wave opened on 21 October 2026 and has a deadline of 24 January 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Paris time. Referees must submit their recommendation letters by 31 January 2027. This first wave is specifically for students from outside the Paris-Saclay perimeter. Candidates must also submit the required master’s admission application; scholarship selection does not replace university admission.
5. ENS Paris-Saclay International Incoming Scholarships
ENS Paris-Saclay, a member institution within the university’s academic network, provides funding opportunities for selected international students and doctoral candidates. Its incoming scholarship programme can support master’s second-year study, doctoral co-supervision or cotutelle arrangements, and research stays or internships.
These awards are tied to the institution’s departments and laboratories. Applicants should identify the academic unit relevant to their subject and check whether the proposed study period fits the current funding call. Other routes listed by ENS Paris-Saclay include Erasmus+ mobility, Fulbright-related opportunities and the Eiffel programme. Each has separate nomination procedures and eligibility conditions.
6. Discipline-Specific and Erasmus Mundus Funding
Paris-Saclay also participates in specialised funding arrangements for particular master’s programmes. The university’s scholarship information lists Erasmus Mundus opportunities connected with chemistry, physics, biology and agrosciences. Examples include the SERP, QUARMEN, LASCALA and BIOCEB master’s programmes. Depending on the scheme, support may be full or partial and is reserved for candidates admitted to the relevant joint programme.
AgroParisTech Foundation’s International Outreach Scholarship is another route for eligible students admitted to specified engineering, master’s or specialist programmes at AgroParisTech. The support is aimed at students arriving in France for the first time. Applicants should check the current programme conditions and whether the award is available for their intended intake.
These discipline-specific awards are useful alternatives for candidates whose academic interests do not fit a general scholarship route. However, funding availability can change between admission cycles, and some programmes may temporarily suspend recruitment or scholarship offers.
Documents to Prepare
Most competitive funding applications require a clear academic record and evidence that the chosen programme fits the applicant’s background. The exact list differs by school, but students should prepare the following materials early:
- Academic transcripts: Official records showing courses, grades and completed qualifications.
- Degree certificates: Evidence of the bachelor’s or master’s qualification required for admission.
- Curriculum vitae: A concise account of education, research experience, internships and relevant achievements.
- Motivation statement: A focused explanation of academic interests and future plans.
- Recommendation letters: References from lecturers, supervisors or researchers who can assess academic ability.
- Research proposal: Required for many doctoral and research-focused opportunities.
- Language evidence: Proof of English or French ability where the programme requires it.
Estimated Monthly Living Budget
The university is located in the wider Paris-Saclay area, where housing and transport arrangements can differ from central Paris. Some students live near their campus, while others commute from surrounding towns. The following figures are broad planning estimates in US dollars, not official university rates or guaranteed prices.
Table 1: Estimated Monthly Student Budget
| Expense category | Estimated amount (USD) | Planning details |
|---|---|---|
| Shared accommodation | $400–$700 | Depends on campus location, room type and included utilities. |
| Private studio | $700–$1,100 | Independent housing may require a larger monthly allowance. |
| Groceries and meals | $220–$350 | Home cooking and planned shopping help manage spending. |
| Local transportation | $45–$100 | Varies with commuting distance and student travel arrangements. |
| Mobile and internet | $20–$45 | May be partly included in accommodation. |
| Books and study materials | $30–$80 | Academic supplies, printing and course-related purchases. |
| Personal and leisure expenses | $70–$140 | Personal care, clothing and modest recreational activities. |
Initial Relocation Budget
International students should also prepare for one-time expenses before classes begin. These may include flights, temporary accommodation, a rental deposit and basic household purchases. Actual figures depend on the country of departure, travel season and housing agreement.
Table 2: Estimated Initial Arrival Expenses
| Initial expense | Estimated amount (USD) | What it may include |
|---|---|---|
| International flight | $400–$900 | Airfare based on departure country and booking date. |
| Temporary accommodation | $200–$450 | Short stay while arranging permanent housing. |
| Rental deposit and first payment | $750–$1,500 | Depends on the property and rental agreement. |
| Visa and document preparation | $70–$160 | Applicable administrative charges and document services. |
| Household essentials | $100–$230 | Bedding, kitchen items and basic supplies. |
| Initial groceries | $90–$160 | Food and household necessities for the first weeks. |
| Local transport setup | $35–$80 | Initial journeys and travel arrangements. |
| Emergency reserve | $200–$400 | A buffer for unexpected needs or delayed payments. |
How to Improve Your Chances
A strong application begins with choosing a programme that genuinely matches the applicant’s previous education. Students should avoid applying to a subject simply because it advertises funding. A convincing file explains the academic connection, identifies relevant skills and shows how the degree will support a realistic professional or research objective.
For doctoral pathways, contact with a suitable research environment is especially important. Candidates should understand the laboratory’s work, prepare a focused proposal and explain what they hope to contribute. Mathematics applicants should demonstrate depth in relevant subjects, while engineering and science candidates should highlight technical preparation, projects and research experience.
Keep a separate calendar for admission and scholarship deadlines. Some awards require university admission before scholarship selection, while others involve institutional nomination or referee submissions. Missing one part of the process can make an otherwise strong application incomplete.
Final Overview
Université Paris-Saclay offers several valuable funding routes for international graduates in 2027. The International Master’s Scholarship provides €10,000 per academic year and may include travel assistance, while the PhD Track connects funded master’s study with a possible doctoral contract. Mathematics candidates can explore the Sophie Germain awards, and eligible applicants may also be considered for Eiffel funding, ENS Paris-Saclay opportunities or discipline-specific scholarships. These programmes have different eligibility rules and should not be treated as interchangeable or automatically fully funded. The Paris-Saclay region may appear expensive without a realistic financial plan, but a well-matched award can make advanced study more accessible. Understanding the full cost of housing, travel and daily life before accepting an offer will help students protect their finances while concentrating on academic success.
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