Applications to PhilFrance Scholarships still open to Filipinos

If you’re a Filipino student who has been looking for opportunities to further your studies in Europe, then look no more. The Embassy of France to the Philippines has issued a statement on its website earlier this year encouraging Filipino students to study in France through the PhilFrance Scholarship Programme and the PhilFrance-DOST Scholarship Programme, both of which are currently open for applications for the 2022-23 academic year. 

Established in 2016, the PhilFrance Scholarship Programme has funded over 65 Filipino students to study in France for their graduate degrees. Students can explore their scholarly interests in a wide selection of courses, including business studies, literature, engineering, and public policy and international development, among others. Their study destinations include top-ranking French universities such as the Paris-Saclay University, Aix-Marseille University, and the École Polytechnique. 

❗ Applications to the PhilFrance Scholarship & the PhilFrance-DOST Scholarship programs are still ongoing! 🇫🇷✈️🇵🇭 @cf_manille

Questions? Visit the FAQ section of the PhilFrance Scholarships website 👉 https://t.co/mMc7HLC1GS

⏰ Deadline of applications is on April 4, 2022. pic.twitter.com/poFhQhFeWq

— France in the PH 🇫🇷🇵🇭 (@FrenchEmbassyPH) February 10, 2022

The graduate scholarships are aimed at highly-qualified candidates who meet the eligibility criteria, including strong evidence of leadership qualities in their studies and non-academic pursuits. Here are some key information to look out for before sending in your application: 

Why should I study in France?

Besides its stunning landscape, architecture, culture, and history, France is well-known as one of the world’s leading intellectual centres in every discipline imaginable. Three of its institutions are listed in the top 100 best universities in the world by the Times Higher Education in 2022. France is also one of the most favoured study destinations for international students, and a French degree is recognised for employment and research worldwide. 

What are the scholarships about? 

The PhilFrance Scholarship Programme is awarded to Filipino students who wish to study in France for their master’s in public or private French higher education institutions. Applicants from all fields of study are welcome to apply, especially candidates who have excellent academic standing and solid leadership qualities. 

Meanwhile, the PhilFrance-DOST Scholarship is targeted towards encouraging Filipino professionals who are working in academic, research, or government institutions to pursue a master’s or doctorate degree at French public universities. 

Jointly administered by the French Embassy and the Philippines’ Department of Science and Technology’s Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), the programme aims to consolidate scientific exchanges between the Philippines and France.

🇫🇷🇵🇭 Meet PhilFrance-DOST Scholar, Lora!

“As in any field, a diverse set of individuals can certainly produce more interesting outputs. Inspiring women to delve into the sciences will really allow us to achieve more progress.” #WomenInScience ♀️🔬 pic.twitter.com/8UGgb4c1fh

— France in the PH 🇫🇷🇵🇭 (@FrenchEmbassyPH) February 11, 2022

Priority will be given to the following subjects in the natural and life sciences: Agriculture, Bioengineering, Bioinformatics (Medical), Biological Sciences, Climate Change, Forestry, Health and Medical Research, Material Sciences, Medical Chemistry, Natural Resources and Environment, Nuclear Application on Health, Nuclear Medicine, Veterinary Sciences, Virology.

After completing their studies, candidates must return to the Philippines immediately to render return service or a time frame equivalent to double the duration of their studies in France, according to the French Embassy. 

What is covered under the scholarship programmes? 

Students who successfully secure the PhilFrance scholarships will receive the “boursier du gouvernement français” or French government scholar title, allowing them to access the following benefits:

• A tuition fee subsidy for the entire duration of their master’s programme
• A monthly stipend of 700 Euros regardless of the city of residence
• A health care package 
• Priority access to public student accommodations 
• A roundtrip flight from Manila to the student’s study destination
• Exemption from French long-stay visa fees 

Similar coverage is extended to PhilFrance-DOST scholars, with the addition of relocation allowance and pre-travel expenses. The monthly allowance will be adjusted according to the place of study. 

When is the last day to submit my application? 

Both scholarship programmes are currently open for application for the September 2022 intake. The deadline to submit all documents is on April 4, 2022. 

Do I need to know French to be eligible for the scholarships? 

Applicants can rest easy — knowledge of the French language is not a requirement for both programmes, unless the degree requires students to be proficient in French. There are hundreds of postgraduate programmes taught in English for international students to study in France.  

For more detailed information about eligibility criteria and useful resources to help guide you in the application process, click here.