MOPGA Visiting Fellowship 2027 – Key Details

• Host Country: France
• Programme: Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA)
• Fellowship Type: Visiting Research Fellowship
• Target Applicants: Early-career international researchers
• Study/Research Level: Postdoctoral Research
• Eligible Applicants: Researchers of foreign nationality
• Fellowship Duration: 12 months
• Monthly Allowance: €2,500
• Settling-in Allowance: €500
• Health Coverage: Health, civil liability, and repatriation assistance
• Research Areas: Climate, environment, sustainability, energy transition, Earth systems, and One Health
• Application Language: English or French
• Application Deadline: December 15, 2026
• Expected Start: September–December 2027

About the MOPGA Visiting Fellowship

The Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) programme was launched to support international scientific research addressing major environmental and climate challenges. The 2027 edition is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space (MESRE) and implemented by Campus France.

The programme enables early-career international researchers to conduct a research project in France while collaborating with French universities, laboratories, and research institutions.

MOPGA 2027 Research Themes

Applicants must propose research related to one of the programme’s eligible areas:

• Earth System Sciences
• Climate Change and Sustainability Sciences
• Energy Transition
• Societal Challenges Related to Environmental Issues
• Human, Animal and Environmental Health under the One Health Approach

Innovative research using advanced technologies in these areas may receive particular consideration. For One Health projects, the research must genuinely address the interactions between human health, animal health, and ecosystems.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the MOPGA Visiting Fellowship 2027, applicants must:

• Hold a doctoral degree awarded less than five years before the application deadline.
• Have defended their PhD thesis between December 2021 and December 2026, inclusive.
• Be of foreign nationality; all nationalities are eligible except French nationality.
• Apply for international research mobility to France.
• Not be residing and professionally active in France at the time of application.
• Not have previously received a MOPGA fellowship.
• Have a research project that fits within the programme’s eligible research themes.

PhD Timing Exception

Applicants who obtained their PhD more than five years ago may qualify for an extension in certain cases, such as maternity leave, subject to supporting documentation.

MOPGA Fellowship Benefits

€2,500 Monthly Allowance

Successful fellows receive a €2,500 monthly allowance for 12 months to support their research stay and living expenses in France.

€500 Settling-In Allowance

A €500 settling-in allowance is provided during the first month of the research stay.

Health and Insurance Coverage

The fellowship provides health coverage including:

• Health insurance
• Civil liability insurance
• Repatriation assistance
• Supplementary health insurance after registration with the French Social Security system

Research Collaboration

Fellows conduct their research within a French host laboratory and gain opportunities to collaborate with leading French research institutions.

French Government Fellowship Status

Successful applicants receive the status of French Government Scholarship holders (BGF), and the fellowship is paid directly by Campus France.

Important Funding Information

The MOPGA fellowship provides a monthly allowance and settling-in allowance, but international travel to France is not covered by the programme. However, the host laboratory may potentially provide support for travel costs.

The fellowship lasts 12 months and is non-renewable. It also cannot be combined with a French employment contract or another individual funding award from a French government entity.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

• CV, including a list of publications, maximum four pages
• Doctoral degree certificate or official proof of the PhD
• CV of the scientific supervisor at the French host laboratory
• Letter of support from the scientific supervisor
• Laboratory director’s co-signed support or commitment letter
• 1–3 recommendation letters
• Copy of passport or national identity document
• Research project information and supporting materials

Research Project Requirements

The MOPGA application requires applicants to provide information about their proposed research project, including:

• Project title
• Six keywords
• Research project summary
• Background and motivation
• Scientific objectives
• Methodology and timeline
• Relevance to the MOPGA initiative
• International collaboration and expected impact on the applicant’s country of residence or origin

The research project may be submitted in English or French.

How to Apply for the MOPGA Fellowship 2027

Step 1: Identify a French Host Laboratory

Applicants must find a suitable French research laboratory or research unit willing to host their project.

Step 2: Develop Your Research Proposal

Prepare a research project that aligns with one of the five MOPGA research themes.

Step 3: Contact a Scientific Supervisor

Discuss your research proposal with a potential scientific supervisor at a French research institution and obtain the required support.

Step 4: Prepare the Documents

Prepare your CV, PhD certificate, research proposal, recommendation letters, supervisor documents, and identification documents.

Step 5: Submit the Online Application

Submit your application through the official Campus France SMApply platform during the application period.

Step 6: Complete the Selection Process

Applications are first assessed by scientific experts appointed by the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space. A scientific committee then makes the final selection.

MOPGA 2027 Application Timeline

• Applications Open: September 15, 2026
• Application Deadline: December 15, 2026
• Results: May–June 2027
• Research Stay Begins: Between September and December 2027
• Fellowship Duration: 12 months

Is IELTS Required for MOPGA 2027?

The official MOPGA 2027 call does not list IELTS as a general application requirement. Applications can be submitted in English or French. However, applicants should confirm any language requirements imposed by their chosen French host institution or laboratory.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the MOPGA Visiting Fellowship 2027?

The MOPGA Visiting Fellowship 2027 is a French government-funded 12-month research fellowship for early-career international researchers working on climate and environmental challenges.

2. What does MOPGA stand for?

MOPGA stands for Make Our Planet Great Again.

3. Who can apply for the MOPGA Fellowship?

International researchers who hold a doctoral degree awarded less than five years before the deadline can apply, provided they meet the other eligibility requirements.

4. What is the MOPGA 2027 monthly stipend?

Successful fellows receive €2,500 per month for 12 months. They also receive a €500 settling-in allowance.

5. Does MOPGA cover health insurance?

Yes. The fellowship includes health coverage, civil liability insurance, and repatriation assistance, followed by supplementary health insurance after registration with the French Social Security system.

6. Does MOPGA cover international airfare?

No. International travel costs are not covered by the MOPGA programme. A French host laboratory may be able to provide additional support.

7. How long is the MOPGA Fellowship?

The fellowship lasts 12 months and is non-renewable.

8. Can I apply if I am already living in France?

The 2027 eligibility rules state that applicants must not be residing and professionally active in France at the time of application.

9. Can French citizens apply?

No. The 2027 programme is open to foreign nationals, with French nationality excluded.

10. What research fields are eligible?

Eligible areas include Earth system sciences, climate change and sustainability, energy transition, societal environmental challenges, and human, animal, and environmental health under the One Health approach.

11. Are humanities and social sciences eligible?

Yes. Humanities and social sciences can be eligible when the proposed research fits within the MOPGA research themes.

12. Do I need IELTS for the MOPGA Fellowship?

There is no general IELTS requirement stated in the official MOPGA 2027 call. Applications may be submitted in English or French. Applicants should nevertheless check any requirements of their host institution.

13. Can PhD students apply for MOPGA?

No. MOPGA 2027 is a postdoctoral/visiting research fellowship for researchers who have already defended their PhD. It is not a scholarship for current Master’s or PhD students.

14. When is the MOPGA 2027 deadline?

The application deadline is December 15, 2026.

15. When will the MOPGA 2027 fellowship begin?

Successful researchers are expected to arrive in France and begin their research stay between September and December 2027.