Recognized by French laboratories and research institutions, MOPGA is an emblematic postdoctoral mobility program in France and one of the flagship grant programs of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE).
Visiting felloship program for young 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
Applicants must:
- Hold a doctoral degree awarded less than five years before the application deadline, i.e. have defended their PhD thesis between December 2021 and December 2026 inclusive;
- Be exclusively of foreign nationality (all nationalities are eligible except French nationality);
- Apply for the purpose of undertaking international mobility to France;
- Not be residing and professionally active in France at the time of application;
- Not have previously received a MOPGA fellowship.
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 programme falls within the framework of the research stay scheme established under the French Research Programming Law 2021–2030 (LPR, Article 12) and incorporated into Article L.434-1 of the French Research Code. Successful applicants are granted the status of French Government Scholarship holders (BGF). The fellowship is paid directly by Campus France. A research stay agreement must be signed between the host institution in France and the researcher.
By supporting an application, host laboratories undertake to provide an appropriate scientific environment for the successful completion of the project throughout the research stay. Host laboratories do not receive any funding under the programme ; the fellowship is intended solely to cover the invited researcher’s living expenses.
For further information, please consult the MESRE circular of 4 May 2022 on the implementation of research stays.
This French Government fellowship cannot be combined with a French employment contract, such as a research contract or postdoctoral contract, or with any other individual funding awarded by a French government entity.
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
- 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 via the following link: https://campusfrance.smapply.io/prog/mopga_2027/
Please make sure to consult the FAQ below and download the application guide.
TIMELINE
- 15 September 2026 : Applications open
- 15 December 2026 : Application deadline
- May–June 2027 : Notification of results
- Between September and December 2027 : Successful applicants arrive in France and begin their research stay at French host institutions
ELIGIBILITY
Can I apply if I defend my PhD thesis after December 2026?
No. To be eligible, you must have defended your thesis between December 2021 and December 2026 inclusive. If your doctoral degree certificate has not yet been issued, you may submit an official certificate confirming that your thesis defence has taken place, proof of thesis submission, or any other official document issued by your institution confirming that the defence has taken place.
I obtained my PhD more than five years ago. Can I still apply?
The call for applications is open to researchers who obtained their PhD less than five years ago. However, an exception may be granted in the case of maternity leave. In this case, the eligibility period may be extended by 18 months per child, or by the actual duration of the maternity leave, upon submission of supporting documents. This information must be included in the application file under supporting documents.
FUNDING AND CONDITIONS
How much is the fellowship?
Successful applicants receive a monthly allowance of €2,500 for twelve months, as well as a €500 settling-in allowance during the first month of the research stay.
Is travel to France covered?
No. International travel costs are not covered by the programme. Your host laboratory may, however, be able to provide support with these costs.
How long does the funding last?
Twelve months. The fellowship is not renewable.
Are there MOPGA fellowships for Master’s or PhD students?
No. There is no MOPGA call for applications for Master’s or PhD students. However, the France Excellence Eiffel programme, as well as other funding opportunities listed on Campus Bourses, the Research in France Portal, and doctorat.gouv.fr offer funding opportunities for these levels of study.
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.
CONTACT
For any questions, please contact : mopga@campusfrance.org
