What is Charpak Scholarship?
The Charpak Scholarship is a French government-funded scholarship for Indian students pursuing studies in France. Named after Nobel laureate Georges Charpak, it offers EUR 700/month stipend + tuition waiver + medical insurance + housing assistance.
| Awarding body | Embassy of France in India + Campus France |
| Monthly stipend | EUR 700/month |
| Duration | 1-12 months (depending on program) |
| Levels covered | Bachelor (Charpak Exchange), Master (Charpak Master), PhD/Lab (Charpak Lab) |
| Application deadline | January 15 (for September intake) |
| Required CGPA | 7+/10 |
| Required English | B2 level (or IELTS 6.0+) |
| Apply via | Campus France India portal |
The Charpak Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships offered exclusively to Indian students for studying in France. Named after Nobel Prize-winning physicist Georges Charpak, this scholarship is funded by the French Embassy in India and managed by Campus France, making it one of the most reliable and well-supported scholarship programs for higher education in France.
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Charpak Scholarship 2026: Complete Guide for Indian Students Studying in France supports Indian students comparing French universities, business schools, scholarships, Campus France steps, visa documents and 2027 intake planning.
What Indian Students Should Check
- Check whether the school uses direct admission, Campus France, Etudes en France or a separate scholarship route.
- Prepare transcripts, CV, SOP, LORs, passport, financial proof and language proof if required.
- Compare Charpak, Eiffel, school scholarships and tuition waivers based on profile.
- Plan Campus France and visa documents after admission/pre-enrolment.
FAQ
Can Kadamb Overseas help with this? Yes. Kadamb Overseas helps Indian students shortlist universities, compare scholarships, prepare documents and plan admission/visa timelines.
Related Kadamb resources: Campus France Guide, France Scholarships, France Cost Guide, and book counselling.
With 1,249 monthly search impressions from Indian students, the Charpak Scholarship is in high demand. This comprehensive guide covers all four Charpak sub-scholarships, eligibility requirements, application process, and tips to maximize your chances.
Quick Overview: Charpak Scholarship at a Glance
- For: Indian students only (exclusive to Indian passport holders)
- Covers: Monthly stipend (EUR 700-860), tuition waiver, health insurance, visa fee
- Programs: Master’s, Exchange, Research Internship, Lab/Research
- Duration: Up to 2 years (Master’s), 1-6 months (Exchange/Internship)
- Funded By: French Embassy in India / Campus France
- Application: Through Campus France India portal
- Selection: Merit-based + interview
- Annual Awards: ~50-100 scholarships per year across all sub-programs
Types of Charpak Scholarships
The Charpak Scholarship program has four distinct sub-scholarships, each targeting different academic levels and purposes:
Get the Complete Study in France 2026 PDF
Top universities, costs, scholarships, visa, jobs, PR — everything an Indian student needs. Written by Saumitra (14+ years Europe expert).
| Scholarship | For Whom | Duration | Monthly Stipend | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charpak Master’s Scholarship | Indian students pursuing Master’s (M1/M2) in France | Up to 2 years | EUR 860 | Tuition waiver at public universities, health insurance, visa fee |
| Charpak Exchange Scholarship | Indian students on semester exchange (enrolled in Indian university) | 1-6 months | EUR 700 | Health insurance, visa fee |
| Charpak Research Internship | Indian students doing research internship at French labs | 2-3 months | EUR 700 | Health insurance, visa fee |
| Charpak Lab/Research Scholarship | Indian students doing lab work in French research institutions | 2-6 months | EUR 700 | Health insurance, visa fee |
What Does the Charpak Scholarship Cover?
The Charpak Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support:
| Benefit | Master’s | Exchange/Internship | Value (INR approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | EUR 860/month | EUR 700/month | 64,000-79,000/month |
| Tuition Fees | Waived at public universities | N/A (paid by home univ) | Saves ~EUR 3,770/year |
| Health Insurance | Covered | Covered | ~EUR 200-400/year |
| Visa Fee | Reimbursed | Reimbursed | ~EUR 99 |
| Priority Housing | Priority access to CROUS residences | Priority access | Significant saving |
Total value of the Charpak Master’s Scholarship: Approximately EUR 25,000-30,000 over 2 years (INR 23-28 lakhs), making it one of the most valuable India-specific scholarships for studying abroad.
Eligibility Criteria for Charpak Scholarship 2026
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian passport holder (exclusive to Indian students) |
| Age | Not exceeding 30 years at the time of application |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree with minimum 60% or equivalent CGPA for Master’s; currently enrolled in Indian university for Exchange |
| Academic Merit | Strong academic record; first class preferred |
| French Proficiency | Not mandatory for English-taught programs; DELF B2 gives advantage for French-taught programs |
| English Proficiency | IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+ (for English-taught programs) |
| Admission | Must have an admission offer OR be in process of application to a French institution |
| Priority Fields | Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM); Social Sciences; Humanities; Management |
Important: You do NOT need to know French to apply. Many French universities offer Master’s programs entirely in English. However, learning basic French (A1-A2) before departure significantly improves your daily life in France.
How to Apply for Charpak Scholarship: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Create Your Campus France Account (October-November)
Register on the Campus France India website (india.campusfrance.org). This is the official platform for all French higher education applications from India. Complete your profile with personal details, academic history, and language proficiency.
Step 2: Choose Your Program and University (November-December)
Research and select French universities offering your desired program. Top universities popular with Charpak scholars include:
- Sorbonne University (Paris) — Sciences, Humanities
- Universite Paris-Saclay — Engineering, Sciences
- Sciences Po — Political Science, International Relations
- HEC Paris — Business and Management
- Universite Grenoble Alpes — Engineering, Sciences
- Universite de Strasbourg — Sciences, Law
- INSA Lyon — Engineering
Step 3: Apply to French Universities (December-January)
Submit applications to your chosen universities through their respective portals or through the Etudes en France platform. Aim for 3-5 universities to maximize your chances.
Step 4: Apply for Charpak Scholarship (January-March)
Once you have your university applications in progress (admission offer not required at this stage), apply for the Charpak Scholarship through the Campus France portal. Submit:
- Completed scholarship application form
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) — explain why France, why this program, career goals
- CV/Resume
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Language proficiency certificates
- 2 recommendation letters from academic referees
- Admission offer OR proof of application to French university
- Passport copy
Step 5: Campus France Interview (March-April)
Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview at the Campus France office (New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, or Chennai). The interview assesses:
- Motivation for studying in France
- Academic background and career plan
- Knowledge about the chosen program
- Cultural adaptability
Step 6: Selection Results (April-May)
Scholarship results are announced via email and on the Campus France portal. If selected, you’ll receive a scholarship award letter to use for your visa application.
Step 7: Visa Application (May-July)
Apply for a French student visa (VLS-TS) at VFS Global or the French Embassy. The Charpak Scholarship letter significantly strengthens your visa application. The visa fee is reimbursed by the scholarship.
Step 8: Pre-Departure Orientation (August)
Campus France organizes a pre-departure orientation for scholarship recipients covering accommodation, insurance, bank account opening, and life in France.
Struggling with your Charpak application? Kadamb Overseas has helped dozens of Indian students secure scholarships for France. Our counsellors review your SOP, prepare you for interviews, and guide the entire process. Book a free consultation.
Tips to Increase Your Charpak Scholarship Chances
- Start Early: Begin your university research and application by October-November. Late applications have lower success rates.
- Write a Strong SOP: Your Statement of Purpose should clearly articulate why France (not just any country), why this specific program, and how it connects to your career goals in India or globally.
- Show India-France Connection: The Charpak Scholarship promotes Indo-French academic collaboration. Highlight any French language skills, interest in French culture, or plans to contribute to Indo-French ties.
- Academic Excellence: While 60% is the minimum, most successful candidates have 70%+ or 7.5+ CGPA. Strong grades in your specialization area matter more than overall percentage.
- Research Experience: For the Research Internship and Lab scholarships, having prior research experience (publications, conference presentations, lab work) significantly boosts your application.
- Get Strong Recommendations: Choose recommenders who know your work well and can write detailed, specific letters — not generic ones.
- Learn Basic French: Even A1/A2 French shows commitment and gives you an edge. Mention any French language learning in your application.
- Apply to Multiple Programs: Apply to 3-5 French universities to increase your chances of getting an admission offer, which strengthens your scholarship application.
Other Scholarships for Indian Students in France
If you don’t receive the Charpak Scholarship, these alternatives are worth exploring:
| Scholarship | Amount | For Whom |
|---|---|---|
| Eiffel Excellence Scholarship | EUR 1,181/month (Master’s) | International students (all nationalities); highly competitive |
| Erasmus Mundus | EUR 1,400/month + tuition | Joint Master’s programs across European universities |
| Raman-Charpak Fellowship | EUR 1,500/month | PhD students for research exchange (Indo-French program) |
| CIMI Scholarship (Toulouse) | EUR 1,000/month + tuition waiver | Master’s in Mathematics/Computer Science |
| University-Specific Scholarships | Varies (partial to full) | Check individual university websites |
Frequently Asked Questions About Charpak Scholarship
Is the Charpak Scholarship fully funded?
The Charpak Master’s Scholarship covers tuition fees (at public universities), provides a monthly stipend of EUR 860, health insurance, and visa fee reimbursement. While it doesn’t cover airfare and personal expenses, the stipend is sufficient to live comfortably in most French cities outside Paris.
What is the Charpak Scholarship deadline for 2026?
The typical application window is January to March 2026 for the September 2027 intake. The exact deadline is announced on the Campus France India website each year. Check india.campusfrance.org for the latest dates.
Can I apply for Charpak Scholarship without an admission offer?
Yes. You can apply for the scholarship while your university applications are still in progress. However, having an admission offer at the time of scholarship application strengthens your candidacy significantly.
Is French language mandatory for Charpak Scholarship?
No. You can apply for English-taught programs without any French knowledge. However, knowing French (even A1/A2 level) gives you an advantage in the selection process and makes daily life in France much easier.
How many students receive Charpak Scholarship each year?
Approximately 50-100 Indian students receive Charpak Scholarships across all four sub-categories each year. The Master’s scholarship is the most competitive, while Research Internship has more openings.
Can I work part-time with Charpak Scholarship in France?
Yes. International students in France can work up to 964 hours per year (approximately 20 hours/week). This is in addition to your scholarship stipend and can significantly supplement your income.
What happens after Charpak Scholarship ends?
After completing your Master’s, you can apply for a 1-year post-study work visa (APS – Autorisation Provisoire de Sejour) to find employment in France. France also offers a simplified work permit process for graduates from French universities.
Important Dates and Timeline for Charpak Scholarship 2026
| Timeline | Activity |
|---|---|
| October-November 2025 | Create Campus France account, research programs |
| November-January | Apply to French universities |
| January-March 2026 | Submit Charpak Scholarship application |
| March-April 2026 | Campus France interview |
| April-May 2026 | Scholarship results announced |
| May-July 2026 | Visa application and processing |
| August 2026 | Pre-departure orientation + travel to France |
| September 2027 | Begin studies in France |
Apply for the Charpak Scholarship with Expert Guidance
Kadamb Overseas has 14+ years of experience helping Indian students secure scholarships and admissions to top French universities. Our team will help you with:
- University and program selection
- SOP and application document review
- Campus France interview preparation
- Visa application support
- Pre-departure guidance
Book Your Free Consultation Now
Or call us: +91 9913333239 | Visit our Ahmedabad office
Last updated: February 2026. Information sourced from Campus France India (india.campusfrance.org) and the French Embassy in India. Scholarship amounts and deadlines may vary — always check the official Campus France website for the latest information.
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Saumitra Rajput
Saumitra Rajput is the founder of Kadamb Overseas, India's leading Europe-focused study abroad consultancy serving students across India. With 14+ years of expertise in European education, he has personally counselled 2,500+ Indian families and helped 500+ students secure admission to top European universities including TU Munich, ETH Zurich, EPFL, KU Leuven, HEC Paris, Sapienza Rome, TU Wien, and Warsaw University of Technology. He has visited 25+ European universities, partners with 250+ EU institutions, and maintains a 500+ students placed.
