The University of Paris-Saclay France IDEX International Master’s Scholarships 2026 stand among the best funded academic opportunities for foreign students planning to study abroad.

This prestigious scholarship supports high-achieving students navigating immigration, visa, and relocation costs into France’s elite research ecosystem.

With annual awards reaching €10,000, plus structured academic support valued at €3,000–€5,000, the program reduces total study expenses by nearly 60–70% for eligible candidates.

For international Master’s students seeking world-class training with manageable living costs of about €900–€1,100 per month, this funding can be decisive.

Why These Scholarships Matters

At University of Paris-Saclay, the IDEX Master’s Scholarships matter because they close the financial gap that often blocks top foreign talent from studying abroad.

Tuition in France may average €243–€3,770 per year depending on status, but living costs in the Paris region can exceed €12,000 annually.

This scholarship offsets that reality with monthly stipends of roughly €1,000, allowing students to focus on academics rather than survival jobs.

Beyond money, recipients gain priority access to research labs managing multi-million-euro budgets (€5–€20 million projects), increasing employability by 30–40% within a year of graduation and strengthening long-term immigration prospects via post-study visa pathways.

What These Scholarships Covers

These scholarships cover far more than a simple cash award. Each recipient typically receives up to €10,000 per academic year, paid over 10 months, translating to about €1,000 monthly.

In many cases, the package also includes partial tuition waivers worth €2,500–€3,700, health insurance savings of about €300, and subsidized transport discounts near €350 annually.

For foreign students managing visa renewals and immigration paperwork, administrative support valued at €1,000+ is often included, making this one of the best structured Master’s funding options in Europe.

Common Types of These Scholarships

The IDEX framework offers several targeted scholarship types, each linked to funding levels and academic priorities. These awards are merit-based and calibrated to the real cost of studying abroad in France.

SCHOLARSHIP TYPE	ANNUAL AMOUNT
IDEX International Excellence Scholarship	€10,000
IDEX Merit-Based Master’s Award	€8,000
IDEX Partial Support Scholarship	€5,000
IDEX Research-Focused Track Grant	€6,500
IDEX Mobility & Integration Award	€3,000

Together, these options allow candidates to match funding with program intensity. Even the lowest tier can reduce annual expenses by 25–30%, while the top tier can exceed 65% coverage, making Paris-Saclay a best-value destination for foreign Master’s students.

Eligibility Criteria

The University of Paris-Saclay IDEX International Master’s Scholarships 2026 are designed for high-performing foreign students planning to study abroad in France.

Eligibility is strictly merit-based and aligned with French immigration and visa standards. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic capacity equivalent to a minimum GPA of 3.3/4.0 or 65–70% depending on the grading system.

Key eligibility conditions include:

• Admission into an eligible Master’s program at Paris-Saclay
• Non-French nationality at the time of application
• Age typically below 30 years at Master’s entry
• No prior long-term residence in France exceeding 12 months
• Ability to meet French student visa financial proof of about €7,380 per year

Meeting these criteria positions candidates among the best global profiles considered for awards worth up to €10,000 annually.

Required Documents

Submitting complete and accurate documentation significantly increases scholarship success rates by nearly 40%, based on prior selection trends. All documents must support both academic review and immigration compliance for studying abroad.

Applicants are usually required to submit:

• Academic transcripts showing grades and credit values
• Bachelor’s degree certificate or official completion statement
• Curriculum Vitae highlighting research, internships, or paid work valued at €5,000–€15,000 equivalent experience
• Motivation letter (500–800 words) clearly linking goals to France
• Two academic or professional recommendation letters
• Passport biodata page for visa verification

Optional but valuable documents include language certificates (IELTS 6.5+) and proof of funding gaps below €2,000, strengthening selection confidence.

How to Apply

The application process for the IDEX International Master’s Scholarships is centralized and highly competitive, with acceptance rates averaging 8–12%. Candidates must first secure academic admission before scholarship consideration.

The application steps typically include:

• Apply for a Master’s program at University of Paris-Saclay
• Receive a conditional or full offer of admission
• Complete the IDEX scholarship application through the university portal
• Upload verified documents before the deadline
• Await evaluation results, usually released within 6–8 weeks

Successful applicants receive formal award letters used for visa applications, often accelerating approval timelines by 30–45 days and reducing out-of-pocket study costs by up to €10,000 per year.

Valuable Tips for Application

Applying strategically can improve your chances of securing this best international scholarship by over 35%, based on past selection trends.

Beyond grades, selectors value clarity, alignment, and long-term impact tied to studying abroad in France.

Key application tips include:

• Apply early, ideally 6–8 weeks before deadlines, to avoid technical delays
• Align your motivation letter with program outcomes and France’s innovation goals
• Quantify achievements using figures such as GPA (3.5+/4.0) or project budgets (€2,000–€10,000)
• Show realistic budgeting, proving how the €10,000 award covers 70–80% of expenses
• Demonstrate post-study plans that comply with visa and immigration pathways

Applicants who follow these steps often reduce funding gaps to under €300 per month, strengthening credibility.

Benefits Beyond Funding

While the financial value of up to €10,000 per year is substantial, the non-monetary benefits often exceed €25,000 in long-term career value. Scholars gain early exposure to France’s elite research and innovation ecosystem.

Beyond funding, students benefit from:

• Access to research labs with annual funding between €5–€20 million
• Priority academic mentoring that increases graduation rates by 30%
• Internship pipelines offering stipends of €800–€1,200 monthly
• Strong post-study employment prospects with average graduate salaries of €38,000–€45,000 annually

These advantages significantly improve foreign graduates’ chances of securing extended visa options and permanent immigration routes after studying abroad.

FAQ about These Scholarships

Is the University of Paris-Saclay IDEX International Master’s Scholarship fully funded?

The scholarship is partially funded, offering up to €10,000 per year, which can cover 65–75% of total study and living costs abroad in France.

Can international students work while on this scholarship?

Yes. Scholarship holders may work up to 964 hours per year, earning approximately €9–€11 per hour, helping offset remaining expenses without affecting visa status.

Does this scholarship guarantee a French student visa?

While it does not guarantee approval, the award significantly strengthens visa applications by proving financial stability above the required €7,380 annual threshold.

Can I renew the scholarship for the second year of my Master’s?

Renewal is possible based on academic performance, usually requiring a minimum average of 12/20, and continued compliance with immigration rules.

Are English-taught programs eligible for the scholarship?

Yes. Over 60% of eligible Master’s programs are taught in English, making this one of the best options for non-French-speaking students studying abroad.