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France 2026/27 intake: Ampère scholarship applications typically close in the first quarter of 2026, aligned with Master's admission — confirm on ens-lyon.fr

Ampère Excellence Scholarship (ENS de Lyon)

The Ampère Scholarships of Excellence are awarded by the École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS de Lyon), one of France's elite grandes écoles and a hub for research training across the exact sciences, life sciences, humanities and social sciences. The scheme provides a monthly living stipend of around EUR 1,000 (LKR 345k+) for the duration of a Master's, to a small number of outstanding international students admitted to an ENS de Lyon Master's programme. Selection is highly competitive and merit-based, aimed at students intending to pursue research (many Ampère holders continue to a PhD). For top Sri Lankan graduates in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, computer science, or the humanities who want a research-focused French Master's, Ampère is a prestigious and generous route. Exact stipend, number of awards and deadlines are set each year — confirm the current call on the ENS de Lyon website.

École Normale Supérieure de Lyon

University-funded

emoji_events Award Overview

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Value

~EUR 1,000/mo Stipend

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Level

Master's (Research-oriented)

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Basis

Academic Excellence

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

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International Applicant

Open to international students who have completed their previous studies outside France and who are admitted to an ENS de Lyon Master's. Sri Lankan applicants are eligible; check the call for exact conditions.

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Outstanding Academic Record

A very strong Bachelor's (typically first-class) in the relevant field from a recognised Sri Lankan university. Ampère is selective and geared toward students with clear research potential.

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Research Orientation

The scholarship supports students intending to move into research; a coherent academic project and motivation for research-based study strengthen the application.

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Language Proficiency

Requirements depend on the programme's language of instruction (English or French). Science Master's often run in English (IELTS ~6.5); some tracks require French. Sri Lankan applicants from English-medium degrees may qualify via an MOI route.

account_tree Application Process

Apply to an ENS de Lyon Master's

Submit your admission application to an eligible ENS de Lyon Master's programme with transcripts, degree certificate, CV, motivation and references.

Apply for the Ampère scholarship

Complete the Ampère Excellence Scholarship application as indicated for your programme, before the annual deadline.

Selection by scientific committee

A committee ranks candidates on academic excellence and research potential and awards a limited number of scholarships for the intake.

Accept and apply for the French visa

Accept your place and scholarship, then apply for the French student visa (VLS-TS) via Campus France / the French consular service covering Sri Lanka, using your offer, scholarship confirmation and financial evidence.

Why ENS de Lyon?

ENS de Lyon is one of France's most selective grandes écoles, renowned for research training across the sciences and humanities and for placing graduates into doctoral programmes worldwide. For research-minded Sri Lankan students, an Ampère-funded Master's is an exceptional springboard into a PhD.