Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships

The Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships Programme supports outstanding international students in accessing high-quality master’s programmes at one of France’s leading research universities. As part of its internationalization efforts, the university offers these awards to talented individuals, especially those interested in pursuing a PhD afterwards. This scholarship opens doors to excellent academic and research environments, helping scholars build strong foundations for future careers and contributions.

It is aimed at foreign nationals who are first-time enrollees in French higher education (with limited exceptions like exchange programmes or specific non-degree activities). The focus is on young applicants under 30 years old with strong academic records and motivation for advanced studies. It welcomes globally diverse candidates committed to excellence, without nationality restrictions beyond being international.

This comprehensive guide covers all key aspects: eligibility details, eligible countries and fields, full benefits, required documents, the application process, timelines, selection factors, practical tips, and answers to frequent questions. We aim to give you everything needed to prepare a competitive application with clarity and confidence.

Scholarship Overview

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must meet all these cumulative criteria:

• Citizenship: Foreign nationality (international students); must be first-time enrolment in a French Higher Education Institution (exceptions for exchange programs, Erasmus Mundus joint master’s without French degree, internships, or language programs).
• Academic qualifications: Admission to a master’s programme at Université Paris-Saclay operated by one of the specified institutions.
• Work experience: Not specifically required, but relevant experience can strengthen applications through motivation and project alignment.
• Language requirements: Not detailed in provided info; typically aligned with programme admission requirements, often French or English proficiency depending on the master’s language.
• Other requirements: Under 30 years of age during the application year; not receiving other funding exceeding €600 per month (cannot cumulate with France Excellence Eiffel, France Excellence Europa, or Erasmus Mundus scholarships); admitted to an eligible master’s before the coordinator selection deadline.

ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES

This scholarship is open to international students (foreign nationals) from any country worldwide, with no specific country restrictions listed. It targets globally outstanding candidates meeting the eligibility criteria.

ELIGIBLE FIELDS OF STUDY

All academic fields are eligible. All master’s programmes of Université Paris-Saclay are eligible except vocational programmes (“formations en apprentissage”). Priority is given to those aimed at pursuing a PhD, but no field-specific restrictions apply beyond excluding vocational tracks.

BENEFITS

The scholarship provides targeted financial and practical support:

• Tuition fees: Not directly covered (scholarship is for living and related costs; tuition may depend on programme fees).
• Living allowance/stipend: €10,000 per year, paid monthly by Université Paris-Saclay from September to June for the academic year duration.
• Travel costs: Flat fee of up to €900 for travel and visa expenses, amount based on country of origin.
• Health insurance: Not specified; standard student coverage in France may apply separately.
• Visa fees: Included in the up to €900 flat fee support.
• Other benefits: Administrative assistance for procedures and accommodation search (no guaranteed reservation; scholars must plan ahead); scholarship renews automatically for second year if M1 laureate completes credits and is admitted to M2 at Université Paris-Saclay; reduced amount during months abroad or external internships.

Payments begin only upon arrival in France and registration; no advance payments.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Scholars prepare these as part of the process (initial master’s application plus scholarship stage):

1. Proof of identity (passport or equivalent).
2. Academic transcripts from previous studies.
3. Degree certificates (Bachelor’s or equivalent).
4. CV detailing academic and professional background.
5. Statement of purpose or motivation letter (highlighting PhD interest if applicable, and refugee status if relevant for bonus).
6. Recommendation letters (two references, submitted online by referees upon invitation).
7. Proof of admission to the master’s programme.
8. Evidence of age (to confirm under 30).
9. Any proof of other funding sources (to confirm below €600/month threshold).
10. Additional documents requested in the online scholarship form.

HOW TO APPLY

Follow these steps carefully for success:

Step 1: Apply and secure admission to an eligible master’s programme at Université Paris-Saclay (operated by AgroParisTech, CentraleSupélec, ENS Paris-Saclay, INSTN-CEA, IOGS, Université Évry Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, or UVSQ) before the coordinator selection deadline.

Step 2: Ensure your application to the master’s is complete and submitted early, as only admitted students before the set deadline qualify for coordinator selection.

Step 3: If selected by the master’s programme coordinator, receive an automatic email with a link to the online scholarship application form.

Step 4: Complete the online scholarship application form promptly upon receipt.

Step 5: Provide names and contact details of two references (e.g., course coordinator, professor, internship supervisor) if requested in the form.

Step 6: Your references will receive an email invitation to submit their online recommendation before the deadline; monitor for confirmation of receipt.

Step 7: Submit the scholarship application and ensure references complete their forms by 31 March 2026, 11:59 pm Paris time.

Step 8: Await jury evaluation; if shortlisted or awarded, prepare for arrival in France, registration, and administrative support.

Step 9: Upon award, arrive in France, register in the programme, and receive payments only after these steps.

Step 10: Maintain academic progress for renewal (if M1 to M2) and comply with obligations like attendance and communication.

KEY DATES AND TIMELINE

APPLICATION DEADLINE

The deadline for scholarship applications (after coordinator selection) and receipt of recommendation forms is 31 March 2026 at 11:59 pm Paris time (GMT+1). Coordinator selection by master’s programmes must occur by 25 March 2026, 11:59 pm Paris time. Applications submitted after this time will NOT be accepted.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Beyond basic eligibility, the jury evaluates:

• Academic excellence through background and records.
• Leadership potential and personal project quality.
• Career plan, especially motivation for pursuing a PhD at Université Paris-Saclay (stronger for M2 candidates).
• Overall motivation and fit with programme goals.
• Bonus system for refugee students or those with subsidiary protection (indicate in statement of purpose).
• Equitable consideration supported by UNHCR and MEnS association for eligible protected status applicants.

Jury decisions are discretionary, confidential, and final with no appeal.

IMPORTANT TIPS

1. Apply to your master’s programme as early as possible: Admission before 25 March 2026 is essential for coordinator consideration.
2. Highlight PhD aspirations: Emphasize research interest in your statement of purpose to align with programme focus.
3. Choose referees wisely: Select individuals who know your academic strengths well and can submit promptly.
4. Indicate protected status if applicable: Mention refugee or subsidiary protection in your master’s application for bonus evaluation.
5. Avoid conflicting funding: Confirm no other monthly support over €600 to remain eligible.
6. Prepare for no advances: Budget for initial arrival and registration costs, as payments start only after settling in France.
7. Plan housing early: Use provided support but search independently; anticipation is key in France.
8. Check regulations PDF: Download and read the official regulations for full obligations and details.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

OFFICIAL LINK

Visit the official page for the International Master’s Scholarships Program at Université Paris-Saclay: https://www.universite-paris-saclay.fr/en/admission/bourses-et-aides-financieres/international-masters-scholarships-program-universite-paris-saclay

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