France Excellence–DOST Scholarship 2026

January 3, 2026 10:46 am

France Excellence–DOST Scholarship 2026

For outstanding students from the Philippines pursuing advanced studies in the natural sciences, a premier European opportunity has arrived. The France Excellence–DOST Scholarship for the 2026 intake is now officially open for applications. This prestigious, fully funded program, a partnership between the Embassy of France and the Philippines’ Department of Science and Technology (DOST-SEI), offers a comprehensive pathway to master’s and doctoral degrees at France’s renowned public universities.

A Comprehensive, Jointly Funded Support Package

This scholarship provides a complete financial and logistical framework for success in France. The support is uniquely split between the two partner organizations:

Provided by the Embassy of France:

Full Tuition Coverage: Payment of all official enrollment fees—up to €3,879 per year for Master’s programmes and €391 per year for PhD programmes.
Essential Exemptions: Waiver of the CVEC (campus life) fee and French long-stay student visa fees.
Health & Cultural Support: Comprehensive health insurance and access to discounted cultural activities via Campus France.

Provided by DOST-SEI:

Monthly Living Stipend: A regular allowance based on DOST standards to cover living expenses.
International Travel: Round-trip economy airfare from Manila to the city of study in France.

Important Note: Scholars are responsible for securing their own accommodation, as subsidized housing is no longer included in the package.

Academic Focus and Eligibility

This scholarship has a clear scientific mission. It supports students admitted to state-recognized Diplôme National degrees (M1, M2, or PhD) in natural sciences and research-driven fields at French public institutions. Consequently, programs in joint/dual degrees (like Erasmus Mundus), vocational courses, or those offered by non-French institutions in France are not eligible.

The Application Process: A Dual Requirement

Applying requires meticulous preparation to meet the criteria of both the French Embassy and DOST-SEI. The key steps include:

Secure University Admission: First, you must obtain admission to an eligible Master’s or PhD programme at a French public university.
Prepare the French Embassy Application: Complete the required forms for the France Excellence scholarship stream.
Fulfill DOST-SEI Requirements: Submit a separate, comprehensive dossier to DOST-SEI, including a detailed budget, a re-entry plan outlining your post-study contributions to the Philippines, academic references, and necessary clearances.

Click Here to Apply

Key Application Timeline

Prospective applicants must act within a specific window:

Applications Open: 1 December 2025
Final Deadline: 17 March 2026

Why This Scholarship is a Model for International Study

While this particular award is for Filipino nationals, it exemplifies the structure of France’s prestigious France Excellence scholarship schemes, which are often replicated through bilateral agreements with other countries. It demonstrates France’s commitment to attracting top global talent in STEM fields by coupling full tuition support with vital living stipends.

How to Prepare a Competitive Application

Success hinges on a strong academic profile and a compelling personal narrative. Your application must demonstrate outstanding academic merit in the sciences. Furthermore, your re-entry plan for DOST-SEI is crucial; it should clearly articulate how your specialized training in France will address specific scientific or technological challenges in the Philippines, showcasing your long-term commitment to national development.

The France Excellence–DOST Scholarship represents a transformative chance to conduct cutting-edge research at the heart of Europe’s scientific community. By securing a strong university admission and crafting a persuasive application that highlights both your academic excellence and your dedication to applying your knowledge, you can position yourself for this fully funded future. For official forms and detailed guidelines, refer to the Campus France Philippines and DOST-SEI websites.