How I Secured a Fully Funded Master's at École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales, France Through the Bourse Excellence Eiffel

My name is Ana Paula, and I grew up in Porto Alegre, South Brazil. I graduated in International Relations in February 2019 from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. I then decided to pursue a career as a political scientist because, despite my undergraduate journey having been academically very rich, I felt there were many aspects of government and public policy left to explore. I wanted to understand who governs, why, and how, and, based on that knowledge, be able to propose meaningful changes in politics and contribute to making a fairer society.

Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Details

In October 2019, I was awarded the Bourse Excellence Eiffel, granted by the French Government, to pursue a master's degree in Social Sciences at the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS) in Paris.

The scholarship covered my two-year program in France, including return flights between Brazil and France, a monthly allowance of €1,200, and social security expenses.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

I was also offered a scholarship from the University of Lausanne, though I no longer remember its specific name or the exact amount. As far as I can recall, the funding was somewhat higher, but so was the cost of living in Switzerland. I ultimately declined.

Educational Background

I had just completed my bachelor's degree in International Relations and was enrolled in a master's program in Political Science. My academic record was strong, typically straight A's across all courses. My undergraduate program was interdisciplinary, covering world history, sociology, law, macro- and microeconomics, and research methodology. I believe this helped strengthen my CV, as recruiters tend to look for transversal and analytical skills.

I was also deeply involved in academic life, participating in research groups and scholarly events, and completed a one-year internship at the Federal Bureau of Public Defenders in Brazil, where I worked on immigration law and human rights advocacy. This lent credibility to my application, as it demonstrated versatility: experience not only in research, but also in addressing real-world problems.

Last but not least, during my undergraduate studies, I was awarded an Erasmus+ scholarship from the European Union to study for six months in Rennes, France. Through the Rennes Exchange Program in Economics, I improved both my French language skills and my understanding of French culture. That experience undoubtedly helped show I could thrive abroad, because I already had and knew what to expect. Although the funding came from the EU, the selection process was managed by my own university, based on academic performance.

How Did You Find Information About the Excellence Eiffel Scholarship and École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales?

I go directly to the institutions, individuals, and academic subjects that interest me. If a topic catches my attention, I usually read about it first, then map out the people who share that interest. When possible, I ask those around me whether they know of any opportunities or experts who might be worth contacting. After that, it comes down to searching online and not being afraid to reach out to people directly.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

I took the TOEFL and the official French test, called DALF.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Excellence Eiffel Scholarship?

For me, the process unfolded along two distinct dimensions. First, I had to build my own foundation. That meant giving myself time to develop the skills that matter to recruiters. In the context of a master's scholarship, it involved spending an extra year in my undergraduate program, which is possible in Brazil, engaging in research activities, gaining practical experience in a field related to my studies, living abroad, learning the language, and maintaining strong grades. I wasn't aiming for a perfect CV, but I wanted one that was versatile and interdisciplinary. Second, information was everything. I started looking for opportunities and speaking with professors at least a year before applying, so I could find the right fit. I actually learned about EHESS, where I eventually did my master's, from a professor during my undergraduate studies.

In the specific case of my scholarship, I first had to apply to the institution where I wished to enroll. Once I found a professor willing to support my application, I could submit all the required documents to the administration. Only the school itself could forward my application to the French Government. The entire process took months, which is precisely why timing matters so much.

How Is Your Experience at École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales?

Honestly, it was life-changing. It completely transformed the way I understand the social sciences. That said, it has now been four years since that experience, and I have continued to grow intellectually. Nothing is permanent, but I do feel that it made me a more open-minded and resilient person.

How Do You Rate École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales Academically?

I am still there as a doctoral candidate, which says a great deal about how much I value the institution. EHESS produces excellent socio-historical scholarship, and many prominent French intellectuals work or have worked there.

How Does École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales Support International Students?

Very well. International students make up roughly 40% of the student body, coming from all over the world. The school is firmly opposed to raising tuition fees for international students, holds an international welcome desk each year to assist newcomers, and has a highly responsive administration that handles a wide range of issues effectively. The institution is also genuinely enthusiastic about partnerships with foreign universities; they even funded trips to Brazil so I could carry out my fieldwork.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or French?

Mostly French/Country’s native language.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing French?

Yes

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Versatility, analytical skills, grades, recommendation letters from two academics with experience abroad, notably in the country I was applying for, and a strong letter from my internship supervisor.

Looking Back, Would You Have Done Anything Differently During Your Time in the Program?

Not worrying that much and writing more e-mails to more professors.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Go for it. Find what you genuinely want to study, in a city you genuinely want to live in, working with a professor who genuinely interests you. Ultimately, the quality of the experience depends on choosing a path that aligns with your own interests. As for the practical side, the scholarship is excellent and covers a significant portion of your material needs.

One thing worth keeping in mind is the political climate. Anti-immigration sentiment is growing rapidly in France, and you may encounter some hostility. But I would like to believe that reflects only a minority of French people; on the whole, my relationships with locals were and still are very positive.