France - South Africa Scholarship Programme

The France - South Africa Scholarship Programme is directed to South African students who intend to study in universities or higher education institutions in France for their Master’s degree or PhD. The programme is also open to students from Lesotho and Malawi. The current call for applications is open for students who intend to start their studies in France in September 2023 . Applicants will be contacted individually as needed. The list of the laureates and the waiting list will be announced according to the indicated timeline. Follow-up requests by applicants will not be answered. Due to the differences between the Southern and Northern hemisphere calendars, laureates will follow a specific programme in South Africa from February 2023 to July 2023. This track will include online French courses organized by the network of the Alliances Françaises. It may also include an internship in French Companies and organisations based in South Africa, depending on the opportunities and the profile of each laureate. This programme is open to all fields of studies. Applicants are invited to read carefully the rulebook for the France - South Africa Scholarship Programme and the frequently asked questions. You can also consult the Campus France South Africa website to find more details on higher education institutions and study programmes in France. If you need any help or advice on finding the most appropriate programme for you, you can consult and contact Campus France South Africa . Timeline: The next call for applications will be open between mid April 2022 and 16October 2022 at 23:59 SA time. The 2022 Season of webinars organised by Campus France South Africa will provide students with all useful information to prepare their applications Interview of the eligible candidates: November 2022 Results: end of November/early December 2022 Specific programme in South Africa (online french courses and possibly internship): February 2023 - July 2023 Departure to France: Early September 2023

Requirements for Eligibility: In order to qualify for the France-South Africa Scholarship Program, the following criteria must be met: The applicant must have been born on or after January 1st, 1993. The applicant must be a citizen of South Africa, Lesotho, or Malawi. The applicant must be enrolled in a French Higher Education institution in pursuit of a Master's degree or PhD within a reasonable timeframe. The scholarship will be granted for a duration that aligns with the time required to complete the degree program: For a Master's degree, the scholarship will be granted for a period between 10 and 22 months. Although Master's degree programs are typically two years in length, some exceptions may be made for students who apply directly to M2, such as those who have completed a Bachelor's degree with Honours. The final decision on admission rests solely with the hosting institution. At the conclusion of the first academic year, the Embassy of France will assess the student's progress and determine whether to continue support for the second year of the Master's program. For a PhD, the scholarship will be granted for a maximum of three years. However, the recipient must demonstrate progress in their research work at the end of each academic year to receive a renewal of their grant. In the event of a PhD under co-supervision/cotutelle, periods of stay in France must be specified. The scholarship will only be granted for the time spent in France. If the curriculum for either the PhD or Master's degree program requires coursework to be completed outside of France, the applicant must provide detailed information and their intentions during the application process.

To apply for the France-South Africa Scholarship Programme , applicants must submit their application online. The application must include the following documents: A complete online application form A copy of their passport An up-to-date résumé that includes their academic record A cover letter explaining their motivations and interests in the academic project they plan to undertake Copies of their academic degree certificates (Bachelor's or Master's only) University transcripts of the last two years of their studies In addition to these requirements, Master's level candidates must provide proof of acceptance at one of the study programmes indicated during their application, between February and May/June 2025. They should also include a list of identified study programmes that they intend to apply to, including the application dates for these courses and the tuition fees. PhD applicants, on the other hand, must submit an attestation signed by their supervisor(s) indicating their commitment to supervise the thesis. If co-supervision is involved, a signed cotutelle agreement is necessary. A detailed description of the research project and a plan of the various periods to be spent in France during the research work should also be provided. Optional documents that applicants can submit include a cost-sharing commitment letter, academic and/or professional recommendation letters, and French language proficiency certificates. All applicants must register on the website to apply online, and it is compulsory to validate the final application online before the deadline. Incomplete or late applications will be automatically rejected. The selection process will involve shortlisting applicants based on their files, followed by interviews with preselected candidates. The Advisory board will then consider the candidate's academic record and professional background, the quality and coherence of their proposed studies project, and their level of proficiency in foreign languages. The final results of the selection process will be announced in November/December 2024, and confirmed laureates must comply with all the administrative requirements and rules of the scholarship programme. They must also attend online French courses, finalize their enrolment in the study programme they indicated during their application, and be in France for the whole period of their studies. Students on the waiting list are highly encouraged to continue the procedure and obtain their enrolment in French higher education institutions. They will need to participate in online French courses and possible internships. Failing to do so will result in their removal from the list.