Charpak Scholarship 2026: How to Apply from India – Eligibility, Benefits & Dates

Last Updated: March 15, 2026

🕑 4 min read

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

1. Apply early: Submit your university applications by November-December to have admission letters ready for the scholarship deadline.
2. Write a compelling SOP: Explain why France, why this specific program, and how it aligns with your career goals.
3. Learn basic French: Even for English-taught programs, showing French language interest strengthens your application.
4. Research your university: Know the program details, faculty research, and campus life.
5. 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.