Government of France-Ministry of Higher Education and Research - Doctoral fellowships for disabled students

Doctoral fellowships for disabled students (Doctorat Handicap)

You will receive a 3-year work contract as a PhD student with a monthly salary of 2,300 EUR gross (from 1 January 2026). Your university pays you as your employer, so you are an employee and not merely a scholarship holder. You can earn additional money for teaching or research work. The French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space funds 30 of these contracts each year to help students with disabilities gain entry to a PhD programme.

Who can apply

• Disability status: You have been officially recognised as a disabled employee (RQTH) by the MDPH, the French authority for people with disabilities. If your application is still being processed, a letter confirming that your documents are complete and have been accepted will suffice.
• Degree: You hold a Master’s degree (or an equivalent qualification) which enables you to enrol at a doctoral school (École Doctorale).
• Where you study: You are enrolled at a public higher education institution in France that is under the authority of the Ministry.
• Timing: Your contract must commence within one year of your initial enrolment as a PhD student. If you are already in the second year of your PhD, you are not eligible to apply.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.

How to apply

You cannot apply directly. Please contact the doctoral school (École Doctorale) at which you wish to enrol. The school will assess your suitability and submit your application on your behalf. For the 2026 round, applications must be submitted between 16 March and 11 May 2026, 12:00. A national committee will then assess your proposed thesis topic, your supervision arrangements and your motivation. The results will be communicated to the universities by September.

How realistic are your chances?

Only 30 scholarships are awarded nationwide each year, so competition is fierce. However, the pool of applicants is limited, as you must have recognised status as a disabled worker and be just starting your PhD. If you clearly meet these requirements and can demonstrate a compelling, well-supervised doctoral project, your prospects are good. Make sure you secure a place at a doctoral school and a supervisor well in advance, as they will be submitting the application documents and their support carries significant weight in the decision-making process.