ScholarshipUnion | Guides
2026 Edition

How to Apply for
Campus France Scholarships

The Études en France portal is mandatory for most applicants, and it is infamous for a reason. Here is every step, every bug, and every workaround you need to get through it without losing your sanity.

Application Step Wizard

Step 1: Research & Choose

1

Identify your scholarship type

Eiffel, BGF, regional, or institutional. See Eligibility.

2

Search Campus Bourses

900+ programmes at campusbourses.campusfrance.org.

3

Choose 3–5 programmes

Mix of competitive and safe choices. Check if they participate in Eiffel nominations.

Step 2: Études en France Portal

1

Create your account

Go to pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr. Use desktop Chrome or Firefox. Never mobile.

2

Fill personal information

Exact passport name. Match every field precisely.

3

Select up to 7 programmes

Rank them in order of preference. Portal limits vary by country.

Portal Warning: Crashes before deadlines, loses uploads, error messages in French. Submit 48+ hours early. Save local copies of everything.

Step 3: Prepare Documents

Progress

Step 4: Campus France Interview

15–20 minute interview at your local Campus France office. Tests motivation, project coherence, and French integration readiness.

Do: Know your programme details inside-out

Don't: Say "I chose France because of the Eiffel Tower"

Do: Explain why France specifically (research labs, approach)

Don't: Be vague about post-graduation plans

Step 5: Final Submission

!

Pay the Campus France fee

Ranges from €50–250 depending on your country. Non-refundable.

!

Validate your submission

Click "Submit" in the portal. Incomplete = rejected. Double-check everything.

Step 6: Track Your Application

Feb–Mar
Institution reviews
Mar–Apr
Admission decisions
Apr–Jun
Scholarship results (Eiffel: April)

Ready to Apply?

Check deadlines, then prepare your motivation letter and documents.