Call for Applications 2026

The French Embassy in Lebanon and the French Institute in Lebanon launched the High-Level Scientific Stay program in 2017 to support the mobility of Lebanese researchers and to initiate or strengthen high-level scientific cooperation projects between France and Lebanon.

These research stays, lasting from 1 to 3 months depending on the category, are open to Lebanese PhD students, post-doctoral researchers, early-career researchers, and experienced researchers.

The deadline for submitting applications is February 5, 2026.

All selected candidates will receive the status of “France Excellence” Scholar (formerly known as “Boursier du Gouvernement français”). 

Eligibility 

The SSHN grants are awarded to PhD students, post-doctoral researchers, or researchers participating in high-level scientific and technical research and exchange programs. These grants aim to initiate a newresearch project or to strengthen an existing scientific collaboration with a French research team affiliated with a higher education or research institution, a research organization, or a company.

Disciplines covered: All scientific disciplines are eligible. Priority will be given to topics of major interest for Lebanon and for the partner institution, and to projects that are part of the Hubert Curien CEDRE Program.

Duration of Stay

The high-level scientific stay grants are awarded in the following two categories:

• Category 1: For a minimum duration of 1 month and up to a maximum of 3 months (possible extension up to 6 months, upon a duly justified request) to doctoral students, post-doctoral fellows, and researchers who obtained their PhD 5 years ago or less on the date of their arrival in France.
• Category 2: For a minimum duration of 10 days and up to a maximum of 1 month (possible extension up to 3 months, upon a duly justified request) to post-doctoral researchers and teacher-researchers who obtained their PhD more than 5 years ago on the date of their arrival in France.

The research stay must be completed by December 15, 2026, at the latest.

No postponement to 2027 will be possible.

Benefits 

Monthly allowance: 

• €1,704 for Category 1
• €2,055 for Category 2

Additional benefits: 

• Free visa.
• Social security coverage in France.
• Coverage of a round-trip airfare between Lebanon and France.
• Transportation from the arrival airport to the research location (outside Paris) for the first trip.
• Assistance from Campus France Paris in finding accommodation (subject to availability).

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must:

• Be of Lebanese nationality and reside in Lebanon (candidates holding French or Franco-Lebanese nationality are not eligible).

• Either

- Be a PhD student, post-doctoral researcher, or researcher who obtained their PhD less than 5 years prior to their arrival in France and not receiving another scholarship or financial support program,

or
   - Be a post-doctoral researcher or teacher-researcher who obtained their PhD more than 5 years prior to their arrival in France and hold an employment contract with their home institution in Lebanon.

• Be enrolled in or affiliated with a higher education or research institution in Lebanon. Candidates enrolled in a PhD program at a higher education or research institution in France are noteligible.
• Have an invitation for a scientific stay from a host organization in France (higher education and research institution, research organization, or company).
• Possess the necessary language skills to carry out the proposed research project.

Selection Criteria 

Scientific projects will be evaluated based on:

• The innovation and relevance of the topic for Lebanon and for the partner institution.
• The integration of the project into an existing Franco-Lebanese collaboration, or its potential to initiate a new one.
• Its alignment with projects under the Hubert Curien CEDRE Program.

Application Requirements 

The application file must include:

• A scanned copy of an ID (identity card or passport).
• A scanned student card (for PhD students).
• Proof of employment at the home institution (for post-doctoral researchers and teacher-researchers).
• A CV in French or English, indicating any publications and completed or ongoing scientific work.
• A motivation letter (in French or English).
• A copy of the highest degree obtained.
• A description of the research project, detailing the subject, a brief review of the current knowledge (3–5 pages recommended), the research questions addressed, the methodology, and the division of work between the two laboratories.
• An invitation letter from the host organization in France.
• Approval from the Lebanese institution for the stay.
• A cooperation agreement between the Lebanese institution and the French host institution (optional).

Note: Incomplete application will not be considered. All documents must be submitted through the Wiinio platform.

Application deadline: February 5, 2026

Procedure 

1. Submit the application on Wiinio before February 5, 2026.
2. The French Embassy reviews the applications and may invite candidates for an interview.
3. Selected candidates are notified by email.
4. Selected candidates complete the Campus France form and provide the CERFA form, which must be signed by the host laboratory.
5. The final scholarship file must be submitted to the French Embassy in Lebanon at least 1 month before the start date of the stay. 

For any questions, please contact the French Embassy in Lebanon at priscilla.moussallem@diplomatie.gouv.fr