France Excellence Descartes - Embassy of France in the Hague

Program overview

This scholarship program provides financial support for Dutch students to pursue their Master's degree or conduct research internships in various fields of study in France. It has already benefited over 150 students from Dutch universities.

Benefits and funding

Scholarship recipients receive a monthly allowance, covering student social security and part of their university tuition fees for the duration of their stay in France. The program also offers additional advantages linked to the status of French government scholarship holders, including housing subsidies and cultural activities.

Fields and study levels

The scholarship is open to students across various fields of study at the Master's level. These include Agriculture and food industry, Architecture, urban planning and territorial development, Arts, culture, design and fashion, Biology, Chemistry, Communication and journalism, Law, Environment and earth sciences, Computer science, Languages and literature, Management, finance and commerce, Mathematics, Physics, Health and social professions, Education sciences, Engineering sciences, Economic and political sciences, Humanities and social sciences, Sports, Tourism, hospitality and catering, Transport and logistics.

Eligibility criteria

Students must have at least a Dutch Bachelor's degree and be enrolled in a Dutch higher education institution. Priority is given to students with a Master's degree or higher. Fluency in French will be assessed based on the chosen course and language of instruction. All disciplines are eligible, but applications related to climate change themes (as per Make Our Planet Great Again initiative) are encouraged.

How to apply

The application process involves submitting a file that includes the following documents: an online application form, a CV with a photo, a motivation letter explaining the relevance of the study project in France to your academic and professional career, copies of university degrees and transcripts with grades, two letters of recommendation from a teacher or professional, and a copy of your registration or acceptance if you have already been accepted by a French university or school. The application should be sent via email to science-univ.la-haye-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr.

Selection process

Pre-selected candidates will present their applications to a jury, consisting of representatives from the academic world, the Institut français des Pays-Bas, and/or companies.

Key takeaways

• The France Excellence Descartes Scholarship Programme offers Dutch students an opportunity to study or intern in France across various fields at the Master's level.
• It provides financial support, including a monthly allowance and social security coverage, with additional advantages linked to French government scholarship holder status.
• Eligibility criteria include a Dutch Bachelor's degree, priority for Master's students, and language proficiency based on the chosen course.
• Applications should be submitted via email, including specific documents, and pre-selected candidates will undergo a jury selection process.