The Embassy of France is inviting applications from South Africans who wish to pursue Master’s or Doctoral studies at French higher education institutions, starting in academic year 2022 under the France-South Africa Scholarship Programme.
Introduction
The Embassy of France is inviting applications from South Africans who wish to pursue Master’s or Doctoral studies at French higher education institutions, starting in academic year 2022 under the France-South Africa Scholarship Programme.
The scholarship recipients will follow a specific track in South Africa from January to July. This track will include online French courses organized by the network of the Alliances Françaises. It may also include an internship in French Companies based in South Africa, depending on the opportunities and the profile of each scholarship recipient.
For more information on the France – South Africa Scholarship Programme visit France – South Africa Scholarship Programme
Degree Level: Master’s and PhD
Field of Study
Applications are open to all fields of studies. Science, engineering and technology fields and niche courses not available in South Africa may be prioritized.
Who can apply?
- Citizen and resident of South Africa;
- Under the age of 33 years old on 1st January 2022;
- Applicants must be eligible for admission to the chosen Master’s or Doctoral programme;
- Enrolled in a French Higher Education institution to pursue a Master’s degree or PhD.
Scholarship offer
- Two schemes are possible under the France South Africa Scholarship Programme:
- A full scholarship includes:
For Master’s degree, the scholarship will be granted for a duration between 10 and 22 months; - For PhDs, the scholarship will be granted for a maximum duration of 3 years;
- The scholarship will only be granted for the periods spent in France;
- Social security;
- Priority for accessing student housing;
- Visa fee exemption and assistance offered by Campus France Paris;
- Annual tuition fees, not exceeding €5 000 per year;
- A round-trip airfare ticket;
- A monthly stipend towards living expenses;
- Accommodation aid;
- Co-funding opportunities are strongly encouraged to strengthen the collaboration between South African and French institutions and public and private sector.
For PhD students, some doctoral schools require a minimum monthly income. Students applying to these doctoral schools have to contact and coordinate with the hosting French higher education institution and research laboratory to secure additional funding.
The cost sharing scholarship includes:
- The monthly allowance will be provided fully or partially by a partner (a partner among the Advisory Board, a company, a higher education institution or any other funding agency);
- All the other benefits of a full scholarship will still be provided by the Embassy of France. This scheme can be proposed by the candidate during the application process or by the Advisory Board for some of the laureates.
- Applicants are highly encouraged to look for other sources of financing from his/her own local or French higher education institution but also from private sector companies. Specific attention will be given to applicants who have found other sources of financing for their academic project.
Application process
Applications are strictly online via the dedicated platform France – South Africa Scholarship Programme
All applicants must submit:
- A complete application form (online);
- A certified copy of passport;
- An up-to-date résumé that also states the candidate’s entire academic record;
- A cover letter explaining motivations and interests in the planned academic project;
- Copies of academic degree certificates (Bachelor or Master only).
- University transcripts of the last two years of studies.
For Master level candidates
- Candidates must provide proof of acceptance at one of the study programme indicated during their application, between February and April/May 2022;
- During the application process, candidates are encouraged to submit their email exchanges with the host higher education institutions in France;
- Submit a list of identified study programmes that they intends on applying to, including the application dates for these courses and the tuition fees.
For PhD applicants
- An attestation, signed by your supervisor, indicating her/his commitment to supervise your thesis; or, in case of co-supervision, an attestation signed by the two supervisors (South African and French) indicating their commitment to supervise in France and in South Africa. In the case of co-supervision, this attestation needs to indicate that a cotutelle agreement will be established, that enrolment will be at both universities and that a degree will be awarded by the French higher education institution;
- A detailed description of the research project (2/3 pages) including a detailed work plan;
- In case of co-supervision, a detailed plan of the various periods to be spent in France during the research work. A signed cotutelle agreement is also necessary.
Deadlines
The application deadline is 21 September 2021.
