MOPGA 2026: Visiting Fellowship Program for Early Career Researchers

In line with its commitment to the Paris Agreement, France, a major player in the fight against climate change, is launching a new edition of the MOPGA program to strengthen scientific contributions to the issues addressed at the Conferences of the Parties (COP).

This ninth call for applications, funded by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE), in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR) and implemented by Campus France, will welcome international early career researchers wishing to conduct a research project in France, thereby promoting their collaboration with leading French research institutions.

RESEARCH THEMES

Five major research areas are eligible:

• Earth system sciences
• Climate change cciences and sustainability science
• Energy transition
• Societal challenges related to environmental issues
• Human, animal, and environmental health as defined within the One Health approach*

Innovative approaches promoting advanced technologies will be favored during the selection.

*Please note: only projects adopting an integrated “One Health” approach, i.e., taking into account the interactions between human health, animal health, and ecosystems, are eligible. Projects relating solely to medicine or human health with no real environmental or animal link are not eligible.

For more information, please visit the MOPGA Research Themes page.  

ELIGIBILITY

Individuals fitting the following criteria are eligible to apply:

• Applicants who do NOT hold French citizenship
• Foreign researchers holding a doctoral degree for less than 5 years (must have passed their thesis defense between December 2020 and December 2025)
• Foreign researchers who have not resided in France between Sept. 12th, 2025 and Dec. 12th, 2025 (more than 90 days) 

FELLOWSHIP CONDITIONS AND FRAMEWORK

The fellowships are awarded for a period of 12 months.

Each fellowship includes (exclusively):

• a monthly allowance of €2,500;
• a one-time installation grant of €500;
• health coverage: health insurance, civil liability, and repatriation assistance (followed by complementary health coverage once affiliation to the French social security system is completed).

This program is part of the Research Stay Scheme (séjour de recherche), created by the Research Programming Law 2021–2030 (LPR, Article 12) and enshrined in the French Research Code under Article L.434-1. Laureates are granted the status of French Government Scholarship holders (BGF). The fellowship is paid directly by Campus France. A research stay hosting agreement must be established between the host institution in France and the researcher.

By supporting an application, host laboratories commit to providing a scientific environment suited to the project throughout the fellowship period. The host laboratory does not receive any funding; the fellowship amount is intended solely to cover the living expenses of the visiting researcher.

For more information on the implementation of the research stay scheme, applicants may visit the dedicated page on the French Ministry for Higher Education and Research website. 

SELECTION PROCESS

In line with the ambitions and requirements of the call for applications, the selection process will take place in two phases.
First, scientific experts appointed by the MESR in the relevant fields will evaluate the submitted applications.
Second, a scientific selection committee will make the final decision on the laureates of the MOPGA 2026 program.

RESEARCH PROJECT

The application must include the following elements:

• Research Project Title;
• Keywords (6);
• Abstract of the Research Project (max. 2,000 characters);
• Context and motivation (max. 2,000 characters);
• Scientific Objectives (max. 2,000 characters);
• Methodology and Timeline (max. 4,500 characters);
• Positioning of the project in relation to the MOPGA initiative (max. 2,000 characters);
• International collaboration and/or expected impact for the applicant’s country of origin or residence (max. 2,000 characters).

The application may be written in English or French. 

DOCUMENTS NEEDED

Applicants must provide the following documents:

• CV with list of publications ( max. 4 pages)
• PhD Diploma (or completion certificate)
• CV of the scientific advisor at the host laboratory (max. 2 pages)
• Letter of support from the scientific advisor, co-signed by the laboratory director or accompanied by a letter of commitment from the latter, certifying the availability of the scientific environment and resources necessary for the successful completion of the research project, as well as alignment with the laboratory’s objectives
• Up to 3 letters of recommendation
• Passport or proof of ID

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants must submit their research project online at the following link: : https://campusfrance.smapply.io/prog/mopga-2026/ 

Be sure to consult the FAQ down below and download the application guide. 

TIMELINE

• September 12th 2025: Application period opens
• December 12th 2025: Application period ends  
• May/June 2025 : Notification of the results
• Between September 2026 and December 2026 (at the latest): Arrival in France and start of the fellowship 

ELIGIBILITY

Who can apply?
International researchers who defended their PhD between December 2020 and December 2025, and who have not resided in France for more than 90 days between September and December 2025.

Can I apply if I will defend my thesis after December 2025?
No. You must have defended your thesis between December 2020 and December 2025 inclusive.

I obtained my PhD more than 5 years ago. Can I still apply?
The call is open to researchers who obtained their PhD within the past 5 years. However, an exemption is possible in the case of maternity leave: the reference period may be extended (18 months per child or the actual duration of maternity leave, upon submission of supporting documents). This information must be indicated in the application file (annexed documents).

Can I apply if I already reside in France?
Yes, provided that your stay in France between September and December 2025 does not exceed 90 days.

FUNDING AND CONDITIONS

What is the fellowship amount?
Laureates receive a monthly allowance of €2,500 for twelve months, plus a one-time installation grant of €500 at the beginning of the stay.

Is travel to France covered?
No, international transport is not covered. However, your host laboratory may be able to support you in this regard.

What is the duration of the fellowship?
Twelve months, non-renewable.

Are there MOPGA fellowships for Master’s or PhD students?
No, there is no MOPGA call for Master’s or PhD students. However, the France Excellence Eiffel Program and other schemes listed on Campus Bourse and the Campus France Research Portal offer funding opportunities at these levels.

HOST LABORATORY

How can I find a host laboratory?
Finding a host laboratory or research unit is an integral part of the application process. You can consult laboratory directories, the Campus France Research Portal, or ask your supervisors at your home institution, who may already have collaborations with French laboratories. Your project must be defined before contacting a laboratory.

Does the host laboratory receive specific funding?
No, the program does not fund laboratory expenses. These must be discussed directly with the host institution.

I want to host a MOPGA candidate. Where can I publish an offer?
The Campus France Research Portal allows institutions to publish postdoctoral offers. You simply need to create an institutional account.

PROJECT AND APPLICATION FILE

Can I send my application by email?
No, applications must be submitted exclusively through the Campus France SMAPPLY platform, during the official application period. Files sent by email will not be considered.

Can you tell me if my research project is eligible?
Your project must fall within the MOPGA research themes, detailed on the dedicated page.

Are the humanities and social sciences eligible?
Yes, all disciplines are eligible, provided they correspond to the MOPGA research themes.

Is there a character limit for the project?
Yes, a maximum character count (including spaces) is specified for each section of the application form.

For any questions, please contact: mopga@campusfrance.org