France - South Africa Scholarship Programme

    • Application closing date
      15 October 2024
    • Published date
      1 April , 2023
    • Apply now
    Company description

    The French Embassy in South Africa's France - South Africa Scholarship Programme aims to foster high-level exchanges between France and South Africa through a rigorous selection process for candidates.

    The programme is overseen by an Advisory Board Committee, which includes representatives from various organizations such as the Department of Higher Education and Training, the Department of Science and Innovation, the National Research Foundation, and the French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The committee also comprises respected academics from both countries, as well as the joint office of CNRS, IRD, and CIRAD in South Africa.

    Bursary description

    The France-South Africa Scholarship Programme aims to provide financial assistance to South African students who are interested in pursuing their Master's or PhD degrees in universities or higher education institutions in France.

    The programme is also open to students from Lesotho and Malawi. The application period for the September 2024 intake is currently open and individual applicants will be contacted as needed.

    The laureate list and waiting list will be announced according to the given timeline and follow-up requests will not be answered. As the Southern and Northern hemisphere calendars differ, successful applicants will undergo a specific programme in South Africa from February 2024 to July 2024. This will include online French courses and internships in French companies or organisations based in South Africa, depending on opportunities and the laureate's profile.

    The programme accepts all fields of study. Applicants are urged to carefully read the rulebook and frequently asked questions of the programme and to contact Campus France South Africa if they require advice.

    The next application period will take place from mid-April 2025 to mid-October 2026, with webinars organised by Campus France South Africa taking place during the 2026 season to assist prospective applicants.

    The eligible candidates will be interviewed in November 2024 and the results will be announced at the end of November or early December 2024. Successful applicants will depart for France in early September 2025.

    Requirements and eligibility

    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:

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    How to apply

    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.

    Website

    https://www.southafrica-france-scholarships.com/

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