One of Europe’s most prestigious and comprehensive scholarships for Master’s studies is now open! The University of Paris-Saclay invites applications for its IDEX Scholarship 2026, a fully-funded opportunity for outstanding international students to pursue a Master’s degree at one of France’s top-ranked universities. Covering living expenses, travel, and visa costs, this scholarship offers a gateway to academic excellence in the heart of a world-class research cluster. If you are a high-achieving student aiming for a Master’s in France, this is your premier opportunity. The key deadlines are for Master’s program admission, with the scholarship process following acceptance.
University of Paris-Saclay IDEX Scholarship 2026 – Key Details
Here’s a quick overview of this prestigious award:
- University: Université Paris-Saclay, France
- Scholarship Sponsor: IDEX (Initiative d’Excellence)
- Study Level: Master’s Degree (All academic fields except vocational training)
- Scholarship Duration: 1 or 2 years (matches the length of your Master’s program)
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded (Living Stipend + Travel Grant)
- Target Group: New International Students (first-time studying in France)
- Age Limit: Must not exceed 30 years old in the year of selection
- Key Date: Master’s program admission deadlines apply; scholarship invitations follow.
About the Fully Funded IDEX Scholarship
The IDEX Scholarship is a flagship initiative of the University of Paris-Saclay, a leading French institution renowned for its strength in science, engineering, and humanities. Ranked among the top universities globally, it offers a dynamic environment within a major European innovation hub.
This scholarship is designed to attract the world’s brightest Master’s students to its programs. It provides substantial financial support, allowing scholars to fully immerse themselves in their studies and the vibrant academic and cultural life in and around Paris, without financial worry.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
This is a competitive scholarship with specific requirements. You are eligible to apply if you:
- Are an international student undertaking your first studies in France.
- Are 30 years old or younger in the year of selection (2026).
- Have received and accepted an offer of admission to a Master’s program at Université Paris-Saclay.
- Have a maximum study gap of 3 years since your last degree.
- Can demonstrate exceptional academic achievements.
- Important: You cannot apply directly for the scholarship. You must first be invited by the university via email after your Master’s application is reviewed.
Comprehensive Scholarship Benefits & Coverage
The scholarship provides a comprehensive financial package:
- Annual Living Stipend: €10,000 paid in 10 monthly installments during the academic year.
- Travel & Visa Grant: A one-time payment of €1,000 to help cover travel to France and visa expenses.
- Tuition Fees: Note that the scholarship stipend is intended for living costs. However, tuition fees at French public universities are relatively low, even for non-EU students.
The Unique Two-Step Application Process
This scholarship has a critical, non-negotiable two-step process:
- Step 1: Secure Master’s Program Admission
- You must first apply and gain admission to a Master’s program at the University of Paris-Saclay through the standard application portal before their deadlines.
- Admission does not guarantee a scholarship invitation.
- Step 2: Receive and Respond to Scholarship Invitation
- After reviewing Master’s applications, the university selects top-ranked candidates and sends them a personalized email invitation to apply for the IDEX scholarship.
- Only students who receive this official email can proceed with the scholarship application. There is no separate public application form.
How to Apply (The Essential Steps)
Given the unique process, your strategy should be:
- Choose Your Program: Explore the Master’s programs offered by Paris-Saclay’s member institutions and faculties. Ensure your academic profile is an excellent match.
- Prepare a Stellar Master’s Application: Submit an outstanding application for your chosen Master’s program. This includes your academic transcripts, CV, letters of recommendation, and a compelling motivation letter. This is your primary and most important task.
- Submit Before Program Deadlines: Adhere strictly to the admission deadlines for your specific Master’s program, which are typically in early 2026.
- Await Communication: If your Master’s application is ranked highly, you will receive the scholarship invitation email with further instructions.
🔥 Pro Tip: Since you cannot apply for the scholarship directly, your entire focus must be on crafting a flawless, highly competitive application for your chosen Master’s program. Your academic excellence and fit for the program are the sole criteria for being invited to the scholarship stage. Start this process many months in advance.
Official Website & Application Portal
All journeys start with the Master’s program application. Use the link below to find your program and begin.
👉 CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE MASTER’S PROGRAMS AND APPLY TO THE UNIVERSITY OF PARIS-SACLAY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How do I apply for the scholarship directly?
A: You cannot. There is no direct public application. You must first be admitted to a Master’s program and then be selected and invited by the university to apply for the IDEX scholarship via email.
Q2: Is there an application fee for the scholarship?
A: There is no separate fee for the scholarship stage. However, there may be standard application fees associated with applying to the Master’s program itself, depending on your nationality and the specific procedure.
Q3: What fields of study are eligible?
A: The scholarship is open to students admitted to any Master’s program at Paris-Saclay, across all academic disciplines, except for programs classified as vocational training.
Q4: I have been studying in France for one year. Can I apply?
A: No. The scholarship is exclusively for new international students undertaking their first studies in France. If you are already enrolled at a French university, you are not eligible.
Q5: What are my chances if I get admitted to the Master’s program?
A: Admission is the first major hurdle. The scholarship is highly competitive and awarded based on academic merit. Only the top-ranked candidates from the Master’s admission pool receive the invitation to apply for the scholarship.
