Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Recipient, Hoslin Zohou from Benin, Shares the Story of How He Applied for the Fully Funded Award to Pursue His Engineering Degree in Food Science and Technology at the University of Caen Normandy

My name is Hoslin ZOHOU, and I am from Benin. Before arriving in France, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences and a Master’s degree in Ecological and Sustainable Crop Protection, with a focus on entomology, both obtained in my home country. This last background allowed me to build solid expertise in sustainable pest management. In 2024, I was awarded the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, one of the most prestigious scholarships to study in Europe, to pursue an engineering degree in Food Science and Technology at the University of Caen Normandy, France. This path enables me to combine a dual expertise in two strongly interconnected fields: sustainable agricultural production and agro-food processing, with the goal of contributing to innovation and food security from production to product valorization.

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Details

I received the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, presented by the University of Caen Normandy. The scholarship includes a monthly allowance of €1,181, coverage of international travel costs, health insurance, cultural activities, and total exemption from tuition fees.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Yes. I completed my Bachelor's degree under a scholarship awarded by the Government of Benin. This scholarship was granted to me after obtaining my high school diploma to pursue studies in agricultural sciences. I have also been awarded several grants to participate in various summer schools and conferences, and I can assure you that each application process for any scholarship or grant requires considerable rigor.

Educational Background

Before my current program, I completed a Bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences, ranking among the top three students in my class, with a GPA equivalent to over 16/20, which made me a perfect candidate for Eiffel Scholarships. I then pursued a Master’s degree in Ecological and Sustainable Crop Protection with a focus on entomology in Benin, graduating among the top three students in my class with a GPA equivalent to over 17/20 (French system). My academic record, combined with hands-on experiences during research projects and internships, gave me a strong foundation to apply to general for highly competitive programs in agriculture and food science.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Caen Normandy?

I started my preparation early by identifying French universities offering agro-food programs eligible for the Eiffel Scholarship. I contacted several institutions to maximize my chances and to be able to choose the one best suited to my academic and professional goals.

How Did You Find Information About the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship and Institutions?

I mainly found the information online. Each year, the Eiffel Scholarship publishes its calls and details on the official website, and many universities also share specific information on their own application process.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests?

No. Since my education was in French, and my program in France is taught in French, I was not required to take any standardized language proficiency tests.

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

I dedicated a lot of time to compiling a strong, well-organized application package, which included my CV, transcripts, ranking certificate, recommendation letters, and a compelling statement of purpose. I highlighted my academic excellence by providing official proof of my GPA and class ranking, and I presented a clear, realistic career plan showing the relevance of my studies to the development of my home country.

How Was Your Experience at the University of Caen Normandy?

My experience at the University of Caen Normandy has been highly enriching. The academic environment is rigorous and supportive, with access to modern facilities, knowledgeable professors, and opportunities to work on practical and research-based projects.

How Do You Rate the University of Caen Normandy of Caen Normandy Academically and Why?

Academically, I consider the institution excellent because it offers a strong balance between theoretical knowledge and applied practice, and it fosters research initiatives in collaboration with the agro-food industry.

How Does the University of Caen Normandy Support International Students?

The University of Caen Normandy has an efficient international office that helps students with administrative procedures, integration activities, and guidance on both academic and cultural adaptation.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or French?

All my classes are conducted in French. But don’t worry, for those who wish to study in English, the program allows it, or at least some universities do. You will just be asked to provide an English proficiency certificate, depending on the institution.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing French?

No. If your courses are taught in English, you don’t need to worry about French, since all the exams will also be in English. At the same time, universities offer language classes, so you may take French lessons alongside your studies, and these are generally free of charge.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

My strong academic record, being in the top three of my class with a good GPA, combined with a well-structured career plan and a coherent academic trajectory, made my application competitive. The rigor, honesty, and clarity of my documents also played a major role.

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

If I had to do it again, I would start preparing my documents even earlier to have more time to refine every part of my application.

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

Start preparing early, contact several universities to increase your chances, and maintain a high academic level (at least a GPA equivalent to 15/20 or 16/20). Build each document with care, be honest about your achievements, and use resources like https://leboursier.net to guide your application. This website remains one of the most reliable platforms to assist students throughout their application process. It provides solid tools to help candidates maximize their chances of obtaining the scholarship. The team behind has supported nearly a hundred students in obtaining the Eiffel Scholarship, so I highly recommend it. After all the hard work, let faith and a bit of luck do the rest.