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BGF Scholarships: Bourse du Gouvernement Français

The BGF is not one scholarship — it is dozens of country-specific programmes run by French embassies worldwide. Less famous than Eiffel, but often more accessible. Here is how to find and apply for yours.

ScholarshipUnion Editorial 2 min read Updated Oct 5, 2026

BGF by region

The BGF (Bourse du Gouvernement Français) varies dramatically by country. Here is what is typically on offer in each region. The amounts are indicative, not official: each embassy sets its own rates.

Sub-Saharan & francophone Africa

Historically the largest BGF allocation. Francophone African countries receive significant quotas, and many embassies offer master's and PhD grants with a stipend of about €700 a month plus a tuition waiver.

Stipend ~€700/moQuotas largeLevels L, M, PhD

Asia & Pacific

Competitive but available. China, Vietnam, India and Indonesia have active BGF programmes, often focused on STEM and development-relevant fields.

Stipend €600–800/moQuotas moderate, selectiveLevels M + PhD

Americas

Latin American countries have active programmes, especially Brazil (CAPES-COFECUB), Mexico, Colombia and Chile. Caribbean nations have smaller allocations. Funding is often co-funded through bilateral government agreements, with a research priority.

Stipend €700–1,000/moBasis bilateralFocus PhD

Middle East & North Africa

Strong programmes for the Maghreb (Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria) thanks to francophone ties. Gulf states have smaller but growing allocations.

Stipend ~€700/moQuotas large (Maghreb)Levels L, M, PhD

Europe & CIS

EU citizens generally don't need a BGF because they already pay EU tuition rates. The focus is on Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine and Central Asia, with small, competitive quotas and a research focus.

Stipend €700–900/moQuotas smallLevels M + PhD

BGF programme types

Full study grants

12–24 months

Monthly stipend, tuition waiver and social security. Apply through your country's French embassy.

Internship / stage grants

1–6 months

For research internships at French labs, with a stipend set by the embassy. Ideal for PhD students who need lab access.

Cotutelle PhD

Alternating

Joint supervision between a French and a home-country university. The BGF covers the periods in France, usually alternating semesters.

How to apply for a BGF

1
Contact your local French embassy
Find the cultural or education section and ask about BGF availability for your nationality.
2
Check deadlines
Embassy deadlines are NOT the same as Eiffel deadlines. They usually fall 3–6 months before the academic year.
3
Submit your application to the embassy
Requirements vary: transcripts, motivation letter, language tests and proof of admission.
4
Embassy interview
Most embassies interview candidates, possibly in French depending on your country.

Check your embassy

Every country's BGF programme is different, so contact your French embassy for specifics. Typical timings are on the deadlines page.