The Montpellier Paul-Valéry University Eiffel Scholarship 2027 offers academically outstanding international students an opportunity to pursue eligible master’s and doctoral studies in France with financial support from the French government.
The Université de Montpellier Paul-Valéry officially opened its 2027 Eiffel Scholarship campaign on 7 October 2026. The university is accepting candidates for internal preselection before submitting approved applications to the national France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Programme.
For master’s applicants, the university has established a deadline of 1 November 2026. Doctoral candidates must obtain support from a prospective thesis supervisor by 2 November 2026, while their complete application dossiers must be finalised by 29 November 2026.
These deadlines are considerably earlier than the national institutional submission deadline of 6 January 2027.
Unlike scholarships that allow students to apply directly to a funding organisation, the Eiffel programme requires nomination by an eligible French higher education institution. At Montpellier Paul-Valéry University, applicants must therefore complete the university’s own selection procedure before they can be considered for national funding.
This guide explains the university’s application process, eligibility requirements, scholarship benefits, required documents, doctoral supervision arrangements and important deadlines for the 2027 campaign.
About Montpellier Paul-Valéry University
Université de Montpellier Paul-Valéry, commonly known as Montpellier Paul-Valéry University, is a French public university located in Montpellier, southern France.
The university is particularly associated with the humanities, languages, literature, social sciences, cultural studies and interdisciplinary research.
Its academic environment includes Master’s programmes, doctoral schools and research units covering various areas of the humanities and social sciences.
International students interested in development studies, French language and civilisation, cultural research, territorial development and related fields may find relevant academic opportunities at the institution.
The university has an established record of participating in the Eiffel Scholarship Programme.
In 2025, it welcomed three Eiffel scholarship recipients pursuing research or studies involving French linguistics, mediaeval French literature and development studies.
For the 2026 academic year, the university also announced an Eiffel scholarship recipient entering a Master’s programme in Tourism and Sustainable Territorial Development.
These examples demonstrate the university’s experience in supporting international scholarship recipients. However, applicants must still confirm whether their intended programme is eligible for nomination in the 2027 campaign.
Montpellier Paul-Valéry University Eiffel Scholarship 2027 Overview
| Scholarship information | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship |
| Participating institution | Université de Montpellier Paul-Valéry |
| Host country | France |
| Academic year | 2027–2028 |
| Study levels | Master’s and PhD |
| Funding authority | French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs |
| Scholarship administrator | Campus France |
| Eligible applicants | Qualified international students |
| Master’s monthly allowance | €1,200 |
| Doctoral allowance | Subject to the applicable 2027 award conditions |
| Campaign opening | 7 October 2026 |
| Master’s application deadline | 1 November 2026 |
| Doctoral supervisor endorsement | 2 November 2026 |
| Final doctoral dossier deadline | 29 November 2026 |
| National institutional deadline | 6 January 2027 |
| Results | April 2027 |
| Application method | University preselection and nomination |
The university will nominate only candidates who successfully complete its internal preselection process and receive the necessary academic support.
What Is the Eiffel Scholarship at Montpellier Paul-Valéry University?
The Eiffel Scholarship is not a separate funding programme created by Montpellier Paul-Valéry University.
It is a French government scholarship administered nationally, with participating universities responsible for identifying and nominating suitable international candidates.
Montpellier Paul-Valéry University participates by assessing applicants, coordinating academic endorsements and submitting selected nominations.
This means candidates must satisfy two sets of requirements.
First, they must meet the national Eiffel Scholarship eligibility conditions concerning nationality, age, academic level and other restrictions.
Second, they must comply with the university’s internal selection requirements, including its specific deadlines, application forms and supporting documents.
Students unfamiliar with the national programme should first read our detailed guide to the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2027 in France, which explains the overall funding structure, eligibility rules and institutional nomination process.
The present article focuses specifically on how candidates can seek nomination through Montpellier Paul-Valéry University.
Montpellier Paul-Valéry Eiffel Scholarship 2027 Benefits
Successful candidates nominated by the university and selected nationally receive financial assistance under the Eiffel Scholarship Programme.
The benefits depend on the recipient’s academic level and approved funding duration.
Master’s Scholarship Benefits
Master’s recipients receive a monthly living allowance of €1,200.
The scholarship may support eligible studies for up to 12 or 24 months, depending on the year of entry.
| Programme entry | Monthly allowance | Maximum duration |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s Year 1 (M1) | €1,200 | 24 months |
| Master’s Year 2 (M2) | €1,200 | 12 months |
A student awarded funding for 24 months could therefore receive up to €28,800 in living allowances, subject to the scholarship conditions.
The programme also provides eligible recipients with additional services relating to travel, insurance, accommodation assistance and cultural activities.
PhD Scholarship Benefits
Doctoral recipients receive a higher monthly allowance than master’s students.
Depending on the approved research arrangement, doctoral awards may last 12, 18 or 36 months.
Applicants should verify the precise doctoral allowance and duration in the official 2027 scholarship regulations and their individual award documentation.
The maximum award period is not automatically available to every doctoral applicant.
Does the Scholarship Cover Tuition Fees?
The Eiffel Scholarship does not directly pay tuition fees.
However, qualifying scholarship recipients enrolled in eligible national degree programmes at French public institutions may benefit from tuition exemptions under applicable regulations.
Applicants should confirm whether their intended programme qualifies for an exemption and whether additional registration or programme-specific charges remain payable.
Who Can Apply for the Montpellier Paul-Valéry Eiffel Scholarship 2027?
The university has established separate eligibility conditions for master’s and doctoral candidates.
Although both categories fall under the Eiffel programme, their requirements are not identical.
Master’s Eligibility Requirements
Master’s candidates must satisfy the following conditions:
- Hold foreign nationality.
- Not possess French nationality, including through dual nationality.
- Be no older than 29 under the applicable 2027 campaign rules.
- Have been born after 31 March 1997.
- Not currently studying in France.
- Meet the admission requirements for the intended Master’s programme.
- Demonstrate academic excellence.
- Not hold an incompatible scholarship, including certain French government, Erasmus+ or AUF awards.
Applicants currently enrolled in studies in France are ineligible for the university’s Master’s Eiffel procedure.
This restriction should be checked before preparing an application, particularly by international students already pursuing degrees at French institutions.
Doctoral Eligibility Requirements
Doctoral candidates must:
- Hold foreign nationality and satisfy the programme’s nationality restrictions.
- Meet the maximum age requirement of 35.
- Have been born after March 1991 under the university’s published criteria.
- Possess the qualifications required for doctoral admission.
- Identify an appropriate prospective thesis supervisor.
- Obtain the supervisor’s support for the proposed application.
- Prepare a suitable doctoral research project.
- Satisfy the scholarship’s restrictions concerning incompatible funding.
Unlike the master’s procedure, the doctoral application process permits eligible candidates who are already studying in France.
However, applicants studying abroad receive priority over those already residing in France.
This distinction is particularly important for international students currently enrolled in doctoral programmes.
Eligible Fields of Study
The Eiffel Scholarship supports seven priority academic fields.
These are divided into science and technology, and humanities and social sciences.
| Category | Eligible field |
|---|---|
| Science and Technology | Biology and Health |
| Science and Technology | Ecological Transition |
| Science and Technology | Mathematics and Digital Sciences |
| Science and Technology | Engineering Sciences |
| Humanities and Social Sciences | History, French Language and Civilisation |
| Humanities and Social Sciences | Law and Political Science |
| Humanities and Social Sciences | Economics and Management |
However, applicants should not assume that Montpellier Paul-Valéry University offers eligible degrees in every field listed above.
The university’s academic strengths are particularly concentrated in the humanities and social sciences.
Candidates must select an actual programme offered by the institution and verify that it qualifies for Eiffel consideration.
For example, students interested in development studies may investigate relevant Master’s programmes, while doctoral candidates researching cultural studies, languages, territories or social development may identify suitable research opportunities.
Programme availability and Eiffel eligibility must be confirmed individually.
How to Apply for the Master’s Eiffel Scholarship at Montpellier Paul-Valéry University
The university has established a dedicated online application procedure for Master’s candidates.
Applicants must complete the preliminary process by 1 November 2026.
Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility
Begin by reviewing the national Eiffel regulations and the university’s specific Master’s eligibility requirements.
Check your nationality, age, current study location and existing scholarship arrangements.
Applicants who do not meet these conditions should not proceed without first obtaining clarification from the university.
Step 2: Choose a Suitable Master’s Programme
Review the university’s current Master’s programme catalogue.
Select a degree that corresponds to your academic background and professional objectives.
Pay attention to the language of instruction, admission requirements, academic content and the programme’s relevance to the Eiffel priority fields.
A suitable programme should build logically on your previous studies or provide a clearly justified academic transition.
Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents
The university requires applicants to attach several documents to its online form.
| Document | University requirement |
|---|---|
| Identity document | Copy showing surname, first name and date of birth |
| Curriculum vitae | Maximum two pages, in French or English |
| Degree certificates | Recent qualifications and certified academic results |
| Academic ranking evidence | Class rank, distinction and cohort information |
| Language certificate | Where applicable |
| Academic transcripts | Previous three years |
| Professional project | One to two pages, preferably in French |
| Candidate declaration | Completed and signed mandatory declaration |
Applicants should prepare these documents before opening the online application form.
Step 4: Prepare a Strong Professional Project
The university requires a professional project statement of one to two pages.
This document should explain why the applicant wishes to pursue the selected programme in France and how the proposed studies relate to previous education and future career objectives.
A convincing professional project should demonstrate a clear academic direction.
For example, an applicant interested in development studies could explain how previous training or professional experience revealed a particular development challenge and how the intended Master’s programme would help develop the expertise needed to address it.
The statement should be specific to the candidate’s experience and proposed programme.
Avoid generic descriptions of France as an attractive study destination without explaining the academic reasons for the choice.
Step 5: Submit the Online Application by 1 November 2026
Master’s candidates must complete the university’s dedicated online contact form.
The deadline is Sunday, 1 November 2026.
The university explicitly states that incomplete applications, applications submitted after the deadline and applications sent by email will not be examined.
Applicants should therefore check their documents carefully before submission.
Step 6: Await the Preselection Decision
The university expects to communicate Master’s preselection decisions in early December 2026.
Selected candidates will proceed to the next stage of institutional nomination.
Step 7: University Submission to Campus France
The university’s international relations office prepares and submits the selected applications to Campus France.
Students cannot independently submit the final national Eiffel application.
The university expects the national scholarship results in April 2027.
How to Apply for the PhD Eiffel Scholarship at Montpellier Paul-Valéry University
The doctoral application procedure is more research-oriented than the Master’s process.
Candidates must identify an appropriate doctoral school, secure supervision and prepare a detailed research application.
Step 1: Identify the Appropriate Doctoral School
Montpellier Paul-Valéry University identifies two doctoral schools for its Eiffel campaign.
Doctoral School 58 – Languages, Literatures, Cultures and Civilisations
This doctoral school covers research involving languages, literature, cultural studies and related academic disciplines.
Doctoral School 60 – Territories, Time, Societies and Development
This doctoral school supports relevant research involving societies, territories, development and related interdisciplinary areas.
Candidates should review the research areas and academic staff associated with the appropriate doctoral school before contacting a prospective supervisor.
Step 2: Identify and Contact a Prospective Thesis Supervisor
Doctoral applicants must identify a suitable supervisor whose academic expertise aligns with their intended research.
The initial communication should explain the research topic, its significance and why the professor’s expertise is relevant.
Candidates should investigate potential supervisors’ publications and research interests before approaching them.
For example, a candidate proposing research on regional development should identify academics working in closely related areas rather than contacting professors solely because they belong to the same doctoral school.
Step 3: Obtain Supervisor Endorsement by 2 November 2026
The prospective supervisor must communicate their decision to support the candidate by 2 November 2026.
The endorsement must be sent to the university’s designated Eiffel contact:
The university also identifies eiffel@univ-montp3.fr in its published instructions.
Applicants should understand that this is a supervisor-led endorsement procedure.
It does not replace the required academic assessment or subsequent doctoral application.
Step 4: Prepare the Doctoral Application Documents
Doctoral applicants must prepare a more extensive dossier than Master’s candidates.
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Identity document | Required personal identification details |
| Academic CV | One to two pages |
| Degree certificates | Relevant qualifications and evidence of excellence |
| Academic transcripts | Previous three years |
| Language certificate | Where applicable |
| Professional project | One to two pages |
| Doctoral research proposal | Maximum five pages |
| Candidate declaration | Completed and signed |
| External expert assessment | Independent scientific evaluation |
| External expert CV | Maximum two pages |
| Doctoral financing plan | Overall research funding arrangements |
| Joint-supervision documents | Where applicable |
| Research dissertation | Copy or summary for institutional assessment |
Additional supporting documents may be requested depending on the proposed doctoral arrangement.
Step 5: Develop the Doctoral Research Proposal
The university requires a research proposal of no more than five pages.
The proposal should clearly explain the intended thesis topic, research objectives, hypotheses, originality, expected contribution and potential benefits.
A strong proposal demonstrates that the research question is academically relevant and that the proposed study can realistically be completed.
Applicants planning empirical research should consider the availability of relevant data, the suitability of their proposed methods and the feasibility of the research timetable.
The proposal should also connect meaningfully with the prospective supervisor’s expertise.
Step 6: Obtain an Independent External Expert Assessment
The university requires a detailed independent assessment of the scientific contribution of the proposed doctoral research.
The expert must possess appropriate academic qualifications and relevant research expertise.
The university also imposes independence requirements concerning the expert’s institutional affiliation, nationality and previous academic collaborations.
Candidates should not assume that a former lecturer or previous supervisor automatically qualifies.
This requirement should be discussed with the prospective supervisor early because arranging an appropriate external assessment may take considerable time.
Step 7: Complete the Doctoral Dossier by 29 November 2026
The complete doctoral application, including the required endorsements, expert assessment and supporting documents, must be finalised by 29 November 2026.
The university then prepares the approved applications for submission to Campus France.
Montpellier Paul-Valéry Eiffel Scholarship 2027 Deadlines
| Application activity | Deadline |
|---|---|
| University campaign opens | 7 October 2026 |
| Master’s online application closes | 1 November 2026 |
| Doctoral supervisor endorsement | 2 November 2026 |
| Complete doctoral application dossier | 29 November 2026 |
| Master’s preselection decisions | Early December 2026 |
| National institutional submission | 6 January 2027 |
| Scholarship results | April 2027 |
Applicants should distinguish carefully between the Master’s and doctoral deadlines.
The Master’s application closes on 1 November, while doctoral candidates must first obtain supervisor endorsement by 2 November and complete the full dossier later in the month.
How Competitive Is the Montpellier Paul-Valéry Eiffel Scholarship?
The Eiffel Scholarship is an excellence-based award, and Montpellier Paul-Valéry University must decide which candidates it is prepared to nominate.
Applicants should therefore demonstrate more than basic eligibility.
Academic performance, programme suitability, professional objectives and research potential may all contribute to the strength of an application.
Academic Excellence
Applicants should provide clear evidence of academic achievement.
Where possible, include official rankings, distinctions, awards and other verifiable academic accomplishments.
Programme Suitability
The intended programme should match the applicant’s academic preparation and future objectives.
Candidates should explain why the selected degree is appropriate rather than relying only on the university’s reputation.
Professional Direction
Master’s applicants should develop a coherent professional project connecting their previous education with the knowledge and skills they intend to acquire.
Research Preparation
Doctoral applicants should demonstrate an understanding of the research problem and show how the proposed work connects with the supervisor’s expertise.
A realistic and well-developed research proposal is particularly important.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Missing the University’s Internal Deadline
The national Eiffel deadline of 6 January 2027 does not replace Montpellier Paul-Valéry University’s earlier deadlines.
Applicants must complete the relevant university procedure on time.
Sending a Master’s Application by Email
The university requires Master’s candidates to use its designated online form.
Email submissions are not accepted for the Master’s preliminary application.
Submitting Incomplete Documents
The university will not examine incomplete Master’s applications.
Candidates should ensure that all compulsory documents are properly prepared and uploaded.
Selecting a Programme Without Checking Eligibility
The Eiffel priority fields do not represent a complete list of degrees offered at Montpellier Paul-Valéry University.
Applicants must verify the eligibility of their intended programme.
Contacting Supervisors Without Researching Their Work
Doctoral candidates should identify supervisors whose expertise genuinely relates to their research interests.
A well-targeted request supported by a coherent proposal is more persuasive than a generic email.
Assuming University Preselection Guarantees Funding
The university’s internal selection determines which candidates may be nominated.
Final scholarship awards depend on the national selection process.
Other Eiffel Scholarship Opportunities in France
Montpellier Paul-Valéry University is not the only French institution participating in the 2027 Eiffel Scholarship campaign.
Applicants interested in law, economics, management and related fields may also wish to explore the Paris-Panthéon-Assas Eiffel Scholarship 2027–2028.
Paris-Panthéon-Assas University has announced a separate application period running from 19 October to 5 November 2026, with specific academic and language requirements.
The two universities have different programmes, selection procedures and internal deadlines.
Students should assess each opportunity independently and remain mindful of the Eiffel programme’s restrictions on multiple institutional nominations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Montpellier Paul-Valéry Eiffel Scholarship 2027 open?
Yes. The university officially opened its 2027 Eiffel campaign on 7 October 2026.
What is the Master’s application deadline?
The Master’s preliminary application deadline is 1 November 2026.
What is the PhD application deadline?
Prospective doctoral supervisors must communicate their endorsement by 2 November 2026. Complete doctoral application dossiers must be finalised by 29 November 2026.
Can Cameroonian students apply?
Yes. Cameroonian applicants may qualify if they satisfy the nationality, age, academic and institutional requirements.
Can I apply for a Master’s scholarship while studying in France?
No. The university’s published Master’s Eiffel procedure excludes candidates currently studying in France.
Can doctoral students already studying in France apply?
Yes, eligible doctoral candidates already studying in France may apply, although candidates studying abroad receive priority.
Does the scholarship cover tuition fees?
The Eiffel programme does not directly pay tuition fees. However, qualifying recipients at eligible public institutions may benefit from tuition exemptions.
Do I need a supervisor for the PhD application?
Yes. Doctoral candidates must obtain support from an appropriate prospective thesis supervisor.
Can I submit my Master’s application by email?
No. Master’s candidates must use the university’s designated online application form.
Is French language proficiency compulsory?
Language requirements depend on the selected academic programme. Applicants should verify the language of instruction and the university’s admission conditions.
Can I apply directly to Campus France?
No. The final Eiffel application must be submitted by an eligible French higher education institution.
Does university preselection guarantee the scholarship?
No. University preselection is an institutional stage. Final awards depend on the national scholarship selection process.
Final Advice for Applicants
The Montpellier Paul-Valéry University Eiffel Scholarship 2027 presents a valuable opportunity for outstanding international students interested in pursuing eligible Master’s and doctoral studies in France.
However, the university’s application process requires careful preparation.
Master’s applicants must complete their online applications by 1 November 2026, providing the required academic documents and a convincing professional project.
Doctoral candidates must establish contact with a suitable supervisor, obtain endorsement by 2 November and complete their research dossiers by 29 November.
For both categories, applicants should focus on academic excellence, programme suitability and strict compliance with the university’s instructions.
Most importantly, do not confuse Montpellier Paul-Valéry University’s internal deadlines with the national Eiffel Scholarship deadline of 6 January 2027.
Only candidates who successfully complete the university’s internal selection process can be considered for institutional nomination.
Official Links
- Montpellier Paul-Valéry University – Official Eiffel Scholarship 2027 Application Procedure
https://www.univ-montp3.fr/fr/proc%C3%A9dure-bourses-eiffel - Montpellier Paul-Valéry University – Official Master’s Eiffel Application Form
https://enquetes.univ-montp3.fr/index.php/253613?lang=fr
