The French Institutes for Advanced Study (FIAS) Fellowship Programme 2027/2028 is now officially open for applications, offering an exceptional opportunity for outstanding international researchers and scholars to conduct innovative research projects in France.
This prestigious fellowship programme provides 10-month residencies at seven renowned Institutes for Advanced Study (IAS) across France, including Aix-Marseille, Cergy, Loire Valley (Orléans-Tours), Lyon, Montpellier, Nantes, and Paris.
The programme is designed to support high-level researchers in the Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH), as well as scholars working in interdisciplinary fields connected to SSH. Through this initiative, fellows will benefit from a stimulating academic environment, access to leading research institutions, and the freedom to pursue independent research in one of Europe’s strongest intellectual ecosystems.
For the 2027/2028 academic year, a total of 29 fellowship positions are available.
About the FIAS Fellowship Programme
The French Institutes for Advanced Study Fellowship Programme is one of Europe’s leading international fellowship opportunities for researchers and scientists.
FIAS aims to attract talented scholars from around the world and provide them with the ideal conditions to develop ambitious and innovative research projects. The fellowship emphasizes academic freedom, interdisciplinary collaboration, and intellectual exchange.
Selected fellows will join multidisciplinary cohorts composed of scholars from diverse academic backgrounds and nationalities. Fellows will also benefit from close connections with local universities, research centers, and laboratories throughout France.
The programme creates a unique environment where researchers can focus entirely on advancing their work without the administrative and teaching burdens that often accompany academic positions.
Host Institutes Participating in the Programme
The fellowship placements are distributed among seven French Institutes for Advanced Study.
Available Positions for 2027/2028
- Aix-Marseille: 7 positions
- Cergy: 3 positions
- Loire Valley (Orléans-Tours): 2 positions
- Lyon: 3 positions
- Montpellier: 2 positions
- Nantes: 4 positions
- Paris: 8 positions
Each institute has its own scientific priorities, institutional partnerships, and research focus areas.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully review the webpages and academic profiles of the host institutes before applying to ensure alignment between their proposed research project and the institute’s strengths.
Fields of Research Eligible for the Fellowship
The FIAS Fellowship Programme welcomes applications from scholars working in:
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Interdisciplinary fields connected to Social Sciences and Humanities
Examples of eligible disciplines may include:
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Economics
- History
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Law
- International Relations
- Cultural Studies
- Human Geography
- Linguistics
- Psychology
- Education Studies
- Communication Studies
- Digital Humanities
- Environmental Humanities
- Science and Technology Studies
Researchers whose work intersects with SSH disciplines are also encouraged to apply.
Benefits of the FIAS Fellowship Programme
The FIAS Fellowship Programme offers a highly supportive academic and professional environment for researchers seeking uninterrupted time to focus on their work.
Key Benefits Include
1. Fully Supported Research Environment
Fellows gain access to world-class academic institutions and research networks throughout France.
2. Academic Freedom
Researchers are free to organize their work independently and pursue their own research priorities during the fellowship period.
3. Multidisciplinary Community
Fellows become part of an international and interdisciplinary academic cohort, encouraging collaboration and intellectual exchange.
4. Access to Research Infrastructure
Participants can collaborate with local laboratories, universities, and research centers associated with the host institutes.
5. International Networking Opportunities
The programme provides opportunities to build long-term collaborations with leading scholars and institutions across Europe and beyond.
6. Prestigious Academic Recognition
Being selected for a FIAS fellowship significantly enhances a researcher’s international academic profile and career prospects.
Who Can Apply?
The FIAS Fellowship Programme is open to outstanding researchers from around the world and at different career stages.
Eligible Applicants Include
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Early-career researchers
- Mid-career academics
- Senior scientists
- Established scholars
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements.
Educational and Research Requirements
Candidates must have:
- A PhD qualification
- At least two years of research experience after completing the PhD
Important note:
- The PhD training period itself is not counted toward the required research experience.
Residency Requirement
Researchers from all countries are eligible, but applicants must not have spent more than 12 months in France during the three years prior to the application deadline.
This requirement ensures the programme remains strongly international and promotes academic mobility.
Scientific Selection Process
The selection process for the FIAS Fellowship Programme is highly competitive and merit-based.
Applications undergo an international independent peer-review evaluation process to ensure fairness and academic excellence.
Evaluation Process Includes
- Eligibility screening
- Double peer-review assessment
- Review by the FIAS Selection Committee
- Final selection by the Scientific Advisory Boards of the Institutes for Advanced Study
Selection is based primarily on:
- Academic excellence
- Quality and originality of the proposed research project
- Interdisciplinary relevance
- Scientific impact and innovation
- Alignment with host institute priorities
Application Timeline
Applicants should carefully note the official timeline for the 2027/2028 fellowship cycle.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 25 June 2026 at 6:00 PM (Paris time)
- July 2026: Eligibility Check
- August – November 2026: Double Peer Review Process
- December 2026: Pre-selection by FIAS Selection Committee
- January – February 2027: Selection by IAS Scientific Advisory Boards
- March 2027: Announcement of Results
How to Apply
Click here for more and to apply
Applicants are advised to:
- Download and carefully read the official call for applications
- Review the applicant guide thoroughly
- Research the host institutes before selecting preferences
- Prepare research proposals carefully and strategically
Why Researchers Should Apply
The FIAS Fellowship Programme stands out as one of the most prestigious international research opportunities in Europe.
The programme offers scholars the rare opportunity to dedicate significant uninterrupted time to high-level research while engaging with a dynamic international academic community in France.
Researchers seeking intellectual freedom, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global academic exposure will find this fellowship particularly valuable.
For scholars aiming to strengthen their international research profile and contribute to innovative academic work, the FIAS Fellowship Programme 2027/2028 represents an exceptional opportunity.
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