The Entente Cordiale joint scholarship scheme provides funding to help students enrolling for a Masters or a PhD qualification in the UK or in France.
The Entente Cordiale scholarships history
In October 1995, British Prime Minister John Major and French President Jacques Chirac launched the Entente Cordiale scholarship scheme. Over 500 exceptional students have benefited from this unique opportunity to continue their studies on the other side of the Channel, funded by the private and corporate sector and on occasions donations from the alumni network. The Entente Cordiale scholarships have been granted annually between 1996 and 2018 to outstanding students or researchers who at postgraduate level aimed, through their work, research, or a professional project, to strengthen ties between France and the UK.
What's on offer now?
Since 2019, the British Council in France administers Entente Cordiale scholarships in the field of law, funded by Herbert Smith Freehills - Cercle Montesquieu, and since 2022 we are pleased to be able to offer new Entente Cordiale scholarships in the field of the environment.
The scholarships support one year of full-time postgraduate study in a British university.
For British candidates wishing to study in France
British candidates wishing to study in France can apply via the Franco-British Council for scholarships funded by the French Embassy in London. For more information please contact info@francobritish.org.
Who are the Entente Cordiale scholars and where are they now?
One of the main aims of the scheme is to assist successful candidates in playing leading roles in the future of their country. We have awarded a range of scholarships in different disciplines in order to promote and support diversity, which is something that characterises the scheme's alumni network.
Entente Cordiale alumni are now pursuing careers in diverse organisations such as the World Health Organisation, the International Monetary Fund, various Ministries and local government. Many alumni go on to work in the private sector, in banking, law firms and consultancy; others are active in journalism, scientific research, curating, design and film-making.