The France Excellence–DOST Scholarship—formerly known as PhilFrance–DOST—is a prestigious, fully funded program supporting Filipino students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in the natural sciences at French higher education institutions.

Developed through the partnership of the Embassy of France and the Philippines’ Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), this scholarship builds on the legacy of the PhilFrance Scholarships initiated in 2016 to celebrate decades of French–Filipino cooperation.

It remains one of the most competitive awards for aspiring Filipino researchers, innovators, and future leaders in the country’s growing science and technology sector.

About the Scholarship

The France Excellence–DOST Scholarship supports students accepted into graduate programs that award a Diplôme National at the Master 1 (M1), Master 2 (M2), or Doctoral level.

The award provides comprehensive support from both the French government and DOST-SEI, ensuring scholars can pursue advanced studies and research in France with minimal financial burden.

Benefits

Provided by the Embassy of France

• Enrollment fee coverage
  Up to €3,879 per academic year for Master’s programs or €391 per year for doctoral programs (frais d’inscription).
  Other associated fees (e.g., pedagogical fees, course materials) must be covered by the scholar.
• Exemption from the CVEC (Student & Campus Life Contribution)
• Healthcare package
  Includes French social security coverage + mutuelle supplementary insurance.
• Discounted access to cultural activities via Campus France
• Exemption from long-stay student visa fees

Note: As of 2025, housing at preferential rates is no longer provided. Scholars must secure their own accommodation.

Provided by DOST-SEI

• Monthly living stipend (amount determined by DOST)
• Round-trip economy airfare (Manila ↔ French city of study)
• Support throughout the full duration of the approved program

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

• Filipino citizen residing in the Philippines
• Not more than 50 years old at the time of application
• Graduate or graduating student from a recognized Philippine HEI
• Must complete undergraduate/graduate degree by September 2026 (for master’s/PhD entry)
• In good physical health and with strong academic performance
• Must meet admission requirements of the chosen French institution
• Demonstrates academic readiness and motivation to contribute to Philippine development

Program Eligibility

• 100% on-site programs leading to a Diplôme National
• Programs taught in English, French, or both
• Duration:
  • Master’s: 18–24 months, including a mandatory internship
  • Doctorate: Minimum 36 months
• Ineligible Programs:
  • Programs by non-French institutions based in France
  • Offshore French university campuses
  • Joint/dual degrees (e.g., Erasmus)
  • Vocational/technical short courses (e.g., culinary workshops, fashion design)

Application Requirements

French Embassy Documents

• One-page CV
• Passport data page
• Academic essay (max 500 words): Why you want to study in France & how it benefits PH society
• Latest official academic transcripts
• Proof of financial resources
• Proof of application or admission to selected French program
• Study plan / program curriculum
• Additional documents for PhD applicants
• Optional: proof of French proficiency (B2+), other scholarship applications

DOST-SEI Documents

• Completed DOST application form
• Budgetary requirements
• Narrative re-entry plan
• NBI clearance
• Birth certificate
• Medical certificate
• Two academic endorsements
• Employer recommendation & LOA (if applicable)

Application Procedure

Applications are submitted exclusively via Google Form.

• Each program applied to requires a separate Google Form submission.
• No physical submissions are accepted at the Embassy or Campus France.

2026 Timeline

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Service Obligation

Scholars must return to the Philippines after completing their studies and render full-time service in their home institution for a period equivalent to twice the duration of the scholarship.

Failure to complete this obligation may require refund of all financial assistance with interest.

Key Conditions

• Must pursue studies full-time
• Cannot receive other scholarships concurrently
• Cannot engage in employment during the scholarship period
• Internship is allowed only as part of the academic program
• Must comply with all DOST-SEI and French institutional regulations

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