France Excellence PhD Scholarships 2025-2026

The Consulate General of France in Jerusalem has announced the 2025-2026 France Excellence PhD Scholarships, offering a prestigious opportunity for Palestinian students to pursue doctoral studies in France. This scholarship program is designed to foster academic exchange and research excellence across disciplines, emphasizing gender equality and co-funding initiatives.

Program Details

The France Excellence PhD Scholarships provide support for Palestinian nationals aiming to study in France for up to three years in the 2025-2026 academic cycle. The program offers scholarships across two major categories:

1. Multi-disciplinary scholarships: Open to all subjects.
2. Education and linguistics scholarships: Focused on educational studies and linguistics.

Scholarship Benefits

Awardees will receive the following financial and academic support:

• Monthly Stipend: €1,690 to cover living expenses in France.
• Travel Support: Round-trip airfare and in-country transportation.
• Health Coverage: Health and liability insurance throughout the study period.
• Accommodation Assistance: Campus France will help scholars find housing.
• Visa Fee Waivers: Scholarship recipients are exempt from French visa fees.
• Tuition Fees: National university tuition covered at institutions recognized by the French Ministry of Higher Education.

In addition, the scholarship provides free online French language lessons, although beneficiaries should budget for additional costs not covered by the stipend, such as family travel or specific research expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Nationality and Residency: Must be a Palestinian national and/or educated at a Palestinian institution, with permanent residence in the West Bank, Jerusalem, or Gaza.
• Academic Qualifications: Hold a master’s degree (or be in the final year of a master’s program).
• Language Proficiency: At least B2 level in French or English, depending on the thesis language.
• Admission: A confirmed or pre-admission letter from a recognized French doctoral school.
• Academic Coherence: A clear research plan that aligns with professional goals.

Note: French-Palestinian dual nationals are not eligible, and candidates currently in exile must present proof of residence prior to departure.

Application Requirements and Process

To apply, prospective candidates need to secure a thesis advisor and pre-admission at a French doctoral school. The application, submitted via email by January 6, 2025, should include:

• Passport copy
• Admission/pre-admission letter from the doctoral school
• Thesis project outline
• Academic transcripts and diplomas
• Cover letter and CV
• Proof of residence (if applicable)

Official Call Letter: https://jerusalem.consulfrance.org/Call-for-applications-for-FRANCE-EXCELLENCE-PhD-scholarships-2025-26.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: January 6, 2025
• Evaluation Period: January to March 2025
• Interview Round: April 2025
• Final Results: May 2025
• Program Start: October 2025.