University of Paris Saclay IDEX International Masters Scholarship 2026

Overview

The University of Paris-Saclay IDEX International Master's Scholarship is one of France's most compelling funding opportunities for international graduate students. Offered by Université Paris-Saclay and supported by the French national IDEX (Initiative d'Excellence) program, this scholarship is designed to attract outstanding students from around the world to pursue Master's-level education at one of Europe's leading research universities. The award is genuinely comprehensive: it provides a meaningful annual stipend, covers travel and visa costs, and supports students across virtually every academic field. For international students who dream of studying in France but face financial barriers, this scholarship offers a realistic and prestigious pathway. The 2026 application cycle is currently open, making it a timely opportunity for eligible candidates to pursue advanced education in one of the world's most celebrated academic and cultural environments.

Scholarship Details

The IDEX International Master's Scholarship provides an annual stipend of €10,000, which is disbursed in monthly installments over the ten months of the academic year. This amount is intended to support the scholar's living expenses throughout their studies, providing financial stability in a country where graduate life can be both enriching and costly.

In addition to the annual stipend, the scholarship covers €1,000 for travel and visa expenses, recognizing the practical costs that international students incur when relocating to France. This allowance helps offset the cost of flights, visa application fees, and related administrative expenses.

The scholarship duration mirrors the length of the enrolled Master's programme — either one or two years, depending on whether the student is in a one-year or two-year Master's track. The award is not automatically renewable and is tied to continuous enrollment in the qualifying program at Paris-Saclay.

While the scholarship does not explicitly state tuition fee coverage, Université Paris-Saclay's tuition fees for Master's programs are regulated by the French government and remain relatively modest compared to universities in many other countries, making the stipend highly impactful in real terms. The scholarship does not cover vocational Master's programs — all other disciplinary fields at the university are eligible.

Eligibility Requirements

The eligibility criteria for the Paris-Saclay IDEX scholarship are specific and must be carefully reviewed before beginning the application process.

The scholarship is open exclusively to international students from all countries worldwide. However, candidates must be undertaking their first period of studies in France — meaning that students who are already enrolled in any French university at the time of application are not eligible. This requirement ensures the scholarship serves as a genuine pathway for newcomers to the French higher education system.