FMSH DEA Visiting Fellows Program 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for international scholars to pursue short-term, fully funded research in France within the humanities and social sciences. Organized by the Fondation Maison des Sciences de l’Homme (FMSH), this prestigious fellowship promotes global academic collaboration by granting access to France’s top research institutions, libraries, and archives.
Every year, approximately 30 distinguished researchers are chosen for a 4–6 week residency to advance their ongoing projects through fieldwork, archival exploration, or surveys. Established in 1975, the DEA Visiting Fellows Program remains a cornerstone of international academic exchange, empowering scholars—especially from regions with limited research infrastructure—to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the global research community.
Benefits of the FMSH DEA Visiting Fellows Program 2026
- Monthly allowance of €3,400 to cover travel and living expenses
- Assistance with visa arrangements
- Help in securing a host institution or affiliation in France
- Access to libraries, archives and research centers
- Support with research logistics and scheduling
- Connection with French academic networks and experts
Eligibility Criteria for FMSH DEA Visiting Fellows Program 2026
The fellowship targets experienced researchers who are actively engaged in academic work in the humanities or social sciences. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a university professor, senior researcher or scholar in a higher education or research institution
- Be under 65 years of age at the time of application
- Be involved in an active research project (not only book writing or literature review)
- Propose a project that requires access to French resources, institutions or fieldwork
- Be able to complete the research stay within 4–6 weeks
Priority may be given to applicants from regions with limited research infrastructure or projects that cannot be carried out outside France.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit a single PDF file containing the following documents in the specified order:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- List of publications
- 5–6 page research proposal with methodology and bibliography
- Work plan outlining research activities, expected outcomes and duration of stay
- Letter of invitation or support from a French academic institution
Purpose of the FMSH DEA Program
The main goal of the DEA Program is to:
- Support high-level academic research
- Facilitate international collaboration
- Provide access to French research resources
- Promote global exchange in the humanities and social sciences
How to Apply for FMSH DEA Visiting Fellows Program 2026
- Apply directly through the official FMSH online platform.
- All applications are reviewed by academic experts.
- Projects are evaluated based on:
- Scientific quality
- Relevance of research in France
- Feasibility within 4–6 weeks
- Selected fellows will receive an official acceptance to begin their residency in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The FMSH DEA Visiting Fellows Program 2026 supports senior professors in the humanities and social sciences for a 4-6 week research stay in France. Applicants under 65 must propose access to French archives or fieldwork, and receive an allowance of €3,400/month. Deadline: November 28, 2025.
What is the FMSH DEA Visiting Fellows Program 2026?
This program enables university professors from all over the world to carry out a 4- to 6-week research stay in France in the humanities and social sciences. It is designed for senior researchers to benefit from French archives, libraries or fieldwork contacts.
Who is eligible to apply for the programme?
Applications are open to holders of a full university professorship or equivalent higher education/research position, under the age of 65 at the time of their stay. Projects must go beyond writing an article or book and involve active research in France.
What fields of study does the programme cover?
The programme covers the humanities and social sciences broadly. Priority is given to proposals with fieldwork, archival or library research in France or its overseas territories rather than purely desk-based writing.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
The research stay under the programme must take place over a block of four to six weeks. No stays may be scheduled between 15 July and 31 August (university summer break) in France.
What financial support is provided?
Fellows receive a monthly allowance of €3,400 to cover transport and living expenses. The foundation also provides support for visa applications and some logistical assistance through the host institution.
What is the application deadline and timeline?
For the 2026 round, the call opens on 8 September 2025 and closes on 28 November 2025 at 17:00 Paris time. The selection period runs from December 2025 to February 2026, with results announced end of March 2026.
What should the application file include?
Applications must include: a CV (max 4 pages, with date of birth), a list of publications, a 5-6 page research project with bibliography, a detailed work plan including dates and contacts, and a letter of support from a French research laboratory.
How does the evaluation process work?
Proposals are evaluated on scientific quality, the necessity of a stay in France for the research, and feasibility of completion within 4-6 weeks. A selection committee then chooses up to 30 projects per year.
Can I apply for any duration or any topic?
No. The programme is strictly for 4-6 week visits and must not be solely for writing a book or article. The work must involve access to French-based resources (archives, libraries, fieldwork sites) to justify the stay.
Which applicants are given priority?
Priority is given to applicants from countries with limited HSS funding opportunities and to projects where a stay in France would significantly enhance international collaboration or access to unique resources.
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