As of July 2026, Gabonese students face significantly reduced opportunities to study in French universities at the expense of the French state. This change follows a policy shift by the French government, which has tightened eligibility criteria for scholarships and financial aid for international students from certain countries, including Gabon.
According to official data from Campus France, the number of Gabonese students receiving French government scholarships has dropped by approximately 30% since 2024. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the new policy prioritizes students from countries with stronger economic ties to France, leaving many Gabonese applicants without funding.
Gabon, a former French colony, has historically sent thousands of students to France each year, many supported by French state aid. However, budget constraints and a reorientation of French foreign aid have led to these cuts. The Gabonese government has expressed concern, urging France to maintain educational cooperation.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, only 1,200 Gabonese students received full scholarships, down from 1,700 in 2023. This reduction affects students from low-income families disproportionately, as private funding options remain limited.
