Scholarships and financial aid for French-speaking African students in France

In the 2022-23 academic year, African students made up 47% of all international students in France, highlighting their strong presence in the country’s higher education system.

As per Campus France, France continues to be a top destination for African students, especially those from Francophone countries seeking quality education. The country offers a familiar linguistic and cultural environment for African students. Almost half of all foreign students in French universities come from Africa. As a result, the demand for scholarships in France and other forms of financial aid is high among African students.

Many African students are attracted not only by France’s academic reputation but also by its comparatively affordable tuition fees. Additionally, the availability of courses in both French and English, along with opportunities for part-time work, makes France an even more appealing choice for those aiming to gain an internationally recognised degree.

This blog provides insights into government grants, university scholarships and private funding opportunities to ease the financial burden of studying abroad. It offers broader opportunities to study in France for African students.

Why study in France as an African student?

France is a popular choice for African students because of its strong education system, affordable tuition fees, and many scholarship opportunities. With a shared history and language, especially for students from French-speaking African countries, settling in and adjusting to life in France becomes easier. French business schools offer a wide range of programmes and students also get the chance to explore Europe, gain international experience and improve their career prospects.

This positions African students to thrive, not just academically, but professionally in the global French-speaking community. École de Management Appliqué, for example, offers programmes in French and provides financial assistance to African students, simplifying the process from admission to integration and career advancement.

French-speaking African countries

France shares deep linguistic and historical ties with many African nations. The following is a list of French-speaking African countries from which a significant number of students choose to attend university in France: 

• Algeria
• Benin
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cameroon
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• Comoros
• Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
• Djibouti
• Equatorial Guinea
• Gabon
• Guinea
• Madagascar
• Mali
• Mauritania
• Mauritius
• Morocco
• Niger
• Republic of the Congo
• Rwanda
• Senegal
• Seychelles
• Togo
• Tunisia

Students from these countries often find it easier to adapt academically and culturally to France, making it a preferred destination for higher education.

Scholarships in France for African students

African students at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels are eligible for a number of scholarships in France, especially those with excellent academic records or financial needs. Over 12,000 scholarships and internships are awarded annually to international students, with a significant number reserved for students from North and Sub-Saharan Africa. These usually cover tuition and living expenses and can be applied for through French embassies or Campus France.

Tuition Waivers: Approximately 14,000 tuition fee exemptions are available for non-European students. Exemptions are mainly granted to students from North and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Undergraduate scholarships in France

Although fewer, several undergraduate scholarships in France are available for African students:

• Ashinaga Africa Initiative: Supports talented sub-Saharan African orphans to study at French universities.
• French-African scholarships: For outstanding young Africans demonstrating leadership potential.
• EMA Bachelor scholarships: EMA also provides merit-based undergraduate scholarships for its business programmes.

For updates and eligibility information, regularly check platforms such as France Campus and the website of the business school.

Master's scholarships in France

Pursuing a master's degree is a common aspiration for many African students in France. The following are the top options:

• Eiffel Excellence Scholarships: The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs runs this programme to attract top students from developing countries (including Africa) for master’s and PhD programmes. The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship offers a monthly allowance, coverage of various expenses and is open to students not currently studying in France.
• Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships: These merit-based scholarships are offered for select master’s programmes and can cover up to €10,000/year, plus travel and visa costs.
• École de Management Appliqué (EMA): EMA provides master’s scholarships in France for academically strong students, making premier management education in Paris accessible.

PhD scholarships in France

The following scholarships are available to African students in France interested in pursuing doctoral studies:

• Eiffel Excellence Scholarships (PhD): Open to students under 32 from developing countries, including Africa, for 12-36 months of doctoral research.
• France–South Africa Scholarship Programme: Geared towards South Africans, Basotho, and Malawians for master’s and doctoral studies at French public institutions. Includes a monthly stipend, travel, and health insurance.
• University-specific scholarships: Many French universities and business schools like EMA offer fellowships for PhD candidates, especially in economics and management.
• Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) Visiting Fellowship for Researchers (Campus France): It is intended for early-career international researchers who already hold a PhD (doctoral degree), granted within the past five years.

Study in France for African Students: The application process

Studying in France opens doors to world-class education and global opportunities. We outline here the key steps in the application journey for African students in France:

Follow these simple steps but stay vigilant throughout the journey. Pay close attention to deadlines, document requirements and communication from universities to avoid delays or missed opportunities.

Financial aid in France for African students

Apart from scholarships, there are multiple financial aid opportunities in France for African students:

• Centre Regional des Œuvres Universitaires et Scolaires (CROUS) Grants: Based on social criteria, these grants are accessible to foreign students who have lived in France for at least two years or whose parents reside in France for tax purposes.
• University Social Funds: Many institutions, such as Gobelins, operate social funds that enable partial tuition exemptions or grants based on need and geography.
• Campus France: Offers various need-based scholarships and can advise on university-specific aid.
• Private Foundations and Organisations: Entities like the French-African Foundation and DAAD provide thematic scholarships at all study levels.

Scholarships in France

France provides an abundance of scholarships in France for African students at all levels including undergraduate, master’s and PhD. With diligent research and preparation, African students can leverage a range of financial aid options to fulfill their dreams of studying in France. Make sure to explore funding offered by both the French government and individual business schools, such as EMA, for the best chances of support.

These scholarships not only promote diversity within EMA’s classrooms but also ensure that deserving African students can access world-class management education in Paris, supported by a strong alumni network and career services.