If you are planning to study French in France before moving into a degree program, you have probably already searched for scholarships to help cover the cost. The honest answer is that dedicated scholarships for French language schools are rare and not part of any major program.
This article breaks down exactly what funding exists, who qualifies, and how language school students can still make their French education financially viable.
Key Takeaways
- The Campus Bourses catalogue is the official tool for finding scholarships to study in France.
- The vast majority of French scholarships are reserved for students enrolled in a degree program (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD).
- Scholarships managed locally by embassies can occasionally fund language study if it’s tied to professional training, but such grants are very limited.
- Language school students are better off focusing on tuition discounts for longer courses, scholarships from their home country, and part-time work once enrolled on a long-stay visa.
| Note: This article is for general informational purposes. Scholarship amounts, deadlines, and eligibility rules change each academic year. |
Why are scholarships limited to degree programs and not language schools?
Most French scholarships require you to enroll in a diploma-granting program. This is because the organizations providing the funding want to support long-term academic and professional goals, rather than short courses.
This does not mean language school tuition cannot be reduced at all. It means the reduction usually comes from a different source: tuition discounts from the language school itself, or scholarships from your home country rather than from France.
How do you find financial aid for studying in France?
The Campus Bourses catalogue, run by Campus France, is the official starting point for identifying scholarships you may be eligible for.
The tool lists funding offered by French and foreign governments, regional authorities, companies, foundations, and individual institutions of higher education. You can filter results by nationality, field of study, and academic level to narrow down which programs apply to your situation.
It is worth noting that the catalogue is built around degree-track funding. When you filter by academic level, language courses are not listed as a separate category, since the database is structured around Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and research-level study.
If you are specifically searching for funding tied to a French-language course, you are unlikely to find a dedicated listing, but the catalogue is still the right place to check before assuming nothing exists for your country or field.
What scholarships do French embassies abroad offer?
The Bourses du Gouvernement Français (BGF) is a French government scholarship program run by embassies and Campus France offices in each country. Every embassy sets its own rules, fields, and the number of scholarships it offers each year, depending on its agreements with your country. This means availability can vary widely depending on where you apply.
There are three main types of scholarships offered by embassies:
- Bourse d’études (study scholarship): This is the main type and is for students enrolled at a French higher education institution who are working toward a university diploma at that institution.
- Bourse de stage (training scholarship): This category, generally lasting 3 to 12 months, funds professional training, skill development, or specialization related to your job. A language program may fall under this category if it is part of your professional training. This is one of the rare cases where embassy funding can support language study, though in practice these grants are limited in number and tied to specific bilateral programs, so they are not widely available or guaranteed.
- Bourse de séjour scientifique (scientific stay scholarship): This scholarship usually lasts 1 to 3 months and supports participation in advanced research, cultural, scientific, technical, or industrial exchange programs.
| Note: Since embassy programs are negotiated bilaterally and change from year to year, the only reliable way to know what is available to you is to contact the Campus France office in your own country directly. |
What funding options actually exist for French language students?
Since government scholarships are often off the table, language school students should consider three realistic funding sources: institutional discounts, home-country scholarships, and part-time work rights once enrolled.
- Language school discounts: Many private French language schools give discounts if you sign up for a longer course, register early, or join as a group. Each school decides its own rates, so it’s a good idea to compare a few before choosing.
- Home-country scholarships: Some national governments or foundations offer scholarships for language study abroad to help students prepare for university. These programs are managed in your home country, so check with your local authorities for details.
- Self-financing: If you have a long-stay student visa, you can work part-time to help cover your living costs. This may not be enough to pay for tuition, but it can help with everyday expenses while you study.
If you need help with visa requirements or budgeting for your studies in France, our blog has more detailed information on these topics. Check out our other guides to keep planning your move with confidence.
