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 three weeks 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.
This call for applications is open until September 20, 2026, at 23:59, for mobilities taking place between February 1, 2027, and December 15, 2027.
(please refer to the text below before applying)
For information purposes, ten months of scholarships were awarded in 2026.
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). French nationals are not eligible. There is no other 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.
Duration of the stay:
Support can be required for a minimum of three weeks and a maximum of three months. The supported stay must take place before 31st December 2027.
About the grant:
The amount of the grant is different depending on the status of the beneficiary.
The amounts shown below correspond to the year 2026 and are provided for information purposes only. They may be updated for 2027.
- Young researchers – 1 850€/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 the scientific department of the Institut français de Suède with the help of experts from the Delegation for European and International Affairs of the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space.
The jury 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 de Suède will have 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 de Suède cooperate with Swedish foundations, including the Association Franco-Suédoise pour la Recherche (AFSR – Svensk-franska forskningsföreningen), that could also provide funding for scientific mobilities. If authorised by the candidate, the application may be shared with them for consideration in their own mobility programmes.
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: June 24, 2026
- Deadline for applications: September 20, 2026, at 23:59
- Notification of the laureates: late December 2026
- Stay in France/Sweden: between February 1, 2027, and December 31, 2027
Application procedure:
Applicants must complete an online form and upload:
- A scientific résumé (CV) – max. 2 pages, in pdf.
- A pdf document including:
- A presentation of the global scientific project (research statement) – max. 2 pages.
- A presentation of the objectives of the trip and its relevance, mentioning the expected benefits for French-Swedish cooperation. If relevant, a provisional program can be included.
- An invitation letter from the French/Swedish research institute, university or institution with which the applicant will be cooperating, stating the provisional dates of the stay – in French or English.
- A copy of the passport or European identity card of the applicant.
- Additional documents may be included in the application.
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.
Contact information:
For any information, please contact science@ifsuede.com
