The University of Paris-Saclay, one of France’s most prestigious institutions, is offering fully funded scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year under its International Master’s Scholarships Program IDEX. This initiative aims to attract highly qualified international students to pursue their Master’s degrees in a wide range of academic fields. The best part? No IELTS is required, and students can apply directly without the need for an agent. This is a golden opportunity for students worldwide to study in one of Europe’s leading universities with all expenses covered.

About the Scholarship

The University of Paris-Saclay is committed to promoting access to its Master’s programs for international students, particularly those who wish to pursue academic research up to the doctoral level. The scholarships are funded through the IDEX initiative under the 3rd Programme Investissements d’Avenir and are awarded based on academic excellence. The program is open to students admitted to Master’s programs offered by the university and its affiliated institutions, including AgroParisTech, CentraleSupélec, ENS Paris-Saclay, INSTN-CEA, Institut d’Optique Graduate School (IOGS), Université Évry Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay (UPSaclay), and Université de Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ).

The scholarships are available for one or two years, depending on the student’s admission level (M1 or M2), and are renewable subject to the successful completion of the required credits.

Scholarship Benefits

The University of Paris-Saclay IDEX scholarship is a comprehensive package designed to cover all major expenses, ensuring that students can focus entirely on their studies and research. The benefits include:

1. Airfare: Round-trip travel costs to and from France.
2. Stipend: A monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
3. Visa Costs: Reimbursement of visa application fees.
4. Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition fees for the duration of the program.
5. Additional Stipend: Enough financial support to cover all other expenses, including accommodation, food, and transportation.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:

• Admitted to a Master’s program at one of the participating institutions under the University of Paris-Saclay.
• International students studying in France for the first time.
• Aged 30 or younger during the selection year.
• Students of foreign nationality living in France for less than a year, enrolled in non-degree training, internships, or language classes, are also eligible.
• Students who have previously participated in mobility programs (e.g., Erasmus Mundus) that did not result in a degree from a French institution are eligible.

However, students currently enrolled in a French higher education institution (except those enrolled in French institutions abroad) or receiving other funding exceeding €600 per month are not eligible.

Application Timeline

The application process is highly structured, with specific deadlines that must be adhered to:

• Candidate Selection Deadline by Master’s Program Coordinator: May 5, 2025.
• Deadline to Apply for the Scholarship (for selected candidates): May 9, 2025.
• Deadline for Receipt of Recommendations from Referees: May 12, 2025.
• Publication of Results: Late June 2025.

Application Procedure

The application process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail:

1. Selection and Invitation: Only students who receive an email invitation from the University of Paris-Saclay can apply for the scholarship. No direct applications are accepted.
2. Online Application Form: Selected students will receive a link to an online application form. They must complete the form and provide contact details for two referees.
3. Recommendation Forms: The referees will receive a link to an online recommendation form, which they must complete and submit before the deadline.
4. Completion of Application: The application is considered complete only when both recommendation forms are submitted. Candidates must ensure that their referees submit the forms on time, as incomplete or late applications will be rejected.

Selection Criteria

The selection of scholarship recipients is based on a rigorous evaluation process conducted by a jury of experts from the University of Paris-Saclay and its affiliated institutions. The criteria include:

• Academic excellence.
• The quality and feasibility of the student’s personal project.
• For M2 students, a well-argued motivation to pursue a PhD in a laboratory at the University of Paris-Saclay.

Scholarship Amount and Payment

The scholarship amount is €10,000 per year, paid over 10 months (September to June). Additionally, up to €1,000 can be awarded for travel and visa expenses, depending on the candidate’s country of origin. The scholarship and travel expenses are paid only after the student arrives in France and registers for the program. No advance payments are made.

Course Attendance and Academic Mobility

Scholarship recipients must attend the program for which the scholarship was awarded. The scholarship can be suspended in cases of repeated absence without justification or if the student attends courses outside the University of Paris-Saclay, except for compulsory mobility programs like Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees or double-degree programs.

Internships

Internships in research laboratories are encouraged, preferably within the University of Paris-Saclay. Internships outside the university, especially those with wages exceeding €1,000 per month, may lead to a suspension of the scholarship. Unpaid or paid internships abroad will also result in the suspension of the scholarship.

Conclusion

The University of Paris-Saclay IDEX scholarship is a remarkable opportunity for international students to pursue their academic dreams in one of Europe’s top universities. With full financial support, no IELTS requirement, and a streamlined application process, this scholarship opens doors to world-class education and research opportunities. If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t miss this chance to apply before the deadline on April 30, 2025. Your future in academia could begin at the University of Paris-Saclay!