Ministère des Armées et des Anciens combattants - Doctoral Allowances for Historical Research

Doctoral allowances for historical research

You will receive a gross salary of 2,300 EUR per month for 3 years (2026–2029) grant to support the completion of your doctoral thesis in the field of military and defence history. These funds will finance a standard doctoral contract, which will be administered by your university. You are employed to carry out your doctoral studies and are not relying on a one-off scholarship. The French Ministry of the Armed Forces and Veterans’ Affairs funds three such contracts. It also provides you with academic support during your research, in addition to your supervisor and your doctoral school.

Who can apply

• Study phase: Either you will begin the first year of your PhD in the academic year following your application, or you are already in the first year of your PhD for the period 2026–2027.
• Field of study: Your thesis deals with history and ties in with one of the Ministry’s key areas of focus, such as military operations abroad since 1962, deterrence strategy, unconventional and high-intensity warfare, or the social and cultural history of war.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.
• University: Any higher education institution may take part, but must be in a position to sign the funding agreement with the Ministry. Please check this with your institution before applying.

How to apply

Download the application form from the ministry's 'Mémoire des Hommes' cultural portal and submit your complete dossier by 24 April 2026 (23:59). A scientific council for defence historical research (CSRHD) reviews all applications and decides who is funded.

How realistic are your chances?

Only three scholarships will be awarded, and your dissertation must relate to one of the Ministry’s key areas of focus. Whilst the pool of eligible candidates is small, competition for each place is fierce. If your research clearly falls within the field of military and defence history and aligns with these priority areas, and you have a supervisor and a university willing to sign the agreement, your prospects are good. A clearly focused, well-tailored proposal carries more weight than a broad one.