Joseph Fourier University - Persyval-Lab Predoctoral Fellowships

What you get

You will receive 800 EUR per month for 10 months, up to a total of 8,000 euros, to fund the second year of a Master’s degree programme (M2) at the Université Grenoble Alpes in France. The amount will be paid in two instalments. In the first semester, you will receive 4,000 EUR (five payments of 800 EUR each) and in the second semester 4,000 EUR. To receive the second half of the grant, you must complete your compulsory placement (February to June) in one of PERSYVAL’s partner laboratories. Otherwise, you will retain only the first 4,000 EUR. The scholarship is awarded by the university’s PERSYVAL Centre of Excellence, which awards up to 8 of these scholarships each year.

Who can apply

• Study level: You are starting the second year of a Master’s programme (M2) at the Université Grenoble Alpes, having completed your first year of the Master’s programme (M1) or an equivalent qualification recognised by the university.
• Admission: You have been admitted to one of the eligible M2 degree programmes. You cannot receive a scholarship without a place at university.
• Field of study: Computer Science, Mathematics, Automation Technology, Signal Processing, Cybersecurity, Embedded Systems, or Statistics and Data Science. Eligible courses include MoSIG, MSIAM, CySec, MiSCIT, SIGMA, ORCO, MARS, Fundamentals of Mathematics, IMESS/MISTRE and SSD.
• PhD plans: You would then like to do a PhD at one of PERSYVAL’s partner laboratories.
• Financial need: Your income is not enough to cover your living costs.
• Grades: You’ve achieved excellent results at school.
• Language: For degree programmes taught in French, you will need a level of French equivalent to B2. For degree programmes taught in English, you will need a TOEFL score of between 79 and 80, an IELTS score of over 6 or an equivalent test result.
• Nationality: Open to all nationalities.

How to apply

There is no separate scholarship application form. You apply for your chosen M2 Master’s programme via its own online application process, and PERSYVAL selects the scholarship recipients from among the admitted applicants. The application deadline is approximately 21 May. The selection process takes place in early June, and the results will be announced in mid-June.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is awarded on a highly selective basis. Only students who have been admitted to specific M2 degree programmes at a specific university and whose field of study is relevant to a planned PhD can apply; consequently, the number of scholarship recipients is limited to a maximum of 8 per year. If you clearly fit into these subject areas, can demonstrate financial need, have excellent grades and can specify a research area within a PERSYVAL laboratory, your chances are good. Securing your place on the Master’s programme at an early stage is the crucial first step, as without a place on the programme, there can be no scholarship.