Are you an experienced researcher looking for an opportunity to advance your academic career in France while working in a stimulating international environment? The French Institutes for Advanced Study (FIAS) Fellowship offers outstanding researchers and scholars the chance to undertake high-level scientific research through fully supported academic residencies across some of France’s leading institutes for advanced study.
French Institutes for Advanced Study (FIAS) Fellowship
The FIAS Fellowship Programme is an international mobility initiative that provides researchers with the academic freedom, scientific support, and interdisciplinary environment needed to conduct innovative and impactful research. For the 2027/2028 academic year, 29 fellowship positions are available across seven prestigious Institutes for Advanced Study located in Aix-Marseille, Cergy, Loire Valley (Orléans-Tours), Lyon, Montpellier, Nantes, and Paris.
The fellowship program supports scholars in the Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH), as well as researchers working in disciplines connected to these fields. The programme also welcomes eligible artists whose work aligns with the academic and interdisciplinary goals of the institutes.
Funded through France 2030 and the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND initiative, the FIAS Fellowship promotes global academic collaboration and innovative research excellence.
French Institutes for Advanced Study (FIAS) Fellowship 2027/2028 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | France |
| Fellowship Host Institutions | Institutes for Advanced Study in Aix-Marseille, Cergy, Loire Valley, Lyon, Montpellier, Nantes, and Paris |
| Fellowship Type | Research Fellowship |
| Eligible Applicants | International Researchers and Scholars |
| Number of Fellowships | 29 Positions |
| Fellowship Duration | 10 Months |
| Study/Research Period | September 2027 – June 2028 |
| Eligible Disciplines | Social Sciences, Humanities, and Related Interdisciplinary Fields |
| Funded By | France 2030 and Horizon Europe MSCA COFUND |
| Application Method | Online Application |
| Application Language | English |
| Eligible Nationalities | All Countries |
| Academic Level Required | PhD Degree + Research Experience |
| Study Mode | Residential Fellowship |
| Application Platform | FIAS Official Website |
What Is the FIAS Fellowship Programme All About?
The French Institutes for Advanced Study Fellowship Programme is a prestigious international research mobility programme that supports experienced researchers pursuing innovative, interdisciplinary projects.
The fellowship provides scholars with the opportunity to spend 10 months in residence at one of the participating French institutes for advanced study. During this period, fellows benefit from:
- Full academic freedom to pursue their research projects.
- Access to a stimulating interdisciplinary academic environment.
- Scientific and professional support from the host institute.
- Opportunities for international collaboration and networking.
- Interaction with scholars from diverse academic backgrounds.
Since its launch in 2020, the FIAS Fellowship Programme has supported more than 136 researchers from around the world across multiple disciplines in the humanities and social sciences.
The fellowship aims to strengthen international research collaboration while helping scholars develop innovative ideas and produce impactful academic work.
Participating Institutes for Advanced Study
The fellowship positions are distributed across seven Institutes for Advanced Study in France:
- Aix-Marseille Institute for Advanced Study
- Cergy Institute for Advanced Study
- Loire Valley Institute for Advanced Study (Orléans-Tours)
- Lyon Institute for Advanced Study
- Montpellier Institute for Advanced Study
- Nantes Institute for Advanced Study
- Paris Institute for Advanced Study
Each institute has its own scientific orientation and research priorities. Applicants are encouraged to review the institutions individually before applying.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To qualify for the French Institutes for Advanced Study (FIAS) Fellowship 2027/2028, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Degree and Research Experience
Applicants must:
- Hold a doctoral degree (PhD) by the application deadline.
- Have at least two years of full-time research experience after completing their PhD.
Please note:
- Time spent during PhD training does not count toward the required research experience.
Mobility Requirement
Applicants must comply with the transnational mobility rule under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions framework.
Candidates must:
- Not have resided or carried out their main activity in France for more than 12 months during the three years immediately before the application deadline.
Eligible Disciplines
The fellowship is open to:
- All disciplines within the social sciences and humanities (SSH).
- Interdisciplinary research fields connected to SSH.
- Eligible artists whose work aligns with the fellowship’s research goals.
Administrative Requirements
Applicants must:
- Submit complete applications online.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Ensure applications are written entirely in English.
- Respect page limits and formatting instructions.
Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The FIAS Fellowship Programme strongly supports diversity and equal opportunity. Applications are welcome regardless of:
- Gender
- Nationality
- Ethnic or social background
- Religion or belief
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
- Political opinion
- Economic status
Fellowship Benefits
Researchers selected for the FIAS Fellowship Programme will benefit from a range of academic and professional advantages, including:
- A prestigious international research residency in France.
- Ten months of dedicated research time.
- Access to leading academic networks and institutions.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities.
- Academic freedom to pursue innovative research.
- Scientific and administrative support from the host institute.
- Integration into an international scholarly community.
- Enhanced career development and global visibility.
The fellowship creates an environment where scholars can focus fully on advancing their research projects while building meaningful international partnerships.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents in English only:
- Completed online application form.
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- List of publications.
- Contact details of three academic referees.
- Copy of PhD diploma in PDF format.
- Detailed research proposal (maximum 5 pages).
- One additional bibliography page.
- Three to five key publications (articles or book chapters).
- Optional: Up to two letters of recommendation.
Research Proposal Requirements
The research proposal should clearly explain:
- The scientific objectives of the project.
- The project’s relevance to the current state of research.
- Proposed research methodology.
- Expected scientific outcomes.
- The importance of the fellowship for career development.
- The relevance of the fellowship duration.
Applicants may also include the names of up to three scholars they wish to exclude from the peer-review process.
How to Apply for the FIAS Fellowship 2027/2028
Here is the step-by-step application process for the French Institutes for Advanced Study Fellowship:
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Carefully review all eligibility requirements before starting your application.
Step 2: Read the Applicant Guide
Applicants are strongly encouraged to study the official guide for applicants and review the scientific focus of each participating institute.
Step 3: Create an Online Account
Visit the official FIAS website and create a user account through the user space located in the top-right corner of the webpage.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Gather and organize all required application materials in English.
Step 5: Complete the Online Application Form
Fill out the online application carefully and upload all supporting documents.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the online platform before the official deadline.
The system automatically blocks late submissions, and they will not be accepted.
Why Apply for the FIAS Fellowship?
The FIAS Fellowship Programme offers more than just research funding. It provides scholars with a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in one of Europe’s most vibrant intellectual environments.
International Research Exposure
Fellows work alongside internationally recognized scholars from diverse disciplines and backgrounds.
Academic Freedom
Researchers are encouraged to explore innovative ideas independently while benefiting from institutional support.
Prestigious Research Environment
The participating institutes for advanced study are known for academic excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Career Advancement
The fellowship strengthens researchers’ academic profiles and expands international professional networks.
Cultural and Intellectual Experience
Living and researching in France provides a unique cultural, academic, and professional experience that can significantly enrich a scholar’s career.
Important Notes for Applicants
Applicants should remember the following:
- Applications must be written entirely in English.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Applications exceeding page limits may be rejected.
- The application and evaluation process is fully online.
- Compliance with research ethics and EU data protection regulations is mandatory.
For more information and to apply, visit the official FIAS Fellowship website below: French Institutes for Advanced Study (FIAS) Fellowship Official Website
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