Université Paris-Saclay is one of France’s leading research universities, and through its IDEX scholarship scheme it sets out to open up its master’s programmes to talented international students. The award is aimed at high-achieving foreign students, especially those who want to build an academic project that could eventually lead all the way to doctoral research.
For an African student weighing up a move to France, this is a meaningful opportunity. The degrees are nationally certified, taught across a respected cluster of member institutions, and the funding helps soften the cost of relocating and settling into a new academic environment.
The scholarship is worth €10,000 per year, paid for the academic year (a minimum of 10 consecutive months from September to June), plus up to €1,000 toward travel and visa expenses depending on your country of origin. Awards run for one or two years, tied to whether you enter at the M1 or M2 level and to your progress through the required credits.
Scholarship benefits
- €10,000 per year, paid by Université Paris-Saclay over the academic year (minimum 10 consecutive months, September to June).
- Up to €1,000 toward travel and visa expenses, depending on your country of origin.
- Funding for 1 or 2 years depending on whether you are admitted at M1 or M2 level, subject to completing the credits needed to advance.
Eligibility checklist
- ✔ You have been admitted to a Université Paris-Saclay Master’s programme delivered by one of the member institutions: AgroParisTech, CentraleSupelec, ENS Paris-Saclay, INSTN-CEA, IOGS, UEVE, UPSaclay, or UVSQ.
- ✔ The programme is an accredited Master’s; vocational training programmes are not eligible.
- ✔ You meet one of these profiles: a newly arrived international student aged 30 or under during the selection year; a foreign national living in France for less than a year previously or currently in a non-certifying training course or internship; a foreign national in France for less than a year taking French (FFL) language classes; or someone who lived in France in the past on a non-certifying mobility programme such as Erasmus Mundus or an exchange.
- ✔ You have NOT been or are NOT enrolled in a French higher education institution during your studies (except international students enrolled in a French higher education institution abroad).
- ✔ You have not interrupted your studies for more than 3 consecutive years.
- ✔ You do not hold another scholarship worth more than €650 per month.
Application tips for African students
- Secure your master’s admission first — the scholarship only opens to students already admitted to an eligible Paris-Saclay programme, so treat the admission application as step one and submit it well before the 25 March deadline.
- Watch your inbox closely. You can only apply after Paris-Saclay emails you an invitation link, and unsolicited applications are not accepted — so keep your contact details current and check spam folders.
- Get your transcripts and certificates certified, and where needed officially translated into French or English, early — French institutions are strict about documentation.
- If your programme requires French or English proficiency, plan and book your language test (IELTS, TOEFL or a French test) months ahead so results arrive in time.
- Write a focused statement of purpose that connects your background to a research-driven academic project, since the scheme favours students aiming toward doctoral-level work.
- Line up strong, relevant recommenders well in advance and brief them on the programme so their letters are specific.
- Start preparing your visa and proof-of-funds paperwork as soon as you are admitted, since the travel and visa allowance and the move itself require timely planning.
How to apply
Applications are tied to admission: you must first be admitted to an eligible Université Paris-Saclay Master’s programme. Admission alone does not guarantee a scholarship. Selected students are automatically sent a link by email to an online application form, and only those who receive that invitation may apply — no unsolicited applications are allowed. The deadline to apply to the Master’s programme (to be considered) is 25 March 2026 at 11:59 pm, and the deadline for receipt of scholarship applications is 31 March 2026 at 11:59 pm. Review full details and the application route on the official page: Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for this scholarship?
International students admitted to an accredited Master’s programme at one of Paris-Saclay’s member institutions, who also meet one of the eligibility profiles — such as being a newly arrived international student aged 30 or under during the selection year.
How much is the award worth?
It is €10,000 per year, paid over a minimum of 10 consecutive months (September to June), plus up to €1,000 for travel and visa expenses depending on your country of origin.
How long does the funding last?
One or two years, depending on whether you enter at the M1 or M2 level, and subject to completing the credits required to move up a year.
Can I apply directly for the scholarship?
No. You must first be admitted to an eligible master’s programme. Only students who receive an email invitation from Université Paris-Saclay can submit a scholarship application — unsolicited applications are not accepted.
What are the deadlines?
The master’s programme application deadline is 25 March 2026 at 11:59 pm, and scholarship applications must be received by 31 March 2026 at 11:59 pm. Note that applications are currently closed, so confirm the active cycle on the official website.
Does holding another scholarship affect my eligibility?
Yes. Students holding any other scholarship worth more than €650 per month are not eligible.