High Level Scientific Fellowships 2026 offer an exceptional opportunity for international researchers in Canada to conduct short-term research in France through a prestigious initiative led by the Embassy of France in Canada in collaboration with Campus France. This competitive programme supports PhD candidates and early-career postdoctoral researchers to undertake a fully supported two-month research mobility at a French academic or research institution, strengthening international scientific cooperation and knowledge exchange.
To be eligible, applicants must be PhD students or postdoctoral researchers within five years of completing their doctorate and currently affiliated with a Canadian university outside Quebec. Applicants must not be French citizens, must be working within one of the programme’s priority research areas, and must have a confirmed host researcher or institution in France to supervise their two-month research stay under the fellowship programme.
Benefits of High Level Scientific Fellowships 2026
The fellowship includes:
- Round-trip international airfare (Canada–France, economy class)
- Monthly stipend of €1,850 (subject to change)
- Health and liability insurance coverage during the stay
Eligibility for the High Level Scientific Fellowships 2026
- Eligible Countries: Applicants working at universities in Canada (excluding Quebec)
- Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded in research fields aligned with the following themes:
- Emerging Technologies (AI, quantum technologies, etc.)
- Health (One Health, public health policy, genomics, etc.)
- Ocean and Polar Sciences (oceanography, marine ecology, biodiversity, etc.)
- Energy (renewable energy, sustainability, net-zero transition)
- Researchers in the humanities and social sciences connected to these themes are also encouraged to apply.
- Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a PhD student or postdoctoral researcher (0–5 years after PhD)
- Be affiliated with a university in Canada (outside Quebec)
- Not hold French citizenship
- Have identified a host researcher or institution in France
- Be available for a 2-month research stay in France in 2026
Required Documents
- Completed application form (2026)
- 1-page cover letter outlining the research project in France
- Letter of support from PhD or postdoctoral supervisor
- Invitation letter from the French host researcher
- Copy of passport
How to Apply for High Level Scientific Fellowships 2026?
- Visit the official call page via the provided link
- Check eligibility criteria and priority research areas
- Prepare required documents (CV, research proposal, host confirmation, etc.)
- Contact and secure agreement from a French host institution
- Complete the online application form carefully
- Upload all documents before the stated deadline
- Submit the application and keep a copy for reference
Frequently Asked Questions
High Level Scientific Fellowships 2026 support PhD students and early-career post-docs from Canadian universities (excluding Quebec) to spend two months doing research in France in priority areas like AI, health, ocean sciences, or energy. Applicants must secure a French host, submit a PDF application by early February, and meet eligibility criteria including non-French citizenship and research alignment. The fellowship includes travel, stipend, and insurance for the stay.
What is the High Level Scientific Fellowship 2026?
High Level Scientific Fellowships 2026 are competitive research mobility awards designed for PhD students or early-career post-doctoral researchers based at Canadian universities to carry out a two-month research stay in France in a priority scientific area.
Who can apply for High Level Scientific Fellowships 2026?
The programme is open only to PhD students or post-doctoral researchers within five years of completing their PhD, currently working at a Canadian university (outside Quebec), and who do not hold French citizenship.
What research themes does the High Level Scientific Fellowships 2026v support?
The call focuses on scientific fields identified as priorities for research collaboration, such as emerging technologies, health sciences, ocean and polar sciences, and energy, aligning with joint science cooperation aims.
How long is the research stay in France?
Fellowship awardees will undertake a two-month research stay in France during 2026, where they will conduct research with a host French academic collaborator or institution.
What financial support is included in the High Level Scientific Fellowships 2026?
Selected fellows receive a living stipend, round-trip economy airfare from Canada to France, and health and liability insurance coverage for the duration of their research stay.
Do applicants need a French host institution?
Yes, applicants must identify and secure support from a French host institution or researcher before applying. This invitation is required as part of the application package.
What documents are required to apply?
Applicants must submit a single PDF containing the completed application form, a one-page research cover letter, a supervisor support letter, the French host invitation, and a copy of the passport.
When is the application deadline for High Level Scientific Fellowships 2026?
Applications are due by early February 2026. All required documents must be received before this deadline to be considered for selection.
What are the eligibility criteria for applicants?
Eligible candidates must be enrolled or employed at a Canadian university (outside Quebec), be early-career researchers, identify a French host, and not hold French citizenship.
Can humanities researchers apply?
Researchers in humanities or social sciences related to the priority scientific themes are welcomed to apply, provided their proposed project aligns with the programme’s priority areas.
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