Deadline: Ongoing
Applications are open for the Embassy of France in South Africa PhD Grants 2019-2020. The French Embassy scholarship program offers grants to facilitate in the international academic and scientific mobility of South African and non-South African researchers to French Higher Education institutions.
The program offers the opportunity for doctoral students to integrate into French establishments for specified time periods in order to participate in collaborative research as part of their doctoral research project. This program forms part of the commitment between France and South Africa to establish fruitful partnerships between the universities while building a vast network of academic and professional contacts. Grants are awarded for a stay in France of 1 to 4 months per year, potentially renewable for up to three years. Grants only cover the expenses for the student during his or her stay in France.
Scholarship
Funding can be offered to cover some or all of the following expenses during the stay in France:
- Round-trip airfare
- Social security and health insurance
- A monthly stipend (€1065/month)
- Schengen visa fees
Eligibility
- Registration for a PhD at a South African university
- A hosting agreement from the French institution;
- Support letters from your South African supervisor and French co-supervisor, supporting the proposed research project;
- Applications from all academic disciplines will be considered;
- No knowledge of French language required, provided the student will be able to conduct research in English.
Selection Criteria
- Nationality: South Africa/Lesotho.
- Academic achievement
- Coherence of motivation and career plan – motivation letter reflecting academic, professional and personal objectives and experiences with reasons for academic program and institution choice
- Relevance of research proposed
- Full support from the French co-supervisor
Application
Students are expected to submit the following (scanned or saved in separate PDF files only, clearly marked):
- Fully completed and signed application form
- Certified copy of valid passport
- Certified copies of all degree certificates and academic transcripts (both for complete and incomplete qualifications)
- Motivation letter (no longer than two pages)
- Curriculum vitae (no longer than two pages)
- Outline of research project (no longer than two pages)
- Supporting letter from supervisor in South Africa
- Invitation letter from supervisor in France
- Proof of registration at a South African university
A hosting agreement signed by the Prefecture in France and the French academic institution will be requested upon visa application. Please apply for this document at least 2 months in advance of your departure for France – once you have secured funding for your stay in France.
Applications are to be submitted via e-mail: [email protected]
For more information, visit French Embassy Scholarship.