How Vanessa Desidério, a Brazilian Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded Master’s Through the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship

My name is Vanessa Desidério, and I'm from Brazil. I earned my law degree from the Federal University of Sergipe in 2021. I had always wanted to study abroad, and since that wasn't possible during my undergraduate studies, I decided to apply for a master's degree. International Law was the logical choice. It let me build on my training in Brazilian law rather than start over in a foreign legal system, while opening the door to the international experience I had been looking for. Beyond the degree itself, what has always drawn me is learning new perspectives through cultural exchange, not only about law but about life itself. In the end, I chose the Master's in Cross-Border Disputes at Toulouse Capitole University because it was taught in English, which suited me as my French was still limited at the time, and because the program also covered European Union law.

France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Details

In 2025, I was awarded the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship, a French government award funded by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, to pursue my master's at Toulouse Capitole University. The scholarship provides a monthly allowance of €1,200 for the two years of the program, including school holidays. Additional benefits include an international round-trip flight and a guaranteed spot in affordable university residences. It's important to note that only the spot is guaranteed; the student is still responsible for paying the rent. The scholarship also exempts students from tuition fees, although I still have some other program-specific fees. Separately from the scholarship, as an international student, I have access to the French public health system. Overall, the monthly allowance is enough for me to focus on my studies without worrying about finances.

Educational Background

My law degree in Brazil lasted five years and covered all the main areas of law. My final GPA was 8.49 out of 10.

After graduation, I spent most of my time preparing for the public service exams for a career in the Civil Police. During that period, I also took part in online international conferences, such as the summer school organized by The Young Diplomat and the Forum Asia Youth Speak-Up, but it was only in 2023 that I really focused my career on International Law. I mention this because I was selected for the scholarship in 2025, four years after graduating and after a change of direction, which shows that it isn't restricted to recent graduates or to those with a linear path. My turn to International Law happened in two ways: I joined a research group on International Procedural Law at an independent research center (Direito Internacional sem Fronteiras, or International Law Without Borders), and I volunteered as a legal assistant for REVIBRA, a support network for Brazilian migrant women in the European Union who are victims of domestic violence.

Also in 2023, I came to France through an au pair program and spent a year in the country, living with a host family and working part-time as a nanny. It was an enriching experience, and it's what made me decide to do my master's in France rather than in another country. I applied for the scholarship a few months after returning to Brazil.

Together, these experiences prepared me for a master's in cross-border disputes: the research group gave me a grounding in international procedural law, my work with REVIBRA showed me how legal problems play out across borders in practice, and my year in France gave me the language and cultural familiarity to study here.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Toulouse Capitole University?

How Did You Find Information About France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship and Toulouse Capitole University?

I had already heard of the Eiffel Scholarship, as it is very well known, so my research focused on understanding its requirements and finding the right master's program. My main sources of information were the Campus France and MonMaster websites. Campus France provides a catalog of both scholarships and master's programs. I also liked MonMaster, which gives more detailed information about each master's program. These websites give you a good overview of what's available, but it's also important to check the website of the university you've chosen for up-to-date information, especially regarding the application process, which varies from one university to another.

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

Yes. I took the CAE (Cambridge C1 Advanced) in 2019, but I decided to take the TOEFL iBT in 2024 to have a more recent certificate, and I scored 91 out of 120. My preparation consisted mainly of mock exams, with the support of a private tutor. It's worth noting that the tests required for the application are set by the university, not by the scholarship.

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

I attended a webinar organized by the international office of the university I was applying to, where I got more details about the application process and had my questions answered. I also asked a professor who specializes in the field I was applying to for a letter of recommendation written specifically for that program. I think it's worth pointing out that I didn't include any kind of class ranking from my undergraduate studies in my application file, even though it's recommended, and I was still selected. As for the timeline, I had to send my application to the university in November 2024, since it is the university that nominates candidates for the scholarship; the results came out in April 2025, and classes started in September 2025.

How is Your Experience at Toulouse Capitole University?

My experience at Toulouse Capitole University has been amazing. The international office team guided me throughout the entire application process. After the scholarship results came out, we had an online meeting with the other selected students and two alumni from previous years, who shared their experiences with us.

I also really enjoyed day-to-day life during my first year. We had classes with professors from many different countries, and my classmates were both French and international students. The one challenge was that some weeks had a heavy class schedule, with some classes lasting up to four hours.

How Does Toulouse Capitole University Support International Students?

In addition to the university's own international office team, the Welcome Desk, a service dedicated to international students, guided us through administrative matters such as validating our visas and applying for certain social benefits we were entitled to. Campus France, the agency that manages the scholarship, was always available to support us and even organized social evenings for international students.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or French?

All my classes were taught in English, but my schedule also included French as a foreign language class.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing French?

Not academically, as long as your program is taught in English. However, it may be harder to integrate into the local community beyond the international student environment. Knowing some French also makes everyday life much easier, especially when dealing with administrative procedures.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my motivation letter played an important role in my application, especially because it allowed me to explain what might have seemed confusing from my CV alone. I had graduated several years earlier, spent a period preparing for a public service career in the police, and was now applying for a master's in International Law. In my motivation letter, I was able to connect all the dots and present a clear career plan built on the master's program I was applying to.

Beyond that, I think my extracurricular activities also made a difference, as they showed how I was working to build a career in International Law through research, volunteer work, and international conferences, even though I attended those online.

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

I would have spent more time improving my motivation letter, because I truly believe it's one of the most important parts of the application.

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

I would say go for it, even if you don't think you have a chance. Honestly, I didn't think I could make it either, and yet here I am. I would also say it's very important to get in touch with the university you want to apply to, both to show your interest and to get the information you need for the application process. This is especially important because the process for this scholarship works differently from most: you first need to be accepted by the university, and then the university submits your application for the scholarship. Finally, take your time with your motivation letter. Avoid writing a generic letter that could fit anyone or any program. Your narrative needs to be strategic and coherent: it should connect your background to the specific program you're applying to and explain why that program is key to your career plans.