The Charpak Scholarship is a French government grant for Indian students offering EUR 700/month stipend + tuition waiver + medical insurance + housing assistance. Open to Bachelor (Charpak Exchange), Master (Charpak Master) and PhD/Lab (Charpak Lab) levels. Apply via Campus France India by January 15 for the September intake. Indian undergrad CGPA of 7+/10 with English B2 minimum.
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 |
Last Updated: April 20, 2026
Table of Contents
- What Is the Charpak Scholarship?
- 4 Types of Charpak Scholarships in 2026
- Charpak Scholarship Eligibility Criteria 2026
- Charpak Scholarship Financial Benefits — Complete Breakdown
- Charpak vs Other France Scholarships — Comparison
- Step-by-Step Application Process for Charpak Scholarship 2026
- Tips to Win the Charpak Scholarship — From Successful Applicants
- Cost of Studying in France With Charpak Scholarship (₹ INR)
- Best French Universities for Charpak Scholars
- Frequently Asked Questions — Charpak Scholarship 2026
- Other Scholarships You Can Combine or Apply To
🕑 11 min read
⚡ Charpak Scholarship 2026 — Key Facts for Indian Students
- Full Name: France Excellence Charpak Scholarship Programme
- Exclusively for: Indian citizens and OCI card holders
- Monthly Stipend: €860/month for degrees (₹78,000/month) | €700/month for lab internships (₹63,500/month)
- 4 Sub-Programs: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Exchange (Semester), and Lab/Summer Training
- Acceptance Rate: Below 10% — highly competitive
- Administered by: Embassy of France in India via Campus France India
What Is the Charpak Scholarship?
The France Excellence Charpak Scholarship is the official French government scholarship programme designed exclusively for Indian students. Named after Nobel Prize-winning physicist Georges Charpak, this prestigious scholarship enables Indian students to pursue higher education at public and private institutions across France.
Unlike other international scholarships like Eiffel or Erasmus+, the Charpak scholarship is exclusively reserved for Indian nationals and OCI card holders, making it one of the most important funding opportunities for Indian students planning to study in France.
At Kadamb Overseas, we’ve helped 500+ Indian students secure admissions abroad over our 14+ years of experience, with a 97% visa success rate. Our France-specialist counsellors have guided dozens of students through the Charpak application process, and we know exactly what the selection committee looks for.
4 Types of Charpak Scholarships in 2026
The Charpak programme is divided into four sub-programmes, each targeting a different academic level and purpose. Here’s a detailed comparison:
| Scholarship Type | Who Can Apply | Monthly Stipend | Stipend in ₹ INR | Duration | Application Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charpak Bachelor’s | Students enrolling in a French Bachelor’s/Licence programme | €860/month | ₹78,000/month | Up to 3 years | February–April |
| Charpak Master’s | Students enrolling in a French Master’s programme (M1 or M2) | €860/month | ₹78,000/month | Up to 2 years | February–April |
| Charpak Exchange | Indian university students doing semester exchange in France | €860/month | ₹78,000/month | 1 semester (4-6 months) | Spring: Sep–Oct | Autumn: Feb–Mar |
| Charpak Lab/Summer Training | Students doing research internships at French labs | €700/month | ₹63,500/month | 2–3 months (May–July) | November–January |
Charpak Scholarship Eligibility Criteria 2026
Each Charpak sub-programme has specific eligibility requirements. Here’s what Indian students need to know:
Charpak Bachelor’s Scholarship — Eligibility
- Nationality: Indian citizen or OCI card holder
- Age: 23 years or younger at the time of application
- Education: Currently enrolled in or completed Indian senior secondary school (12th standard)
- Admission: Must have already applied to a French institution before applying for the scholarship
- Location: The entire course must take place in France
- Language: French proficiency (DELF B1 minimum for French-taught programs) or English proficiency (IELTS 6.0+ for English-taught programs)
Charpak Master’s Scholarship — Eligibility
- Nationality: Indian citizen or OCI card holder
- Age: 30 years or younger at the time of application
- Education: Currently enrolled in or completed studies at an Indian institution of higher education (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
- Admission: Must have already applied to a French institution for a Master’s programme
- Location: The course must take place entirely in France — if part of the course (one semester or more) is in another country, the scholarship will not cover that period
- Exclusion: Students participating in exchange programmes, internships, or research projects cannot apply for the Master’s scholarship (they should apply under Exchange or Lab categories)
Charpak Exchange Scholarship — Eligibility
- Nationality: Indian citizen or OCI card holder
- Education: Currently enrolled at an Indian university with an active exchange agreement with a French institution
- Duration: Semester-long exchange (minimum 4 months)
- Two Sessions: Spring session (January–June) and Autumn session (September–December)
Charpak Lab/Summer Training — Eligibility
- Nationality: Indian citizen or OCI card holder
- Education: Currently enrolled in an Indian university (undergraduate or postgraduate)
- Purpose: Research internship or lab training at a French university or laboratory
- Duration: 2–3 months during May–July
🎓 Want Expert Help With Your Charpak Scholarship Application?
Our France-specialist counsellors have helped dozens of Indian students win Charpak scholarships. Get a free consultation to assess your eligibility and build a winning application.
Charpak Scholarship Financial Benefits — Complete Breakdown
The Charpak scholarship covers much more than just the monthly stipend. Here’s the full financial package Indian students can expect:
| Benefit | Charpak Degree (Bachelor’s/Master’s) | Charpak Exchange | Charpak Lab/Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | €860 (₹78,000) | €860 (₹78,000) | €700 (₹63,500) |
| Tuition Fee Waiver | Reduced to EU rates at public universities (€170–€243/year vs €2,770–€3,770 for non-EU) | Usually waived via exchange agreement | N/A (lab training) |
| Social Security Coverage | Yes — French student social security | Yes | Yes |
| Housing Assistance (CAF) | Eligible — €150–€300/month government subsidy | Eligible | Eligible |
| Visa Fee | Covered/waived for scholarship holders | Covered | Covered |
| Campus France Fee | Waived for Charpak scholars | Waived | Waived |
| Priority Housing | Priority access to CROUS university residences (€150–€350/month) | Priority access | Priority access |
| Total Annual Value | ₹12–15 lakh/year | ₹5–6 lakh/semester | ₹2.5–3 lakh for 3 months |
Charpak vs Other France Scholarships — Comparison
How does the Charpak scholarship compare to other funding options available to Indian students for studying in France?
| Scholarship | Open to Indians? | Monthly Stipend | Stipend in ₹ | Level | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charpak (Master’s) | ✅ Exclusively Indian | €860 | ₹78,000 | Bachelor’s/Master’s | ~8–10% |
| Eiffel Excellence | ✅ All international | €1,200 (Master’s) / €2,100 (PhD) | ₹1,09,000 / ₹1,90,500 | Master’s/PhD | ~5% |
| Erasmus Mundus | ✅ All international | €1,400 | ₹1,27,000 | Joint Master’s | ~3–5% |
| MHRD Scholarship | ✅ Indian only | Varies by program | ₹50,000–₹1,50,000 | All levels | Government quota |
| Région Île-de-France | ✅ All international | €600–€1,400 | ₹54,500–₹1,27,000 | Master’s/PhD | ~15% |
| CROUS Bursary | ⚠️ Limited (means-tested) | €100–€570 | ₹9,000–₹52,000 | All levels | Means-based |
| University-Specific Grants | ✅ Varies | €200–€800 | ₹18,000–₹72,500 | All levels | Varies by institution |
Step-by-Step Application Process for Charpak Scholarship 2026
The Charpak scholarship application follows a specific timeline. Here’s the complete process for Indian students:
Step 1: Check Eligibility & Choose Your Sub-Program (6–8 Months Before)
Review the eligibility criteria for each of the 4 Charpak sub-programs above. Determine which one matches your academic plans — are you applying for a full degree (Bachelor’s/Master’s), a semester exchange, or a lab internship?
Step 2: Secure Admission or Acceptance Letter from a French Institution
This is critical: you must have already applied to a French institution before submitting your Charpak application. For degree programs, aim for a conditional or unconditional offer letter. For exchange programs, your Indian university must have an MoU with the French host university.
Step 3: Register on the Scholarship Portal
Create your account on the official scholarship portal: scholarship.institutfrancaisindia.in. This is the only valid application platform — do NOT apply through any third-party websites.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
You’ll need to upload scanned copies of the following:
- Valid Indian passport (or OCI card)
- Passport-size photograph
- Academic transcripts (10th, 12th, and degree certificates)
- Admission/acceptance letter from French institution
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) — maximum 500 words explaining why France and why this program
- CV/Resume in English or French
- Language proficiency certificate (DELF/DALF for French-taught programs; IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programs)
- 2 academic recommendation letters
- Research proposal (for Lab/Summer Training applicants only)
Step 5: Submit Your Online Application
Complete all sections of the online application form, upload documents, and submit before the deadline. Key deadlines vary by sub-program:
| Sub-Program | Application Opens | Application Deadline | Results Announced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charpak Master’s | February 2026 | April 2026 | June 2026 |
| Charpak Bachelor’s | February 2026 | April 2026 | June 2026 |
| Charpak Exchange (Autumn) | February 2026 | March 2026 | May 2026 |
| Charpak Exchange (Spring) | September 2026 | October 2026 | November 2026 |
| Charpak Lab/Summer Training | November 2025 | January 2026 | March 2026 |
Step 6: Interview (If Shortlisted)
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview conducted by Campus France India. The interview typically assesses your academic motivation, career goals, French knowledge, and cultural awareness. Prepare to explain why France specifically, why your chosen program, and how this scholarship will help your career.
Step 7: Receive Results & Begin Visa Process
Selected scholars receive confirmation from Campus France India via email. Once selected, you’ll proceed with the French student visa application. Charpak scholars get priority visa processing and the Campus France fee is waived.
Step 8: Arrive in France & Activate Your Scholarship
Upon arrival, register at your French institution, complete your OFII (immigration) formalities, open a French bank account, and your scholarship stipend begins from the first month of enrollment.
📋 Need Help With Your Charpak Application Documents?
Our France counsellors review your SOP, CV, and recommendation letters to maximize your chances. We’ve helped students win Charpak scholarships for Sciences Po, HEC Paris, and Université PSL.
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💡 Expert Insight — Saumitra Rajput, Founder, Kadamb Overseas
“The Charpak scholarship is the single best funding opportunity for Indian students going to France. What makes it special is that it’s exclusively for Indians — you’re not competing with applicants from 190 countries like with Eiffel or Erasmus. My advice: start your French institution application early, get a strong acceptance letter, and invest time in your SOP. The committee wants to see genuine motivation, not generic answers. We’ve seen students with 7.5+ CGPA win this scholarship consistently when their application tells a compelling story.”
Tips to Win the Charpak Scholarship — From Successful Applicants
With an acceptance rate below 10%, the Charpak scholarship is competitive. Here are proven strategies from students who’ve won it:
1. Apply Early to French Universities
Don’t wait until the scholarship portal opens. Start your university applications 6–8 months in advance. Having a confirmed admission letter (not just an application receipt) significantly strengthens your Charpak application.
2. Write a Compelling Statement of Purpose
The SOP is the most critical document. Focus on:
- Why France specifically — mention the French education system’s strengths in your field
- Why this program — show you’ve researched the curriculum, professors, and labs
- Career connection — explain how studying in France will help your career goals
- India-France link — mention how you’ll contribute to Indo-French academic/professional ties
3. Maintain Strong Academics
While there’s no fixed CGPA cutoff, successful applicants typically have:
- Bachelor’s applicants: 80%+ in 12th standard
- Master’s applicants: 7.5+ CGPA or 70%+ in Bachelor’s degree
- Exchange applicants: Top 20% of their class at Indian university
4. Learn Basic French
Even if you’re applying for an English-taught program, knowing basic French (A1–A2 level) shows cultural commitment and is viewed favourably by the selection committee. Enroll in Alliance Française classes before applying.
5. Get Strong Recommendation Letters
Choose recommenders who know you personally — a professor who supervised your thesis or a faculty member who can speak to your research abilities. Generic letters from deans or HODs carry less weight than specific, personal recommendations.
6. Highlight Extracurriculars & Research
The committee values well-rounded candidates. Mention relevant internships, research projects, published papers, cultural activities, or community work that demonstrates your intellectual curiosity and leadership.
Cost of Studying in France With Charpak Scholarship (₹ INR)
Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a Charpak scholar studying in France:
| Expense Category | Paris (Monthly) | Other Cities (Monthly) | With Charpak + CAF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (Student Housing) | ₹36,000–₹54,000 | ₹18,000–₹31,500 | Reduced by CAF subsidy (₹13,500–₹27,000) |
| Food & Groceries | ₹18,000–₹22,500 | ₹13,500–₹18,000 | Same — CROUS meals at ₹90/meal |
| Transport | ₹3,300 (Navigo Imagine R) | ₹1,800–₹2,700 | 50% student discount included |
| Phone + Internet | ₹900–₹1,350 | ₹900–₹1,350 | Same |
| Books & Supplies | ₹1,800–₹3,600 | ₹1,800–₹3,600 | University libraries are free |
| Personal & Leisure | ₹4,500–₹9,000 | ₹3,600–₹7,200 | Museums free for under-26 EU students |
| TOTAL Monthly | ₹64,500–₹90,450 | ₹39,600–₹64,350 | — |
| Charpak Stipend | ₹78,000/month (€860) | ||
| CAF Housing Subsidy | ₹13,500–₹27,000/month (€150–€300) | ||
| Surplus/Deficit | ₹-12,450 to ₹+14,500 | ₹+13,650 to ₹+65,400 | Comfortable in non-Paris cities |
Key takeaway: With the Charpak stipend (₹78,000/month) plus CAF housing subsidy (₹13,500–₹27,000/month), you can live comfortably in cities like Lyon, Toulouse, Strasbourg, or Montpellier with money to spare. Paris is tighter but manageable with budget-conscious choices and the 20-hour/week part-time work allowance.
Best French Universities for Charpak Scholars
Charpak scholars study at a wide range of French institutions. Here are the most popular choices among Indian students:
| University/School | City | QS 2026 Rank | Popular Programs for Indians | Annual Tuition (Charpak Rate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Université PSL | Paris | #24 | Sciences, Mathematics, Economics | €243 (₹22,000) |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | Paris | #38 | Engineering, Data Science, AI | €243 (₹22,000) |
| Sorbonne Université | Paris | #56 | Sciences, Literature, Medicine | €243 (₹22,000) |
| Université Paris-Saclay | Paris | #62 | Physics, Computer Science, Biotech | €243 (₹22,000) |
| Sciences Po | Paris | #133 | International Relations, Political Science | €0–€14,500 (means-based) |
| Université de Strasbourg | Strasbourg | #272 | Chemistry, Life Sciences, Law | €243 (₹22,000) |
| Université de Lyon | Lyon | #176 | Business, STEM, Humanities | €243 (₹22,000) |
| Université de Montpellier | Montpellier | #382 | Biology, Environment, Agriculture | €243 (₹22,000) |
| HEC Paris | Paris | #S2 Business | MBA, MSc Management, Finance | €20,000–€45,000 (partial reduction) |
| ESSEC Business School | Paris | #S3 Business | MiM, MSc Finance, Data Analytics | €17,000–€20,000 (partial reduction) |
Note: Public university tuition for Charpak scholars is at EU-rate (€170 for Licence, €243 for Master’s) — a massive saving compared to the standard non-EU rate of €2,770–€3,770/year. Grandes Écoles and private business schools charge their own fees but may offer additional institutional scholarships on top of Charpak.
🎉 Student Success Story — Priya Sharma, Charpak Master’s Scholar 2024
“I applied for the Charpak Master’s scholarship through Kadamb Overseas and got selected for a Master’s in Data Science at Université Paris-Saclay. The ₹78,000 monthly stipend plus CAF subsidy of ₹20,000 covers all my expenses in Saclay. The application process was competitive — Kadamb’s counsellors helped me rewrite my SOP three times until it was perfect. Their mock interview sessions prepared me for exactly the kind of questions the committee asked. I’m now doing my thesis at a CNRS lab and planning to stay for a post-study work visa. If you’re serious about France, the Charpak scholarship is your best bet — and Kadamb knows how to get you there.”
Frequently Asked Questions — Charpak Scholarship 2026
What is the Charpak scholarship amount per month in Indian rupees?
The Charpak scholarship provides €860/month for degree and exchange programs, which is approximately ₹78,000/month at current exchange rates (February 2026). For lab/summer training programs, the stipend is €700/month (approximately ₹63,500/month). Additionally, scholars are eligible for the CAF housing subsidy of €150–€300/month (₹13,500–₹27,000), effectively bringing total monthly support to ₹91,500–₹1,05,000.
Can I apply for Charpak scholarship without IELTS?
Yes, if you’re applying for a French-taught program, you need DELF/DALF/TCF certification instead of IELTS. For English-taught programs, IELTS or TOEFL is typically required. Some universities accept Duolingo English Test or Cambridge certificates as alternatives. Check your specific university’s requirements.
Is the Charpak scholarship fully funded?
The Charpak scholarship covers a monthly stipend (€860), visa fee waiver, Campus France fee waiver, priority CROUS housing, and French social security coverage. However, it does not cover round-trip airfare, personal expenses beyond the stipend, or tuition at private institutions (though public university tuition is reduced to EU rates of €170–€243/year). With the stipend + CAF subsidy, most students find it sufficient for comfortable living in non-Paris cities.
What is the acceptance rate for Charpak scholarship?
The Charpak scholarship acceptance rate is below 10%, making it one of the more competitive French government scholarships. However, because it’s exclusively for Indian students (unlike Eiffel or Erasmus where you compete globally), your odds are better than with other international scholarships. Strong academics (7.5+ CGPA), a compelling SOP, and an acceptance letter from a reputed French institution significantly improve your chances.
Can I work part-time while on Charpak scholarship?
Yes! All students in France (including Charpak scholars) can work up to 964 hours per year (approximately 20 hours per week). At the French minimum wage of €11.88/hour (2026), that’s an additional ₹21,500/month. Popular student jobs include tutoring, restaurant work, retail, and university research assistant positions. This income combined with the Charpak stipend makes France very affordable.
How long does the Charpak scholarship last?
The duration depends on the sub-program: Bachelor’s — up to 3 years; Master’s (M1+M2) — up to 2 years; Exchange — 1 semester (4–6 months); Lab/Summer Training — 2–3 months. For degree programs, the scholarship is renewable annually subject to satisfactory academic progress.
When is the Charpak scholarship 2026 deadline?
Deadlines vary by sub-program: Master’s and Bachelor’s — typically April 2026 (applications open February); Exchange Autumn — March 2026; Exchange Spring 2027 — October 2026; Lab/Summer 2026 — January 2026 (already closed for summer 2026, next cycle opens November 2026). Check the official portal at scholarship.institutfrancaisindia.in for exact dates.
Other Scholarships You Can Combine or Apply To
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Here are additional scholarships Indian students should apply for alongside Charpak:
| Scholarship | Amount | Amount in ₹ | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eiffel Excellence | €1,200/month (Master’s) | ₹1,09,000/month | All international; nominated by French institution | January 2026 |
| Erasmus Mundus | €1,400/month + travel | ₹1,27,000/month | All international; joint Master’s in 2+ EU countries | Varies by program |
| Raman-Charpak Fellowship | €1,500/month | ₹1,36,000/month | Indian PhD students; 2–6 month research in France | March 2026 |
| Région Île-de-France (Master) | €600–€1,400/month | ₹54,500–₹1,27,000 | All international studying in Paris region | Varies by university |
| ICCR Scholarship | Full tuition + stipend | Varies | Indian students via Ministry of External Affairs | March 2026 |
| University Merit Scholarships | €1,000–€10,000/year | ₹90,500–₹9,05,000 | Academic merit at individual institutions | Varies |
Pro tip: The Charpak and Eiffel scholarships cannot be combined. But you can apply to both — if you get Eiffel (higher stipend), take that; if not, the Charpak is your safety. University merit scholarships can usually be combined with Charpak for additional support.
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Common questions about this topic
Who can apply for Charpak Scholarship?+
Charpak Scholarship is open to Indian residents pursuing higher education in France. Three variants: Charpak Exchange (semester exchange, undergraduate), Charpak Master (full Master's program, EUR 700/month + tuition waiver), and Charpak Lab (PhD/research stay). Indian undergraduates with CGPA 7+/10 and English B2 are eligible.
How much is Charpak Scholarship monthly?+
Charpak Master Scholarship provides EUR 700/month stipend + tuition waiver + medical insurance (~EUR 60/month value) + housing assistance + visa fee exemption. Total annual value: EUR 10,000-12,000. Charpak Exchange and Charpak Lab have similar monthly stipends with shorter duration (3-12 months).
How competitive is Charpak Scholarship for Indians?+
Charpak Scholarship awards approximately 100-150 grants per year across all variants for Indian students. Acceptance rate: 8-15% depending on field of study. Engineering, sciences, business management, and humanities are most competitive. French language is NOT required (English programs are eligible).
What is the deadline for Charpak Scholarship 2026?+
Charpak Scholarship deadline for September 2026 intake: January 15, 2026. Applications open in October 2025 via Campus France India online portal. Selected candidates are notified by April 2026. Visa application and travel arrangements must be completed by July 2026.
Do I need French language for Charpak?+
NO French language is required for Charpak Master Scholarship. You only need to demonstrate English proficiency at B2 level (IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+). However, French language at A1-A2 level helps daily life and post-graduation employment in France.
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Saumitra Rajput
Saumitra Rajput is the founder and lead counsellor at Kadamb Overseas, India's trusted Europe education consultancy based in Ahmedabad. With 14+ years of hands-on experience, he has personally guided 500+ students to universities across Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Austria, and Spain. Saumitra has visited partner universities across Europe, holds deep expertise in European visa processes, scholarships, and student life, and has achieved a 97% visa success rate for his clients. He is the host of the YouTube channel "Europe with Saumitra", where he shares first-hand insights on studying and living in Europe. His mission: make Europe accessible to every Indian student, with zero consultancy fees.
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