Region of Brittany - Doctoral research allowances

What you get

This grant, amounting to up to 20,000 EUR per year for up to 3 years, is intended to fund a paid PhD post in the French region of Brittany. The Brittany region will cover 50% of the PhD student’s salary, up to 20,000 euros per year, meaning that the other half must come from a second funding body. The funds will be paid to your host institution rather than directly to you, but will be used to finance your PhD contract. The aim is to attract young researchers to public and private laboratories in Brittany and to strengthen research into the region’s key priority areas.

Who can apply

• Level: This funding is intended for a PhD programme. The application is submitted by your future supervisor and their institution, not by you directly.
• Where you study: You must be enrolled at an institution in Brittany, and your research must take place in a laboratory in Brittany. An exception is made for joint international PhD programmes (cotutelle, i.e. a PhD supervised jointly by two universities in different countries).
• Field of study: Anyone can apply. Projects relating to the region’s key focus areas will be given priority: the maritime economy, food, digital security, health and wellbeing, smart industry, climate and social inclusion. Applications may also be submitted on other topics.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• Contract: You must be employed under the French regulations governing doctoral contracts.
• Timing: Your project must start between 1 September and 1 January of the following year.

How to apply

Your future supervisor must submit the dissertation proposal via the Brittany Region’s research portal by 13 February. The doctoral schools (Ecoles Doctorales) will then select candidates as part of a separate selection process. This usually involves a short interview before a panel: approximately 10 minutes for the presentation and 10 minutes for questions.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding is tied to a specific region. You will need a supervisor and a laboratory in Brittany who are willing to build a project around you. Each supervisor may submit only one project per call for proposals, and each institution has a limited number of contracts available; for this reason, the laboratories and doctoral schools rank the applications in order of priority. If you have already found a supervisor and your project aligns with the region’s priority areas, your chances are good. A compelling, well-reasoned project is crucial to your success.