CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
France Excellence Scholarship for studies in France, academic year 2026-2027
The Embassy of France in Albania informs the University of Tirana that the call for applications for the French Government scholarships "France Excellence" is open, for Albanian candidates who wish to continue their studies in France at the beginning of the academic year, in September 2026.
Scholarships are available for master's and doctoral level. (co-directed or co-led thesis). Priority will be given to applications for Master Year II over Master Year I.
Priority areas
The target areas are STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), in particular information and communication technologies, from electronics to artificial intelligence, as well as environmental sciences. Priority sectors include digital services, environment (water, waste), renewable energies, low-carbon transport and mobility, urban development and tourism.
Applications in the fields of humanities and social sciences may also be considered, if they are related to the digital and environmental transition. The application must clearly define the field and/or sector to which the study program relates.
What does the scholarship include?
The master's scholarship includes:
- monthly payment of 900 euros, for a period of no more than 10 months;
- exemption from registration fees in public institutions under the authority of the ministry responsible for higher education;
- free coverage of visa-related fees;
- social security coverage;
- assistance in finding accommodation.
The PhD scholarship includes:
- monthly payment of 1,850 euros;
- 6-month stays for each academic year, for 3 consecutive years; stays in France must correspond to the dates specified in the calendar that will be presented;
- social security coverage;
- free coverage of visa-related fees;
- assistance in finding accommodation.
Note: Neither the master's nor the doctoral scholarship covers the purchase of plane tickets. Candidates should check with the French institutions whether, in addition to the registration fees, additional training fees apply; these fees are not covered by the scholarship and remain the responsibility of the scholarship holder.
Application conditions and criteria
- Have Albanian citizenship;
- Be under 30 years old for the master's level and under 35 years old for the doctoral level;
- Have a language level in accordance with the requirements of the French university for the chosen program. The minimum level required by French universities is B2, certified by a diploma or test;
- Priority will be given to scientific programs in French. In special cases, applications for programs in English may also be considered, when the candidate demonstrates academic excellence and clarity of the study and professional project.
Careful: The scholarship cannot be awarded to Albanian candidates who are already studying in France.
Application documentation
- Application form;
- Copy of passport;
- Copy of highest diploma and transcript (certified translation into French required);
- Certificate of proficiency in French (B2) or English, according to the envisaged master's/doctoral program;
- CV in French (for English-language programs, the CV must be in English);
- Motivation letter in French presenting the study project in France (for English-language programs, the letter must be in English);
- Agreement for co-supervision/co-supervision of the thesis and the calendar of stays in France, for doctoral candidates;
- Letter/letter of recommendation from the director and/or a lecturer of the institution of origin;
- Proof of prior enrollment in a master's degree or a copy of the list of master's degrees selected on the "My Master" platform. Scholarships will only be awarded to candidates who provide proof of enrollment in a French university.
Deadline and method of application
The deadline for submitting applications is May 29, 2026.
Documents must be submitted or sent by post within the deadline to the Embassy of France in Albania, at the address: “Skënderbej” Street, no. 14, Tirana.
A scanned copy of the file, with all documents in a single PDF file no larger than 7 MB, must also be sent by e-mail to the following address: scac.tirana-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr
No documents/files will be accepted after this deadline, with the exception of confirmation of admission to the master's program. Incomplete or inadmissible applications will be rejected.
The selection process
The files will be reviewed by the Cooperation and Cultural Activities Service of the Embassy of France in Albania. Candidates pre-selected on the basis of the file will be invited for a selection interview. The jury's decision is final.
Final decisions on candidates will be communicated during July 2026. A supplementary list will also be drawn up to replace selected candidates who may withdraw.
Contact
For any questions regarding the application process, candidates can contact: scac.tirana-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr.
More information is available at the link: https://www.kubfrancetirana.com/fr/accueil/