France-South Africa Scholarship Programme 2027 Opens Applications | Fully Funded Master’s and PhD Scholarships in France ·South Africa Scholarship Programme 2027 Opens Applications | Fully Funded Master’s and PhD Scholarships in France

The France-South Africa Scholarship Programme has officially opened applications for the 2027 academic intake, offering outstanding students from South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi the opportunity to pursue fully funded Master’s and PhD degrees at universities and higher education institutions across France.

The prestigious programme supports talented students who wish to begin their studies in September 2027, while strengthening academic cooperation between France and Southern Africa. Applications are open across all fields of study, although priority will be given to candidates pursuing programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), as well as related humanities and social sciences disciplines.

Applications opened on 21 July 2026 and will close on 8 October 2026 at 23:59 (South Africa time).

About the France-South Africa Scholarship Programme

The France-South Africa Scholarship Programme is a flagship international education initiative that enables talented students from Southern Africa to pursue postgraduate studies in France’s world-renowned universities and higher education institutions.

The programme is designed to strengthen academic excellence, research collaboration, innovation, and international cooperation while equipping future leaders with advanced knowledge and global perspectives.

Successful applicants will receive support to undertake either a Master’s degree or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme in France beginning in September 2027.

Recognizing the differences between academic calendars in the Southern and Northern Hemispheres, scholarship recipients will participate in online French language courses between February and July 2027, delivered through the network of Alliances Françaises before departing for France.

Fields of Study

Applications are welcomed from candidates across all academic disciplines, making the programme accessible to students from a broad range of educational backgrounds.

While every eligible discipline may be considered, priority will be given to programmes in:

• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Mathematics (STEM)
• Related humanities disciplines
• Related social sciences disciplines

The programme seeks to support future researchers, professionals, innovators, and leaders capable of contributing to sustainable development and international cooperation.

Who Can Apply?

The scholarship programme is open to students who intend to pursue postgraduate studies in France during the 2027 academic year.

Eligible applicants must:

• Hold citizenship of South Africa, Lesotho, or Malawi.
• Intend to begin a Master’s or PhD programme in France in September 2027.
• Meet the admission requirements of their chosen French university or higher education institution.
• Submit a complete scholarship application before the published deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the programme’s rulebook and scholarship guidelines before submitting their applications.

Scholarship Benefits

The France-South Africa Scholarship Programme provides recipients with valuable academic and professional opportunities while supporting their transition to higher education in France.

Successful scholars will benefit from:

• Opportunity to study at leading French universities and higher education institutions.
• Access to internationally recognized Master’s or PhD programmes.
• Online French language training before departure.
• Academic and cultural preparation for studying in France.
• Membership within an international network of scholars and researchers.
• Enhanced research and professional development opportunities.

The programme also strengthens educational cooperation between France and Southern Africa while promoting academic excellence and international mobility.

French Language Preparation

To support successful integration into French academic life, scholarship recipients will complete online French language courses before travelling.

Language training will:

• Run from February to July 2027.
• Be delivered by the network of Alliances Françaises.
• Help scholars improve communication skills before arrival.
• Prepare students for everyday life and academic study in France.

This language component is designed to ease students’ transition into French universities and maximize their academic success.

Application Timeline

Applicants should carefully note the key dates for the 2027 scholarship cycle.

Important milestones include:

• Applications Open: 21 July 2026
• Application Deadline: 8 October 2026 (23:59 South Africa time)
• Information Webinar: August 2026
• Interviews for Eligible Candidates: November 2026
• Announcement of Shortlisted Candidates: Early December 2026
• French Language Training: February–July 2027
• Departure to France: September 2027
• Commencement of Studies: September 2027

Applicants are encouraged to prepare their applications well in advance of the deadline.

Selection Process

Applications will undergo a competitive evaluation process conducted by the scholarship panel.

The selection process includes:

• Eligibility screening.
• Academic assessment.
• Interviews for shortlisted applicants.
• Final selection of scholarship recipients.
• Publication of successful candidates and waiting list according to the programme timeline.

Due to the anticipated volume of applications, individual follow-up requests regarding application status will not be answered.

Applicants who have not received communication from the scholarship panel by February 2027 should consider their application unsuccessful.

The decisions of the Scholarship Panel are final.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official France-South Africa Scholarship Programme online application portal before the application deadline.

Prospective applicants are also encouraged to consult Campus France South Africa for guidance on selecting suitable universities, identifying academic programmes, and preparing competitive applications.

Applicants should ensure they carefully read the official programme rulebook and frequently asked questions before completing the online application.

Why Apply?

The France-South Africa Scholarship Programme offers a unique opportunity for ambitious postgraduate students to obtain internationally recognized qualifications while gaining valuable international exposure.

Through access to world-class education, language preparation, and global research networks, successful applicants will be well positioned to advance their academic careers and contribute to development in their home countries after completing their studies.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.