How I Secured a Fully Funded Master's at Paris-Saclay University, France Through the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship

My name is Hamadoun Bamia, and I am from Mali. After obtaining my baccalaureate, I was awarded a scholarship under the Mali-Algeria cooperation programme, which allowed me to continue my higher education in Algeria. There, I completed a Bachelor's degree in Genetics, followed by a Master's degree in Bioinformatics at Mentouri Brothers University of Constantine 1.

My studies in genetics introduced me to the complexity of biological systems, while my training in bioinformatics taught me how computational tools can be used to analyse biological data. After completing my Master's degree in Bioinformatics, I decided to continue my education in Biology and Health in order to deepen my scientific knowledge, strengthen the connection between my computational and biological skills, and prepare for a career in biomedical research. I therefore applied for the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship, and I was selected as a recipient of the 2025 edition. I am currently pursuing my Master's in Biology and Health at Paris-Saclay University (France).

France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Details

The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship is a French government programme intended for international students, funded by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and managed by Campus France. It funds Master's or Doctoral studies through a monthly allowance of €1,200 for a Master's and €2,100 for a PhD, and covers several other costs related to the stay in France, such as international transport, health insurance, and certain cultural activities. One important particularity of this scholarship is that candidates cannot apply directly: they must first be nominated by a French higher education institution, which then submits their application to Campus France. In my case, Paris Saclay University nominated my application, and I was selected in the 2025 edition. As an Eiffel laureate, I also benefit from an exemption from differentiated tuition fees at Paris Saclay University.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Yes. I was also a beneficiary of the Mali-Algeria Cooperation scholarship, granted by the Malian government after I obtained my baccalaureate. It supported my studies in Algeria, where I completed a Bachelor's degree in Genetics and a Master's degree in Bioinformatics at Mentouri Brothers University of Constantine 1.

Educational Background

After obtaining my scientific baccalaureate in Mali, I was selected for the Mali-Algeria cooperation scholarship, which allowed me to pursue my higher education at Mentouri Brothers University of Constantine 1.

I first completed a Bachelor's degree in Genetics (2020-2023) with a general average of 15.72/20, graduating as valedictorian of my class. I then pursued a Master's degree in Bioinformatics (2023-2025) at the same university, which I validated with 15.21/20. At the end of this training, I was selected for the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship to pursue a Master's in Biology and Health at Paris-Saclay University.

These two degrees constituted a decisive step in my orientation toward biomedical research. My studies in genetics gave me the biological knowledge needed to formulate relevant research questions, while my training in bioinformatics gave me the technical skills to answer them. This dual competence is precisely what prepared me for a programme such as Biology and Health, which sits at the interface of fundamental biology and data-driven biomedical research.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Paris-Saclay University?

Towards the end of my Master 1 in Bioinformatics in Algeria, I began researching scholarship opportunities online that I could apply for at the start of my Master 2, with the aim of continuing my studies afterwards in another country. My goal was to find a programme that would allow me to deepen my understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying human health and disease, while building on the computational skills I had already acquired.

During this research, I came across the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship and identified the Master's programme in Biology and Health at Paris-Saclay University as being particularly well aligned with my academic background and professional objectives. I therefore prepared my application throughout my Master 2 year: I contacted the programme coordinators to clarify the admission requirements, gathered my academic transcripts and diplomas, requested recommendation letters from my professors, and wrote a detailed statement of purpose explaining my motivations and career goals.

I first submitted my application for admission to Paris-Saclay University. Once I was accepted, the university agreed to support my candidature by nominating me for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship. This preparation process, which extended over several months, allowed me to be selected for both the programme and the scholarship.

How Did You Find Information About France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship and Paris-Saclay University?

To find information about scholarships and institutions, I mainly relied on internet research, using search engines to look for postgraduate programmes in Biology and Health that matched my academic profile and career goals. I also consulted the official website of Paris Saclay University, where I found detailed information about the Master's programme in Biology and Health, its curriculum, and its research opportunities.

In parallel, I searched specifically for scholarships available to international students wishing to study in France, which led me to discover the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship on the Campus France website. The website "Leboursier" was particularly helpful in this process, as it provided detailed and regularly updated information about various scholarship opportunities, including the Eiffel Scholarship. I also followed several live sessions organised by “Leboursier”, which gave me practical insights into the application process and allowed me to ask questions directly to people experienced with these scholarships.

I read carefully through the eligibility criteria, the application procedure, and the list of previously funded programmes to confirm that my profile and objectives were well aligned with this scholarship. I also reached out directly to the coordinators of the Master's programme by email to ask about the possibility of being nominated for the Eiffel Scholarship, and to clarify the required documents and deadlines. Additionally, I exchanged emails with former Eiffel scholarship recipients and students from my university who had pursued similar academic paths, which helped me better understand the application process and gather practical advice.

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

I did not have to take a language test during my application, since the programme is taught in French, my native language.

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

To prepare my application, I first made sure to fully understand the evaluation criteria used by the selection committee, which assesses candidates not only on academic excellence but also on leadership potential, extracurricular engagement, and personal qualities. I therefore worked on presenting a well-rounded profile in my application file. On the academic side, I gathered my transcripts, diplomas, and recommendation letters from my professors, highlighting my strong results throughout my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Bioinformatics. Beyond academics, I also emphasized my extracurricular and associative experiences, which reflected my leadership skills, sense of initiative, and ability to work in team settings. I wrote a detailed statement of purpose connecting all these dimensions, explaining how my academic training, my associative engagement, and my career objectives in biomedical research formed a coherent and ambitious project.

How is Your Experience at Paris-Saclay University?

So far, my experience at Paris-Saclay University has been going very well. The Master's programme in Biology and Health offers a rigorous, research-oriented curriculum that has allowed me to deepen my understanding of biological mechanisms while strengthening the connection with my computational background in Bioinformatics. I particularly appreciate the quality of teaching, the access to well-equipped laboratories, and the opportunity to interact with researchers who are experts in their fields. Beyond academics, this experience has also allowed me to adapt to a new academic system and build a valuable network with students and researchers from diverse backgrounds. Overall, everything has been unfolding very well, and this experience continues to strengthen my motivation to pursue a career in biomedical research.

How Do You Rate Paris-Saclay University Academically?

I would rate Paris-Saclay University very highly from an academic standpoint. It is a leading research university in France, particularly recognized for its excellence in science, and it consistently ranks among the top institutions worldwide. The Master's programme benefits from strong connections with renowned research laboratories and hospitals, which allows students to be trained in a stimulating scientific environment and to stay closely connected to cutting-edge research. The quality of the faculty, the rigor of the curriculum, and the emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical research skills have directly contributed to strengthening my scientific reasoning and my ability to conduct independent research.

How Does Paris-Saclay University Support International Students?

Paris-Saclay University provides strong support for international students throughout their academic journey. Upon arrival, the university offers dedicated welcome services to assist with administrative procedures such as visa formalities, residence permits, and social security registration. In addition, the university organizes orientation sessions and events that facilitate networking between international and local students, fostering a multicultural and inclusive environment. This support has been particularly valuable in helping me adapt smoothly to a new academic and cultural setting while focusing on my studies and research activities.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or French?

My classes are conducted in French, the country's native language. However, the programme also requires students to complete a certain number of credits in English, which I find particularly valuable as it fosters an environment conducive to international exposure and academic development. This bilingual approach has helped me strengthen my scientific English skills, which are essential for reading research literature, attending international conferences, and eventually publishing scientific work.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing French?

No, I do not think potential students would face major academic problems even without knowing French, provided they have a good level of English. Moreover, Paris Saclay University is a highly multicultural environment, welcoming students from many different countries, which makes it easier for international students to integrate and communicate, both academically and socially. This diversity fosters mutual support among students and helps create a comfortable environment for those who are still improving their French skills. That said, I would strongly advise prospective students to carefully check the language of instruction of their specific programme beforehand, as this could significantly facilitate their academic experience and overall adaptation.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

It is difficult to say, but I believe what made my application stand out was the combination of my academic excellence and my extracurricular engagement, along with a clear understanding of the programme and how it aligned with my professional goals. I made sure to demonstrate not only strong academic results but also genuine motivation, showing that I had done thorough research on the programme's content and how it could help me achieve my long-term objectives in the field of biology.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Honestly, I don't think I would change much. I started preparing my application about three months before the application period even opened, which gave me enough time to gather all the necessary documents, request recommendation letters, and carefully write my statement of purpose without feeling rushed. This early preparation allowed me to submit a well-thought-out and complete application, so if I were to go through the process again, I would follow the same approach.

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

My main advice would be to inform yourself thoroughly about the scholarship and the programme before starting your application, and to prepare well in advance. Take the time to understand the eligibility criteria, the evaluation process, and what the selection committee is really looking for, so you can tailor your application accordingly. Starting early gives you enough time to gather all the required documents, request recommendation letters, and carefully craft a statement of purpose that genuinely reflects your motivations and goals. I would also encourage applicants to make sure the programme truly aligns with their academic background and career objectives, as this authenticity often comes through in the application and during interviews.