Studying in France

Île-de-France Master Bursary

Please Note: All applications along with the relevant documentation have to reach the Embassy of France in Pretoria before the 19th of March 2010. We regret that no late applications will be considered.

The Île-de-France Region proposes personal financial assistance to help students to be internationally mobile. This assistance is given in the form of a grant called the “Bourse Master Ile-de-France” and is intended for 1st or 2nd year foreign students on Master’s Degree courses at higher education establishments in Île-de-France. (read…)

Application Form in French and English. Please note that the application form is to be completed in full in French.

Muséum National d’histoire naturelle Master’s Programme

Organized into six specializations, the “Evolution, Natural Heritage and Societies” Master’s programme offers multidisciplinary training combining the natural and human sciences, and drawing on collections and expertise of unique value. (read…)

Visit their website for further information.

Master of Science in Nuclear Energy

The revival of Nuclear Energy at the international level has led several academic institutions located in Paris and the nuclear industry to combine their efforts and create a unique Master of Science in Nuclear Energy.

The Master of Science in Nuclear Energy responds to the demand for strong industrial growth by training industrial professionals and highly specialized researchers and faculty members in the discipline. The projection on the job market is of around 1,000 positions per year in the next ten years. (read…)

Apply online

CNES Research Grants 2010

Once a year CNES awards about a hundred research grants in the domain of engineering sciences (orbital and space transport systems), and those sciences which make use of space equipment (sciences of the cosmos, Earth, and microgravity) to young French and foreign scientists who have an interest in space :

 thesis contracts with a view to preparing a university doctoral thesis in a research laboratory in France.

 post-doctoral contracts allocated for research work at CNES or in a laboratory in France.

Visit the CNES

Ecole Normale Supérieure Foreign Student’s Scholarship 2010

For over two centuries, the Ecole Normale Supérieure has recruited the finest French students across all disciplines in the humanities and the Sciences. In 2002, the ENS created the International Scholars Program, welcoming students from throughout the world. These students earn a Master’s Degree as well as a degree from the ENS and usually continue their studies to complete a doctorate. (read…)

Visit their website : http://www.ens.fr/international

Sciences Po International Admissions

Sciences Po is a leading European university in social sciences which offers 23 Master’s degrees as well as 5 Ph.D. programmes, including a School of Journalism, a School of Communication, a School of Law, a Master of International Affairs and a Master in European Affairs. Sciences Po’s College offers undergraduate programmes with specialised courses in different geographical areas, located in 6 campus through France. Sciences Po also offers several dual degree programmes with prestigious international universities.

International admissions for Sciences Po are now open. For further information and for online applications please visit the admissions website

International “HERMES” Fellowship Programme 2010/11 call for applications

The HERMES Programme aims at enabling young post-doctoral research scholars in humanities and social sciences from the above-mentioned countries to visit France for the purpose of conducting research there. (read…)

Paris Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences Master’s Programme

The Fondation Sciences Mathématiques de Paris is launching a new education program at the Master level, located in Paris, to begin in Fall 2010. This program brings together all the masters in mathematical sciences from universities Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris-Diderot and Paris-Dauphine, founding members or partners of the Fondation Sciences Mathématiques de Paris. It offers a unique array of courses taught in French and English, based on the assembled competencies of all the Paris research laboratories in mathematical sciences. (read…)

"Research In Paris" scholarship

The city of Paris is offering a programme for the reception and support of researchers of foreign nationality - both on postdoctorate and senior level - in public Parisian laboratories. (read…)

INRA 2010 Recruitment of Scientists

Ranked the number one agricultural institute in Europe and number two in the world, INRA carries out mission oriented research for high quality and healthy foods, competitive and sustainable agriculture and a preserved and valorised environment. (read…)

CIRAD 2010 Programme in Capacity Building for Livestock Management

The Teaching and Training Service Unit for Animal Production and Veterinary Medicine of the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) have announced their 2010 programme in “Capacity Building for Livestock Management”. (read…)

Nano-sciences and Nanotechnology Erasmus Mundus Master’s Programme

The Joseph Fourier University – Grenoble, is now offering a Master’s programme in Nano-sciences and Nanotechnology, as part of the European Union’s ERASMUS MUNDUS Master’s programme. (read…)

Or visit Joseph Fourier University.

Robert de Sorbon Foundation Programme for Studies in French Civilisation

The “Robert de Sorbon” foundation – Paris, is offering three bursaries for South African students to study French Civilisation in France. The bursaries will cover tuition fees, as well as social insurance and will be awarded for the year 2010.

Please note: All courses are offered in French. Proficiency in French will thus be assumed and required for all applicants.

For more information on the bursaries and how to apply, please visit

Sciences Mathématiques de Paris

The foundation "Sciences Mathématiques de Paris" is launching three programmes aimed at post-graduate professionals, offering postdoctoral research positions, a professorship level position and a research chair for their 2010 campaign. (read…)

Or visit their website

International Executive Master in Water Utility Management

For the academic year 2010-2011, the Paris Institute of Technology is offering an International Executive Master in Water Utility Management. (read…)

Visit the Paris Institute of Technology.

Master of Development

Important: submissions of candidacy close on 05 March 2010.

Senghor University is launching a specialised Master II of Development course for candidates in possession of a Master I or equivalent qualification (honours) and proven professional experience in the area of study. The qualification obtained from Senghor University will be of highest international standards and will be presented by specialised professors from the largest universities in Europe, Canada and Africa.

Please Note: All courses are offered in French. Advanced knowledge of the French language is thus assumed for all candidates.

Visit their webpage for further information.

CampusFrance

CampusFrance is an agency that offers support and comprehensive information to international students who would like to study in France.

Are you looking for financial aid to support a period of study or research in France? Our grant search engine provides quick access to information about grants that match your profile. From the bachelor to the postdoctoral level, the directory provides concise information on aid available from local, regional, and national government sources in France, multilateral bodies, corporations, foundations, and institutions of higher education.

Learning French

The Alliance Française provides French language training at centres in South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland and Lesotho - teaching French from beginners to business level to over 5,000 students a year, by more than 100 teachers.

For more information visit the website of the Alliance Française in South Africa, please visit http://www.alliance.org.za/

Contact details of the various Alliance Française branches across Southern Africa.

Visa Applications

Prospective students will need to apply for a long-stay student’s visa at the Consulat of France, either in Cape Town or Johannesburg.

Applicants may be required to undergo medical tests before their departure for France. All applicants are required to take out medical insurance to cover the entire length of their stay in France.

Temporary passports are no longer accepted for the delivery of a Schengen visa. The applicant’s passport should be valid for no shorter than 3 months after the date of their return from France.

Please see the General Schengen Visa Requirements form for further information.

Download the Schengen Visa Application Form

Overview of the French educational system

The website of the French Ministry for Foreign Affairs offers an introduction to the French educational system. It presents administrative and practical information about how to study in France.

Useful Documents

Finding Accommodation in Paris