France is home to some of Europe’s most globally respected universities and grandes écoles — including Sciences Po Paris, HEC Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne University, and École Polytechnique. For Nigerian students, France offers a growing number of English-taught programmes at the postgraduate level, tuition fees at public universities that are significantly lower than the UK or Australia, and a structured scholarship ecosystem that specifically supports African students. This guide covers the most important scholarship routes for Nigerian students considering study in France — from the French government’s Eiffel Excellence Scholarship to the Mastercard Foundation programme at Sciences Po — along with practical steps for admission and visa applications.
One important thing to understand about studying in France as a Nigerian: the application process runs through a French government-managed system called Campus France Nigeria, based at the Institut Français in Lagos and Abuja. Campus France Nigeria is the official gateway for Nigerian students applying to French universities — it manages the Etudes en France portal, handles university applications, issues pre-visa clearances, and provides guidance on scholarships. Understanding how Campus France Nigeria works is essential before starting any French university application.
Understanding Tuition and Living Costs in France
Tuition at French public universities for non-EU international students is set by the government at approximately €2,770 per year for Bachelor’s programmes and €3,770 per year for Master’s programmes — significantly more affordable than UK or Australian institutions. Some elite grandes écoles charge considerably higher fees. Living costs vary by city: Paris typically requires €1,000 to €1,500 per month, while cities like Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Nantes are more affordable at €700 to €1,000 per month.
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship — France’s Flagship Award for Nigerian Students
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Programme is the French government’s flagship award for attracting outstanding international students to French universities. It is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and administered by Campus France. Nigerian students are eligible and Paris-Saclay University explicitly lists Nigeria among the countries it prioritises for Eiffel applications.
What it covers: For Master’s level scholars, the Eiffel scholarship provides a monthly allowance of €1,200 (from January 2026), plus international transport, national transport within France, health insurance, accommodation assistance, and cultural activities. Note that the Eiffel scholarship does not cover tuition fees directly — French institutions that select candidates for Eiffel typically also offer tuition waivers or reduced fees for Eiffel scholars. Confirm the specific tuition arrangement with your chosen institution. For doctoral level scholars, the monthly allowance is €2,100 from January 2026.
Who can apply: International students who are not French citizens. For Master’s level at most institutions, applicants must be under 29 years old. For Sciences Po specifically, applicants must be under 27. You must not currently be studying in France at the Master’s level. You cannot combine Eiffel with another French government scholarship.
Fields of study: Science and Technology (biology and health, ecological transition, mathematics and digital, and engineering sciences) and Humanities and Social Sciences (French history, language and civilisation, law and political science, and economics and management).
Critical point — you cannot apply directly: You cannot apply to Campus France or the French Ministry directly. The scholarship is submitted by French higher education institutions on behalf of their best international applicants. You must first apply for admission to a French university, the institution identifies you as a strong candidate, and the institution then submits your application to Campus France. Contact the international relations office of your target French institution and express your interest in being considered for the Eiffel scholarship. Institutions must identify candidates by October to November 2026 for the 2027 intake, with the Campus France deadline in early January 2027.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po
Sciences Po in Paris is one of Europe’s most prestigious universities for social sciences, public policy, international relations, economics, and journalism. Its partnership with the Mastercard Foundation creates one of the most significant fully funded scholarship opportunities in France specifically for Sub-Saharan African students — including Nigerians.
What it covers: Full tuition fees for two years of a Sciences Po Master’s programme, accommodation in Paris reserved for Mastercard Foundation Scholars, a monthly living stipend, health insurance, visa support and round-trip flights, a laptop, meals access, and comprehensive pre-departure, arrival, and ongoing academic and career support.
Who can apply: Citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries — Nigerian citizens are fully eligible. You must be under 35 years of age. You must have completed or be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree from one of Sciences Po’s institutions of reference — Nigerian universities on this list include University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria Nsukka, and Ahmadu Bello University, among others. Check the current list at sciencespo.fr as it is updated periodically. You must demonstrate financial need and commitment to contributing to Africa’s development. You must be applying for an eligible two-year Master’s programme — one-year and joint programmes are not eligible.
How to apply: Two simultaneous tracks must be pursued at the same time. First, check your eligibility for the Mastercard Foundation scholarship through the Sciences Po scholarship eligibility portal. Second, apply for admission to your chosen Sciences Po Master’s programme through the graduate admissions portal. For the 2027 intake, the application window is expected to open in October 2026 with a January 2027 deadline.
French Embassy Scholarship Programme for Nigerian Students
The Embassy of France in Nigeria also runs an annual scholarship programme for Nigerian students to pursue Master’s degrees at French public universities. The scholarship covers transportation, a monthly allowance, housing assistance, and healthcare — though tuition and registration fees must be paid by the scholar. The exact field focus changes annually. Monitor the Campus France Nigeria website at nigeria.campusfrance.org and the French Embassy website for the 2026–2027 announcement, expected in mid-2026.
How to Apply to a French University as a Nigerian Student
Step 1: Register on the Etudes en France portal. All Nigerian students applying to French universities must register on the Etudes en France portal, managed by Campus France Nigeria. The portal opens every year for applications from October to December. You can select up to 7 Master’s programmes and 3 Bachelor’s programmes. Required documents include your CV, cover letter, international passport, degree certificate and transcript, WAEC or NECO results, and a passport photograph.
Step 2: Pay the Campus France file processing fee. There is a fee for processing your Campus France file — confirm the current amount on the Campus France Nigeria website. This fee is non-refundable.
Step 3: Attend your Campus France interview. After submitting your Etudes en France file, you will be invited for an interview at the Campus France Nigeria office in Lagos or Abuja. The interview assesses your study project, your motivation for choosing France, and your academic background.
Step 4: Apply for a French long-stay student visa. Once you have a university acceptance letter and have completed the Campus France process, apply for your French long-stay student visa through Campus France Nigeria or TLScontact. Your Campus France file reference number is required for the visa application.
Deadline Information
The Etudes en France portal for Nigerian students typically opens in October and closes in December each year. The Eiffel scholarship cycle for the 2027 intake begins with institutions identifying candidates by November 2026, with the Campus France submission deadline in early January 2027. The Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation scholarship for the 2027 intake is expected to open in October 2026 with a deadline in January 2027. The French Embassy scholarship programme for 2026–2027 will be announced mid-2026 on the Campus France Nigeria website. Moreschooling will publish updates as each cycle opens. Visit nigeria.campusfrance.org for the most current information on studying in France from Nigeria.