The University of Paris-Saclay France IDEX International Master’s Scholarships 2026 stands as one of the best scholarship programs abroad for international students seeking to study in Europe.
Designed to attract bright foreign minds from across the world, this scholarship supports academic excellence and promotes global collaboration.
With tuition waivers, visa assistance, and living stipends ranging between €10,000 to €12,000 per academic year, students are provided with an ideal foundation to study and thrive in France.
This scholarship does not only fund education but also helps students integrate into French academic, professional, and cultural life, making it a valuable opportunity for scholars with aspirations to study, work, and live abroad.
Why These Scholarships Matters
The Paris-Saclay IDEX Scholarship plays a crucial role in advancing France’s global educational reputation. It was launched as part of the Initiative d’Excellence (IDEX) program to strengthen higher education and research institutions by attracting foreign talent.
Each year, over 160 scholarships are offered to master’s degree students from developing and developed countries. These scholarships matter because they help eliminate financial barriers that prevent capable international students from pursuing graduate studies in Europe.
The annual stipend of up to €12,000 covers most living costs in France, including accommodation and transportation.
Moreover, recipients gain direct exposure to world-class research centers and industry connections, often leading to internships and job opportunities with salaries ranging from €30,000 to €50,000 per year post-graduation.
This financial and academic support ensures scholars can fully focus on their research and training rather than worrying about expenses.
What These Scholarships Covers
The University of Paris-Saclay IDEX International Master’s Scholarship 2026 covers a wide range of benefits that allow students to study in France with minimal financial stress. Selected students receive a total financial package of up to €12,000 per year, which can vary slightly depending on their academic program and performance.
In addition, travel expenses of approximately €1,000 for visa processing, health insurance, and air tickets are provided to successful candidates.
This scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fees for two academic years.
- A monthly living allowance of €1,000 for accommodation and meals.
- Health insurance and administrative fees.
- A relocation grant of €1,000 for international travel.
- Academic support including laboratory access and research materials.
Recipients also benefit from mentorship programs, French language training, and internship placement assistance. This comprehensive coverage ensures that foreign students can focus on academic excellence and professional growth while living comfortably in France’s multicultural environment.
Common Types of These Scholarships
The University of Paris-Saclay offers several types of IDEX Master’s Scholarships tailored to the academic background and research focus of each student.
These scholarships are funded under the French Government’s IDEX initiative, supported by the European Commission, and designed to attract the best international students into various academic disciplines including engineering, science, medicine, and social sciences.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the common types of these scholarships:
| TYPE OF SCHOLARSHIP | ANNUAL AMOUNT |
| General IDEX Master’s Scholarship | €10,000 |
| Research Excellence Scholarship | €12,000 |
| Innovation and Engineering Scholarship | €11,000 |
| Social Science & Humanities Scholarship | €10,500 |
| Health & Biomedical Scholarship | €12,000 |
| STEM Global Leaders Award | €12,000 |
Each type caters to a specific academic need and career goal, giving every foreign student the flexibility to choose a program aligned with their aspirations.
Moreover, graduates of these scholarships often secure full-time positions in France or the EU with average entry-level salaries between €35,000 and €55,000 annually, depending on their discipline and research experience.
Eligibility Criteria
The University of Paris-Saclay France IDEX International Master’s Scholarships 2026 is open to highly motivated international students who wish to pursue a master’s degree at one of France’s most prestigious universities.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and readiness to study abroad. Candidates are typically aged between 18 and 35 years, though exceptions may apply for professional applicants.
Applicants must:
- Be foreign students newly admitted to a Paris-Saclay University master’s program.
- Hold a valid international passport for visa processing.
- Not have resided in France for more than one year before application.
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree equivalent to the French Licence (180 ECTS credits).
- Provide evidence of English or French language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or DELF).
Priority is given to students with outstanding GPAs (minimum 3.5/4.0 or its equivalent) and strong research interests. Students already benefiting from another scholarship exceeding €600/month are ineligible. This ensures fair distribution and genuine support for those in need of financial aid while studying abroad.
Required Documents
Applicants for the University of Paris-Saclay IDEX International Master’s Scholarship 2026 must prepare a comprehensive set of supporting documents to strengthen their chances of selection.
Each document plays a vital role in assessing academic qualifications, immigration readiness, and visa approval. Incomplete or inconsistent documentation can lead to disqualification, so attention to detail is essential.
The required documents include:
- Completed online application form.
- Copy of international passport or national ID.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting academic and professional experience.
- Statement of Purpose (maximum 500 words).
- Two letters of recommendation from professors or employers.
- Proof of English or French language proficiency.
- Admission offer letter from a University of Paris-Saclay master’s program.
- Visa and immigration documents if already available.
Applicants should ensure all documents are in PDF format and translated into English or French by a certified translator. A strong, well-organized file demonstrates professionalism and commitment, increasing one’s chances of being awarded up to €12,000 in annual funding.
How to Apply
Applying for the Paris-Saclay IDEX International Master’s Scholarship 2026 requires following a structured and transparent process. The entire application is online and designed to simplify the journey for foreign students, ensuring smooth processing for visa and university admission.
Step-by-Step Application Guide:
- Apply for Admission: First, apply and secure conditional admission to a master’s program offered by Paris-Saclay University or its partner institutions.
- Get Nominated: Once admitted, the academic department nominates eligible students for the IDEX Scholarship. No direct application to the scholarship office is required.
- Receive the Scholarship Link: Selected students receive an email with a scholarship application link.
- Complete the Online Form: Fill in personal details, academic history, and upload required documents.
- Submit Before Deadline: Applications must be submitted before April 30, 2026, to be considered.
- Visa Processing: Successful applicants receive guidance on applying for a French study visa, typically costing €99 for processing.
After submission, shortlisted candidates undergo evaluation by the scholarship committee. Final results are released by June 2026, giving winners enough time to prepare financially and logistically for travel to France. Successful candidates often start earning research assistant stipends of €800–€1,200 per month during their studies.
Valuable Tips for Application
Securing the University of Paris-Saclay France IDEX International Master’s Scholarship 2026 requires careful preparation and strategic presentation.
Competition is intense, with only around 160 awards granted annually out of thousands of applications worldwide. Therefore, attention to detail and authenticity can make your application stand out among the best foreign candidates seeking to study abroad.
Here are some valuable tips to help improve your chances:
- Start Early: Begin preparing your documents at least six months before the deadline. This ensures enough time for visa, passport renewal, and language tests.
- Craft a Compelling Motivation Letter: Explain how your academic goals align with France’s innovation and research culture. Include your long-term vision and expected contribution.
- Secure Strong References: Recommendation letters should be specific, describing your academic skills, research ability, and leadership potential.
- Show Consistency: Ensure your transcript, CV, and motivation letter align in both achievements and timelines.
- Highlight International Readiness: Emphasize adaptability, cross-cultural experience, and global goals.
Applicants who submit complete, coherent, and well-documented files often rank higher and are shortlisted for interviews or departmental nomination, with final awards valued between €10,000 and €12,000 per academic year.
Benefits Beyond Funding
The Paris-Saclay IDEX International Master’s Scholarship 2026 offers more than just financial support, it’s a gateway to a global academic and professional future. Beyond the generous annual stipend, the scholarship includes several non-monetary benefits that strengthen students’ profiles both in France and internationally.
Scholars gain access to advanced laboratories, innovation hubs, and cross-institutional research facilities valued at over €2 billion in total infrastructure investment.
They also enjoy exclusive mentorship programs led by professors and industry experts from partner organizations such as CNRS and CEA. Additionally, Paris-Saclay provides career-building workshops, French language training, and visa support services to help students integrate smoothly.
Upon graduation, recipients become part of a prestigious alumni network, connecting them to multinational companies and research institutions.
Many scholars secure well-paying jobs with starting salaries ranging from €35,000 to €60,000 per year, depending on their specialization. These post-graduation opportunities make the Paris-Saclay IDEX Scholarship not just a study grant but a lifetime investment.
FAQ about These Scholarships
1. What is the University of Paris-Saclay IDEX International Master’s Scholarship?
It is a fully funded scholarship program for exceptional foreign students enrolling in master’s degree programs at the University of Paris-Saclay or its partner institutions. It covers tuition, travel, visa costs, and provides an annual stipend of up to €12,000.
2. Who can apply for the scholarship?
Applicants must be international students who have completed a bachelor’s degree equivalent to the French Licence and have received an admission offer to a Paris-Saclay master’s program. They must not have resided in France for more than one year before applying.
3. How much financial aid does the scholarship provide?
The scholarship offers between €10,000 and €12,000 per academic year, plus a €1,000 travel allowance. This amount covers living expenses, housing, and basic healthcare insurance during the study period.
4. Is French language proficiency required?
No, most programs under the IDEX Scholarship are taught in English. However, students are encouraged to take French language courses provided free of charge to help with daily communication and cultural immersion.
5. Can I apply without university admission?
No. You must first secure conditional or full admission into a master’s program at Paris-Saclay before being nominated for the IDEX Scholarship. Direct applications without admission are not accepted.
6. When is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the 2026 intake is typically April 30, 2026. Late or incomplete submissions are not considered, so applicants are advised to begin the process early.
7. Does the scholarship include visa assistance?
Yes. Once awarded, recipients receive full guidance from the international student office to process their French study visa, which costs approximately €99. The scholarship may also cover partial relocation expenses.
8. Are part-time jobs allowed for international students?
Yes, foreign students studying under this scholarship are allowed to work part-time up to 20 hours per week. On average, students earn between €600 and €900 per month, depending on their field and location in France.
9. What happens after graduation?
Graduates of the Paris-Saclay IDEX Scholarship often transition to research positions, PhD programs, or full-time jobs in France and Europe. Many enjoy high employability rates, earning average starting salaries of €35,000–€60,000 annually.
10. How competitive is the selection process?
Extremely competitive. Only about 10–15% of total applicants are selected annually. The committee evaluates academic merit, research potential, and leadership qualities before awarding scholarships.
11. What if I am already on another scholarship?
Students who receive another scholarship or funding exceeding €600 per month are not eligible for the IDEX Scholarship to prevent funding duplication.
12. Can I renew the scholarship for a second year?
Yes. The scholarship can be renewed for a second year of master’s study based on satisfactory academic performance and faculty recommendation. Renewal usually maintains the €12,000 annual allowance.