Why it fits you

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Who can apply

Three different things not to mix up: the country where you study, your nationality and the country where you live when you apply.

Country of study
France
Accepted nationalities
All except: France
Degree already heldRequired
Secondary school diploma
Target level
Bachelor’s
Fields of study
All fields
Minimum grade
Baccalauréat with the 'très bien' distinction
Other conditions
  • You must be preselected by the head of your French high school abroad before submitting your application.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: Les élèves de terminale souhaitant déposer leur candidature doivent être présélectionnés par le proviseur ou la proviseure du lycée français à l'étranger.
  • Selection ranks candidates on the quality of academic results, the coherence of their study plan, involvement in school life or extracurricular activities, and motivation for demanding higher education in France.PreferredOrganisation’s wording: Qualité des résultats scolaires, projet d'orientation cohérent, implication dans la vie de l'établissement ou dans des activités extra-scolaires et enfin motivation pour des études supérieures exigeantes en France constituent les axes de classement des candidates et candidats.
  • The final award of the scholarship is conditional on obtaining the baccalauréat with the 'très bien' distinction and on confirming your enrolment in the course announced in your application.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: La décision d'attribution définitive d'une bourse aux candidats sélectionnés par la commission est conditionnée par l'obtention du baccalauréat avec mention « très bien » et par la confirmation de l'inscription dans la filière annoncée dans la candidature.

The real funding

What the opportunity pays, what is left for you to pay and the money to plan before leaving.

Length of the funding
60 months

Application steps

In the order set by the programme. Open a step to see the details.

  1. Step 1: Be preselected by the head of the French high school abroad
    With whom
    The head of the French high school abroad
  2. Step 2: Submit the application online on the dedicated application
    With whom
    The student
  3. Step 3: The application is assessed by the cooperation and cultural action service of the French embassy in the country concerned
    With whom
    The cooperation and cultural action service of the French embassy
  4. Step 4: The application is examined by AEFE, which passes it to a selection commission
    With whom
    AEFE
  5. Step 5: France Excellence Major scholarship selection commission, organised by AEFE each year in May
    With whom
    AEFE and a commission of higher education specialists and representatives of excellence tracks
  6. Step 6: Final award of the scholarship, conditional on obtaining the baccalauréat with the 'très bien' distinction and confirming enrolment
    With whom
    AEFE

Where to apply

Agence pour l'enseignement français à l'étranger (AEFE) (opens in a new tab) · France Excellence Major

Official title (in French): Dispositif des bourses France Excellence Major

Verified on 1 November 2026

Apply on the official website (opens in a new tab)

Official website of Agence pour l'enseignement français à l'étranger (AEFE): aefe.gouv.fr

Prepare your departure

Visa, insurance, housing, budget and first steps on arrival: everything is explained in the country guide.