France Opens 29 FIAS Fellowships 2028 for International Researchers Across Interdisciplinary Fields

France has officially opened applications for the highly competitive French Institutes for Advanced Study (FIAS) Fellowship Programme 2027–2028, offering 29 prestigious funded fellowships for international researchers seeking long-term academic collaboration opportunities in Europe. For scholars working in social sciences, humanities, law, public policy, migration studies, political science, sociology, economics, history, philosophy, arts, education, and interdisciplinary research connected with society and human systems, this may become one of the strongest European fellowship opportunities currently open for 2027 academic planning.

The FIAS Fellowship Programme allows selected researchers to spend 10 months in France conducting independent research at one of seven renowned French Institutes for Advanced Study. Unlike many traditional postdoctoral programs that tie fellows to teaching duties or rigid project structures, the FIAS programme is designed to provide academic freedom, interdisciplinary networking, and institutional support so fellows can focus primarily on advancing innovative research projects.

For the 2027–2028 cycle, the fellowship positions are distributed as follows:

The programme is especially attractive for researchers planning to strengthen their international academic profile before applying for larger European grants, tenure-track roles, or senior research appointments. Since the fellowship supports both postdoctoral and senior-level researchers, applicants from multiple academic stages can compete.

What Benefits Do Selected FIAS Fellows Receive?

Selected fellows will receive a comprehensive support package that significantly reduces the financial burden of living and researching in France. The programme includes:

• Monthly living allowance of approximately €2,200
• Social security coverage
• Accommodation support
• Research and training budget
• Travel expense coverage
• Access to multidisciplinary research communities
• Collaboration opportunities with French laboratories and research centers
• Academic independence during the fellowship period

One major advantage of the FIAS programme is its multidisciplinary environment. Fellows from different academic fields work within the same intellectual community, which often leads to cross-disciplinary collaboration opportunities that can strengthen future international grant applications.

Who Can Apply for the FIAS Fellowship Programme 2027–2028?

The programme is open to researchers worldwide and welcomes applications from:

• Postdoctoral researchers
• Mid-career academics
• Senior scientists and scholars
• Interdisciplinary researchers connected with SSH fields

To become eligible, applicants must hold:

• A completed PhD degree
• Minimum two years of post-PhD research experience by the application deadline

The programme also applies a mobility condition. Applicants must not have spent more than 12 months in France during the three years preceding the application deadline.

Importantly, FIAS is not restricted only to traditional humanities or social sciences. Researchers working in science, technology, health, AI, climate studies, or engineering fields that intersect with societal issues are also encouraged to apply.

Why International Researchers Should Start Preparing Early?

Many strong fellowship applicants lose opportunities not because they lack qualifications, but because they underestimate how much preparation these European research fellowships require. FIAS applications typically demand:

• A highly polished research proposal
• Strong publication records
• Clear international research relevance
• Institutional fit with the selected IAS
• Convincing interdisciplinary impact

Researchers aiming for Marie Curie Fellowships, Humboldt programs, ERC grants, or future European academic careers may find the FIAS programme strategically valuable for building European research networks and institutional collaborations.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully study the research priorities and institutional partnerships of each host IAS before selecting their destination. Tailoring the proposal to the host institute’s strengths can significantly improve competitiveness.

How to Apply for the FIAS Fellowship Programme?

Applications must be submitted online through the official FIAS Fellowship Programme portal. Candidates will need to prepare their research proposal and supporting academic documents carefully before submission.

The official application portal is available through FIAS Fellowship Programme.

FIAS Fellowship 2027–2028 Selection Timeline

The selection process is highly competitive and conducted through international peer review.

The last date to apply for the French Institutes for Advanced Study (FIAS) Fellowship Programme 2027–2028 is June 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM Paris time.