Applications are officially open for the France-South Africa Scholarship Programme 2027, a premier international academic initiative designed to fund postgraduate studies for outstanding scholars from South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi.
Funded by the French Embassy in South Africa alongside key national development partners, the scholarship provides fully supported access to Master’s degrees, PhD research, and advanced academic training at top French higher education institutions starting in September 2027.
Key Details at a Glance
- Application Deadline: 8 October 2026 (23:59 SAST)
- Target Degree Levels: Master’s & PhD (Doctoral research)
- Eligible Countries: South Africa, Lesotho, Malawi
- Departure Date: September 2027
Purpose & Scope
The primary objective of the programme is to foster academic excellence, strengthen scientific and research networks between Southern Africa and France, and build leadership capacity across priority fields.
Selected laureates receive funding for their studies in France, language training support via the Alliance Française network prior to departure, and access to priority student housing.
Priority Academic Disciplines
While the call for applications is open to all academic fields, preference will be given to candidates working within Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as well as related Humanities and Social Sciences.
High-priority focus areas for the 2027 intake include:
- Digital Technologies & AI: Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technologies, ICT
- Health & Life Sciences: Biotechnology, Medical Innovation, Public Health
- Sustainability & Environment: Environmental Sciences, Energy Systems, Low-Carbon Mobility
- Agriculture & Space: Food Systems & Security, Space Science & Technology
- Cross-Disciplinary Humanities: Social science research intersecting with STEM policy and technological ethics.
