MOPGA 2026 Visiting Fellowship | France’s Flagship Research Program for Early Career Scientists

Launched in 2018 by the French government, the Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) Visiting Fellowship is a prestigious research scheme intended to bring early-career international researchers to France for a 12-month stay. It’s tailored especially for scientists dedicated to climate, environmental, and sustainability challenges.

In line with its commitment to the Paris Agreement, France, a major player in the fight against climate change, is launching a new edition of the MOPGA program to strengthen scientific contributions to the issues addressed at the Conferences of the Parties (COP).

At its core, MOPGA strengthens international scientific collaboration by inviting exceptional researchers to conduct projects in French labs, providing them with financial support, institutional affiliation, and visibility in an advanced research environment.

✅ What the Fellowship Offers

• Monthly stipend: €2,500 for 12 months

• One-time installation grant: €500

• Health coverage: Includes health insurance, liability, and repatriation assistance

• Host laboratories commit to providing an enabling scientific environment.

Note that lab operational costs are not funded by MOPGA

🧭 Eligible Research Themes

Your project must fall within one or more of the following research areas:

• Earth systems & climate sciences

• Energy transition & sustainability

• Societal challenges tied to environmental issues

• Environmental, human & animal health using a One Health approach

Projects using integrated, cross-disciplinary approaches that emphasize interactions between ecosystems, humans, and animals are especially favored.

Check Also: Humboldt Research Fellowship, Germany [Fully funded]

👤 Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, you must meet all the following:

• Be a non-French national (no French citizenship)

• Have earned your PhD / doctoral defense between December 2020 and December 2025 (i.e., within ~5 years)

• Have not stayed in France for more than 90 days between 12 September and 12 December 2025

• Hold a confirmed host laboratory in France willing to support your project

• Prepare a research project plan aligned with MOPGA’s themes

Special considerations:

• Exemptions for maternity leave (extension of reference period) may be considered

• Applicants already in France may apply, provided their stay in the eligibility period was under 90 days

Check Also: France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2026 | Study in France with Full Support

📋 Application Requirements & Project Proposal

Your application must include:

• Curriculum Vitae with publications (max 4 pages)

• PhD diploma or proof of defense

• Project outline including title, abstract, methodology, timeline, and relation to MOPGA agenda

• Scientific advisor’s CV and letter of commitment/lab support

• Up to 3 recommendation letters

• Copy of passport or identification

The project write-up will require structured sections: research context, scientific objectives, methodology, and expected impact (especially for the origin/home country).

Check Also: Study at Tsinghua University: Graduate Admissions 2026 for International Students [Fully funded]

📆 Timeline & Key Dates

All applications must be submitted via the Campus France SMApply portal — no email or offline submissions accepted.

Download the application guide here

✔ Tips & Common Pitfalls

• Select a relevant host lab early; your proposal must align with the lab’s expertise

• Craft a compelling project narrative tied to global climate goals

• Don’t over-promise; feasibility and impact matter

• Secure strong recommendation letters citing research aptitude & fit

• Respect the 90-day rule for stays in France during the referenced period

• Submit early to buffer for technical or document issues

🔗 Official Application Portal

Ready to apply? Submit your application here:
👉 MOPGA 2026 Application Portal

🌐 Related Opportunities You May Like

If you’re exploring other paid fellowships and scholarships, check out:

• UBC International Scholars Awards (fully funded undergraduate programs)

• ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (ESOP)

• Gates Cambridge Scholarship