In this article
- Funding your studies abroad: a realistic goal
- 1. French government scholarships
- 2. Erasmus+ grants
- 3. Scholarships from destination countries
- 4. Private French foundations
- 5. Low-interest student loans
Funding your studies abroad: a realistic goal
Cost is often the biggest obstacle for students who want to study abroad. Yet a wide range of scholarships, grants and funding options exists to put this goal within reach of every kind of student. Whether you plan to study in the UK, the US, Canada, Australia or elsewhere in Europe, there are ways to cover some or all of your costs.
In this guide, we list the main scholarships available to you, with their eligibility criteria, amounts and application procedures.
On the same topic, read our article: Studying abroad without fluent English: 3 routes in 2026.
1. French government scholarships
Need-based grant (CROUS)
CROUS grant holders can keep receiving their grant while studying abroad, provided they go through an official exchange programme or a mobility scheme supervised by their home institution. Amounts: €1,084 to €5,951 per year, depending on the grant level (0 bis to 7).
International Mobility Grant (AMI)
In addition to the CROUS grant, the AMI can reach €400 per month for the entire mobility period. Your higher education institution awards it based on financial need and academic criteria.
French Government Scholarships (BGF)
For students who want to pursue a Master’s or a PhD abroad, Campus France runs several merit scholarship schemes. Contact your regional Campus France office for details.
To learn more, read our guide: Erasmus Mundus scholarships: programmes, criteria and timeline.
2. Erasmus+ grants
The Erasmus+ programme is the best-known source of funding for studying in Europe. If your institution has an Erasmus agreement with a university abroad, you can receive:
- A monthly grant of €250 to €800, depending on the destination country (the higher the cost of living, the higher the grant)
- A tuition fee waiver at the host university
- Automatic recognition of the ECTS credits you earn abroad
An Erasmus stay lasts from 3 to 12 months (or up to 24 months over your entire degree). You apply through your institution’s international relations office, usually between November and February for a stay the following academic year.
For further reading, see also: International credit transfers and direct-entry admissions: the guide.
3. Scholarships from destination countries
United Kingdom
- Chevening Scholarships: the UK government’s merit scholarships for a Master’s in the UK, fully funded (fees and living costs)
- Commonwealth Scholarships: for citizens of Commonwealth countries (not France, though some French overseas territories qualify)
- University scholarships: Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial and LSE offer many merit-based scholarships
United States
- Fulbright: a Franco-American programme for Master’s and PhD students, highly competitive (around 30 recipients a year from France)
- US university scholarships: Harvard, MIT and Yale offer need-blind admissions, with financial aid based on family income that can cover 100% of costs
- Athletic scholarships: for elite athletes (NCAA)
Canada
- Vanier Scholarships: for doctoral students (CAD 50,000 a year for 3 years)
- Quebec scholarships: the Quebec government offers dedicated scholarships for students from France
- University scholarships: McGill, Toronto and UBC offer merit-based entrance scholarships
Germany
- DAAD: a wide and varied range of scholarships from the German Academic Exchange Service
- Deutschlandstipendium: €300 a month, co-funded by the university and private companies
Netherlands
- Holland Scholarship: €5,000 for the first year of a Bachelor’s or Master’s
- Orange Tulip Scholarship: for students from certain Asian countries
- University scholarships: many merit scholarships at Dutch universities
4. Private French foundations
Fondation de France
The Fondation de France manages dozens of private scholarship funds for study abroad across a range of fields (arts, sciences, medicine, law). Use the scholarship search tool on fondationdefrance.org.
Fondation Zellidja (Lions Club)
Grants of €3,000 for an individual study trip abroad, open to young people aged 16 to 20. Selection is competitive and based on a proposed learning trip.
Fondation Journalistes Solidaires
For journalism students who want to report on a story abroad.
On the same topic, read our article: Health insurance for studying abroad: a practical comparison of the best options (2026).
5. Low-interest student loans
If scholarships don’t cover all your needs, several additional funding options are available:
- State-guaranteed loans (through BpiFrance): up to €20,000 with no parental guarantor for students under 28
- Student loans from major banks (BNP, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole): preferential rates, with repayment deferred until after graduation
- Income Share Agreements (ISA): repayment based on your future salary, offered by some US universities
Also worth reading: What if stress became an ally in academic success?
6. How can you maximize your chances of winning a scholarship?
- Apply early: most major scholarships have deadlines 6 to 18 months before the academic year starts
- Take care over your personal statement: explain your academic and career plans, why you chose your destination, and why you deserve this funding
- Get strong recommendation letters: choose teachers who know you well
- Apply widely: apply for 5 to 10 scholarships at the same time to maximize your chances
- Show your commitment: involvement in clubs and associations, personal projects and unconventional backgrounds are all valued
Conclusion
Funding your studies abroad is a challenge, but far from impossible. By combining government grants, Erasmus+, university funding and subsidized loans, most students manage to pay for their time abroad. The Your Dream School team helps you identify the scholarships you are eligible for and put together strong applications.
See also: our complete guide to funding your studies abroad in 2026 (scholarships, loans, foundations).
For further reading, see also: The most expensive study destinations.
Author
With a Bachelor's (LLB) from UCL and Assas, and the Grande Ecole program at HEC Paris, Adam co-founded Your Dream School in 2018. Since then the company has coached more than 1,000 students through university admissions and interview preparation for top global institutions.
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