Study in France 2026 | Fully Funded Scholarships

Updated: November 19, 2025

Are you dreaming of studying in France but worried about IELTS requirements? Great news! France is one of the few countries that allows international students to Study Without IELTS through multiple fully funded scholarships. Whether you want to pursue a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, France provides world-class education, global exposure, and extraordinary opportunities—without the barrier of language tests.

In this guide, we cover how to study in France without IELTS, top universities, and fully funded scholarships you can apply for in 2026.

Why Study in France?

Unlike many countries, France offers pathways for students to secure admissions without IELTS, provided they can demonstrate English proficiency through interviews or previous academic records. This has made France an increasingly popular destination for international students worldwide.

Some highlights:

  • ✔️ Top-ranked universities in the world

  • ✔️ Fully funded scholarships by the French Government & EU

  • ✔️ Tuition-free or low-cost education

  • ✔️ Programs available in English

  • ✔️ No mandatory IELTS for many universities

Study in France Without IELTS 2026 – Overview

University French Universities
Degree Levels Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Scholarship Coverage Fully Funded
Eligible Applicants All Nationalities
Country France
Deadline Varies by University

How to Study in France Without IELTS?

Instead of IELTS, students must prove English proficiency through:

1. Video / Skype Interview

Once shortlisted, students will be required to:

  • Attend an online interview

  • Answer questions in English

  • Demonstrate fluency, clarity & confidence

If the interview panel is satisfied with your English level, IELTS will be waived.

2. Previous Education in English (Some Universities Accept)

Some institutions accept:

  • English-medium certificates from previous institutions

  • MOI (Medium of Instruction) proof

List of Universities in France That Accept Students Without IELTS

Here are some top French universities where you can study without IELTS:

  • Toulouse Business School

  • INSEEC Business School

  • American Business School, Paris

  • EBS Paris

  • Paris School of Business

  • EPITA Graduate School of Computer Science

  • NEOMA Business School

  • ESAIP School of Engineers

  • ESC Rennes School of Business

  • ESGCI Paris

  • ESLSCA Business School

  • IESA International

  • ISC Paris

  • SKEMA Business School

These institutions offer programs in English and accept alternative English proficiency proofs.



Below are the top scholarships you can apply for in France in 2026—many of which do not require IELTS.

1. Erasmus+ Scholarship (Fully Funded)

A top European scholarship funded by the European Commission.

  • For Master’s programs

  • Covers: tuition fees, travel, monthly stipends, insurance

  • Choose “France” as your host country in the online portal

2. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (Fully Funded)

Offered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

  • For Master’s & PhD students

  • Covers: tuition fee, monthly allowance, travel, insurance

3. French Government Scholarship (Fully Funded – PhD Only)

Supports international students pursuing doctoral degrees in France.

  • Covers education & living expenses

4. Emile Boutmy Scholarship – Sciences Po University

A prestigious scholarship for:

  • Bachelor’s

  • Master’s

  • PhD

Offered to excellent international students outside the European Union.

5. Excellence Major Scholarships

Funded jointly by:

  • Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE)

  • Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs

Covers up to 5 years of study in France.

6. France Masters & PhD Scholarships (282+ Programs)

Over 282 fully funded scholarships are available for:

  • Master’s

  • PhD

  • Postdoctoral programs

Open across almost all academic fields.

7. University of Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships

A leading French university offering:

  • Fully funded Master’s scholarships

  • Programs taught fully in English

  • Ideal for students aiming for research careers

Final Words

Studying in France without IELTS in 2026 is a real and life-changing opportunity for international students. From world-class education to fully funded scholarships, France opens the door to limitless possibilities—without the stress of language exams.

If you dream of studying abroad, France is one of the best affordable and IELTS-free options available.