The ENS-UI-UCAD Exchange Programme 2026 is an international academic mobility opportunity for Master’s and PhD students enrolled at École Normale Supérieure (ENS-PSL), the University of Ibadan (UI), and Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD). The programme fosters academic collaboration between institutions in France and Africa by giving students opportunities to undertake research visits at partner universities.
Organised through the ENS-PSL Programme Suds, the exchange programme offers selected students a one-month research stay at a partner institution, with the possibility of an extension under the programme’s conditions. Participants will receive financial support towards their research stay, including a grant and accommodation.
The programme is particularly relevant to postgraduate students interested in international research collaboration, academic exchange and developing connections with researchers at partner institutions. Applications are open, and exchange visits are expected to begin in March 2027.
Overview of the ENS-UI-UCAD Exchange Programme 2026
| Details | Information |
| Programme | ENS-UI-UCAD Exchange Programme 2026 |
| Organiser | ENS-PSL Programme Suds |
| Partner Institutions | ENS-PSL, University of Ibadan and Cheikh Anta Diop University |
| Host Countries | France, Nigeria and Senegal |
| Programme Type | Student Research Exchange |
| Eligible Study Levels | Master’s and PhD |
| Research Stay | One month |
| Possible Extension | Up to three additional months, subject to programme conditions |
| Funding | €2,500 or €2,000, depending on the direction of exchange |
| Accommodation | Provided |
| Expected Start | March 2027 onwards |
| General Application Deadline | 1 December 2026 |
| University of Ibadan Contact Deadline | 9 November 2026 |
| Application Status | Open |
Benefits of the ENS-UI-UCAD Exchange Programme 2026
Selected participants will receive:
- A research grant of €2,500 for international students undertaking research at ENS-PSL.
- Accommodation for students conducting their research at ENS-PSL.
- A research grant of €2,000 for ENS students undertaking research abroad.
- Accommodation for ENS students undertaking their research abroad.
- A one-month research stay at a partner institution.
- Opportunities to work with academic supervisors at their host universities.
- Opportunities to participate in seminars and academic activities organised by the host department.
- Opportunities to develop international academic and research connections.
- Exposure to different academic environments and research practices.
- Opportunities to strengthen their research experience through international collaboration.
Furthermore, the grant amounts depend on the direction of the exchange. The possibility of extending the research stay by up to three months does not automatically include additional funding, except for ENS scholarship holders under the programme’s stated conditions.
Participating Universities
The exchange programme involves three academic institutions:
École Normale Supérieure (ENS-PSL), France
ENS-PSL is a French higher education and research institution participating in the Programme Suds. It provides opportunities for students from partner universities to undertake research stays in France.
University of Ibadan (UI), Nigeria
The University of Ibadan is one of the African partner institutions. Eligible Master’s and PhD students can apply for research exchanges at ENS-PSL through IFRA-Nigeria.
Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD), Senegal
UCAD is another African partner institution participating in the exchange programme, providing postgraduate students with opportunities for academic collaboration and research mobility.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the ENS–UI–UCAD Exchange Programme 2026, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Applicants must be enrolled in a Master’s or PhD programme at ENS-PSL, the University of Ibadan or Cheikh Anta Diop University.
- Applicants must propose a research project that can be undertaken during the exchange period.
- Applicants must obtain the agreement of an academic staff member at the host institution who will supervise their research.
- Applicants must provide an invitation letter from their proposed host academic.
- Applicants must submit a completed application form.
- Applicants must provide an updated curriculum vitae.
- Applicants must be able to participate in the research activities and academic engagements of the host department.
The programme is restricted to students from the three participating institutions. Students enrolled at other universities cannot apply through this particular exchange call.
How to Apply for the ENS-UI-UCAD Exchange Programme 2026
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
- Confirm that they are currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD programme at ENS-PSL, the University of Ibadan, or Cheikh Anta Diop University.
- Identify the partner university where they intend to undertake their research stay.
- Contact an academic staff member at the proposed host institution and obtain their agreement to supervise the research.
- Request an official invitation letter from the host academic.
- Download and complete the official Programme Suds application form.
- Prepare an updated curriculum vitae and other required application documents.
- Applicants from the University of Ibadan seeking an exchange at ENS-PSL must first submit their applications to IFRA-Nigeria for preselection.
- Submit the completed application through the appropriate institutional channel before the relevant deadline.
Furthermore, students from the University of Ibadan applying to undertake research at ENS-PSL must submit their applications to IFRA-Nigeria by 9 November 2026. IFRA-Nigeria will preselect applications and help applicants connect with ENS academic staff.
Applicants from ENS-PSL who wish to undertake research at the University of Ibadan must also contact IFRA-Nigeria by 9 November 2026 to receive assistance connecting with UI academic staff.
ENS-UI-UCAD Exchange Programme Application Deadline
The general application deadline for the ENS-UI-UCAD Exchange Programme 2026 is 1 December 2026. However, University of Ibadan students applying to ENS-PSL and ENS students seeking an exchange at the University of Ibadan must contact IFRA-Nigeria by 9 November 2026.
The selection results are expected in January 2027, while research stays will begin from March 2027 onwards.
Official Website
For the official application announcement, application form, and additional information, visit the IFRA-Nigeria website:
https://ifra-nigeria.org/opportunities/calls-grants/810-ens-ui-ucad-exchange
Also, applicants can contact IFRA-Nigeria through info@ifra-nigeria.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the ENS-UI-UCAD Exchange Programme?
The programme is open to eligible Master’s and PhD students enrolled at ENS-PSL, the University of Ibadan and Cheikh Anta Diop University.
How much funding does the exchange programme provide?
International students conducting research at ENS-PSL receive €2,500 plus accommodation. ENS students conducting research abroad receive €2,000 plus accommodation.
How long does the research exchange last?
The standard research stay lasts one month. An extension of up to three months may be possible under the programme’s conditions.
When will the exchange programme begin?
The research visits are expected to begin in March 2027.
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