The Embassy of France and the Science, Technology & Innovation Funding Authority (STDF) are offering a co-funded fellowship for Egyptian researchers to conduct a six-month research stay in France. The fellowship provides a monthly stipend, airfare, insurance, and full research support across a wide range of scientific and technological fields. Applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria, submit a complete application file, and follow a structured evaluation and departure process for 2026.

France–STDF Co-Funded Research Fellowship for Egyptian Researchers (2026)

Overview

The Embassy of France, in partnership with the Science, Technology & Innovation Funding Authority (STDF), is offering a co-funded fellowship that enables Egyptian researchers to undertake a six-month research stay in a French laboratory. The programme supports scientific collaboration, capacity building, and international research exchange across multiple priority disciplines.

The fellowship covers living expenses, travel, health insurance, and provides a competitive monthly stipend.

Key Benefits

• Monthly stipend: €1,704–€2,055

• International round-trip airfare

• Health insurance coverage

• Support for accommodation and living costs

• Research integration in a French laboratory for six months

• Collaboration with French academic and research institutions

Eligible Research Fields

Applicants must propose projects within officially approved scientific and technological areas, including:

• Health and medical sciences

• Earth and space sciences

• Energy

• Agriculture and food systems

• Physics, chemistry, biology

• Mathematics and engineering

• Artificial intelligence and computer science

• Data science and communication technologies

• Biotechnology and nanotechnology

Why It Matters

This fellowship strengthens scientific collaboration between Egypt and France, enhances research capacity, and fosters international partnerships. It enables Egyptian researchers to access advanced facilities, co-author international publications, and expand long-term scientific networks.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all eligibility conditions:

Nationality & Status

• Must be Egyptian

• Must not hold French nationality

• Must hold a PhD obtained within the past 10 years

• Must be under 45 years old on the application closing date

Institutional Requirements

• Must be affiliated with an Egyptian university or research institution

• Must obtain a formal endorsement letter from their home institution

• Must not be participating in any other project funded by the French government

Experience & Language

• Must demonstrate proficiency in English or French suitable for the research project

• Must not have previously received an Egyptian government–funded travel grant to France

Research Project Requirements

• Must fall strictly within the list of eligible scientific fields

• Must include an official invitation letter from the French host laboratory

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Create an Account

• Register on the STDF online application portal

• Complete all requested personal and project information

Step 2: Prepare the Complete Application File

Submit one consolidated application file containing:

• Signed and stamped application form

• Updated CV of the applicant

• CV of the host researcher in France

• Invitation letter from the French laboratory head

• Full research proposal in English + bilingual abstracts

• Recommendation letter

• Passport copy

• PhD certificate

• Endorsement letter from home institution confirming eligibility

Step 3: Submit the Application

• Upload the complete file via the STDF system

• Ensure all documents are included, as incomplete submissions are automatically rejected

Step 4: Evaluation Period

• Evaluation will occur January–March 2026

• Final results published May–June 2026

Step 5: Pre-Departure Requirements

Selected candidates must:

• Set a provisional departure date of 1 October 2026

• Obtain approval from the Egyptian government

• Receive the official invitation and hosting agreement from the French institution

• Secure a Schengen visa

Important Conditions

The Embassy of France may cancel the fellowship if:

• The researcher fails to obtain a Schengen visa

• The researcher receives another French government grant for the same project

• Any eligibility condition is found to be violated

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting an incomplete application file

• Missing signatures or institutional stamps

• Failing to provide a valid invitation letter from the French laboratory

• Overlooking age or PhD completion date restrictions

• Not verifying language proficiency requirements

• Participating in conflicting French-funded projects

FAQ

1. How long is the research stay?
Six months at a laboratory in France.

2. What costs are covered?
Monthly stipend (€1,704–€2,055), airfare, health insurance, and living expenses.

3. Can applicants over age 45 apply?
No. Applicants must be under 45 on the application closing date.

4. Can I apply if I previously received a French-funded scholarship?
Yes—unless the scholarship was funded by the Egyptian government or overlaps with current French government funding.

5. What happens if my application is incomplete?
It is immediately rejected without review.

6. When will applicants be informed of the results?
Between May and June 2026.

7. What could cause cancellation after selection?
Visa denial, receiving another French government grant, or failure to meet eligibility criteria.

Conclusion

This France–STDF co-funded fellowship provides a valuable opportunity for Egyptian researchers to advance their scientific careers through international collaboration. By offering funding, institutional support, and access to world-class research facilities, the programme strengthens Egypt–France scientific cooperation while supporting high-impact research across priority sectors. Applicants who meet all eligibility criteria and follow the structured application process can benefit significantly from this prestigious programme.