Consortium of 4 universities - Agreement on a Funded Mobility scheme for PhD students

What you get

You will receive a lump sum of 2,500 EUR to spend two to three months as a visiting research student at a partner university abroad. The money covers travel, accommodation and living costs, as well as study materials. You will also have access to the host university’s library, computer rooms and research facilities, be assigned a named academic supervisor, and have the opportunity to take part in seminars and research workshops abroad. The host university does not charge any fees for enrolment, library access or email use. However, a small fee, for example for health insurance, may still apply. This is a programme agreed between four universities: Columbia (New York), the London School of Economics (LSE), the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Sciences Po (Paris). You remain enrolled at your home university and attend one of the other three. The 2,500 EUR applies to students sent by Sciences Po; each of the other universities determines its own funding arrangements.

Who can apply

• Level: You are enrolled as a PhD student at one of the four partner universities.
• Progress: You have completed at least one year of your PhD, including any compulsory Master’s-level modules. Where applicable, you have full PhD student status.
• Timing: You will not submit your final thesis before the end of your stay.
• Field of study: Any discipline.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the mobility coordinator at your own university – that is, the member of staff responsible for exchange programmes. You must submit a one-page letter of motivation, a short letter of recommendation from your supervisor and a current CV. Each university conducts its own selection process and decides which of its students it will support financially. For Sciences Po students, the application deadline is 31 May.

How realistic are your chances?

This programme is highly selective: you must already be a PhD student at one of just four universities, and each of these universities is permitted to send only two students per year to each of the other three partner universities. The pool of applicants is small, but the number of places is equally limited. If you are well into your first year, have the support of your supervisor and can demonstrate a clear academic rationale for the placement, your chances are good – particularly if your project aligns with the host university’s key research areas. Apply early and submit a complete set of documents, as late or incomplete applications will be rejected.