REFLECTING the growing interest of Filipinos to pursue graduate studies in France, the Embassy of France to the Philippines is expanding its scholarship program in 2020 through a partnership with the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Science Education Institute.
The jointly administered Philippines-France-DOST Scholarship Program aims to encourage Filipino professionals working in academic, research, or government institutions to pursue a master’s or doctorate degree in French public higher education institutions. To further strengthen exchanges in scientific knowledge, and expertise, between France and the Philippines, the PhilFrance-DOST scholarships prioritize the following fields of study: agriculture, biological sciences, climate change, forestry, health and medical research, material sciences, natural resources and environment, nuclear application on health and veterinary sciences.
The French Embassy is also accepting applications for the PhilFrance Scholarships. Started in 2016, this program is directed to Filipino students, and professionals, who wish to come to France and pursue master’s degrees in all academic disciplines taught at French higher education institutions. The study grant is awarded to highly qualified candidates who have demonstrated strong academic, and leadership acumen, in their scholarly and professional pursuits.
Subsidies and more
AWARDEES of the PhilFrance-DOST Scholarships and the PhilFrance Scholarships will be entitled to the following benefits: partial tuition subsidy, round-trip ticket from Manila to France, exemption from visa-application fees, monthly allowances, a health-care package and priority access to public student accommodations for the expected length of their academic programs.
Since 2016, more than 50 Filipinos have been awardees of the PhilFrance Scholarship, which has enabled them to pursue graduate degrees in the French language and literature, business, public policy and international development, engineering, mathematics, marine biology, applied chemistry, environmental and ecological sciences, and public health.
Details and guidelines on eligibility, benefits and requirements are available through www.philfrance-scholarships.com. The web site also contains useful information for applicants to explore higher education institutions and graduate programs offered in France. Interested candidates must submit their applications online through the PhilFrance Scholarships site no later than March 16, 2020.
Why study in France?
FRANCE is an attractive destination for studying abroad due to its rich culture and history, its world-class higher education system, and for being one of the world’s most research-intensive nations. Each year, at least 325,000 international students choose to study in the European country, making it the fourth-most attractive destination for inbound students, according to Unesco.
Fluency in French is not a necessary requirement to study in the European country. An increasing number of internationally ranked higher education institutions offer programs taught in English, while also providing French language courses for international students.
The state subsidies allow a more reasonable cost of living for international students in France, compared with other destinations.
Moreover, France offers a wide range of specializations, in line with the priority sectors of the Philippines. These include academic and research programs in sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM; sustainable development; disaster-risk reduction and mitigation; as well as social innovation and entrepreneurship.
Through information sessions, participation in education fairs and personalized consultations, the Campus France Manila office brings French higher education closer to Filipinos and helps prospective students make a more informed decision about their academic plans. For more information, contact manille@campusfrance.org.