France has officially opened applications for the French Institutes for Advanced Study (FIAS) Fellowship Programme 2027–2028, offering 29 highly competitive, fully funded fellowships for international researchers. The programme is designed for scholars in the humanities, social sciences, law, public policy, economics, philosophy, history, sociology, and interdisciplinary research areas, while also welcoming science-based research that connects with societal, policy, or human systems.
The FIAS Fellowship is considered one of Europe’s most flexible research residencies, allowing selected fellows to spend 10 months in France conducting independent research at one of seven prestigious Institutes for Advanced Study. Unlike traditional postdoctoral roles, fellows are not tied to teaching obligations, giving them full time and institutional support to focus on research output, publications, and international collaboration.
FIAS Fellowship Host Institutes (2027–2028 Intake)
The 29 fellowships are distributed across seven leading French Institutes for Advanced Study:
| Institute | Number of Fellowships |
|---|---|
| Aix-Marseille Institute for Advanced Study | 7 |
| Paris Institute for Advanced Study | 8 |
| Nantes Institute for Advanced Study | 4 |
| Lyon Institute for Advanced Study | 3 |
| Cergy Institute for Advanced Study | 3 |
| Montpellier Institute for Advanced Study | 2 |
| Loire Valley Orléans-Tours Institute for Advanced Study | 2 |
| Total | 29 Fellowships |
These institutes operate as interdisciplinary research hubs, bringing together scholars from different fields to collaborate across academic boundaries, often resulting in joint publications and cross-sector research partnerships.
What the FIAS Fellowship Covers
The FIAS programme provides a comprehensive funding package designed to fully support international researchers during their stay in France.
| Benefit | Coverage Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly allowance | ~€2,200 per month |
| Accommodation support | Provided or subsidised depending on institute |
| Social security | Full coverage during fellowship period |
| Research budget | Funding for academic activities and materials |
| Travel support | International travel reimbursement |
| Academic environment | Access to French research institutes and networks |
| Collaboration access | Interdisciplinary research communities |
The fellowship is structured to ensure that researchers can focus entirely on academic production without financial stress or teaching responsibilities.
Who Can Apply for the FIAS Fellowship?
The programme is open to international researchers at different stages of their academic careers, including postdoctoral and senior scholars.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| PhD degree | Must be completed before application |
| Research experience | Minimum 2 years post-PhD experience |
| Mobility condition | Must not have spent more than 12 months in France in the last 3 years |
| Field of research | Humanities, social sciences, law, policy, or interdisciplinary studies (including science-policy intersections) |
The programme encourages applications from researchers working in:
- Political science and international relations
- Sociology and anthropology
- Economics and public policy
- Philosophy and ethics
- History and cultural studies
- Law and governance
- Interdisciplinary climate, health, and technology governance research
Selection Process & Timeline
The FIAS Fellowship selection process is highly competitive and follows a structured international peer-review system.
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Eligibility screening | July 2026 |
| Peer review evaluation | August – November 2026 |
| Preselection by FIAS committee | December 2026 |
| IAS scientific advisory review | January – February 2027 |
| Final results announcement | March 2027 |
Applications are assessed based on academic excellence, originality of research, international relevance, and alignment with the chosen Institute for Advanced Study.
Why the FIAS Fellowship Is Highly Competitive
The FIAS programme is not just a funding opportunity—it is a research acceleration platform. Fellows gain access to Europe’s interdisciplinary research ecosystem, often working alongside scholars from multiple continents and academic traditions.
Applications are typically strongest when they demonstrate:
- A clearly defined and original research proposal
- Strong publication record or research output
- International relevance of the research topic
- Alignment with the host institute’s thematic strengths
- Potential for interdisciplinary collaboration
Researchers targeting future Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowships, Humboldt Research Fellowships, ERC grants, or tenure-track positions in Europe often use FIAS as a strategic stepping stone.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The FIAS Fellowship is particularly valuable because it prioritizes research freedom and intellectual independence. Unlike many structured European postdoctoral programmes, fellows are not tied to teaching duties or predefined project constraints.
Instead, the programme creates an environment where researchers can:
- Develop long-term research agendas
- Publish high-impact academic work
- Build international collaborations
- Strengthen future funding applications
- Integrate into European academic networks
This makes it especially attractive for scholars aiming to transition into senior academic roles or international research leadership positions.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the FIAS Fellowship Programme 2027–2028 is:
📅 25 June 2026 (6:00 PM Paris time)
Late submissions are not accepted, and applicants are advised to prepare research proposals and institutional alignment materials well in advance.
Application Link
FIAS Fellowship Programme Official Portal
