The Chateaubriand Fellowship Program 2026 is a prestigious research opportunity that allows PhD students in the United States to pursue advanced academic work in France. Offered by the Embassy of France in the U.S., this fellowship supports 4–9 months of fully immersive doctoral research, giving scholars direct access to world-class laboratories, research institutions, and expert supervision across France.
Beyond funding, the program is designed to enhance international collaboration between American and French research communities. Selected fellows gain valuable cross-cultural academic experience, strengthen their global research network, and contribute to high-impact scientific partnerships that continue long after the fellowship ends.
Benefits
STEM Fellowship Benefits
- Monthly stipend: Up to €1,850/month
- Round-trip airfare support
- Health insurance coverage
- Support from French research organizations (Inserm, Inria, CNRS)
- Opportunity to engage in NSF’s GROW partnership (when applicable)
HSS Fellowship Benefits
- €1,704 monthly stipend
- Round-trip airfare (booked by Campus France, covered up to €1,410)
- Health insurance
- Strong academic support from Campus France
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, candidates must:
- Be currently enrolled in a PhD program at an accredited U.S. university.
- Have approval for co-supervision between their U.S. advisor and a French research advisor.
- Conduct research in a French university, research institute, or laboratory.
- Submit an agreement letter from their U.S. advisor.
- Submit an invitation letter from a French professor or research supervisor.
- Not be a French citizen or dual citizen.
- French language proficiency is not required.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare:
- Personal information & academic background
- Degree transcripts (unofficial accepted)
- CV / publication list
- Summary of U.S. research
- Summary of planned research in France
- 3-page research proposal (project description)
- Letter of agreement from U.S. supervisor
- Letter of invitation from French host supervisor
- 1–3 recommendation letters
- Contact information for French host laboratory
Optional:
- Co-tutelle (joint PhD) agreement, if applicable.
Eligible Nationalities
- All nationalities can apply, as long as the applicant is enrolled in a U.S. university.
- French citizens and dual French–U.S. citizens are NOT eligible.
Available Subjects
STEM Track
Eligible research topics include:
- Science
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Biology & Health
- Ecology
- Technology
- Environmental Sciences
All STEM and Health-related fields are accepted.
Special 2026–27 partnership with Université Clermont Auvergne includes:
- Climate, Biodiversity, Health (UMR LaMP, PIAF, LMGE, iGRED, IMOST, M2ISH, MEDIS, NEURODOL, ICCF).
Humanities & Social Sciences (HSS Track)
Eligible HSS fields include:
- Literature
- History
- Economics
- Law
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Gender Studies
- Communication
- Philosophy
All disciplines in Humanities & Social Sciences
Special HSS partnership with Université Clermont Auvergne includes research in democracy, gender, Anthropocene, and socio-economic vulnerability.
How to Apply?
- Decide whether you are applying for the STEM or Humanities & Social Sciences (HSS) track.
- Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria: you must be a PhD student enrolled in a U.S. university.
- Review the detailed application guidelines for your track to understand required documents.
- Prepare your application materials, including:
- A detailed research project plan for both U.S. and French parts
- A letter of agreement from your U.S. PhD advisor and a letter of invitation from a French researcher
- Academic transcripts and CV
- Recommendation letters (up to 3 for HSS)
- Complete the online application form for your chosen track (STEM or HSS).
- Submit all required documents before the application deadline: January 25, 2026.
- Applications are reviewed by experts in both France and the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Chateaubriand Fellowship Program 2026 offers fully funded 4–9 month research opportunities in France for U.S.-enrolled PhD students across STEM and Humanities tracks. Applicants must submit proposals, transcripts, and recommendation letters before January 25, 2026, and selected fellows receive academic and logistical support in France.
What is the Chateaubriand Fellowship Program 2026?
The Chateaubriand Fellowship Program 2026 is a prestigious grant for PhD students enrolled in U.S. universities, allowing them to conduct 4–9 months of research in France. It promotes collaboration between American and French research teams and offers high-level academic exposure.
Who can apply for the Chateaubriand Fellowship Program 2026?
PhD students of any nationality are eligible to apply for the Chateaubriand Fellowship Program 2026, as long as they are currently enrolled in a U.S. university. The fellowship welcomes applicants for both STEM and Humanities & Social Sciences tracks.
What research tracks are offered by the Chateaubriand Fellowship Program 2026?
The Chateaubriand Fellowship Program 2026 offers STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Health) and Humanities & Social Sciences (HSS) tracks. STEM focuses on joint research with French labs, while HSS supports research in any discipline within the humanities or social sciences.
How long is the Chateaubriand Fellowship Program 2026?
Selected candidates in the Chateaubriand Fellowship Program 2026 can conduct their doctoral research in France for 4–9 months. Duration varies depending on the research proposal and coordination with the French host institution to ensure a productive experience.
Which institutions host the Chateaubriand Fellowship Program 2026?
For STEM, the Chateaubriand Fellowship Program 2026 hosts fellows in French institutions such as Inserm and Inria, partnered with U.S. universities. HSS fellows are hosted at French universities aligned with their research topics, coordinated by the French Embassy in the U.S.
What funding does the Chateaubriand Fellowship Program 2026 provide?
The Chateaubriand Fellowship Program 2026 is fully funded, covering travel, accommodation, and living expenses in France. This allows PhD students to focus entirely on research without worrying about relocation or study-related costs.
How are candidates selected for the Chateaubriand Fellowship Program 2026?
Selection for the Chateaubriand Fellowship Program 2026 is merit-based, with evaluation by experts in both the U.S. and France. Candidates are assessed on academic excellence, quality of their research proposal, and potential for collaboration between U.S. and French institutions.
How can I apply for the Chateaubriand Fellowship Program 2026?
To apply for the Chateaubriand Fellowship Program 2026, prepare a research proposal, CV, academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and letters of support from U.S. advisors and French researchers. Submit your application online through the STEM or HSS portal before the deadline.
What is the application deadline for the Chateaubriand Fellowship Program 2026?
The application deadline for the Chateaubriand Fellowship Program 2026 is January 25, 2026. Late submissions are not accepted, so applicants should ensure all required documents are completed and submitted well before the deadline.
What support do fellows receive in the Chateaubriand Fellowship Program 2026?
Fellows in the Chateaubriand Fellowship Program 2026 receive assistance from the French Embassy’s coordinating offices: STEM through the Office for Science & Technology (OST) and HSS through Cultural Services. Campus France also provides on-site support and guidance.
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