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Studying abroad is a dream for many students, but the cost of international education can make that dream seem impossible. Tuition fees, accommodation, food, transport, health insurance, and visa expenses can quickly add up. Fortunately, France and Italy offer several scholarship opportunities that can help international students reduce these costs and pursue quality education in Europe.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, students can explore government scholarships, university merit awards, regional financial aid, research funding, and doctoral positions. Some programmes provide monthly stipends and additional benefits, while others focus on tuition-fee reductions or accommodation support.
Whether you have completed secondary school and want to study for a Bachelor of Science (BSc), already hold a bachelor's degree and want to pursue a Master of Science (MSc), or plan to undertake a PhD, there are options worth investigating.
However, you should understand one important point: not every scholarship is fully funded, and not every programme accepts new applicants at all three degree levels. The right opportunity depends on your nationality, academic qualifications, financial circumstances, chosen course, and application timing.
This guide explains the major scholarships to investigate, their benefits, eligibility requirements, application processes, and practical ways to improve your chances.
1. Why Study in France or Italy in 2026/2027?
France and Italy attract international students because they combine established universities, recognised qualifications, research opportunities, and access to European academic and professional networks.
France is particularly attractive for students interested in engineering, mathematics, computer science, economics, business, public policy, environmental studies, and scientific research. Many universities and graduate schools offer programmes taught in English, although French-language skills remain useful for daily life and employment.
Italy is another strong destination for students interested in engineering, architecture, medicine-related research, economics, design, agriculture, humanities, and the arts. Its universities also participate in regional scholarship schemes that can provide financial support to eligible students who demonstrate financial need.
Both countries have public institutions where tuition costs may be lower than at many private universities. Nevertheless, international applicants should check the exact fees for their chosen course because tuition rules, exemptions, and scholarship conditions differ.
The best approach is to compare the total funding package rather than focusing only on a scholarship's advertised value. A programme that pays tuition and provides accommodation may be more useful than a larger cash award that leaves you responsible for expensive housing and other costs.
2. France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2027
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship is one of the most recognised French government scholarship programmes for international students. It helps French higher education institutions attract talented students from other countries to selected master's and doctoral programmes.
The programme is designed primarily for outstanding international applicants who demonstrate academic ability and potential to contribute to their professional fields.
Who can apply?
The Eiffel programme supports eligible applicants at master's and doctoral levels. It is not a general scholarship for new undergraduate BSc students.
The programme covers priority fields in science and technology, including biology and health, ecological transition, mathematics and digital sciences, and engineering sciences. It also supports selected fields in the humanities and social sciences, including history and French language and civilisation, law and political science, and economics and management.
Applicants must meet the programme's nationality, age, academic, and course requirements. The published eligibility rules generally set an age limit of 29 for master's applicants and 35 for doctoral applicants, but you should read the specific rules for the relevant campaign.
What does the scholarship cover?
According to Campus France, from January 2026, Eiffel scholarship holders receive a monthly allowance of €1,200 at master's level and €2,000 at doctoral level. Recipients may also receive specified services or support relating to travel, insurance, transport, cultural activities, and assistance with accommodation arrangements, according to the programme rules.
The scholarship does not automatically cover every possible tuition or programme fee. Eligible recipients at public institutions may benefit from government-scholarship tuition exemptions under the applicable French rules, but you must confirm how these provisions apply to your particular programme.
How to apply for the 2027 campaign
The application process is different from a scholarship, where students simply submit a form directly to the government.
First, identify a suitable master's or PhD programme at a French higher education institution. Next, contact the university's international relations office or scholarship team to ask whether it participates in the Eiffel programme and what its internal nomination deadline is.
You must follow the institution's admission process and provide the documents it requests. If the university selects you for nomination, the institution submits your Eiffel application to Campus France.
For the 2027 campaign, Campus France lists 8 January 2027 as the deadline for receiving applications, while its announcement also gives 6 January 2027 for participating institutions' submission process. Universities may set earlier internal deadlines, so contact your preferred institution immediately rather than waiting until January.
Official information: Campus France, France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship.
3. University Scholarships for Bachelor's Students in France
If you have completed secondary school and want to study for a BSc, you should not limit your search to the Eiffel programme. Instead, focus on university-specific scholarships, merit awards, exchange arrangements, and financial aid available to new undergraduate students.
French undergraduate scholarships can be more institution-specific than some master's and doctoral awards. As a result, there is no single national scholarship that automatically pays all expenses for every international bachelor's student.
What opportunities should you look for?
Start by identifying public universities and recognised institutions offering your preferred course. Then check whether they provide:
Entrance scholarships for international students.
Merit-based tuition reductions.
Financial assistance for students with limited resources.
Scholarships funded through international partnerships.
Exchange or mobility funding is available through your current school.
Accommodation or student-service assistance.
Some universities offer awards only to students with excellent academic records, while others consider financial need, nationality, course choice, or a combination of factors.
For non-EU students, France's differentiated public-university tuition fees for 2026/2027 are listed at €2,902 annually for bachelor's programmes and €3,950 for master's programmes at institutions subject to those rules. Exemptions and other fee arrangements may apply. Check whether your institution grants an exemption or scholarship before assuming these are the amounts you will pay.
How to improve your chances
Prepare strong school transcripts, certificates, a convincing motivation letter, and any language test results required for admission. If your family has limited financial resources, check whether the institution requests income or household documents for financial-aid assessment.
You should also confirm whether the programme is taught in French or English. An English-taught course may require proof of English proficiency, while a French-taught course may require a recognised French-language qualification.
If you cannot find a full undergraduate scholarship for 2026/2027, consider universities with lower tuition costs and financial assistance. You can also prepare early for the next admissions cycle, when more scholarship calls may become available.
4. Italian Government Scholarships: MAECI 2026/2027
Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) offers scholarships to eligible international students and certain Italian citizens living abroad. The programme supports academic and cultural cooperation and provides funding for approved study and research activities in Italy.
The government published its 2026/2027 call, but the application deadline was 26 March 2026. Therefore, new applicants who did not apply should not assume they can still submit an application for this particular call. You can investigate university and regional funding that may have separate deadlines or prepare for a future MAECI cycle.
Which degree levels are supported?
The 2026/2027 call includes eligible master's programmes, doctoral programmes, higher education in fine arts, music and dance, and certain supervised research projects. It also includes a specific bachelor's renewal provision for students who previously received the designated “Costruiamo il futuro” scholarship.
This distinction matters: the MAECI call does not offer a general new-entry scholarship for every international BSc applicant. New undergraduate students should investigate university scholarships and regional financial aid instead.
Scholarship duration and eligibility
Under the 2026/2027 call, eligible master's and PhD awards generally cover nine months and may be renewable under the stated conditions. Applicants must satisfy the academic requirements of their selected institution, and doctoral applicants must follow the programme's admission requirements.
The call also specifies age limits, language requirements for certain courses, eligible nationalities, and restrictions on programmes and applicants. For example, applicants to English-taught master's programmes generally need evidence of English proficiency at the required level, while Italian-taught programmes require evidence of Italian proficiency.
Because the official call is detailed, read the rules carefully rather than relying on general social media posts about scholarship amounts or eligibility.
Official information: Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Scholarships for Foreign Students and Italian Citizens Living Abroad.
5. Invest Your Talent in the Italy Scholarship
Another opportunity worth knowing about is Invest Your Talent in Italy. This programme is designed to attract international students to selected postgraduate programmes at participating Italian institutions and combines academic study with an internship at an Italian company or professional association.
It is particularly relevant to students pursuing a master's or another eligible postgraduate qualification in fields connected with innovation, business, technology, and Italy's international economic relationships.
What makes it attractive?
The programme combines study with practical exposure to the professional environment. Depending on the specific course and award conditions, this may help students build professional skills and understand how organisations operate in Italy.
However, this is not a general scholarship for all BSc and PhD applicants. You must check the programme's approved course list, nationality requirements, university participation, funding terms, and internship obligations.
The published 2026/2027 call listed an application period from 20 April to 11 May 2026. That deadline has passed, so students who did not apply should monitor the official programme website for future calls rather than assuming applications remain open.
Official information: Invest Your Talent in Italy.
6. Regional DSU Scholarships in Italy for BSc and MSc Students
For many international students, regional scholarships are among the most important funding opportunities in Italy. These awards are often associated with the Italian right-to-study system and are administered by regional authorities or designated organisations.
They can be especially valuable for students who demonstrate financial need and satisfy the academic and enrolment requirements.
What can regional scholarships cover?
Depending on the region, available funding, and the student's award, support may include:
A financial scholarship or living allowance.
A place in student accommodation, where available.
Subsidised or free meals.
Tuition fee reductions or exemptions.
Additional student services.
Not every recipient receives every benefit. Some services depend on availability, while cash awards can vary according to financial circumstances, residency status, and the relevant call.
Italy's Ministry of University and Research explains that regional authorities manage many of these benefits and publish their own application requirements and deadlines.
Who can apply?
International students may qualify for regional assistance if they meet the relevant financial, academic, enrolment, and documentation rules. Both undergraduate and master's students can find eligible schemes, but exact eligibility differs between regions.
Depending on the scheme, you may need documents showing your family's income, assets, household composition, or financial situation in your home country. International applicants should find out whether those documents need official translation, legalisation, or other certification.
Are applications still open for 2026/2027?
Some regional application periods have already closed. For example, the University of Milan's published 2026/2027 regional scholarship application period ran from 10 July to 30 September 2026. That deadline has passed as of October 2026. Other regions and institutions may follow different schedules, so check the current notice from your intended university and region.
Do not assume that a deadline published by one university applies across Italy. Search for the scholarship authority responsible for the city where you plan to study.
7. PhD Scholarships and Research Funding in France and Italy
If you already have a master's degree, doctoral funding may offer a more structured route to studying abroad. Many PhD opportunities are linked to a specific research project, laboratory, supervisor, or doctoral school.
PhD opportunities in France
In addition to the Eiffel programme, look for funded doctoral contracts and research positions advertised by French universities, doctoral schools, and research organisations. A doctoral contract may provide salary funding in exchange for undertaking doctoral research under an employment or funding arrangement.
Read each offer carefully to understand the monthly amount, contract duration, teaching duties, research responsibilities, and eligibility requirements. Not every doctoral admission includes funding.
For the Eiffel 2027 campaign, doctoral applicants must be nominated by a participating French institution. The programme covers designated fields and offers a monthly allowance and specified additional benefits under its rules.
PhD opportunities in Italy
Italian universities advertise doctoral programmes through their own websites and official admissions notices. Some positions include scholarships, and some are tied to research projects or particular scientific fields.
The MAECI programme also includes eligible doctoral scholarships, although its 2026/2027 application deadline has passed. If you are preparing for a later cycle, begin by identifying suitable research groups and checking whether you meet the academic and admission requirements.
A strong PhD application normally requires relevant qualifications, academic transcripts, a research proposal or statement of research interests, recommendation letters, and any documents specified by the university. Some programmes also require an interview or admission examination.
8. Documents You Should Prepare Before Applying
Scholarship applications can be competitive, and missing paperwork can cause delays or make an otherwise strong application ineligible. Preparing your documents early gives you more time to correct mistakes.
Commonly requested documents include:
Academic certificates and transcripts: Provide the qualifications required for your intended degree level.
Passport: Make sure your identification document is valid and your personal details are consistent across your application.
Motivation letter: Explain your academic interests, career plans, and reasons for choosing the course and country.
Curriculum vitae: Summarise your education, work experience, volunteering, projects, research, and relevant achievements.
Recommendation letters: Request these from teachers, lecturers, employers, or research supervisors who can assess your abilities.
Language proficiency evidence: Submit the required English or French language evidence, or Italian evidence where applicable.
Financial documents: For need-based scholarships, prepare the household income or asset evidence required by the relevant authority.
Research proposal: PhD applicants may need to explain their research question, objectives, methods, and contribution to the field.
Admission evidence: Some scholarships require admission or enrolment, while others require you to apply to the university separately.
Requirements differ between programmes, so use the official checklist for each application. Do not pay an unverified agent who promises guaranteed admission or scholarship approval.
9. How to Apply Successfully for 2026/2027 and Beyond
A practical scholarship strategy starts with choosing the right degree, not simply searching for the biggest advertised award.
First, decide whether you are applying for a BSc, MSc, or PhD. Next, choose your preferred field and identify institutions offering recognised programmes in that subject.
Then create a shortlist of funding opportunities. For France, investigate Campus France, the Eiffel programme for eligible master's and doctoral applicants, and individual university scholarship pages. For Italy, investigate the MAECI programme for future calls, regional DSU authorities, university scholarships, and Invest Your Talent in Italy where relevant.
For every opportunity, record the application deadline, eligibility rules, benefits, required documents, language requirements, and whether admission must be secured separately.
Because it is now October 2026, students seeking support for the current academic year should check immediately for any remaining university or regional calls. Some major deadlines have already passed. If no suitable opportunity remains open, preparing for the next academic cycle may be more realistic than submitting incomplete applications.
Finally, make your motivation letter specific. Explain why you selected the programme, what you hope to learn, how your previous studies prepared you, and how the qualification fits your future plans. Avoid generic statements that could apply to any university.
10. Avoid Scholarship Scams
Scholarship searches can expose students to fraudulent websites, fake agents, and misleading advertisements. Be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed funding in exchange for a large advance payment.
Verify scholarship details through the official university, government ministry, regional scholarship authority, or recognised programme website. Check that the course exists, the institution is recognised, and the deadline matches the official announcement.
Be particularly careful with claims such as “free visa guaranteed", “every student receives €20,000", or “no academic documents required". Real programmes have eligibility rules, selection procedures, and conditions that applicants must meet.
Also, distinguish between tuition-free education and a fully funded scholarship. A tuition waiver may reduce your fees, but you may still need to pay for accommodation, food, travel, insurance, and visa-related expenses.
Before accepting an award, calculate the likely cost of living in your chosen city and confirm exactly which expenses the scholarship will pay.
Conclusion
Fully funded scholarships for BSc, MSc, and PhD international students in France and Italy can make European education more accessible, but finding the right opportunity requires careful research. In France, the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is a major option for eligible master's and doctoral applicants, while undergraduate students should focus on university-specific awards and financial assistance. In Italy, regional DSU scholarships may help eligible bachelor's and master's students with living costs, accommodation, meals, or tuition, while MAECI and Invest Your Talent in Italy support selected postgraduate and research opportunities under their respective rules.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, remember that several important application deadlines have already passed, including the Italian MAECI call and some regional scholarship competitions. Check official websites for any remaining opportunities, and begin preparing early if you intend to apply for a future cycle. With the right course choice, complete documentation, a convincing application, and realistic financial planning, you can improve your chances of finding funding that matches your academic goals.
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