The France Excellence Research grant is aimed at researchers and PhD students established in a Swedish institution (e.g. university, laboratory, research institute, etc.) who wish to carry out research and/or have access to scientific equipment in France. It allows them to spend stays of one to three months in a French institution.
The thematic priorities of the program are those connected to the renewed strategic partnership between Sweden and France signed by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and President Emmanuel Macron on 30th January 2024. Other fields are also eligible for application, including projects in the humanities and social sciences, and those related to culture.
The current call for applications is open until 1st June at 23:59, for mobilities taking place between 1st August and 31st December 2025.
(please refer to the text below before applying)
A provisional number of ten months of scholarships will be awarded this year.
Who can apply:
This programme is open to PhD students and PhD holders conducting research in a Swedish institution (university, research institute from the public or private sector), with no condition on nationality.
All scientific fields are eligible, but those related to the French-Swedish strategic innovation partnership will be given priority. The declaration between France and Sweden on a renewed Strategic Innovation Partnership for Sustainable, Digital and Resilient Societies can be found here.
In addition, please note that at least one grant will be awarded to a project in the humanities and social sciences.
Duration of the stay:
Support can be required for a minimum of one month and a maximum of three months. The supported stay must take place before 31st December 2025.
About the grant:
The amount of the grant is different depending on the status of the beneficiary:
- Young researchers – 1 704€/month
- PhD students on a short research visit (PhD students not registered in France).
- post-doctoral students and researchers who have completed their PhD no more than 5 years before the date of arrival in France.
- Senior researchers – 2 055€/month
- post-doctoral students and researchers who have obtained their PhD more than 5 years before the date of arrival in France.
This grant also gives access to accommodation at preferential rates, provided by Campus France.
Selection procedure:
Applications will be evaluated by a jury set up by the Institut français in Sweden that will take into account the scientific quality of the project, the implications for the French-Swedish cooperation and the individual scientific record of the applicant. Projects that haven’t previously received support from the Institut français in Sweden will be given priority.
Projects linked to the strategic innovation partnership will be given priority. The declaration between France and Sweden on a renewed Strategic Innovation Partnerhip Partnership for Sustainable, Digital and Resilient Societies can be found HERE.
At least one grant will be awarded to a project in the humanities and social sciences.
The French Embassy and the Institut français in Sweden support equal opportunities and the jury will strive to attain parity in the list of supported researchers.
Schedule:
- Opening of the call: 22nd April 2025
- Deadline for applications: 1st June 2025, at 23:59
- Notification of the laureates: late June 2025
- Stay in France: between 1st August and 31st December 2025
Application procedure:
Applicants must complete an online form and upload:
- A scientific résumé (CV) – max. 2 pages,
- A presentation of the global scientific project – max. 2 pages,
- A presentation of the objectives of the trip and its relevance, mentioning the expected benefits for French-Swedish cooperation,
- An invitation letter from the French research institute, university or institution with which the applicant will be cooperating, in French or English, stating the provisional dates of the stay,
- Recommendation letters can be added to the application, as any other relevant document.
All applications must be submitted in English.
After the mobility:
The researcher must complete a one-page report to briefly describe their research mobility. The report template is provided by the Institut français de Suède.
The Institut français de Suède will publish the report on the French-Nordic Research website to promote the researcher’s work and their mobility experience.
Contact information:
For any information, please contact science@ifsuede.com