FMSH DEA Visiting Fellows Program 2026 in France

The FMSH DEA Visiting Fellows Program 2026 in France offers senior scholars and researchers a short-term funded research stay in the humanities and social sciences. Organized by the Fondation Maison des Sciences de l’Homme (FMSH), the program supports international academic collaboration by providing access to research resources, archives and institutions across France.

Each year, around 30 researchers are selected for a 4–6 week residency. The fellowship focuses on active research projects that require on-site work in France, such as fieldwork, surveys or archival studies. Established in 1975, the DEA Program continues to serve as a key platform for global academic exchange, particularly for scholars from regions with limited research infrastructure.

What is the FMSH DEA Visiting Fellows Program 2026 in France?

The FMSH DEA Visiting Fellows Program 2026 is a short-term research fellowship that supports senior scholars and researchers in the humanities and social sciences. It is organized by the Fondation Maison des Sciences de l’Homme (FMSH) in Paris, a leading institution that promotes international academic cooperation.

The program offers selected researchers the opportunity to conduct on-site research in France for 4–6 weeks. It is designed for projects that require direct access to French archives, libraries, research centers or academic partners.

What is the purpose of the FMSH DEA Program?

The main goal of the DEA Program is to:

• Support high-level academic research
• Facilitate international collaboration
• Provide access to French research resources
• Promote global exchange in the humanities and social sciences

Who is eligible for the FMSH DEA Visiting Fellows Program 2026?

The fellowship targets experienced researchers who are actively engaged in academic work in the humanities or social sciences. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a university professor, senior researcher or scholar in a higher education or research institution
• Be under 65 years of age at the time of application
• Be involved in an active research project (not only book writing or literature review)
• Propose a project that requires access to French resources, institutions or fieldwork
• Be able to complete the research stay within 4–6 weeks

Priority may be given to applicants from regions with limited research infrastructure or projects that cannot be carried out outside France.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants must submit a single PDF file containing the following documents in the specified order:

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• List of publications
• 5–6 page research proposal with methodology and bibliography
• Work plan outlining research activities, expected outcomes and duration of stay
• Letter of invitation or support from a French academic institution

Incomplete or incorrectly ordered applications may be rejected during the review process.

How does the application process work?

The application is submitted directly to FMSH through their official online platform. After submission:

1. Applications are reviewed by academic experts
2. Projects are evaluated on:
   • Scientific quality
   • Relevance of conducting the research in France
   • Feasibility within 4–6 weeks
3. Selected candidates receive an official acceptance and start their residency in 2026

The fellowship remains highly competitive, as only around 30 researchers are selected each year.

What financial support does the FMSH DEA Fellowship 2026 provide?

The FMSH DEA Fellowship offers a monthly allowance of €3,400, which is intended to cover travel and living expenses during the research stay in France. This funding allows researchers to focus fully on their project without financial pressure.

What additional support is provided to selected fellows?

In addition to the monthly allowance, FMSH provides institutional and administrative support, including:

• Assistance with visa arrangements
• Help in securing a host institution or affiliation in France
• Access to libraries, archives and research centers
• Support with research logistics and scheduling
• Connection with French academic networks and experts
  

This combination of funding and institutional access makes the program one of the most practical short-term research opportunities in Europe.

How long is the research stay and what is expected from fellows?

Selected researchers stay in France for 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the needs of their project. During this period, fellows are expected to:

• Carry out the activities outlined in their work plan
• Use French archives, libraries or research facilities
• Collaborate with French academics or institutions
• Produce visible progress or outcomes related to their research
  

The program focuses on active research, so projects limited to book writing or literature review are not prioritized.