The France – South Africa Scholarship Programme is intended for students from South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi who want to pursue a Master’s degree or PhD studies at educational institutions in France.
It is a Programme of the French Embassy to South Africa and it is based on a highly selective call for candidates in order to strengthen high-level exchanges between France and South Africa.
The French Embassy has set up an Advisory Board Committee that will monitor the programme and the selection process.
Representatives from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the National Research Foundation (NRF), the French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FSACCI) as well as well-known and high level academics from France and South Africa make up the committee,
Are you a South African student with the intention to further your education in France?
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The call for applications is open for students who intend to start their studies in France in September 2024.
Candidates who propose to acquire a higher degree in arts, sciences, engineering, or any other field are invited to apply. The scholarship program covers all fields of study.
A specific preparatory program in South Africa for successful scholarship awardees will hold from February 2024 to July 2024. This is due to the difference in the seasonal calendars of South Africa and France.
The preparatory program will include online French courses organized by the network of the Alliances Françaises. It may also include an internship in French Companies and organizations based in South Africa, depending on the opportunities and the profile of each awardee.
Scholarship study programmes
The scholarship is for master’s or Ph.D. programs in a French higher education institution located in France.
Scholarship types
The France – South Africa Scholarship Programme has two types:
1. Full scholarship by the Embassy of France. It includes:
- The status of a France Excellence scholarship holder which includes social security, priority for accessing student housing, visa fee exemption, and assistance offered by Campus France Paris.
- A return flight ticket to France.
- A monthly allowance (about 850 euros for Master students and 1400 euros for PhD students).
- Individualized accommodation aid (about 150 euros/month)
2. Cost-sharing scholarship. This involves:
- A partner among the Advisory Board, a company, a higher education institution, or any other funding agency providing the monthly allowance either fully or partially.
- The status of a France Excellence scholarship holder which includes social security, priority for accessing student housing, visa fee exemption, and assistance offered by Campus France Paris provided by the embassy
- A return flight ticket to France from the embassy.
- Individualized accommodation aid (about 150 euros/month) is to be provided by the embassy.
Candidates may propose this second scholarship type during the application process or by the Advisory Board for some of the candidates.
Method of application
Candidates are to submit their applications online only and must be accompanied with:
. For all applicants:
- A complete application form online
- A copy of the candidate’s passport
- An up-to-date resume
- A cover letter explaining the interest and motivation to study the planned course
- Copies of academic degree certificates
- University transcripts
. For master’s level candidates:
- Proof of acceptance at one of the study programmes indicated during their application.
- List of identified study programmes that the student intends to apply to.
- A monthly allowance (about 850 euros for Master students and 1400 euros for PhD students).
- Individualized accommodation aid (about 150 euros/month)
For Ph.D applicants:
- A supervisor (or supervisors in case of a cotutelle) commitment letter indicating to supervise in France and in South Africa
- In the case of co-supervision, this commitment letter should show that cotutelle agreement has been signed, that enrolment will be at both institutions, and that the degree will be awarded by the French institution.
- A detailed description of the research project including a detailed work plan.
- In the case of co-supervision, a detailed plan of the various periods to be spent in France during the research work.
To apply, click HERE.
For the full details read the rulebook for the France – South Africa Scholarship Programme and the frequently asked questions.
The deadline for applications is 16 October 2023 at 23:59 SA time.