SMARTS-UP Master's Scholarships 2026/2027 in France [Fully Funded]
Posted August 28, 2026
About this opportunity
The SMARTS-UP Master's Scholarships are administered by Université Paris Cité, a leading French public university created in 2020 through the merger of historic institutions such as Paris Descartes, Paris Diderot and several research centers. The university hosts more than 70,000 students, conducts cutting‑edge research across science, health, humanities and social sciences, and maintains a strong international network with partner universities in Europe, North America and Asia. The scholarship covers a full‑ride package that includes a €10,000 annual living grant for international students admitted to a master’s programme at the university. Recipients also benefit from tuition waivers, access to university health services, and eligibility for on‑campus housing assistance. Applicants should be prepared to navigate French visa procedures; the university’s international office provides guidance on student‑type residence permits, which typically allow a stay for the duration of the master’s programme (usually two years). Living costs in Paris are high, with average monthly expenses ranging from €1,200 to €1,500 for accommodation, food and transport. Prospective scholars are encouraged to use Oppora’s CV Builder Studio to craft a Europass‑style curriculum vitae, the AI Cover Letter Generator for a compelling motivation letter, and the Recommendation Letter Studio to organize referee submissions.
Benefits
- €10,000 per year living allowance paid directly to the scholar.
- Full tuition exemption for the entire master’s programme.
- Access to university health insurance and student welfare services.
- Eligibility for on‑campus accommodation subsidies and priority housing allocation.
- Inclusion in the university’s international research community, with opportunities to attend seminars, workshops and networking events.
- Support from the international office for visa applications, residence permits and settlement in France.
Eligibility
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree obtained abroad in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) field or Health‑related discipline.
- The degree must be recognized as equivalent to a French licence (bachelor) and meet the university’s direct admission criteria for the chosen master’s programme.
- Both international and domestic candidates are eligible; however, the €10,000 living grant is specifically allocated to international scholars.
- Candidates from European Union member states may be subject to additional financial assessment based on regional welfare support mechanisms (e.g., Italy’s DSU or Germany’s DAAD/Deutschlandstipendium criteria).
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL) or a certified certificate in French is required, depending on the language of instruction of the chosen master’s programme.
Required Documents
- Certified copies of all undergraduate transcripts and degree certificates, translated into French or English where necessary.
- A statement of purpose or motivation letter outlining academic goals, research interests and alignment with the master’s programme.
- Proof of language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL scores or French language certificate).
- Two academic reference letters on official letterhead, submitted directly by the referees.
- A valid passport copy for identity verification.
- Financial documentation if the applicant originates from a European country with regional welfare support, such as ISEE Parificato calculations or parental income statements.
How to Apply
- Review the admission requirements for the desired master’s programme on the Université Paris Cité website and confirm eligibility.
- Register an account on the official SMARTS‑UP portal, then upload the certified academic transcripts, degree certificates, CV, motivation letter, language test results, reference letters and passport copy.
- Complete the online financial assessment section if applicable, attaching any required income or welfare documentation.
- Submit the complete application package before the deadline of 2027‑01‑15.
- Monitor the portal for admission decisions and subsequent instructions regarding visa processing and enrollment. Click the Apply button below to start your application.
Ready to start your application?
Submit your materials before the official deadline.
Verify all official guidelines and eligibility criteria directly with the host institution before submitting. Prepare your transcript evaluation, referee letters, and motivational statement early to avoid deadline bottleneck delays.
Official Application Strategy & Recommended Tools
Selection Committee Priorities
- •Academic/Professional Alignment: Ensure your statement explicitly ties your past work in France to SMARTS's strategic goals.
- •Leadership Evidence: Selection panels heavily weigh demonstrated initiative, community impact, or research output.
- •Financial & Language Prerequisites: Confirm if Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates can substitute for formal standardized language test fees.
