France Excellence Scholarship 2025/2026

Applications are now open for the France Excellence Scholarship 2025/2026 for international scientific researchers

The French Government, through its Embassy in Ghana, is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 France Excellence Scholarship Programme. This prestigious initiative aims to foster international academic collaboration by offering short-term research opportunities to qualified PhD holders and doctoral students.

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Among the various streams under the France Excellence umbrella, the Séjours Scientifiques de Haut Niveau (SSHN)—translated as High-Level Scientific Stays—specifically cater to academics and researchers who wish to undertake short-term research residencies in France. The SSHN is a strategic component of France’s effort to boost international partnerships and advance global research cooperation.

About the SSHN – High-Level Scientific Research Stays

The SSHN grant is designed for PhD candidates and early-career or established researchers affiliated with higher education institutions or research laboratories, who are eager to deepen their collaboration with French academic or scientific institutions.

This fully-funded scholarship provides financial support for a 1 to 2-month research mobility in France, offering beneficiaries the chance to expand their professional networks, develop joint research outputs, and strengthen institutional cooperation between their home country and French research bodies.

 Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the 2026 France Excellence SSHN Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

 Academic Qualification:

• Must be a PhD student or holder of a doctoral degree in any relevant academic or research field.
• Scholars who earned their PhD within the last five years are classified as young researchers.
• Those who completed their PhD more than five years ago are considered confirmed researchers.

 Nationality:

• Open to all nationalities, except:
• Binational candidates who also hold citizenship from an EU member state are ineligible.

Professional Status:

• Applicants must hold a tenure-track or permanent position within:
• A public or private higher education institution, or
• A scientific research center or laboratory.

Duration & Dates of Stay:

• Length of stay: Minimum of 1 month, maximum of 2 months.
• Eligible period: The mobility must be scheduled to start on or after 1st September 2025, and must be completed by 15th December 2025.

What the Scholarship Covers (Benefits)

The SSHN Programme offers a comprehensive funding package to ensure a smooth and enriching research experience in France:

•  Round-trip international airfare from your country of residence to France
•  Monthly stipend to cover living expenses during your stay
• Health and repatriation insurance coverage
•  Assistance with accommodation:
• Campus France Paris may help book housing
• Rental costs will be deducted from the scholarship for convenience

Application Materials and Submission Guidelines

Applicants must prepare a detailed application dossier that clearly communicates the purpose, scope, and anticipated impact of their research mobility. Your application will be assessed based on the clarity, precision, and feasibility of your proposed project.

Required Components:

1. Host Institution Invitation Letter

• Must outline the planned scientific activities (e.g., scheduled seminars, conferences, or collaborative research papers).
• Should justify the choice of the French host institution and describe its alignment with your current research focus.

2. Motivational Cover Letter

• Explain:
  • Why you selected the French host institution
  • Past achievements that support your current project
  • How the mobility aligns with research areas at your home institution
  • Any proposed collaborative actions that could strengthen ties between your institution and the French partner

3. Detailed Research Work Plan

• Include a timeline of activities for the duration of your stay in France
• Clearly define goals, outputs, and anticipated milestones

4. Co-Funding Documentation (if applicable)

• Applications that include co-financing or institutional support will receive favorable consideration during evaluation

Selection Criteria

The evaluation process places strong emphasis on the strategic impact and academic quality of each proposal. The following aspects will be considered:

• Relevance of the project to the host institution’s expertise
• Demonstrated potential for collaboration and long-term academic partnership
• Quality and specificity of the proposed research agenda
• Institutional support and prospects for capacity-building
• Co-funding arrangements, where applicable
• Preparedness, as reflected in the detailed mobility plan

Important Note

All selected candidates will be contacted via email, including visa guidance, travel procedures, and further instructions from Campus France Paris, which will coordinate logistics such as housing and insurance.

• Failure to confirm your mobility by 15th June 2025 will lead to the automatic cancellation of your grant, and the award will be reassigned to a waiting list candidate.
• Scholarships cannot be deferred or postponed to a future year for any reason.

Application Timeline