Some points to consider when writing your essay:

• You are free to choose the format and topics covered in the essay, just as long as they respect the word limit and other instructions specified in the application material
• We are looking for essays that are well-thought of, convincing, and able to demonstrate your scholarly writing abilities
• Given the general theme stated here, the essay should be able to explain how your study abroad experience will benefit the Philippines and Filipino society, factoring in your field of study/expertise

• Some French HEIs may ask applicants to contact their local Campus France office to begin the application process under the CEF/Study in France/Étudier en France procedure — these procedures are not applicable to the Philippines
  • Filipino applicants should send applications directly (almost always online) to the French HEIs of their choice
• Campus France Manille explains the general procedure for Filipino applicants
  • This section covers applications for Master’s and PhD programs, as well as a broad timeline
• Keep in mind that applications to HEIs must be done before applying for the PhilFrance Scholarships. However, it is not a requirement to be accepted or granted admission at the time of application 

• Applicants do not need to speak French to apply for this scholarship.
  • An exception to this is if the academic program applied to requires candidates to be proficient in the French language.
• There are hundreds of graduate programs taught in English, in various academic disciplines and specializations
  • Most Doctoral schools, especially in the natural sciences have English as a working language. 
  • Visit the Other resources section for information on how to use the Campus France search engines for English-taught graduate programs
    • Note: Information found in the search results may not always be updated. We encourage applicants to contact the French HEIs directly to have the most recent and correct application requirements.

• Yes, if the grant is funded by institutions that are not part of the French government (such as companies and banks, the HEIs themselves, private foundations and associations, etc.)
• No, if funding comes other sectors of the French government (Eiffel Excellence Programme, grants from French regions and cities, etc.)

• Acknowledgment of application
  • For Master’s programs:
    • Most applications are done online through the French HEI’s website.
    • Once the process is completed, the HEI will acknowledge your application through an email (automated or not).
  • For PhD programs:
    •  In applying to Doctoral schools, it is common for candidates to contact a department or a professor directly through email.
    • As proof of application, we accept PDF copies of your correspondences provided that it states their interest in your proposal or approval in supervising your research work.
• Letter of acceptance
  • When admitted to a graduate program, you will receive an email or a posted letter from the French HEI stating your conditional or unconditional acceptance.
• In either case, you will need to provide us with the documents that are available to you. If you’ve finished with the application process, but did not receive any acknowledgment of this, you will need to ask the French HEI for an email confirming the receipt of your completed application.

• No, you may apply prior to acceptance, as long as you submit an acknowledgment of application (see question below).
  • Should there be any change in your admission status during the application period, it is of utmost importance that you inform us.
• For PhD candidates: it is not required to be accepted to the program at the moment of submitting your scholarship application. However, it is essential to provide us with supporting documents from a professor (email exchanges, formal letter, etc) expressing their interest in supervising your research work/dissertation.

• No. Applications submitted without a letter of acceptance OR an acknowledgment of application (see below) will not be considered.
• Additionally, it is the applicant’s responsibility to contact French HEIs regarding their application and admission procedures.

• The Embassy is looking for strong candidates who can display successful academic, professional, and leadership experience, which is shown in the applicant’s CV and academic essay.
• CV –  clear and concise one-page, French-style CV (not required to be in the French language, format samples can be found online).
• The essay will help us assess, among other things, your proficiency in academic writing and your ability to lay out a compelling argument in 500 words or less.
  • Please note that we are not looking for a cover/motivation letter or an essay version of the CV
• We therefore advise you to use them intelligently and not waste them on redundant information.