Institut Polytechnique de Paris, usually shortened to IPP or IP Paris, is a group of five French engineering schools: École Polytechnique, ENSTA Paris, ENSAE Paris, Télécom Paris and Télécom SudParis. Its Master's funding is unusual in one practical way. You do not fill in a separate scholarship form. When you apply for a Master's program, your file is considered for the available scholarships and fee reductions at the same time, based on academic merit and financial need.
That makes IPP a sensible target for Pakistani students with a strong record in mathematics, computer science, data science, physics, economics or engineering. It is a poor fit if you are hoping for a fully funded package that pays rent, flights and living costs on its own. Read on for what the money actually looks like, or see the full scholarship details on our scholarship page.
The IPP funding package in one table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Provider | Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IPP) |
| Country | France (Paris-Saclay area) |
| Level | Master's |
| Funding type | Full / Partial, depending on the award |
| Main award | Excellence Scholarship of €10,000 per year |
| Fee reduction | From about €7,000 per year down to €243 per year (Years 1-2) |
| Last listed deadline | May 28, 2026 (Session 3) |
| Typically opens | October |
| Official site | ip-paris.fr |
Two different kinds of help: cash and cheaper tuition
Students often lump everything at IPP together as "the scholarship". It is more useful to think of two separate things.
The first is the Excellence Scholarship. It pays €10,000 per year toward study costs. It is merit-based and highly competitive, and it goes to top international applicants with exceptional academic records and strong research potential.
The second is the tuition fee reduction. Without it, annual tuition is approximately €7,000. With it, qualifying students pay €243 per year in Years 1 and 2, and approximately €380 in later years. For a Pakistani family paying in rupees, that drop is large. It can decide whether a French Master's is affordable at all.
On top of these, IPP lists need-based scholarships and partial financial aid, plus access to Campus France and French government aid programs. The source does not give amounts for the need-based awards, so treat them as possible support rather than something to budget around.
What the €10,000 does and does not do
€10,000 a year is real money, but it is a contribution, not a full living allowance for Paris. The listing describes funding as "Full / Partial", and the only fixed figures given are the €10,000 award and the reduced fee. Nothing in the official summary says the award covers housing, flights or health costs. Plan your finances as if you will need to show and use your own funds for living costs, and check the exact terms of any offer you receive. Our guide to bank statements and proof of funds covers how to prepare that side for a visa.
Which programs and fields this applies to
IPP's Master's programs sit in Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Economics, Physics, Computer Science, Data Science and AI, and Engineering and Technology. IPP's own FAQ material also mentions Cyber Security, Chemistry and Management among its Master's offerings. Many programs are taught in English, which is why most applicants from Pakistan will not need French to apply.
The campuses are in the Paris-Saclay area, a large science and technology cluster with research labs and companies working in AI, defence, aerospace and energy. If your plan after the Master's is a PhD, a research lab job or a data science role in Europe, this matters more than the scholarship amount.
Is a Pakistani student eligible?
Yes. IPP is open to international students worldwide, and the listing includes specific contacts for Pakistani applicants. The stated requirements are short:
- A strong academic background in the field you are applying to
- English proficiency, since most programs are taught in English
- Possible eligibility for French government aid or Campus France programs
Selection is described as merit-based, while IPP also lists need-based aid. In practice, expect your grades and academic profile to carry most of the weight, and confirm with the admissions office how financial need is assessed for the fee reduction.
There is no stated minimum CGPA, IELTS band or age limit in the source. Do not assume there is none. Each program sets its own entry standards, so read the requirements on your target program page.
The paperwork for one IPP application
Because the scholarship rides on the admission file, your Master's application is your scholarship application. You will need:
- The online application form on the IPP portal
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- A statement of purpose or motivation letter
- Letters of recommendation
- English proficiency proof (IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent)
- A CV or résumé
Pakistani applicants should get transcripts and degrees in order early, since attestation can take weeks. See our IBCC and MOFA attestation guide if you have not done this before.
The three application sessions, and why the session you pick matters
IPP accepts Master's applications in three sessions. In the last listed cycle the dates were:
| Session | Dates |
|---|---|
| Session 1 | October 29, 2025 to January 8, 2026 |
| Session 2 | January 9, 2026 to March 26, 2026 |
| Session 3 | March 27, 2026 to May 28, 2026 |
Those 2026 sessions have now closed. The cycle typically opens around October, so check the official portal for the new dates before you plan anything.
The catch is that not every program opens in every session. Some only take applications in Sessions 1 and 2. A student who waits for Session 3 can find that the program they wanted is no longer accepting files. My advice: treat Session 1 as your real deadline. You get the widest program choice, and you leave yourself time for the visa and Campus France steps later.
Applying on the IPP portal
- Go to the IPP admissions pages at ip-paris.fr/en/education and shortlist programs.
- Check that your chosen program is open in the session you are aiming for.
- Create an account and complete the online form.
- Upload transcripts, your motivation letter, recommendation letters and English test proof.
- Submit before your session's deadline.
- Wait. Scholarship consideration is automatic for most awards, so there is no second form to send.
The scholarship overview, including the IP Paris Master's Scholarship for international students, is on the IPP scholarships page.
Where applicants lose the Excellence Scholarship
Since there is no scholarship essay, the motivation letter and recommendations do all the work. Weak applications usually fail in the same places.
- A generic motivation letter. Name the program, the courses and the research areas at IPP that match your background. The Excellence Scholarship goes to people with research potential, so show it: a final-year project, a paper, lab work or a serious coding project.
- Recommendation letters from people who barely know you. One detailed letter from a supervisor who saw your research is worth more than a famous name with two lines.
- Assuming the fee reduction is automatic for everyone. It may be considered automatically, but the eligibility criteria are not spelled out. Ask the admissions office directly.
- Applying late in a session. Apply early so documents have time to be reviewed.
- Ignoring Campus France. If you are in Pakistan, register with Campus France early. It gives orientation and visa guidance, and you need to complete the Campus France Pakistan registration before applying for a visa.
Visa and contacts for students in Pakistan
Student visa (VLS-TS) applications and the Campus France Pakistan procedure go through the French Embassy in Islamabad, Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5 (phone +92-51-2016000, pk.ambafrance.org). Once you are in France, the Embassy of Pakistan in Paris at 18 Rue Lord Byron, 75008 Paris (phone +33-1-45627610, mofa.gov.pk/france) handles consular services for Pakistani students.
A scholarship or fee reduction does not guarantee a visa. Read our note on common student visa rejection reasons before you file. For other options in the same country, see all France scholarships.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to apply separately for the IPP scholarship?
For most awards, no. The Excellence Scholarship and tuition reductions are assessed as part of your Master's admission application.
How much will I pay in tuition if I get the reduction?
Qualifying students pay €243 per year in Years 1 and 2 and approximately €380 per year after that, instead of approximately €7,000 per year.
Is the Excellence Scholarship enough to live on in Paris?
It provides €10,000 per year toward study costs. The source does not say it covers all living expenses, so plan to fund part of your living costs yourself and check the terms of your offer.
Can I apply to any program in Session 3?
No. Some programs do not open in Session 3. Check the specific program page before preparing your application.
Do I need to speak French?
Many programs are taught in English and English proficiency is the stated language requirement. Confirm the language of instruction for your specific program.
Dates and award terms change between cycles, so confirm everything on the official IPP website and keep an eye on the IPP Master's Scholarship page for updates.