Introduction: Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in France 2027
France offers a rich ecosystem of fully funded PhD scholarships and doctoral employment contracts for 2027 across STEM, social sciences, arts, and humanities. The opportunities below are designed for high-potential researchers (both EU and non-EU) who hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) and want to pursue cutting-edge research within world-class laboratories and industry partners.
Applicants should consider France if they value:
- Internationally competitive funding with social benefits under employment contracts.
- Access to top research infrastructures at universities, Grandes Écoles, and national labs (CNRS, Inria, CEA, Institut Pasteur, etc.).
- Cross-sector pathways, including industry-embedded doctorates (CIFRE) and EU-funded networks (MSCA).
- Vibrant scientific communities in Paris, Grenoble, Bordeaux, Lyon, Lille, Marseille, and beyond.
Below you’ll find a verified list of programs, expected funding features, typical timelines, and official links to confirm each 2027 call. Where exact amounts or dates are not yet published for 2027, we indicate the usual cycles and advise checking the official websites.
Quick Summary Table: Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in France 2027
Tip: Deadlines for 2027 intakes generally appear from late 2026 to early 2027. Always verify on the official page.
| Fellowship / Program | Host Institution | Eligibility | Funding / Salary | Application Deadline | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (Doctoral) | French HEIs via Campus France | Age ≤ 35 at time of application; international candidates | Monthly allowance €2,100 + travel/insurance; 12–36 months | Typically Jan (institutional nominations start in Oct–Dec) | Campus France |
| MSCA Doctoral Networks (positions in France) | EU consortia incl. French hosts | Early-stage researchers (no PhD at recruitment) | Horizon Europe allowances (living + mobility + family, if eligible) | EU call usually closes in Q4; project-level deadlines vary | European Commission |
| CIFRE Industrial PhD | Company + University lab (France) | Master’s or equivalent; enrollment in French doctoral school | Full-time employment contract; ANRT subsidy to company | Rolling intake; apply year-round | ANRT CIFRE |
| French Doctoral Contract (Contrat doctoral) | Public universities / Doctoral schools | Admission to a doctoral school; selection by merit | Salary set by national decree; 3-year full-time contract | Varies by doctoral school (often spring–summer) | Campus France – PhD Funding |
| Inria PhD Positions | Inria Research Centers (nationwide) | Master’s or equivalent in CS, math, AI, etc. | Fixed-term employment with competitive public-research salary | Calls typically open Q1–Q2 | Inria |
| CNRS Doctoral Positions | CNRS laboratories + universities | Master’s or equivalent; selection via lab/doctoral school | Funded contracts via CNRS/projects; full social benefits | By project; usually spring–summer | CNRS |
| CEA (Atomic Energy Commission) PhD Theses | CEA centers (e.g., Saclay, Grenoble) | Master’s or equivalent; background matches project | 3-year funded positions; employee status | Offers often published Q1–Q2 | CEA |
| Institut Pasteur – PPU International PhD Program | Institut Pasteur + Paris universities | International students with Master’s/equivalent | 3-year salary contract; training & travel support | Typical calls open in Q3–Q4 | Institut Pasteur |
| Université Paris-Saclay – PhD Funding | Université Paris-Saclay | Admission to a doctoral school; competitive selection | Doctoral contracts; potential additional grants | Varies by doctoral school | Paris-Saclay |
| Sorbonne University – Doctoral Funding | Sorbonne University | Enrollment in a Sorbonne doctoral school | Doctoral contracts, projects, external grants | Program-specific | Sorbonne University |
| Université Grenoble Alpes – PhD Funding | UGA | Admission to UGA doctoral school | Doctoral contracts; regional/national grants | Varies (often spring) | UGA Doctorate |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IP Paris) – PhD | IP Paris (Polytechnique, Télécom Paris, etc.) | Master’s/equivalent; competitive selection | Funded doctoral contracts; research/teaching options | By lab/doctoral school | IP Paris |
| PSL – QLife PhD Fellowships | PSL University – QLife Institute | International graduates in life sciences/quantitative fields | 3-year PhD fellowships; training & networking | Typically annual calls | QLife (PSL) |
| Aix-Marseille University – Doctoral Funding | AMU – Doctoral College | Admission to AMU doctoral school | Doctoral contracts; lab/project-funded positions | Varies by school | AMU Doctoral College |
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (Doctoral Component)
Overview: The Eiffel Program, administered by Campus France on behalf of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, funds top international candidates to pursue doctoral research in France under co-supervision or joint supervision (cotutelle). French higher education institutions (HEIs) submit nominations.
Funding and Benefits:
- Monthly allowance of €2,100 for PhD candidates.
- International travel, health insurance, and cultural activities.
- Funding duration typically 12 to 36 months depending on the doctoral plan.
Eligibility:
- Non-French nationality (exceptions possible for binational applicants under conditions).
- Age limit: generally up to 35 years for the doctoral track (verify the current call).
- Candidates cannot apply directly; they must be nominated by a French HEI.
USA vs Canada for PhD: Best Choice for Indian Students in 2026
Application Process:
- Identify a French host lab/supervisor and agree on a research project.
- Request nomination from the French institution (internal deadlines typically in Oct–Dec).
- Institution submits to Campus France; national deadline is typically in January.
MSCA Doctoral Networks (Positions Hosted in France)
Overview: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) fund international doctoral training consortia across Europe. Many networks include French universities, Grandes Écoles, and national labs, offering fully funded positions for early-stage researchers.
Funding and Benefits:
- Horizon Europe allowances: a living allowance (base €3,400/month), mobility allowance (€600/month), and a family allowance (€660/month if eligible), subject to country correction coefficients and employer costs per MSCA rules.
- Full social security coverage through employment contracts.
- Secondments, advanced training, and strong career development.
Best Countries for PhD After MSc for Indian Students
Eligibility:
- No prior PhD at the time of recruitment.
- Mobility rule: must not have resided or carried out main activity in the host country for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment (check project-specific conditions).
Application Process:
- Search active DN vacancies listing French hosts.
- Apply directly to the project with required documents (CV, transcripts, research statement, references).
- Interviews and selection by the consortium.
CIFRE Industrial PhD (ANRT)
Overview: The CIFRE scheme funds tri-partite PhDs between a company in France, a public research lab, and a doctoral school. The doctoral candidate is employed by the company while conducting research leading to a PhD.
Funding and Benefits:
- Full-time employment contract with the company (typically 36 months).
- Company receives an annual ANRT subsidy (indicatively €14,000/year for three years under recent frameworks); salary is paid by the employer.
- Industrial experience and strong career outcomes.
Eligibility:
- Master’s degree or equivalent.
- Agreement between company, academic lab, and doctoral school.
- Open to all nationalities; visa/residence permits apply for non-EU candidates.
Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Germany 2027 | Apply Now
Application Process:
- Secure a host company and an academic lab willing to co-supervise.
- Assemble the CIFRE dossier (project, supervision, funding plan) and submit to ANRT.
- Upon approval, sign the employment contract and enroll in the doctoral school.
French Doctoral Contract (Contrat doctoral)
Overview: The standard French doctoral funding mechanism is a 3-year full-time employment contract issued by a doctoral school/university or via project funding. It is open across disciplines and available at most public institutions.
Funding and Benefits:
- Salary determined by ministerial decree and institutional scales; includes social security.
- Optional teaching/transfer activities may add remuneration.
- Typical duration: 36 months.
Eligibility:
- Admission to a French doctoral school and selection for a funded position.
- Master’s degree or equivalent; strong research proposal.
Application Process:
- Identify a doctoral school and prospective supervisor.
- Apply for a thesis topic and funding line (university, regional, national, EU, industry).
- Complete institutional recruitment steps (interview, committee evaluation).
Inria PhD Positions
Overview: Inria is France’s national institute for research in digital science and technology. It offers fully funded PhD positions across AI, machine learning, robotics, security, formal methods, computational biology, and more.
Funding and Benefits:
- Fixed-term employment with competitive public-research salary scales.
- Access to state-of-the-art computing facilities and interdisciplinary teams.
- Professional development and mobility options.
Fully Funded PhD Opportunities in New Zealand 2026
Eligibility: Master’s (or equivalent) in a relevant field; selection based on academic merit and fit with the project/team.
Application Process:
- Browse advertised PhD topics on Inria’s portal.
- Apply online with CV, transcripts, references, and motivation/research statement.
- Interviews and selection by the research team and doctoral school.
CNRS Doctoral Positions
Overview: The CNRS is France’s largest public research organization, co-hosting PhD candidates within joint research units with universities. Many positions are funded through national/international projects.
Funding and Benefits:
- Employment contracts in accordance with public-research salary scales.
- World-class infrastructure and collaborations.
- Training via doctoral schools and CNRS platforms.
Eligibility: Master’s or equivalent; selection by the hosting lab and doctoral school.
Application Process:
- Identify labs and projects aligned with your interests.
- Contact potential supervisors and monitor lab/university postings.
- Complete application via the host institution’s process.
CEA PhD Theses (French Alternative Energies & Atomic Energy Commission)
Overview: The CEA conducts research in energy, climate, defense, materials, health technologies, and digital systems. It offers fully funded PhD theses across its centers.
Funding and Benefits:
- Three-year funded PhD positions with employee status and social benefits.
- Access to large-scale scientific facilities and industry partnerships.
Eligibility: Master’s degree/equivalent; alignment with the advertised topic; security clearance may apply in specific domains.
Application Process:
- Search CEA’s thesis offers by site and discipline.
- Apply online; shortlisted candidates are interviewed by the hosting unit.
- Enroll in a partner university’s doctoral school.
Institut Pasteur – Pasteur-Paris University (PPU) International Doctoral Program
Overview: The PPU program trains outstanding international PhD students in biomedical sciences within Institut Pasteur’s laboratories and partner universities in Paris.
Funding and Benefits:
- Three-year salaried PhD contract.
- Advanced coursework, lab rotations (as applicable), and conference/travel support.
Eligibility: Strong academic record in life sciences or related fields; English proficiency; selection by international committee.
Application Process:
- Review PPU call and available host labs.
- Submit online application with CV, transcripts, references, and project preferences.
- Interviews with selection panels and labs.
Université Paris-Saclay – Funding Your PhD
Overview: Paris-Saclay hosts multiple doctoral schools across science and engineering, life sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Funding is typically offered through doctoral contracts and research projects.
Funding and Benefits:
- Doctoral contracts (3 years), possible co-funding (ANR, EU, industry).
- Research training, transferable skills, and innovation programs.
Fully Funded Postdoctoral Fellowships in New Zealand 2026
Eligibility: Admission to a Paris-Saclay doctoral school; selection on research merit and funding availability.
Application Process:
- Identify a doctoral school and thesis subject.
- Apply for funding via the doctoral school or project calls.
- Formal recruitment and enrollment.
Sorbonne University – Doctoral College Funding
Overview: Sorbonne University’s Doctoral College coordinates dozens of doctoral schools, with funding through university contracts, labs, national agencies, and international programs.
Funding and Benefits:
- Fully funded doctoral contracts and project-based positions.
- Training seminars, career development, and mobility opportunities.
Eligibility: Master’s degree/equivalent; acceptance by a doctoral school and supervisor.
Application Process:
- Identify a doctoral school and potential supervisor.
- Apply to open thesis topics and funding streams.
- Complete recruitment and enrollment procedures.
Université Grenoble Alpes – Financing a PhD
Overview: UGA provides comprehensive information on doctoral funding sources: university contracts, regional/national grants, EU projects, and industry partnerships.
Funding and Benefits:
- Standard doctoral contracts with full social coverage.
- Access to top-tier labs in the Grenoble innovation ecosystem.
Eligibility: Acceptance by a UGA doctoral school; strong academic profile.
Application Process:
- Explore doctoral school calls and lab topics.
- Apply with research proposal and references.
- Interview and enrollment upon selection.
Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IP Paris) – PhD
Overview: IP Paris (École Polytechnique, Télécom Paris, Télécom SudParis, ENSTA Paris, ENSAE Paris) recruits funded PhD candidates across engineering, computer science, physics, economics, and more.
Funding and Benefits:
- Three-year funded doctoral contracts; teaching options may be available.
- International environment with strong industry links.
Eligibility: Master’s or equivalent; competitive selection by labs/doctoral schools.
Application Process:
- Search PhD topics and contact supervisors.
- Submit application via IP Paris or host lab portal.
- Selection and enrollment in the doctoral school.
PSL – QLife PhD Fellowships
Overview: QLife (PSL University) supports interdisciplinary PhDs at the interface of quantitative sciences and life sciences, hosted in PSL labs.
Funding and Benefits:
- Fully funded, three-year fellowships.
- Training in quantitative biology, seminars, and network activities.
Eligibility: Strong background in life sciences, physics, computer science, mathematics, or related fields.
Application Process:
- Review annual call and eligible host teams.
- Apply online with CV, transcripts, references, and research interests.
- Interview and final selection by committee.
Aix-Marseille University – Doctoral Funding
Overview: AMU’s Doctoral College centralizes information on doctoral contracts and other funding sources across multiple disciplines.
Funding and Benefits:
- Three-year doctoral contracts; potential co-funding via projects.
- Interdisciplinary training and career services.
Eligibility: Admission to an AMU doctoral school; selection through competitive calls.
Application Process:
- Contact potential supervisors and explore doctoral school calls.
- Submit application materials as requested by the program.
- Undergo interviews/committee review and enroll upon selection.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide for 2027
- Define your topic: Draft a concise research statement (1–2 pages) and identify 3–5 prospective supervisors/labs in France.
- Contact supervisors early: Email a tailored message with your CV, transcripts, and research pitch. Ask about 2027 funding lines (Eiffel, doctoral contracts, MSCA, CIFRE, CEA, etc.).
- Choose the right scheme: If you’re targeting the Eiffel doctoral track, you must be nominated by a French institution. For MSCA, apply directly to advertised network positions. For CIFRE, secure a company partner.
- Prepare documents: CV, degree certificates, transcripts, publications, English/French proficiency proof (if requested), and letters of recommendation. A solid research proposal is often decisive.
- Respect timelines: Many 2027 positions will be advertised from late 2026 to mid-2027. Eiffel nominations typically start Oct–Dec, with a national deadline around January (verify the official call).
- Polish your writing: A clear, hypothesis-driven proposal and a strong personal statement help your file stand out. For tips on research writing and dissemination, see resources from IR Research Publication.
Key Notes on Funding and Stipends
- Eiffel (Doctoral): €2,100 monthly allowance + travel/insurance; 12–36 months. Verify the latest call for any updates.
- MSCA Doctoral Networks: Horizon Europe allowances include living, mobility, and (if eligible) family components; amounts follow EU rules and country coefficients.
- French Doctoral Contracts: Salary levels are set by national decree and institutional policies; confirm the current gross/month with the host doctoral school.
- CIFRE: You are an employee of the partner company; ANRT provides a subsidy to the employer. Actual salary is set by the company and the employment contract.
If a program has not yet published the 2027 call or exact amounts, consult the official website linked above for the most current information before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are these PhD scholarships in France fully funded?
Yes. The listed programs offer either scholarships (e.g., Eiffel) or full employment contracts (doctoral contracts, MSCA DN, CIFRE, Inria, CEA, CNRS), which cover your living costs and provide social benefits. Always verify the specific offer. - Do I need French language proficiency?
Many PhD programs in France operate in English, particularly in STEM. However, individual labs or doctoral schools may require French or recommend it for integration and teaching duties. Check each call. - What is the typical duration of a PhD in France?
Most doctoral contracts are for 36 months (3 years). Extensions may occur depending on the project, funding, and institutional rules. - Can I apply directly to the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship?
No. You must be nominated by a French higher education institution. Contact potential supervisors early so the institution can consider your nomination. - When do 2027 calls open?
Many positions will be posted from late 2026 through mid-2027. The Eiffel call usually opens in autumn with a deadline around January. MSCA DN vacancies appear after EU project awards, often in the first half of the following year. - Is IELTS/TOEFL required?
Language requirements vary. Many programs accept IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught research. Provide whatever language proof your host doctoral school requests. - Can I work in industry during my PhD?
Yes. The CIFRE scheme is specifically designed for industry-embedded PhDs. Some academic contracts also allow collaborations and secondments with companies.
Conclusion: Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in France 2027
Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in France 2027 span government-backed schemes (Eiffel, CIFRE), EU-funded networks (MSCA), and salaried doctoral contracts at France’s premier universities and research organizations. Use the official links above to verify current amounts, eligibility, and deadlines, and begin contacting supervisors well ahead of the calls. With careful planning and a strong proposal, you can secure an excellent, fully funded research pathway in France’s world-class scientific ecosystem.
About IR Research Publication
IR Research Publication is a scholarly platform dedicated to advancing high-impact research across disciplines. We support researchers with credible resources, peer-reviewed outlets, and practical guidance for publishing, disseminating, and communicating science. Explore calls, journals, and author guides to strengthen your academic profile and research visibility.
Internal Resources and Application Support
- Improve your research writing and visibility with resources from IR Research Publication.
- Explore upcoming calls for manuscripts and special issues: Call for Papers.
- Check submission instructions and formatting: Guide for Authors.
Related Articles
- Australia vs New Zealand for PhD: Costs, Visas, Jobs
- Highest-Paying Postdoctoral Fellowships Worldwide (2026)
- Germany vs Netherlands for PhD in 2026: Costs, Funding, Language, Jobs
- PhD Scholarship Guide 2026: How to Find, Win, and Fund a Fully Funded PhD
- Fully Funded Postdoctoral Fellowships in Germany 2027
- USA vs Canada for PhD: Best Choice for Indian Students in 2026
