Latest scholarships still open to study in France in 2026

If you are a Saudi student planning to study in France and you have just realized that the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship deadline has passed, do not panic. The Eiffel program is the most visible, but it is far from the only funding option available. In fact, dozens of scholarships, grants, and financial aids remain open well into spring and summer 2026.

This guide focuses specifically on what is still available right now. We have compiled the most relevant opportunities for Saudi students, from French regional scholarships to university-specific grants and Campus France aids.

The Eiffel is gone, what now?

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship closed its 2026 intake in January. If you missed it, here is the good news: Eiffel is highly competitive (acceptance rate below 15%) and only covers Master's and PhD levels. Many equally valuable programs remain open with later deadlines.

French regional scholarships

One of the best-kept secrets in French higher education funding: many French regions offer their own scholarship programs for international students. These are less competitive than national programs and often have later deadlines.

Île-de-France (Paris region)

The Île-de-France international mobility scholarship supports Master's students enrolled in partner institutions across the Paris region. It provides up to 8,000 EUR for one academic year. Deadlines vary by institution, but many remain open until May or June.

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

The CMIRA (Coopérations et Mobilités Internationales Rhône-Alpes) program offers mobility grants for international students in the region. The amount ranges from 3,800 to 7,600 EUR depending on duration. Applications typically close in late spring.

Occitanie

Occitanie's international mobility scholarship supports students in Toulouse, Montpellier, and other cities in the region. Grants can reach up to 4,000 EUR per semester, with rolling applications in many partner institutions.

Grand Est

The Grand Est region scholarship targets international students in Strasbourg, Nancy, and Metz. Funding covers partial tuition and living costs. Some institutions in this region accept applications until July.

University-specific grants still accepting applications

Many top French institutions have their own scholarship programs with deadlines extending well beyond January. Here are the most notable ones for the 2026 academic year:

• Sciences Po, Émile Boutmy Scholarship: For non-EU students, covering partial or full tuition. Applications for the spring round typically close in April-May. Undergraduate and Master's levels.
• HEC Paris: Need-based and merit-based scholarships for MBA and Master's in Management. Financial aid applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the class is full.
• ESSEC Business School: Merit-based scholarships for international students. Applications accepted alongside admission rounds, with final rounds in May-June.
• Université Paris-Saclay: The International Master's Scholarship covers tuition and provides a monthly stipend of 1,000 EUR. Deadline is usually in May for the following September intake.
• École Polytechnique: Full scholarships for admitted international students, reviewed as part of the admission process. Final admission rounds extend into spring.
• Toulouse Business School: Excellence scholarships of up to 6,000 EUR for international Master's students, with applications open until June.
• Université de Strasbourg: Various excellence grants for international students, administered through the Eucor network. Applications often open until late May.

Campus France scholarship database

Campus France maintains a comprehensive, searchable database of over 700 scholarship programs available to international students in France. This is your single most powerful tool for finding funding at this stage.

1. Visit the Campus France scholarship search engine (campusbourses.campusfrance.org)
2. Filter by your nationality (Saudi Arabia), level of study (Licence, Master, PhD), and field of study
3. Sort by deadline to see what is still open
4. Check each program's eligibility criteria carefully, some are restricted to specific fields or institutions

Charpak programs (French Embassy)

The Charpak scholarships, funded by the French Embassy, are specifically designed for students from priority partner countries. Saudi Arabia is among the eligible countries for several Charpak programs:

• Charpak Master's: Up to 767 EUR per month for a full Master's degree in France. Applications typically close in March-April, but late submissions may be considered.
• Charpak Exchange: For semester exchange students already enrolled in a Saudi university. Provides a monthly allowance and travel support.

Contact the French Embassy's cultural section in Riyadh or the Institut Français for the latest application status and any extension of deadlines.

Private foundations and corporate sponsors

Do not overlook non-governmental funding sources. Several organizations offer grants to students from the Gulf region:

• Fondation de France: Offers research grants and study aids, with various deadlines throughout the year
• Rotary Foundation Global Grants: For graduate study aligned with Rotary's areas of focus (peace, health, education, environment). Applications accepted year-round through local Rotary clubs.
• Saudi corporate sponsors: Companies like Saudi Aramco, SABIC, Ma'aden, and STC occasionally sponsor employees or their dependents for international study. Check your employer's HR department for education support programs.
• MiSK Foundation: Supports Saudi youth in education and entrepreneurship. Check their website for current scholarship cycles.

Tips to maximize your chances at this stage

Applying for scholarships in spring requires a different strategy than early-cycle applications. Here is how to stand out:

1. Apply to multiple programs simultaneously. Cast a wide net. With rolling deadlines, you can realistically apply to 5-8 programs in April-May without compromising quality.
2. Leverage your admission offer. If you already have an acceptance letter from a French institution, mention it prominently. Many scholarships prioritize students who are already admitted.
3. Emphasize Vision 2030 alignment. French-Saudi academic cooperation is a strategic priority. Frame your study plan in terms of how it contributes to the Kingdom's development goals.
4. Contact financial aid offices directly. Many French universities have emergency funds or last-minute grants that are not publicly advertised. A polite, well-written email to the financial aid office can open doors.
5. Consider partial funding combinations. A regional grant of 4,000 EUR combined with a university tuition waiver can be just as valuable as a single full scholarship. Stack multiple smaller aids.
6. Prepare strong recommendation letters. At this stage, speed matters. Brief your referees now so they can respond within a week when you need them.

Conclusion

Missing the Eiffel deadline does not mean missing out on studying in France. The French higher education landscape offers a rich ecosystem of funding options, from regional grants and university scholarships to embassy programs and private foundations. The key is to act now, apply broadly, and present a compelling case that connects your academic goals with both French academic excellence and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

At Al Qantara Institute, we help Saudi students navigate the entire scholarship landscape. Our advisors know which programs are still open, which institutions offer the best financial packages, and how to build a funding strategy that works for your specific profile.