The French Embassy in South Africa has opened applications for the France–South Africa Scholarship Programme 2026, inviting South African, Mosotho, and Malawian nationals to apply for postgraduate studies in France.
The programme covers both Master’s and PhD degrees at French public universities, with the academic year beginning in September 2026. Applications close at 23:59 SA time on 8 October 2025.
Highlights
- Applications for the France–South Africa Scholarship Programme 2026 are open until 8 October 2025.
- The scholarship supports Master’s and PhD studies in France starting in September 2026.
- Open to students from South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi.
- Successful applicants will complete a 6-month programme in South Africa (Feb–July 2026) before departure.
- Benefits include tuition support, accommodation aid, insurance, flights, and a monthly stipend.
What the scholarship offers
Recipients will benefit from one of two packages: a full scholarship or a cost-sharing scholarship.
Full scholarship includes:
- Monthly allowance: ~€850 (Master’s), ~€1 400 (PhD)
- Accommodation aid (~€150/month)
- Return flight to France
- Health and social insurance
- Visa fee exemption
- Assistance from Campus France Paris
- Priority student housing
Cost-sharing scholarship includes:
- Monthly allowance partially covered by partners
- All other benefits identical to the full scholarship
A bridging programme before France
Because the academic calendars differ between hemispheres, selected students will complete a bridging programme in South Africa from February to July 2026.
This track will include:
- Online French language courses through Alliances Françaises
- Possible internships in French companies based in South Africa
Who can apply
Applicants must:
- Be born on or after 1 January 1996
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s applicants) or a Master’s degree (for PhD applicants)
- Be a citizen of South Africa, Lesotho, or Malawi
- Have proof of, or be in process of, acceptance at a French higher education institution
Priority fields: Science, engineering, technology, and niche areas not available in South Africa.
Key dates
- 08 October 2025 – Application deadline
- November 2025 – Interviews and final selection
- Early December 2025 – Results announced
- Feb–July 2026 – Bridging programme in South Africa
- September 2026 – Departure to France
Application process
Required documents include:
- Application form
- Passport copy
- CV with full academic history
- Cover letter and motivation
- Certified degree certificates and transcripts
- Proof of acceptance or communication with host institution (for Master’s applicants)
- Research proposal and supervisor confirmation (for PhD applicants)
Applications are strictly online via the official platform below:
Students are encouraged to apply early and ensure their chosen programme is recognised by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research.
Experienced career development professional with a background in student administration and guidance across several South African universities. Over the years, I have supported students in shaping their academic and professional journeys, providing career counselling, employability training, and placement support. I now focus on helping young graduates successfully transition from university or college into the workplace, bridging the gap between education and employment through practical guidance and career-readiness initiatives.
