Are you planning a PhD or a Post-doctorate in France? France remains one of the world's top destinations for scientific research. For the 2026 academic year, several excellence programs are open to fund your international mobility.
Here is a summary of the major programs and the links to apply.
1. MOPGA 2026 Program (Make Our Planet Green Again)
The MOPGA program is the gold standard for international researchers working on global challenges. It is fully managed by Campus France.
Target Audience: Young researchers who have held a PhD for less than 5 years (all nationalities except French).
Priority Themes: Climate change, energy transition, environmental health, and ocean protection.
Funding: A monthly allowance of €2,500 for 12 months, including an installation grant.
2026 Calendar:
Applications Open: September 2025.
Deadline: December 2025 / January 2026.
Arrival in France: From September 2026.
Apply here: Campus France - MOPGA
2. France Excellence Eiffel Scholarships (PhD Level)
This elite program from the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs aims to attract future international decision-makers to French laboratories.
Target Audience: International PhD students in joint supervision (cotutelle) or co-direction.
Amount: Approximately €1,200 per month (updated for 2026), including international travel and social security coverage.
Note: You cannot apply directly. Your application must be submitted by your hosting institution in France.
Calendar: Institutions submit files in January 2026 for a start date in September 2026.
Official Link: France Excellence Eiffel Program
3. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) - Horizon Europe
This is the pillar of European research. MSCA fellowships allow researchers of all nationalities to carry out high-level research projects.
Postdoctoral Fellowships (PF): For researchers holding a PhD who wish to strengthen their international profile.
Funding: Highly comprehensive (salary, mobility allowance, research, training, and networking costs).
2026 Calendar:
Call Launch: April 2026.
Deadline: September 2026.
Official Link: MSCA Portal - European Commission
4. FMSH Scholarships (Humanities & Social Sciences)
For researchers in Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS), the Fondation Maison des Sciences de l'Homme (FMSH) offers postdoctoral mobility grants (the "Atlas" programs).
Target Audience: Post-doctoral researchers for stays of 2 to 3 months.
Objective: To foster international research networks.
Useful Link: FMSH Calls for Proposals
Summary Table: Which scholarship for your profile?
Profile | Ideal Program | Duration | Call Status |
PhD Student (Joint) | France Excellence Eiffel | 6 to 36 months | Annual (January) |
Post-doc (Climate/Bio) | MOPGA | 12 months | Open (End of year) |
Post-doc (All fields) | MSCA Postdoctoral | 12 to 24 months | Spring 2026 |
HSS Researcher | Atlas Grants (FMSH) | 2 to 3 months | Multiple sessions / year |
? Tips for Your Application
Plan Ahead: Most scholarships require an application 6 to 9 months before departure.
Find Your Host Lab: Before taking any steps, contact a French laboratory. Use the ScanR directory to find research units.
Application Language: Even for France, the majority of excellence programs require an application written in English to be evaluated by international peers.
Consult Campus Bourses: This is the essential search tool to find aid based on your nationality.
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