France-South Africa Scholarship Programme 2024-25 (Fully Funded)

The France-South Africa Scholarship Programme 2024-25 is a prestigious initiative aimed at fostering educational exchange and cooperation between France and South Africa. This fully funded scholarship program provides South African students with the opportunity to pursue higher education in France, offering comprehensive support to ensure a seamless academic experience. This blog post provides an in-depth look at the IsDB Scholarship, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and more.

Overview of the France-South Africa Scholarship Programme

The France – South Africa Scholarship Programme targets South African students aspiring to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees at French universities or higher education institutions. This programme also extends its reach to students from Lesotho and Malawi.

Each year, the call for applications is announced, with the next one opening on June 14, 2024, for studies commencing in September 2025. The scholarship is open to all academic fields.

Organized by the French Embassy in South Africa, this scholarship programme aims to foster high-level exchanges between the two countries through a selective process. An Advisory Board, including representatives from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the National Research Foundation (NRF), the French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FSACCI), and esteemed academics from both nations, oversees the programme and selection process.

Eligible Study Programmes

Candidates can apply for Master’s or PhD programmes at recognized French higher education institutions. Ensure your chosen programme is accredited by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research. Note that many Master of Science (MSc) degrees are not considered equivalent to Master’s degrees in France.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the France – South Africa Scholarship Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Born on or after January 1, 1995.
• A citizen of South Africa, Lesotho, or Malawi.
• Enrolled in a French higher education institution to pursue a Master’s or PhD.

The scholarship covers the necessary duration to complete the degree:

• Master’s Degree: Granted for 10 to 22 months. The programme typically lasts two years, but some students may apply directly to the second year (M2) depending on their prior qualifications. The French Embassy will verify academic progress after the first year.
• PhD: Granted for up to 3 years, with annual renewals contingent on demonstrated research progress. For co-supervised PhDs, time spent in France must be clearly outlined in the application.

Scholarship Types

There are two types of scholarships available:

1. Full Scholarship: Provided by the French Embassy, including:
   • France Excellence status (social security, priority housing access, visa fee exemption, and Campus France Paris support).
   • Return flight to France.
   • Monthly allowance (approximately €850 for Master’s students and €1400 for PhD students).
   • Additional accommodation aid (~€150/month) from the French Government via CAF.
   Note: Tuition fees are not covered. Assistance with low-tuition programmes is available through Campus France.
2. Cost-Sharing Scholarship: Monthly allowance partially or fully funded by a partner (e.g., Advisory Board member, company, or other funding agency), with all other benefits provided by the French Embassy. Applicants or the Advisory Board can propose this scheme.

Applicants are encouraged to seek additional funding from local or French institutions or private companies. Parental or family business support does not qualify as co-funding. Any additional funding must be reported to the French Embassy.

Online Application

Applications must be submitted online, including:

• Complete application form.
• Passport copy.
• Updated résumé with academic history.
• Cover letter detailing motivations and interests.
• Academic degree certificates and university transcripts (at least two years).

For Master’s candidates, proof of acceptance at a French institution is required by May/June 2025. For PhD candidates, a supervisor commitment letter and a detailed research project plan are needed.

Selection Process

Candidates are shortlisted based on their applications and subsequently interviewed. The Advisory Board evaluates:

• Academic and professional merits.
• Coherence and quality of the study project.
• Language proficiency.
• For PhD applicants, preference is given to co-supervised PhDs.

Publication of Results

Results will be announced in November/December 2024. A “main list” of potential laureates will be published, with final confirmations between April and July 2025, dependent on acceptance into the chosen programmes.

Applicants must finalize enrolment in their indicated study programme and attend online French courses from February to June 2025. They may also have the opportunity to intern with a French company in South Africa.

Scholarship holders must commit to their selected study project, with any changes requiring approval from the French Embassy. They must remain in France for the duration of their studies.

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Feel free to share your experiences or ask questions in the comments section below. Good luck to all prospective applicants!