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 |
Charpak Scholarship 2026: Complete Guide for Indian Students
The Charpak Scholarship is one of the most prestigious French government scholarships for Indian students, offered by the Embassy of France in India. Named after Nobel Prize-winning physicist Georges Charpak, this scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and provides a unique opportunity to study in France’s world-class universities.
What is the Charpak Scholarship?
The Charpak Scholarship program is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and administered by Campus France India. It supports Indian students pursuing higher education in France at the Master’s level, exchange programs, and research internships.
Types of Charpak Scholarships Available
1. Charpak Master’s Scholarship
- For: Indian students enrolling in Master 1 or Master 2 programs in France
- Duration: Up to 2 years
- Monthly stipend: €860/month
- Additional benefits: Tuition fee exemption at public universities, social security coverage, priority housing assistance
2. Charpak Exchange Scholarship
- For: Indian students enrolled in an Indian institution going on a semester exchange to France
- Duration: 1-2 semesters
- Monthly stipend: €860/month
- Eligibility: Must have an exchange agreement between Indian and French institutions
3. Charpak Lab Scholarship
- For: Indian students doing a research internship in a French laboratory
- Duration: 2-3 months
- Monthly stipend: €860/month
- Eligibility: Must have a confirmed internship offer from a French research lab
Charpak Scholarship Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | €860/month (~INR 78,000/month) |
| Tuition Fees | Exempted at public universities (reduced to €243/year for Master’s) |
| Social Security | Covered under French student social security |
| Housing | Priority access to CROUS university housing |
| Visa Fee | Waived |
| Cultural Activities | Free access to cultural events and programs |
Eligibility Criteria for Charpak Scholarship 2026
- Nationality: Indian citizens only
- Age: Not more than 30 years at the time of application
- Education: Bachelor’s degree completed with minimum 60% marks (for Master’s scholarship)
- Language: Proficiency in English (IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+) and/or French (DELF B2+ for French-taught programs)
- Admission: Must have received a confirmed admission offer from a French institution
- Field of Study: Open to all disciplines — Science, Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Management, etc.
- Previous scholarship: Applicants who have already benefited from a French government scholarship are not eligible
How to Apply for Charpak Scholarship 2026
Step 1: Get Admission in a French University
Apply to French universities through the Études en France portal (for public universities) or directly to private institutions. Secure your admission letter before applying for the scholarship.
Step 2: Register on Campus France India
Create your account on Campus France India and complete your profile with academic documents, test scores, and admission details.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) — 500-800 words
- Two Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- Language proficiency certificates (IELTS/TOEFL/DELF)
- Updated CV/Resume
- Admission letter from French institution
- Motivation letter for the scholarship
Step 4: Submit Scholarship Application
Apply through the Campus France India portal during the application window (typically January to March each year). The 2026 application cycle is expected to open in January 2026.
Step 5: Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview (in person or online) with the Campus France team.
Step 6: Results
Results are typically announced in April-May. Selected students receive an official scholarship notification from the French Embassy.
Important Dates for Charpak Scholarship 2026
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | January 2026 |
| Application Deadline | March 2026 |
| Shortlisting | April 2026 |
| Interviews | April-May 2026 |
| Results Announced | May-June 2026 |
| Visa Processing | June-July 2026 |
| Academic Session Starts | September 2026 |
Tips to Strengthen Your Charpak Scholarship Application
- Apply early: Submit your university applications by November-December to have admission letters ready for the scholarship deadline.
- Write a compelling SOP: Explain why France, why this specific program, and how it aligns with your career goals.
- Learn basic French: Even for English-taught programs, showing French language interest strengthens your application.
- Research your university: Know the program details, faculty research, and campus life.
- Highlight extracurriculars: The scholarship values well-rounded candidates with leadership experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Charpak Scholarship fully funded?
The Charpak Scholarship covers a monthly stipend of €860, tuition fee exemption at public universities, social security, and visa fee waiver. Students may need to cover some living expenses and private institution fees.
Can I apply for Charpak Scholarship without IELTS?
For French-taught programs, you need DELF B2 certification instead of IELTS. For English-taught programs, IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent is typically required. Some universities may accept medium-of-instruction certificates.
What is the success rate of Charpak Scholarship?
The Charpak Scholarship is competitive, with approximately 50-70 scholarships awarded annually to Indian students across all three categories. Strong academic profile and a well-prepared application significantly improve your chances.
Can I work while on Charpak Scholarship in France?
Yes, international students in France can work up to 964 hours per year (approximately 20 hours/week) alongside their studies.
Related Pages
- Study in France – Complete guide to studying in France from India
- Scholarship Assistance – Find all available scholarships for studying abroad
- Study Abroad Consultant in Ahmedabad – Get expert guidance from Kadamb Overseas
- Study in Germany – Tuition-free education at top public universities
Apply for Charpak Scholarship with Expert Help
Kadamb Overseas has helped hundreds of Indian students secure scholarships for studying in France. Our expert counsellors guide you through the entire Charpak Scholarship application process — from university selection to visa filing. Book a free counselling session today! Call +91 9913333239 or visit our Ahmedabad office.
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.
