The France–South Africa Scholarship Programme 2024/2025 is now accepting applications from South African, Lesothan and Malawian students who wish to pursue Master’s or Doctoral studies at French higher education institutions starting in September 2025. This prestigious scholarship, offered by the French Embassy in South Africa, aims to strengthen high-level academic exchanges between France and Southern Africa.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the France–South Africa Scholarship Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of South Africa, Lesotho or Malawi
- Born on or after 1st January 1995
- Eligible for admission to the chosen Master’s or Doctoral programme at a French higher education institution
- Enrolled or planning to enroll in a French higher education institution to pursue a Master’s degree or PhD
The scholarship is open to students from all fields of study, with priority given to science, engineering, technology and niche courses not available in South Africa.
Scholarship Benefits
The France–South Africa Scholarship Programme offers two types of scholarships:
- Full Scholarship:Social security coverage
- Priority access to student housing
- Visa fee exemption and assistance from Campus France Paris
- Round-trip airfare to France
- Monthly allowance for living expenses (approx. €850 for Master’s, €1400 for PhD)
- Accommodation aid (approx. €150/month)
- Cost-Sharing Scholarship:Monthly allowance provided fully or partially by a partner organization
- All other benefits of the full scholarship still provided by the French Embassy
Please note that the scholarship does not cover tuition fees. However, France offers many affordable study options, and applicants are encouraged to seek additional funding from their local or French host institutions and private sector companies.
Application Process
The application process for the France–South Africa Scholarship Programme is entirely online via the dedicated platform. The deadline for submitting applications is 14 October 2024 at 23:59 South African time.All applicants must submit the following documents:
- Completed online application form
- Certified copy of passport
- Updated CV stating entire academic record
- Cover letter explaining motivations and interests in the planned academic project
- Copies of academic degree certificates (Bachelor’s or Master’s only)
- University transcripts for the last two years of study
Additional requirements for Master’s applicants:
- Proof of acceptance to the chosen study programme in France (between February and May/June 2025)
- Email exchanges with French host institutions during the application process
- List of identified study programmes, including application dates and tuition fees
Additional requirements for PhD applicants:
- Supervisor commitment letter indicating their agreement to supervise the thesis in France and South Africa (in case of co-supervision)
- Detailed description of the research project (2-3 pages) with a work plan
- For co-supervised PhDs, a plan of the periods to be spent in France during the research
Selection Process
The France–South Africa Scholarship Programme is highly selective and aims to support the most outstanding students. An Advisory Board Committee, set up by the French Embassy, oversees the selection process.
The committee includes representatives from the South African Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), National Research Foundation (NRF), French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FSACCI), and renowned academics from France and South Africa.
Applicants will be shortlisted based on their submitted files, and those pre-selected will be interviewed in November 2024.
The final list of scholarship recipients and the waiting list will be announced by early December 2024.
Preparatory Programme in South Africa
Due to the differences in academic calendars between the Southern and Northern hemispheres, scholarship recipients will participate in a specific programme in South Africa from February to July 2025 before departing for France.
This preparatory track includes:
- Online French language courses organized by the Alliance Française network
- Potential internship opportunities in French companies and organizations based in South Africa, depending on the laureate’s profile and available openings
This programme allows scholarship recipients to enhance their language skills and gain valuable professional experience while preparing for their studies in France.
Timeline
- 14 June 2024: Call for applications opens
- 14 October 2024 (23:59 SA time): Application deadline
- June 2024: Webinar providing application guidance (follow Campus France South Africa on social media for details)
- November 2024: Interviews for pre-selected candidates
- End of November/early December 2024: Announcement of scholarship recipients and waiting list
- February-July 2025: Preparatory programme in South Africa (language courses and potential internships)
- Early September 2025: Departure for France
Additional Information
Applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully read the rulebook for the France–South Africa Scholarship Programme and the frequently asked questions before applying.
For more information and updates on the scholarship programme, visit the official website: France–South Africa Scholarship Programme.
Interested candidates can also follow Campus France South Africa on social media for webinar announcements and other helpful resources to prepare their applications.
Apply now for this incredible opportunity to pursue your Master’s or Doctoral studies in France! Click here to start your application.
The France–South Africa Scholarship Programme offers a life-changing experience for talented Southern African students to further their education at renowned French institutions. Don’t miss out on this fully-funded scholarship – submit your application before the 14 October 2024 deadline!
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