University of Paris-Saclay France IDEX International Master’s Scholarships 2025

The Université Paris-Saclay IDEX International Master’s Scholarships 2025 fund outstanding international students admitted to eligible Master’s programmes at Université Paris-Saclay and its member institutions. Each award provides a living allowance of €10,000 per year, plus a small travel/visa allowance, and is intended to remove financial barriers so scholars can focus on high-level coursework and research.

About the University of Paris-Saclay

The University of Paris-Saclay is one of the leading universities in France and Europe, renowned for its academic rigor, cutting-edge research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Established through the merger of top research institutions, grandes écoles, and universities in the Paris-Saclay region, it has quickly gained global recognition.

  • Rankings: Consistently ranked among the top 15 universities worldwide in fields such as mathematics, physics, and natural sciences.
  • Research Strength: The university hosts more than 300 laboratories and partners with national research bodies like CNRS, CEA, and INRAE.
  • Innovation Hub: Paris-Saclay is located in France’s “Silicon Valley,” close to leading technology companies, research centers, and startups.
  • International Outlook: Home to more than 9,000 international students representing over 120 countries, Paris-Saclay promotes cultural exchange and global collaboration.

About the IDEX Initiative

The Initiative d’Excellence (IDEX) is a government-backed program launched to enhance the global competitiveness of French higher education institutions. Through IDEX, selected universities receive funding to strengthen their research capacity, international partnerships, and student diversity.

At Paris-Saclay, the IDEX initiative directly supports the International Master’s Scholarships, ensuring that talented students with high potential are given full academic and financial support to excel in their studies and contribute to solving global challenges.

Scholarship Objectives

The IDEX International Master’s Scholarships aim to:

  • Promote Academic Excellence: Reward outstanding international students with top academic records.
  • Encourage International Mobility: Attract students from all regions of the world to study in France.
  • Support Cutting-Edge Research: Involve students in high-impact projects addressing global issues.
  • Develop Future Global Leaders: Train individuals who will contribute to innovation, policy, industry, and academia worldwide.

Eligible Partner Institutions

The scholarship applies to master’s programs offered across the University of Paris-Saclay consortium, including:

  • AgroParisTech
  • CentraleSupélec
  • ENS Paris-Saclay
  • Institut d’Optique Graduate School (IOGS)
  • Université d’Évry
  • Université Paris-Saclay (UPSaclay)
  • Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ)
  • INSTN-CEA

What the IDEX Master’s Scholarship Covers

Core financial support

  • €10,000 per academic year (paid for a 10-month academic period, typically September–June).
  • Travel & visa support: a one-off contribution toward travel and visa costs (up to €900 in many cases); the exact ceiling can depend on the candidate’s country of origin.

Additional features

  • Scholarships are awarded for 1 or 2 years depending on whether you are admitted at the M1 or M2 level, and depend on credit completion to continue to the next year.
  • Payment is usually made after arrival and official registration at the host institution (i.e., funds are disbursed once you are enrolled).

Eligible study locations

  • Awards apply to Master’s programmes delivered by Université Paris-Saclay member institutions and associated schools (for example: AgroParisTech, CentraleSupélec, ENS Paris-Saclay, Université d’Évry/UPSaclay, UVSQ, and others where the programme is accredited by Paris-Saclay). All eligible Master’s fields are in scope except vocational training.

Who Should Apply

The IDEX Master’s Scholarships target internationally-mobile, research-oriented students who meet the following general criteria:

  • Admission: You must have an offer of admission (or be in the admission process) for a full-time Master’s programme accredited by Université Paris-Saclay.
  • Level: Scholarships are available for both M1 (year 1) and M2 (year 2) Master’s enrolments; funding length depends on admission level (1 or 2 years).
  • Academic excellence: Strong prior academic record (transcripts, class rank where applicable) and a research motivation — priority is often given to candidates who intend to pursue research up to PhD level.
  • Financial need & mobility: Although merit is central, many calls also check that financial support is required to enable study in France; travel allowance eligibility can vary by origin country.
  • International focus: Open to applicants worldwide (often with an age preference for early-career students), and intended for students who have not previously pursued long-term studies in France. Some administrative conditions may apply — always confirm on the official portal.

Note: precise eligibility details (age caps, prior residence restrictions) and any category exceptions are published each year with the call for applications — read the official page carefully.

Documents You’ll Need (typical checklist)

  • Valid passport ID page
  • Official academic transcripts and diplomas (translated and certified if necessary)
  • Letter of admission (or proof you’ve applied) to an eligible Master’s programme at Paris-Saclay
  • Curriculum vitae (CV) — emphasize academic achievements and research experience
  • Motivation letter / statement of purpose (explain research intent and career plan; link to doctoral ambitions if relevant)
  • Letters of recommendation (1–3 academic/professional referees)
  • Proof of English and/or French proficiency (depending on the programme language)
  • Financial situation documents (if travel/visa allowance or proof of need is requested)
  • Any additional programme-specific documents requested by the host (research proposal for M2 research tracks, portfolio, etc.)

Which Programmes Are Covered

  • All Master’s programmes accredited by Université Paris-Saclay (M1 and M2 levels) are considered, except vocational/professional training cycles.
  • Disciplines span natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, life sciences, and more — interdisciplinary projects are particularly welcome. Confirm your chosen programme is listed as eligible on the official call.

Application Process

1. Apply for admission to a Paris-Saclay Master’s programme

  • First step: secure admission (or be in the selection pipeline) at one of Paris-Saclay’s member institutions. The scholarship application typically follows after you have identified and been considered for a programme.

2. Programme selection by academic managers (internal deadline)

  • Many departments run an internal selection process: programme managers nominate candidates for the IDEX scholarship before the central scholarship application opens. Check your department’s internal selection deadline (often early May).

3. Complete the IDEX scholarship application

  • Once nominated (or once you have an offer, depending on the scheme), fill the online IDEX scholarship form on Université Paris-Saclay’s portal and attach required documents (see list below). Deadlines are strict — late submissions are not accepted.

4. Shortlisting and interviews (if required)

  • Applications are reviewed centrally; shortlists are typically made and some candidates may be invited for an interview or asked for clarifications.

5. Official offer and enrollment

  • Successful applicants receive an award letter; funds are commonly disbursed after you arrive in France and register at the hosting institution.

Key Dates — 2025 cycle (official call and common deadlines)

  • Applications open: 2025 call published on Université Paris-Saclay portal (call for applications 2025-2026).
  • Programme selection (by department/manager): commonly by 5 May 2025 (applicant must be selected / nominated by programme manager).
  • Scholarship application deadline (central portal): commonly 9 May 2025 (applicants submit scholarship form after being selected).
  • Reference/Recommendation deadline: often a few days after the scholarship deadline (e.g., 12 May 2025 for referees to upload letters).
  • Notification of results: typically late June 2025 (official announcement window).
  • Programme start: September 2025 (scholarship payments cover the academic year September–June).

Selection Criteria

Selection emphasizes a combination of:

  • Academic excellence (rigour of previous studies, grades, institution)
  • Research potential and motivation (clear objectives, feasibility, link to doctoral work)
  • Quality and fit of the chosen programme / host institution
  • Impact & mobility (how the award will enable your research and future career, especially for applicants from underrepresented regions)
  • Completeness and professionalism of the application package (well-written motivation letter, strong references, valid documents)

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

  • Secure a programme offer early: Departments must often nominate candidates — being admitted/pre-selected increases your chance.
  • Tailor your motivation letter to research continuity: If you intend to pursue a PhD, explain the bridge between the Master’s project and doctoral aims. Emphasize methods, expected outputs, and why Paris-Saclay is the right environment.
  • Get strong, research-focused recommendations: Ask referees to address your research skills, independence, and suitability for international research stays.
  • Prepare a realistic budget and explain travel needs: If applying for the travel/visa allowance, provide estimates and justify the request.
  • Demonstrate language readiness: If your programme runs in French, show basics or plans for language training; for English programmes, provide TOEFL/IELTS evidence.
  • Follow the exact submission format: Use the portal forms and file naming conventions requested by the university to avoid technical rejections.
  • Keep copies and receipts: After arrival, you’ll need to register and may need to provide documentation before funds are disbursed — be prepared.

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