Government of France - French Government predoctoral contracts

French Government predoctoral contracts

Whilst studying for your PhD in France, you will receive a genuine work contract paying at least about 2,200 EUR gross per month for 3 years. This is not a traditional scholarship. You will be employed by a public research institution, such as a university, a Grande École or a national research institute such as the CNRS, INRAE or INSERM. You are considered a fixed-term employee in the public sector with comprehensive social security cover: health, pension and unemployment insurance, paid leave, as well as maternity or parental leave. The minimum salary increases over time, from 2,100 EUR in the year 2024 to 2,200 EUR in the year 2025 and to 2,300 EUR from January 2026. You may devote all your time to research or take on additional teaching or peer-review duties in return for additional remuneration. Such additional duties may account for up to one-sixth of your annual working hours.

Who can apply

• Degree: You hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification.
• Level: You are enrolled on a PhD programme or are about to enrol.
• Timing: Applications must be submitted within the first year of enrolment as a PhD student.
• Where you go: You are studying for a PhD at a French state university or a state research institute.
• Field of study: All compartments are open.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.
• Age: No age limit.
• Financial need: Not ticked. Your income is irrelevant.

How to apply

You apply directly to the university or research institute and the associated doctoral school (École doctorale, the body responsible for supervising doctoral students). There is no centralised national application process. The institution conducts an open selection process, and its director signs the contract on the recommendation of the doctoral school. Deadlines vary depending on the institution; you should therefore check the deadlines set by the institution to which you wish to apply.

How realistic are your chances?

Each position is linked to a specific research project and a specific doctoral school, so you are applying for a specific post rather than for a large pool of open places. Your prospects are good if you have an excellent Master’s degree, a supervisor and a research unit willing to take you on, and if you apply early in the first year of your PhD. A suitable research profile and the support of a supervisor count for more here than a broad-based application.