France Government MOPGA 8 Visiting Fellowship 2026 for International Students (Fully Funded)

The Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) 2026 program is a prestigious postdoctoral research fellowship in France aimed at attracting outstanding young international researchers who wish to contribute to global environmental and climate challenges.

Launched in 2018 by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR) and implemented by Campus France, this initiative supports international postdoctoral researchers conducting projects that align with the Paris Climate Agreement goals.

Through MOPGA 2026, France continues its leadership in promoting scientific excellence and sustainability research, strengthening collaboration between global scientists and top French research institutions.

Each selected fellow under MOPGA 2026 will receive:

• Monthly stipend: €2,500 for 12 months
• Installation grant: €500 (one-time)
• Health coverage: Health insurance, liability coverage, and repatriation assistance
• Status: Official “Boursier du Gouvernement Français (BGF)” - French Government Fellow

• Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 

Applicants can propose research projects within the following five thematic areas:

• Earth System Sciences
• Climate Change and Sustainability Sciences
• Energy Transition
• Societal Challenges of Environmental Issues
• One Health Approach (Human, Animal, and Environmental Health)

Note: Only integrated “One Health” projects addressing interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems are eligible.

Open to applicants of all nationalities.

To apply for MOPGA 2026 Postdoctoral Research Grants, candidates must:

• Hold a PhD degree obtained between December 2020 and December 2025
• Be of non-French nationality (open to all international candidates)
• Have not resided in France for more than 90 days between September and December 2025
• Submit a research project aligned with the MOPGA themes
• Secure a French host laboratory or research institution willing to support their stay

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and upload the following documents on the Campus France SMApply platform:

• Curriculum Vitae (max. 4 pages) with list of publications
• PhD degree certificate or official attestation
• CV of the French research supervisor (max. 2 pages)
• Letter of support from the French host supervisor and laboratory director
• Up to 3 letters of recommendation
• Passport or national ID copy
• Full research proposal (title, keywords, objectives, methodology, and relevance to MOPGA)

Interested candidates must apply online via the official platform:

https://campusfrance.smapply.io/prog/mopga-2026/

Application Timeline:

• Opening: 12 September 2025
• Deadline: 12 December 2025
• Results: May–June 2026
• Arrival in France: Between September and December 2026

Only applications submitted through the online platform will be considered. Email submissions are not accepted.

Selection Process

The selection is conducted in two stages:

• Scientific Evaluation: Experts designated by the French Ministry of Research evaluate the proposals.
• Final Selection: An international committee reviews shortlisted applications and selects the final fellows.

Why Apply for MOPGA 2026?

The MOPGA 2026 Fellowship offers more than funding - it’s a gateway to global collaboration, cutting-edge facilities, and meaningful environmental impact. Working with French research institutions gives young scientists the chance to advance transformative projects that contribute to the planet’s sustainable future.