Paris-Saclay University Scholarship 2026 in France

If you are looking for a strong Master’s scholarship at one of the top research universities in Europe, specifically in France, the Paris-Saclay University Scholarship 2026 is considered one of the best opportunities currently available for international students who wish to study a master’s degree in Europe with excellent financial support throughout the study period. The scholarship is offered under the internationally funded IDEX program for master’s studies and targets academically outstanding foreign students who aim to continue their path up to the PhD level in a high-quality research environment.

In this detailed guide, you will find everything you need to know about the Paris-Saclay University Scholarship 2026 in France: funding details, study benefits, available programs, eligibility criteria, step-by-step application procedures, along with practical tips to increase your chances of acceptance, and references to official links you can check for any numbers or requirements.

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Overview of Paris-Saclay University and Studying in France

Université Paris-Saclay is located in the Île-de-France region near Paris and is considered one of the leading research universities in Europe in the fields of science and engineering, artificial intelligence, mathematics, physics, life sciences, and economics. The university ranks highly worldwide, especially in scientific and engineering fields, and includes a wide network of partner schools and institutes such as CentraleSupélec, AgroParisTech, and others.

Choosing France as a study destination means:

Access to high-quality education with relatively low tuition fees compared to English-speaking countries
Living in an advanced European country with the possibility of moving freely within the Schengen area
The opportunity to build a strong academic and professional network with researchers and companies in Paris and the surrounding region

The Paris-Saclay scholarship makes it easier for international students to cover living costs in France through a strong monthly stipend and a contribution to travel and visa expenses, while keeping university registration fees relatively low compared to other countries.

What is the Paris-Saclay University Scholarship 2026?

The Paris-Saclay International Scholarship is a scholarship funded by the IDEX program and is dedicated to international master’s students who have been accepted into one of the master’s programs at Paris-Saclay University or its partner institutions. The scholarship aims to attract the best students from outside France and facilitate their access to research-based master’s programs, particularly for those planning to apply later for a PhD at the same university.

The scholarship is based on academic excellence and competitiveness; it is not guaranteed for everyone, but it is a strong opportunity for any student with an excellent academic record, a clear academic goal, and a well-prepared motivation file.

Quick Overview of the Paris-Saclay University Scholarship 2026 in France

Host Country: France
City: Île-de-France region (near Paris) with multiple campuses
University Name: Paris-Saclay University (Université Paris-Saclay)
Funding Provider: IDEX Initiative for Future Investments
Study Level: Master’s degree (M1 or M2)
Duration: One or two years depending on the study level (M1 or M2), renewable based on academic success
Funding Type: Monthly living stipend + contribution to travel and visa costs
Target Group: International students from outside France who have not previously studied in a French higher education institution

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Financial Benefits of the Scholarship

A yearly living allowance of €10,000 for the academic year, paid over ten months (September to June) in monthly installments
An annual lump sum of up to €900 as a contribution to travel and visa expenses, depending on the student’s home country
Administrative support for visa, residence permit, and housing procedures.

Available Programs and Fields of Study

One advantage of this scholarship is that it does not target a specific major. Almost all academic fields are eligible as long as the program belongs to the master’s level at Paris-Saclay University or its partner institutions.

Fields include:

Science and engineering (electrical and electronic engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, materials engineering…)
Mathematics, statistics, data science, artificial intelligence
Physics, chemistry, earth and environmental sciences
Computer science, cybersecurity, networks
Life sciences, biology, biomedical sciences
Economics, management, finance, innovation management
Law, political science, international relations
Social sciences and humanities

The only important exception is that professional programs (apprenticeship-based programs) are not eligible for this scholarship.

You can always confirm the eligibility of your program through the university’s master’s program page and then match the program name with the list of eligible programs on the international scholarships page.

Eligibility Criteria for the Paris-Saclay University Scholarship 2026

According to the official scholarship regulations for 2026, the applicant must meet several cumulative conditions, the most important of which are:

The student must be of foreign nationality (international student) and not European who previously studied fully in France
This must be their first full academic enrollment in France; meaning they have not previously enrolled in a French university, except for:
- Short exchange programs
- Some joint programs (such as Erasmus Mundus without a French degree)
- Internships or short language courses
The applicant must be under 30 years old during the selection year
Acceptance (or preliminary acceptance) into an eligible master’s program at Paris-Saclay University or its partner institutions
No long academic gap (generally no more than 3 years unless justified academically or professionally)
A strong academic record (high GPA, strong major-related courses, and a convincing motivation letter)
The student must not be receiving another major financial award exceeding €600 per month; the scholarship cannot be combined with large awards such as France Excellence Eiffel, Erasmus Mundus, or similar national scholarships

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Duration and Renewal of the Scholarship

If accepted into the first year of the master’s (M1), the scholarship may continue for two years (M1 + M2) provided that:

The student passes all required courses in the first year
The student is admitted into the second year M2 at the same university

If accepted directly into M2, the scholarship is granted for one year only.

The scholarship cannot be postponed to another year and cannot be used for a different program than the one accepted.

How the Selection Process Works

The selection process goes through several stages, which is important to understand due to the competitiveness of the scholarship:

You must first apply to an eligible master’s program through the official application portal of the university or partner institution
After evaluating your application, if you are accepted within the scholarship nomination period, the program coordinator nominates a number of students for the scholarship
Only nominated students receive an email from the university containing a link to the IDEX scholarship application form
In the scholarship form, you will be required to:
- Fill in detailed personal and academic data
- Upload a motivation letter explaining your academic and professional project
- Enter contact information for referees (previous professors or supervisors)

A high-level academic committee then evaluates the files based on:

Academic background
Scientific quality of previous work
Strength of the motivation letter and future plan
Student’s suitability for research and potential continuation to a PhD

Results are sent by email to all invited applicants after the committee review, typically in mid or late May.

Steps to Apply for the Paris-Saclay University Scholarship 2026

A common mistake is trying to search for a “scholarship application form” and apply directly. The reality is that the application begins with the master’s program itself. The main steps are:

Applying to the master’s program

Choose your desired master’s program through the official Paris-Saclay website
Read the program page carefully: admission requirements, language of instruction (French/English), language requirements, required documents
Prepare your full application file:
- Officially translated bachelor’s transcript
- Graduation certificate (if available)
- Professional academic CV
- Motivation letter tailored to the program
- Recommendation letters if required
Apply through the official master’s application portal within the specified time

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Waiting for acceptance and scholarship nomination

After applying, wait for the admission decision
If accepted and considered a strong candidate, you will receive an email containing a link to the IDEX scholarship form
At this stage, be sure to:
- Check your email regularly (including spam folder)
- Respond promptly to any additional requests

Completing the IDEX scholarship form

Open the link sent by the university
Fill in all required fields carefully and in the requested language (usually English or French)
Write a strong motivation letter emphasizing:
- Your academic excellence
- Your research or professional project
- Your reason for choosing Paris-Saclay University
- How the scholarship will support your studies and how you will contribute to your community afterward
Provide referee details and inform them in advance to ensure they submit recommendations before the deadline

Waiting for results and preparing next steps

Once the committee evaluates all files, if you are selected, you will receive an official email including:

Confirmation of your scholarship award
Annual scholarship amount
Steps for final registration at the university

You then start preparing for:

Administrative registration and fee payment
Applying for the student visa to France
Searching for accommodation and travel arrangements

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Acceptance

Because the scholarship is competitive, here are practical tips to strengthen your file:

Focus on academic results
Highlight your GPA, especially in major-related courses, and mention any awards or honors
Connect your academic project with clear long-term goals
Showcase your research interest
Customize your motivation letter to both the program and the scholarship
Explain your financial situation honestly without exaggeration
Maintain complete honesty; providing misleading information may result in scholarship cancellation

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Who Is the Ideal Candidate for the Paris-Saclay Scholarship?

This scholarship is ideal for:

Bachelor’s graduates with high academic performance in scientific, engineering, economic, or computing fields
Students aiming for a long academic path (Master’s + PhD) in a strong research environment
Students interested in combining academic study with applied research in Paris-based companies or labs
Students who can cover some additional costs but need strong financial support for living expenses in France

Official Links to Verify Details

Conclusion

The Paris-Saclay University Scholarship 2026 in France is an excellent opportunity for anyone seeking:

A research-focused master’s degree at one of Europe’s best universities
A substantial living allowance (€10,000 per year) plus travel and visa support
An academic environment suitable for later transition to a PhD
A study and life experience in France with the opportunity to build a strong professional network in the European job market

If you meet the requirements and have a clear academic plan, applying for the Paris-Saclay scholarship could be a defining step in your academic and professional journey.