Are you a parent or student enrolled in a French high school for the 2025–2026 academic year? The French Government’s National High School Scholarship 2025 could significantly ease your educational expenses. Designed for students in public and private high schools (and even distance learners via CNED), this means-tested scholarship offers financial support for educational costs like textbooks, supplies, and boarding.

Applications are open from September 1 to October 16, 2025, and the process is simple if you know where to look. This article breaks down everything you need to apply confidently and maximize your financial aid.

About the National High School Scholarship

The National High School Scholarship is an initiative by the French Ministry of National Education to help families afford secondary education. It is available to:

• Students in public or authorized private high schools
  • Students enrolled at CNED (Centre National d’Enseignement à Distance)
  • Families that meet specific income and household size criteria

This scholarship aims to ensure educational equality across France, especially for low-income families, by reducing financial barriers to academic success.

Overview French National High School Scholarship 2025

Feature	Details
Scholarship Name	National High School Scholarship 2025–2026
Host Country	France
Offered By	French Ministry of National Education
Eligible Institutions	Public/Private High Schools & CNED
Application Deadline	October 16, 2025
Application Start Date	September 1, 2025
Scholarship Type	Need-based
Financial Coverage	Up to €1,053 per year + bonuses
Eligibility Level	High school students (not university students)
Application Mode	Online or via school administration

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship is divided into six financial levels, known as steps, each with its own quarterly and yearly benefit:

• Step 1: €495 (€165/quarter)
• Step 2: €609 (€203/quarter)
• Step 3: €720 (€240/quarter)
• Step 4: €831 (€277/quarter)
• Step 5: €939 (€313/quarter)
• Step 6: €1,053 (€351/quarter)

Additional benefits include:

• €341.71 Equipment Bonus for 1st-year students in CAP, baccalaureate, or technician’s programs
• Boarding Bonus ranging from €327 to €672 for internal high schoolers
• €600 Return-to-School Bonus for 16–18-year-olds resuming studies
• Merit Scholarship between €402–€1,002 for students scoring “Good” or “Very Good” on the National Patent Diploma

French National High School Scholarship 2025 Eligibility

Eligibility for French Government High School Scholarship 2025 depends primarily on household income and family composition. Key points include:

1. Reference Tax Income from 2024 is considered.
2. It also includes the factor of number of dependent children in the household.
3. The type of high school (public, private under contract, or CNED) must qualify.
4. Students must be enrolled in a French high school and not in higher education.
5. Special provisions exist for:
   • Emancipated students or those not living with parents
   • Cohabiting parents (both incomes are assessed)
   • Shared custody situations (based on the household of the applicant)

Students receiving scholarships may not combine this aid with other state-funded educational support, except for those intended for research or international stays.

You can check your eligibility by using the Eligibility Simulator

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

For Public High School Students:

• If you consented in 2024 to automatic renewal, no action is needed.
• Otherwise, apply between September 1 – October 16, 2025, via:
• EduConnect on the School Services Portal
• Or by downloading the form and submitting it to the school with documents.

Private High School Students:

• Use the same form and submit it to the school’s office by October 16, 2025.

For CNED Students:

• Submit the form to your designated Academic Scholarship Office:
• General/Tech: Academy of Rennes
• Vocational: Academy of Lyon

Comparison of French vs. Global High School Scholarships

Feature	France (UNSS)	Germany (BAföG)	Canada (Canada Learning Bond)
Need-Based Aid	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Amount (Max/Year)	€1,053 + bonuses	€6,000 (varies)	Up to CAD 2,000
Merit-Based Bonuses	✅ Yes (€402–€1,002)	❌ No	❌ No
Equipment Bonus	✅ €341.71	❌ No	❌ No
Return-to-School Bonus	✅ €600	❌ No	✅ Yes
Application Platform	EduConnect/Form Submission	BAföG Office	Online via Government Portal

FAQs About French Government High School Scholarship 2025

1. Who is eligible for the French National High School Scholarship 2025–2026?
   Students in French public/private high schools or CNED who meet income and household criteria.
2. What is the maximum amount I can receive?
   Up to €1,053/year based on financial need, with additional bonuses.
3. How do I apply?
   Via EduConnect, or submit the printed form to your school by October 16, 2025.
4. Do I need to reapply every year?
   Not if you consented to automatic renewal in 2024. Otherwise, you might need reapplication.
5. What’s the income limit for eligibility?
   Use the simulator to check based on 2024 tax data.
6. Can students in private schools apply?
   Yes, if the school is authorized to receive national scholars.
7. Are there additional bonuses?
   Yes — equipment, merit, return-to-school, and boarding bonuses may apply.
8. Can emancipated students apply?
   Yes, they can apply independently if not linked to parents’ tax households.
9. When is the scholarship paid?
   In three installments: December, March, and June.
10. Can I combine this scholarship with others?
    Not if they are state-funded education subsidies. Exceptions apply for foreign research trips.

Don’t miss this opportunity to secure financial support for your child’s education in France. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or reapplying, make sure to submit your scholarship request before October 16, 2025. Check eligibility for French Government High School Scholarship 2025 using the simulator and ensure all documents are ready on time. APPLY NOW. Check the complete information at the official website.

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