François Mitterrand Institute - François Mitterrand Institute Master Award

What the IFM Master Award gives you

You will receive a 1,000 EUR cash prize for an outstanding Master’s research dissertation (mémoire de recherche) on the political legacy of French President François Mitterrand (1916-1996). If the jury considers your thesis to be particularly outstanding, the Institute may also contribute financially towards its publication. The prize is awarded by the François Mitterrand Institute, a state-recognised charitable foundation, and is presented once a year. There are two levels of award: a publication prize for the very best thesis and an encouragement prize for other outstanding final theses.

Who can apply

• Level: You have written and defended a Master’s thesis 2 during the current academic year.
• Topic: Your dissertation examines Mitterrand’s political career from the war years to the end of his second term as President. He does not necessarily have to be the central focus, but the dissertation must examine his political role.
• Field of study: Open to the humanities and social sciences (history, political science, sociology) as well as law, economics, literary studies and communication studies.
• Where you study: You are studying at a university in France or abroad.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.
• Language: You must write your final thesis in French or English. The Examination Board will decide on other languages on a case-by-case basis.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted by email (PDF) and by post. A nomination is not required. The deadline for applications is 1 July. A panel of historians and academics will make their decision based on your written submission; the results will be announced in October.

How realistic are your chances?

This prize is aimed at a small target group: your final dissertation must directly examine Mitterrand’s political actions, meaning that only a small number of students qualify for it each year. If your Master’s dissertation fits the theme of 2 and you have achieved good marks with it, your chances are good. The jury may also decide not to award a prize in a particular year, so the bar is set high.