SMARTS-UP Graduate Schools International Scholarships 2026 Open

A major funding window has officially opened for international students planning to study in France in the 2026–2027 academic year. The SMARTS-UP Graduate Schools International Scholarships, administered by Université Paris Cité, are now inviting applications from high-achieving international Master’s candidates worldwide.

This is a one-year, merit-based Master’s scholarship designed to attract top global talent and prepare a strong pipeline of future doctoral researchers in France. Applications are open until mid-January 2026, making this a time-sensitive opportunity for the 2026–2027 cohort.

What kind of opportunity is SMARTS-UP?

SMARTS-UP is an international Master’s scholarship programme linked to Université Paris Cité’s Graduate Schools. Its core objective is to strengthen the international dimension of French higher education by welcoming outstanding international students into selected Master’s programmes. The scholarship supports students for one academic year (2026–2027) and is aimed at those who may later pursue doctoral studies in France or Europe.

Who should consider applying?

This opportunity is tailored for international students applying to Master 1 or Master 2 programmes who are new to the French higher education system. It is particularly suitable for candidates with strong academic backgrounds who wish to study in France without holding any prior French degree.

Scholarship Benefits at a Glance

Successful candidates under the SMARTS-UP Graduate Schools programme receive:

• €10,000 scholarship for one academic year
• Financial support to help cover living expenses during Master’s studies
• Access to Université Paris Cité’s internationally focused Graduate Schools
• Exposure to a research-driven academic environment designed to nurture future PhD candidates
• Recognition as part of a selective international excellence cohort

A total of 400 international students will be awarded these scholarships out of approximately 3,000 Master’s students, making the programme competitive and prestigious.

Eligibility Overview

You are generally eligible to apply if you meet the following conditions:

• You are an international applicant and new to the French higher education system
• You do not hold any degree from a French institution
• For Master 1: you hold an international qualification equivalent to a French Licence (Bachelor’s degree)
• For Master 2: you have completed at least one full-time year of a Master’s degree in a related field
• Binational or multinational applicants with French citizenship are eligible only if they are new to the French system
• Students enrolled in joint-degree programmes with Université Paris Cité may apply as an exception
• Non-European applicants living outside the EU must also complete registration on the Études en France platform for visa purposes.

Apply: https://mobility.smarts-up.fr/

Application timeline you must not miss

Applications for the SMARTS-UP Graduate Schools Scholarships 2026–2027 open on 1 December 2025 and close on 16 January 2026 at 12:00 noon (CET).