Are you about to enrol on a postgraduate course in the UK and want help to fund your studies? If you are 35 or under and have a clear idea of your professional goals, why not develop your career and become part of an influential alumni network?

What is an Entente Cordiale Scholarship?

The Entente Cordiale Scholarship Scheme is a prestigious bi-lateral awards scheme that funds French postgraduate students who want to study in the UK, and British students who want to study in France. Funded by the private sector in both countries the scheme provides scholarships for about 20 French and British students each year.

British students wishing to apply should contact the French Embassy in London for further information. T: + 44 (0)20 7073 1312 or email nicole.bea@diplomatie.gouv.fr

Scholarships for French students are managed by the British Council in France and the information which follows applies to French students only. Please note the scholarships are for postgraduate students only, you cannot apply for a scholarship for undergraduate study

What financial support does the Scholarship offer?

The total value of an Entente Cordiale scholarship normally amounts to £10 000, regardless of the course or institution chosen. Scholarships are offered for study of any discipline, in any British university, provided it is for a postgraduate course. In addition, this year the scheme is launching a select number of branded scholarships, focussing on students in certain disciplines closely related to industry or particular professions.

What courses does the scholarship cover?

The scholarship can fund Master's courses, running over a period of twelve months, or one year of a PhD programme. The scholarship is for one year only and is not renewable.

Notice: Entente Cordiale scholarships are not aimed at students who are undertaking a co-tutelle de thèse or a PCGE course, for which alternative funding sources exist. Our scholarships are also not aimed at students or reseachers wishing to carry out a period of research in the UK as part of their French doctorate.

Why should I choose an Entente Cordiale Scholarship?

The Entente Cordiale scholarship is a prestigious award that gives the chance to experience a world-renowned educational system. In addition, this provides you with the opportunity to experience UK life and meet other scholars. Once you become a Entente Cordiale scholar, you will discover many opportunities to develop your career and become a future leader in your field.

Can I apply?

You can apply for an Entente Cordiale scholarship if you are a postgraduate student who can prove your academic success and your interest in consolidating Franco-British links. You must fulfil all the criteria below to be eligible:

			As the scheme is Franco-British you'll be expected to be of French nationality and/or to have completed your higher education in France to bac+3 level
			You must have good English language skills (most UK Higher Education institutions require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 for admission onto postgraduate courses)
			You must be intending to undertake one year of study or research in the UK that will not contribute to a French doctorate (co-tutelle)
			You will need an excellent track record illustrating your achievements, both academically and otherwise, and evidence that you will become a leader in your chosen field
			As the scheme is aimed at young professionals at the beginning of their career, you must not be over 35 years old when you apply

One of the main aims of the scheme is to assist successful candidates in playing leading roles in the future of their country. French Entente Cordiale alumni are now pursuing careers in diverse fields such as the World Health Organisation, various Ministries and local government. Many former scholars go on to work in the private sector, in banking, law firms and consultancy; others are active in journalism, curating, design and film-making.

You are expected to show a commitment to return to your country, where you will contribute to the country's socio-economic development using the new skills and knowledge acquired during your stay in the UK.

How do I apply?

You will need to submit the following documents to us:

			application form
			supporting letters from two referees
			photocopies of academic certificates
			transcript/record of exams that you have passed

Applications for scholarships in 2010-2011 will be invited from November 2009

You can download an download an application form for scholarships in 2010-2011. Applications sent after the deadline in April 2010 will not be considered and scholarships are never granted retrospectively.

See below the full application timetable:

If you have further questions about the Entente Cordiale scholarships please consult our frequently asked questions. If you need to you can contact us at ententecordiale@britishcouncil.fr