Fully Funded PhD in France for International Students (2025/26 Guide)

Prepared by Muhammad Perwaiz (Research Scholar & Scholarship Expert)

France has become one of the most attractive destinations for international PhD students, offering world-class universities, cutting-edge research, low tuition fees, and multiple funding options. For Pakistani students and other internationals aiming for doctoral studies, France provides a unique system where PhD students are often employed and paid like researchers, not just scholarship holders.

In this guide, you’ll learn about admission requirements, funding options, scholarships, living costs, application steps, and tips to maximize your chances.

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What Makes a PhD in France Unique?

• PhD students are employees: Most doctoral candidates sign work contracts and receive a salary.

• Low tuition fees: Around €391/year at public universities.

• Strong funding ecosystem: From doctoral schools, government projects, industry partnerships, and international fellowships.

• High research quality: France is home to leading research institutes like CNRS, CEA, INRIA, and top universities such as Sorbonne, Paris-Saclay, PSL, and Grenoble Alpes.

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Admission Requirements

To apply for a PhD in France, you generally need:

• A Master’s degree with a research component (equivalent to MPhil).

• A strong academic background with publications or thesis.

• A clear research proposal aligned with a doctoral school or supervisor.

• Language: Many PhDs are in English, but some require French (B2/C1).

Note: Admissions are handled by doctoral schools (Écoles Doctorales), not directly by departments.

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Funding Options for PhD in France

Unlike many countries, most PhD students in France are paid through contracts, ensuring financial stability.

1. Doctoral Contracts (Contrats Doctoraux)

• Provided by doctoral schools and the Ministry of Higher Education.

• Salary: €1,400–€1,600/month (net).

• Duration: 3 years (renewable up to 5).

2. Research Institute Contracts (CNRS, CEA, INRIA)

• Funded positions at public research labs.

• Salary: ~€1,500/month (net).

3. ANR Project Funding

• Linked to projects funded by the National Research Agency (ANR).

• Salary: €1,400–€1,500/month.

4. CIFRE Industrial PhDs

• Jointly supervised by a company and a university.

• Salary: ~€1,800/month (net).

• Great for applied sciences and industry-focused research.

5. University-Specific Contracts

• Some institutions (e.g., Sorbonne) offer direct contracts.

• Salary: €2,100 gross in 2024, projected to rise to €2,300 by 2026.

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Prestigious Scholarships

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

• Stipend: €1,800/month.

• Covers health insurance, travel, and cultural activities.

• Duration: 12–36 months.

• Requires co-supervision (cotutelle) with a French university.

• Age limit: Under 32 at PhD level.

• Next cycle opens October 2025 for 2026 intake.

MOPGA Fellowship (Make Our Planet Great Again)

• Fully funded fellowship for climate and environmental research.

• Covers stipend, travel, and living allowance.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

• Funded by the EU, supports joint PhDs and mobility.

Other Support

• Foundations, regional councils, and home-country bodies like HEC Pakistan also offer scholarships.

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Costs & Living in France

• Tuition Fees: €391–€3,770/year (depending on nationality and university).

• Living Costs:

  • Paris: €1,000–€1,200/month.

  • Other cities (Lyon, Lille, Grenoble): €700–€1,000/month.

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Application Timeline

Applications are not centralized – you apply directly to universities or doctoral schools.

Eiffel Scholarship:

• Opens October 2025

• Deadline: January 2026

• Results: April 2026

Many PhD positions are advertised year-round on university websites, EURAXESS, and Campus France.

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Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Identify Research Area & Doctoral School – shortlist universities and doctoral schools in your field.

2. Find a Supervisor – search research groups, labs, and faculty profiles. Contact potential supervisors with a professional email, CV, and research idea.

3. Prepare Application Documents – CV, transcripts, Master’s thesis, publications, research proposal, references, language certificate.

4. Submit Application – either to a doctoral school call (funded position) or via university PhD portal.

5. Funding & Scholarships – often included in admission. Eiffel and external fellowships need separate applications.

6. Visa Process – apply for the French Student Visa (VLS-TS) once admission and funding are confirmed.

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Why France for PhD?

• Employment contracts with salary instead of just scholarships.

• Affordable tuition fees and strong research infrastructure.

• Internationally recognized degrees with access to EU research networks.

• Family-friendly policies: Spouses and children can accompany PhD students.

• Cultural experience: Living in one of Europe’s most dynamic research and cultural hubs.

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Final Thoughts

A PhD in France offers a rare combination of salary-based contracts, prestigious scholarships, affordable tuition, and world-class research exposure. For Pakistani students planning the 2025/26 intake, the time to prepare is now:

• Shortlist doctoral schools,

• Contact supervisors,

• Draft your proposal,

• Apply for funding before deadlines.

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Need Help?

I provide paid consultancy services for PhD applicants, including:

• University & supervisor matching

• Research proposal guidance

• Scholarship & funding applications

• Visa & document support

For Assistance:
WhatsApp: https://wa.me/923007519970
Email: mpconsultantservice@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/25wBgbNcGKVNtXv4/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muhammad-perwaiz-86bb5a183?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@meinmuhammadperwaiz?si=Dr9r9_pu4QNgHPS_

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