The France–South Africa Scholarship Programme 2027 is open for students from South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi who plan to begin a Master’s degree or PhD in France in September 2027. Applications opened on 21 July 2026 and close on 8 October 2026 at 23:59 South African time.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: Embassy of France in South Africa / France Excellence, with programme partners
Opportunity type: International postgraduate scholarship
Who it’s for: Citizens of South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi planning postgraduate study in France
Study level: Master’s and PhD
Fields: All fields, with priority given to STEM and related humanities and social-science disciplines
Study destination: A recognised French university or higher-education institution in France
Applications open: 21 July 2026
Closing date: 8 October 2026 at 23:59 South African time
Study begins: September 2027
Last verified: 22 July 2026
High-value notes (read this first)
The scholarship application is separate from admission to a French university. Applicants may apply before receiving final admission, but shortlisted candidates must later secure admission to an eligible programme before the scholarship is confirmed.
All fields may be considered, although the programme gives priority to science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields and related humanities and social-science disciplines. The scholarship is intended for study in France and is not an immigration programme.
Important verification note: the programme homepage has been updated for the 2027 intake and confirms the 2026 application dates. Some supporting rulebook or registration-page text still contains references to the previous cycle, so applicants should use the current homepage deadline and carefully confirm all portal fields before final submission.
About the sponsor
The France–South Africa Scholarship Programme is coordinated through the French Embassy and France Excellence framework. Its advisory structure includes French and Southern African education, science, research and private-sector partners, and it aims to strengthen high-level academic exchange between France and Southern Africa.
Programme page: France–South Africa Scholarship Programme
Rulebook: Scholarship rulebook
What it covers
Two funding arrangements may be offered: a full scholarship funded through the Embassy of France, or a cost-sharing scholarship involving a partner organisation.
The full-scholarship benefits may include:
- A monthly living allowance
- One return flight to France
- Social-security and supplementary healthcare coverage
- Visa-fee exemption
- Priority access to student housing, subject to availability
- Campus France support
- Exemption from the French student and campus-life contribution
- Possible registration-fee exemption at qualifying public programmes, subject to the programme rules
- Online French-language courses before departure
Tuition fees are not automatically included. Applicants should check the fees of each chosen programme and are encouraged to identify additional funding where necessary.
Eligibility
- Must be a citizen of South Africa, Lesotho or Malawi
- Dual French citizens are not eligible
- Must meet the programme’s age requirement shown in the official rulebook
- Must intend to pursue a recognised Master’s degree or PhD at a French higher-education institution in France
- Must plan to start studies in September 2027
- Final-year Bachelor’s/Honours students may apply for Master’s funding
- Final-year Master’s students may apply for PhD funding
- Language ability must be appropriate for the selected programme; French-taught programmes generally require suitable French proficiency
- PhD applicants are strongly encouraged to pursue co-supervision or cotutelle arrangements involving French and Southern African supervisors
Documents to prepare
All applicants:
- Completed online application form
- Passport copy, or identity document where the FAQ permits this while a passport is being renewed
- Updated CV covering the full academic history
- Motivation or cover letter explaining the proposed academic project
- Copies of previous degree certificates
- University transcripts covering at least two years of study
Master’s applicants:
- List of up to three intended programmes, in order of preference
- Programme links, application dates and tuition-fee information
- Proof of admission when available, or evidence of contact with the selected institutions
PhD applicants:
- Commitment letter from the proposed supervisor or supervisors
- Two- to three-page research-project description and detailed work plan
- Timeline of periods to be spent in France for co-supervised research
- Cotutelle agreement if already concluded
Closing date
8 October 2026 at 23:59 South African time.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Confusing the scholarship application with university admission
- Selecting a qualification that is not recognised as an eligible French Master’s degree or PhD
- Assuming that tuition fees will automatically be paid
- Submitting without proof of contact with intended French institutions
- Leaving out the supervisor commitment letter or research plan for a PhD application
- Saving the form without selecting the final-submission option before the deadline
- Relying on an older date appearing in supporting pages instead of the current 8 October 2026 deadline on the programme homepage
How this opportunity was verified
Verified against the official France–South Africa Scholarship Programme homepage, which confirms that the 2027 call opened on 21 July 2026 and closes on 8 October 2026. Eligibility, benefits, study levels, documents and selection requirements were cross-checked against the programme’s official rulebook and FAQ. Because a small amount of supporting-page text still refers to the previous cycle, the current homepage was used as the controlling source for the 2027 dates.
How to apply
- Read the current programme homepage, rulebook and FAQ.
- Identify up to three suitable French Master’s programmes, or secure suitable PhD supervisor support.
- Create an account on the official scholarship portal.
- Complete the online forms and upload all required documents.
- Review the entire application carefully and select final submission before the deadline.