Visiting Fellowship Program for Early Career Researchers 2027, France

Applications are now open for the MOPGA 2027 (Make Our Planet Great Again) fellowship programme, a fully funded research opportunity for early career researchers who have completed their doctoral degrees. This prestigious programme, funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space, invites young international researchers to conduct cutting-edge research in France across five key research areas.

The application deadline is December 15, 2026, with results expected between May and June 2027. The fellowship is fully funded for living expenses and is open to researchers of all nationalities except French citizens. There is no application fee. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here

Key Details:

• Degree Level: Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
• Host Country: France
• Application Deadline: 15 December 2026
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Open to All Nationalities: All nationalities except French nationals
• Application Fee: None

What This Scholarship Offers:

• Monthly allowance of €2,500 for 12 months
• €500 settling-in allowance during the first month
• Complete health insurance coverage
• Civil liability insurance
• Repatriation assistance
• Supplementary health insurance after registration with French social security
• Access to leading French research institutions
• Collaboration opportunities with world-class scientists
• Status of French Government Scholarship holder (BGF)
• Structured research environment with dedicated mentorship
• International visibility and impact for your research
• Networking opportunities for future global collaborations

Eligibility Criteria:

• Hold a doctoral degree awarded less than five years before the application deadline (PhD defended between December 2021 and December 2026)
• Be exclusively of foreign nationality (French nationals are not eligible)
• Be applying to undertake international mobility to France
• Not be residing and professionally active in France at the time of application
• Not have previously received a MOPGA fellowship

Research Themes:

• Earth system sciences
• Climate change and sustainability sciences
• Energy transition
• Societal challenges related to environmental issues
• Human, animal and environmental health (One Health approach)

Research Project Description:

• Project title;
• Keywords (6);
• Research project summary (max. 2,000 characters);
• Background and motivation (max. 2,000 characters);
• Scientific objectives (max. 2,000 characters);
• Methodology and timeline (max. 4,500 characters);
• Relevance of the project to the MOPGA initiative (max. 2,000 characters);
• International collaboration and/or expected impact for the applicant’s country of residence or country of origin (max. 2,000 characters).

Timeline:

• 15 September 2026: Applications open
• 15 December 2026: Application deadline
• May–June 2027: Results announced
• September–December 2027: Successful applicants arrive and begin research stay

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I apply if I defend my PhD after December 2026?
A: No. Your PhD must be defended between December 2021 and December 2026.

Q: I obtained my PhD more than five years ago. Can I still apply?
A: An exception may be granted if you took maternity leave. The eligibility period can be extended by 18 months per child with supporting documentation.

Q: Are humanities and social sciences eligible?
A: Yes. All disciplines are eligible if your project falls within the MOPGA research themes.

Q: Is travel to France covered?
A: No. International travel costs are not covered. Your host laboratory may provide support.

Q: Are there MOPGA fellowships for Master’s or PhD students?
A: No. This is exclusively for early career researchers with completed PhDs. Other funding available through France Excellence Eiffel programme and Campus Bourses.

Q: Does the host laboratory receive funding?
A: No. The programme does not cover laboratory costs. Discuss costs directly with the host institution.

Q: Can I submit my application by email?
A: No. Applications must be submitted through the SMApply platform only.

Q: Is there an application fee?
A: No. The application process is completely free.

How to Apply:

• Visit Application page
• Consult the FAQ section for clarification on eligibility and requirements
• Secure host laboratory commitment before submitting your application
• Gather all required documents in advance
• Pay close attention to all character limits in the application form
• Submit well before the deadline to avoid technical issues