Foundation for the Memory of the Shoah - Doctoral Scholarships

What the Fondation pour la Mémoire de la Shoah doctoral scholarship gives you

You will receive 1,450 EUR per month for up to 12 months for your work on your doctoral thesis. If you require more time, you may apply for a one-off extension on the same terms. You must then submit a detailed progress report. The funding comes from the ‘Fondation pour la Mémoire de la Shoah’, a French charitable foundation that supports research into the history of anti-Semitism, the Shoah and related genocides of the 20th century. Your topic may focus on the implementation of the ‘Final Solution’, on individual and collective fates, on anti-Semitism from the 19th century to the present day, or on links between the Shoah and other genocides. Projects addressing French aspects of this history will be given priority.

Who can apply

• Level: At the time of your application, you are enrolled as a PhD student (Thèse).
• Supervision: You have an academic supervisor for your project.
• Field of study: History, literature, sociology, philosophy, art history, political science, law, anthropology or psychology – the main thing is that your topic relates to anti-Semitism, the Shoah or the genocides of the 20. century.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. Both French and international students are welcome.
• References: You have two letters of recommendation from university lecturers.
• No double funding: You are not currently receiving any other scholarship, nor do you have any regular, significant income from any other source.
• Limit: A person may receive funding for a maximum of two funding periods: an initial grant and a renewal.

How to apply

Please complete the Foundation’s PhD application form and send it, together with your project description, proof of your enrolment as a PhD student and the two letters of recommendation, to the Foundation’s History Programme office in Paris. The application deadline is 1 April. A decision is usually made within three to six months. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship has a narrow thematic focus. Your doctoral thesis must be clearly related to the history of anti-Semitism, the Shoah or related genocides, meaning that the pool of applicants is significantly smaller than for open doctoral scholarships. If your topic is a good fit – particularly if it touches on French aspects – and you can demonstrate solid support from your supervisor and two referees, your chances are good. The foundation has already awarded over 100 doctoral scholarships; it is therefore a well-established, active programme.