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Study in France: A Guide for Pakistani Students

July 14, 2025

France is increasingly becoming an attractive destination for Pakistani students, offering world-class education, rich cultural experiences, and significant post-study work opportunities. With many high-ranking universities and business schools offering programs taught in English, the language barrier is diminishing.

For Pakistani students, the entire application process is streamlined through a mandatory government agency. This guide provides a step-by-step process on how to apply for universities and prestigious scholarships in France.

1. The Central Role of Campus France

Before anything else, it is crucial to understand that Campus France is the official French government agency responsible for promoting higher education. For students residing in Pakistan, it is mandatory to process your application through the “Études en France” (EEF) online portal managed by Campus France Pakistan. This platform is your gateway to applying to French universities and is a prerequisite for the student visa application.

2. Top Scholarships for Pakistani Students

France offers several prestigious scholarships. The two most significant ones for Pakistani students are the Eiffel Scholarship and the France Excellence for Master scholarship.

A. The Eiffel Scholarship of Excellence

This is the most prestigious scholarship offered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. It is designed for the best international students for Master’s and PhD programs in specific fields.

Fields of Study:
- Science and Technology (Engineering, Mathematics, etc.)
- Humanities and Social Sciences (History, French language, etc.)
- Economics and Management
- Law and Political Science
Key Benefit: It provides a generous monthly stipend of €1,181 for Master’s students and €1,700 for PhD students, plus a return air ticket, health insurance, and cultural activities.
Important Note: The Eiffel Scholarship does not cover tuition fees. You must secure admission at a university that offers low or no tuition fees, or have another source of funding to cover them.
How to Apply: Students cannot apply directly. You must first apply for admission to a French university. If the university considers you an outstanding candidate, the university itself will nominate you for the Eiffel Scholarship. Therefore, your focus should be on submitting an exceptional university application well before the university’s deadline (typically in the autumn/winter of 2024 for the 2025 intake).

B. France Excellence for Master Scholarship

This scholarship is offered directly by the Embassy of France in Pakistan and is specifically for Pakistani students admitted to a Master’s program in France.

Key Benefit: This is a comprehensive package that covers tuition fees up to €5,000 per year, provides a monthly stipend of €860, offers free health insurance, visa fee waiver, and assistance in finding affordable student accommodation.
How to Apply: Students apply directly through the French Embassy in Pakistan. The call for applications is usually announced on their website, with deadlines typically around March each year.

3. Step-by-Step Application Guide for Pakistani Students

The application journey requires careful planning and adherence to the official “Études en France” procedure.

Step 1: Research and Select Programs (Start Now for 2025)

Use the Campus France course catalogues to find suitable Master’s or PhD programs taught in English or French.
Note the application deadlines for each university you are interested in. Remember, to be considered for the Eiffel Scholarship, you must apply to the university very early.

Step 2: Create Your “Études en France” Account

Visit the official “Études en France” website for Pakistan.
Create your personal online account. This will be your dashboard for the entire application process.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application Documents

Gather and prepare high-quality digital copies of the following documents:

CV: A well-structured, one-page CV (the Europass format is recommended).
Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Letter of Motivation: A compelling essay detailing your academic background, career goals, and reasons for choosing France and your specific program.
Academic Records: All your academic transcripts and degrees, which must be attested by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan.
Proof of Language Proficiency:
- IELTS or TOEFL for programs taught in English.
- DELF, DALF, or TCF for programs taught in French.
Letters of Recommendation: Strong academic or professional references.
Passport-sized photograph.

Step 4: Complete the Online Application

Fill out all sections of your EEF online application form.
Upload all your prepared documents.
Select the universities and programs you are applying to.
Pay the required Campus France application fee (the amount is specified on their website).

Step 5: The Campus France Interview

Once your application is complete and the fee is paid, you will be invited for an academic interview with a Campus France officer.
This interview is to assess your academic background, motivation, and the coherence of your study plan. It is a mandatory step.
If your interview is successful, Campus France will process your applications and send them to the universities you selected.

4. The French Student Visa Process from Pakistan

After you receive a letter of admission from a French university, you can proceed with the visa application.

Final Approval from Campus France: You must have the final “accord” or approval from Campus France on your EEF portal before you can apply for a visa.
Book a Visa Appointment: Schedule an appointment with the visa section of the French Embassy in Islamabad or the Consulate General in Karachi.
Gather Visa Documents: This will include your passport, visa application form, photos, the letter of admission, your Campus France approval letter, and proof of financial means.
Proof of Funds: If you are self-financed, you must show proof of having at least €615 per month for the duration of your stay. If you have a scholarship like the Eiffel or France Excellence, your scholarship award letter will serve as your proof of funds.
Visa Interview & Submission: Attend your appointment to submit your documents and biometrics.

Studying in France is a highly rewarding experience. By starting your research early and meticulously following the Campus France procedure, you can significantly increase your chances of securing admission and a prestigious scholarship.