Can I apply to the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship directly?

No. Only French higher education institutions can nominate candidates for the Eiffel scholarship. You must first secure admission to a French university or grande ecole, and that institution must then submit your nomination to Campus France. There is no personal application form.

What happens if my Eiffel application is rejected?

You cannot reapply at the same degree level. This is the one-shot rule. If rejected for a Master's Eiffel, you can never apply again at Master's level. You could theoretically apply at PhD level later, but the Master's door is permanently closed. This makes timing and preparation critical.

Do I need to speak French to study in France?

Not for English-taught programmes academically. France offers over 1,600 English-taught programmes. However, daily life requires French: landlords, bank staff, prefecture officials, doctors, and administrative forms are all in French. Learning basic French before arrival is strongly recommended for practical survival.

How long is the visa process for studying in France?

The Campus France procedure takes 3-6 weeks, and visa processing at the consulate adds another 2-4 weeks. Total time from starting your Etudes en France application to receiving your visa is typically 5-10 weeks, sometimes longer during peak season.

Is the Eiffel stipend enough to live in Paris?

The Eiffel Master's stipend is EUR 1,181 per month. A modest budget in Paris requires EUR 1,200-1,500+ including rent, food, transport, and insurance. You should budget an additional EUR 200-500 per month from savings or part-time work, especially given the 2026 CAF housing aid changes.

Can I work while studying in France on a student visa?

Yes. Student visa holders can work up to 964 hours per year, which is roughly 60% of full-time. This translates to about 20 hours per week during term time. At minimum wage (SMIC, approximately EUR 11.65/hour gross in 2026), that provides roughly EUR 800-900 per month before tax.

Will I lose CAF housing aid in 2026 as a non-EU student?

Starting in 2026, an estimated 95% of non-EU students will lose CAF housing aid eligibility unless they hold a French government scholarship (Eiffel, BGF, Excellence-Major) or qualify through specific bilateral agreements. This adds EUR 1,200-3,000 per year to living costs.

Is housing really that bad in Paris?

Yes. Paris has roughly 7 social housing places per 100 students. Private rentals require a French guarantor earning 3x rent. Scams targeting international students are common. Start looking months before arrival, consider private student residences for your first year, and look into Visale or Garantme for guarantor solutions.

What is the guarantor requirement for renting in France?

Most French landlords require a garant (guarantor) who is a French tax resident earning at least 3 times the monthly rent. Solutions for international students include Visale (free government guarantee for under-30s), Garantme (paid guarantee service at about 4.5% annual rent), or paying 6-12 months rent in advance.

Can I transfer between universities in France?

Yes, but it requires a new application and potentially a new Campus France procedure depending on your country. Scholarship holders should check their scholarship terms, as some scholarships (like Eiffel) are tied to the nominating institution and may be lost upon transfer.

What is the Etudes en France portal?

The Etudes en France portal (pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr) is the mandatory online platform for applying to French higher education from most countries. It handles university applications, the Campus France procedure, and is required for the student visa. The portal opens in November with country-specific deadlines.

How does CROUS housing work?

CROUS manages public student residences at EUR 200-400/month. Apply through the DSE system between January and May. Rooms are allocated in 3 rounds (May-June) and disappear quickly. Scholarship holders get priority. In Paris, only about 7% of students get CROUS housing.

What are differentiated tuition fees?

Since 2019, non-EU students pay higher tuition at French public universities: EUR 2,770/year for licence and EUR 3,770/year for master's, compared to EUR 170 and EUR 243 for EU students. Scholarship holders are exempt and pay only the EU rate or nothing at all.

Campus France FAQ – Eiffel, Visa, Housing, Work Rights & More

No. Only French institutions can nominate candidates. Get admitted first, then ask if they participate in Eiffel nominations.

You cannot reapply at the same degree level. Rejected for Master's = permanently banned from Master's Eiffel. You could try PhD level later.

€1,181/month for Master's, €2,100/month for PhD. Plus international travel, health insurance, housing assistance, and cultural activities allowance.

For French-taught programmes: yes, minimum B2. For English-taught: not for admission, but strongly recommended for daily life. Landlords, doctors, and all government services operate in French.

Mandatory online platform (pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr) for applying to French higher education. Available in 42 countries. Submit 48+ hours before deadline -- it crashes.

Yes. Apply for Eiffel, BGF, regional, and institutional scholarships simultaneously. You can only accept one if offered multiple, but applying to several maximizes your chances.

Yes, up to 964 hours/year (~20 hours/week). Minimum wage is €11.88/hour. Some scholarships restrict employment -- check your conditions.

Starting 2026, an estimated 95% of non-EU students lose CAF. EU citizens still qualify. Government scholarship holders may still qualify -- check with your coordinator. See CAF guide.

Very hard. 7 social beds per 100 students. Private market requires a French guarantor. Apply for CROUS + Visale immediately. Budget €750+/month. Scams are common. See housing guide.

OFII validation online (within 3 months), open bank account, register at university (pay CVEC first), register for Ameli health insurance, sign housing lease. Budget first 2 weeks for paperwork. See after selection guide.

Yes. Master's graduates can apply for a 1-year APS (temporary residence permit) to job-hunt. If you find a job paying 1.5x SMIC, you can switch to a work permit. France has been making this path easier for STEM graduates.

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