France Chateaubriand Fellowship Program 2026 (Fully Funded)

The Chateaubriand Fellowship Program 2026–2027 is a prestigious research fellowship offered by the Embassy of France in the United States. It enables PhD students enrolled at U.S. universities to conduct 4–9 months of doctoral research in France. This program strengthens collaboration between American and French research teams and offers outstanding funding, international exposure, and high-level academic networking.

STEM Fellowship Benefits

• Monthly stipend: Up to €1,850/month
• Round-trip airfare support
• Health insurance coverage
• Support from French research organizations (Inserm, Inria, CNRS)
• Opportunity to engage in NSF’s GROW partnership (when applicable)

HSS Fellowship Benefits

• €1,704 monthly stipend
• Round-trip airfare (booked by Campus France, covered up to €1,410)
• Health insurance
• Strong academic support from Campus France

The Chateaubriand Fellowship is strictly for:

• PhD (Doctoral-level) students only
• Bachelor’s and Master’s students are not eligible.

1. STEM Track

Eligible research topics include:

• Science
• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Biology & Health
• Ecology
• Technology
• Environmental Sciences

All STEM and Health-related fields are accepted.

Special 2026–27 partnership with Université Clermont Auvergne includes:

• Climate, Biodiversity, Health (UMR LaMP, PIAF, LMGE, iGRED, IMOST, M2ISH, MEDIS, NEURODOL, ICCF).

2. Humanities & Social Sciences (HSS Track)

Eligible HSS fields include:

• Literature
• History
• Economics
• Law
• Anthropology
• Sociology
• Political Science
• Gender Studies
• Communication
• Philosophy

All disciplines in Humanities & Social Sciences

Special HSS partnership with Université Clermont Auvergne includes research in democracy, gender, Anthropocene, and socio-economic vulnerability.

• All nationalities can apply, as long as the applicant is enrolled in a U.S. university.
• French citizens and dual French–U.S. citizens are NOT eligible.

To apply, candidates must:

• Be currently enrolled in a PhD program at an accredited U.S. university.
• Have approval for co-supervision between their U.S. advisor and a French research advisor.
• Conduct research in a French university, research institute, or laboratory.
• Submit an agreement letter from their U.S. advisor.
• Submit an invitation letter from a French professor or research supervisor.
• Not be a French citizen or dual citizen.
• French language proficiency is not required.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: January 25, 2026 (11:59 pm EST)
• Results / Award Notification: May 2026
• Research Start Period: Between Sept 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027
• Applications Open: October 8, 2025

Application Documents (STEM + HSS)

Applicants must prepare:

• Personal information & academic background
• Degree transcripts (unofficial accepted)
• CV / publication list
• Summary of U.S. research
• Summary of planned research in France
• 3-page research proposal (project description)
• Letter of agreement from U.S. supervisor
• Letter of invitation from French host supervisor
• 1–3 recommendation letters
• Contact information for French host laboratory

Optional:

• Co-tutelle (joint PhD) agreement, if applicable.

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Identify a French Research Lab

• Find a suitable French research team or professor willing to host and co-supervise your research.

Step 2: Obtain Advisor Letters

Secure:

• Agreement letter (U.S. advisor)
• Invitation letter (French advisor)

Step 3: Prepare Research Documents

Write:

• Research summary
• 3-page detailed project description
• List of publications and academic accomplishments

Step 4: Complete the Online Application

• Fill out the application form for STEM or HSS.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

• Ensure all documents are complete - incomplete applications are not reviewed.

Step 6: Submit Before Deadline

• Submit by January 25, 2026.