The MOPGA Visiting Research Fellowship Program 2026 in Paris, France, is a premier opportunity for international researchers passionate about climate change, sustainability, and environmental sciences. Below is a guide packed with essential details, step-by-step application advice, tips for success, FAQs, and current monthly living costs in Paris for international students.
MOPGA Visiting Research Fellowship Program 2026: Fully Funded Research in Paris, France
The Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) Visiting Research Fellowship Program 2026 invites early-career researchers from around the world to pursue funded research at top French universities and institutions. This program is designed for PhD holders aiming to tackle global issues related to climate, environment, and sustainability.
Basic Information about the MOPGA Scholarship
- Scholarship Name: Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) Visiting Research Fellowship 2026
- Location: Paris, France (and other French research institutions)
- Number of Fellowships: 60 fully funded fellowships
- Duration: 12 months, starting September 2026
- Application Deadline: December 12, 2025.
- Minimum Requirement: PhD degree earned within the last five years (December 2020 – December 2025).
University/Institution Details
Fellows are hosted at leading French higher education or research institutions, chosen based on alignment with the proposed research and the expertise of the hosting unit. The program is managed by Campus France in collaboration with the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation.
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.
French universities and labs offer cross-disciplinary research environments, and fellows are encouraged to integrate their proposals within these priority fields.
MOPGA Visiting Research Fellowship Program Benefits
The MOPGA Fellowship offers a comprehensive financial support package:
- Monthly stipend: €2,500 EUR (approx. $2,700 USD) to cover living expenses
- One-time relocation allowance: €500 EUR (approx. $540 USD)
- Full health and social security coverage for the fellowship duration
- Official French Government scholarship status (BGF)
- World-class research supervision and access to advanced facilities.
Benefits Not Included
- Round-trip airfare to and from France
- Visa application fees
- Dependant/family support (benefits only cover the fellow)
- Housing is not directly provided (though housing support is often available through host institutions)
- Additional research funds outside the provided stipend.
Eligibility Criteria for the MOPGA Visiting Research Fellowship Program
- Applicants from all nationalities except France
- Must not hold French citizenship
- 60 fellowships will be provided.
- Hold a PhD degree awarded between December 2020 and December 2025
- Early-career researchers (typically up to 5 years post-PhD)
- Must not have resided in France for more than 90 days between September 12, 2025, and December 12, 2025
- Strong research motivation aligned with the fellowship’s themes
- Ability to secure a host institution commitment in France.
Required Documents for the Application
Applicants need to prepare and submit the following:
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 4 pages, including publications)
- Copy of PhD diploma or completion certificate
- CV of the proposed research supervisor (max 2 pages)
- Letter of support from the French host institution (co-signed by supervisor and lab director)
- Up to three recommendation letters
- Passport or proof of identification
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).
MOPGA Visiting Research Fellowship Program Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
- Confirm Eligibility: Ensure all criteria are met, especially regarding degree date and residency.
- Identify a French Host Institution: Connect with a research lab fitting your field.
- Draft Research Proposal: Structure according to program requirements and align with thematic areas.
- Gather Required Documents: (see above) including supervisor support and recommendations.
- Online Application Submission: Apply through the official Campus France MOPGA portal (campusfrance.smapply.io/prog/mopga-2026).
- Await Results: Notifications expected in May/June 2026; fellowship begins between September and December 2026.
- Arrange Visa and Travel: Start French visa application and finalize relocation before the program start.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start early—contact potential supervisors and labs months in advance
- Tailor your research project closely to one of the five MOPGA thematic areas
- Highlight international and environmental impact in your proposal
- Use concise, clear English or French throughout your documents
- Seek strong, personalized recommendation letters from established academics
- Ensure all documents are up to date and formatted per requirements.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Paris (USD)
| Expense Type | Estimated monthly cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $800 – $1,200 |
| Food | $300 – $500 |
| Transportation | $80 – $100 |
| Health Insurance | (Covered by fellowship) |
| Utilities/Internet | $100 – $150 |
| Miscellaneous | $150 – $250 |
| Total: | $1,430 – $2,200 |
The provided stipend (€2,500 ≈ $2,700) will comfortably cover these expenses for most fellows.
Why Choose the MOPGA Fellowship? (Minimum 5 Reasons)
- Fully Funded Package: All essential expenses are covered, allowing total research focus.
- Prestige and Networking: Access to leading French research centers and a global network.
- Paris and Beyond: Experience France’s academic excellence and vibrant culture.
- Career Growth: Opportunity to elevate your academic profile and publish internationally.
- Tackle Global Challenges: Work on environment, climate, and health issues at the forefront of scientific research.
- No Nationality Restriction: Open to applicants worldwide, except France.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for MOPGA 2026?
Early-career researchers with a PhD (earned within the last 5 years), who are NOT French citizens and haven’t recently lived in France for extended periods.
What is the deadline?
Applications close December 12, 2025.
Can applicants choose any host institution in France?
Yes, but the host must be a recognized French higher education or research institution.
What costs are covered?
Monthly stipend, relocation allowance, and health insurance. Travel, visa fees, and dependents are not covered.
Is there an age limit?
No age limit, but PhD must be recent (within last 5 years).
Can the application be in English?
Yes, applications are accepted in English or French.
How many fellowships are offered?
Official Link:
The MOPGA Visiting Research Fellowship Program 2026 is a unique chance for outstanding researchers to advance their careers in France while making meaningful contributions to climate and environmental challenges on a global scale.