🌍 Postdoctoral Fellowships in France | Complete Guide

/ Scholarships / By

✨ Quick Summary

Looking for Postdoctoral Fellowships in France? Here are the top opportunities:

These fellowships offer €2,500–€5,000/month, flexible durations (1–5 years), and exceptional career pathways across sciences, health, social sciences, and humanities.

🌍 Introduction – Postdoctoral Fellowships in France

France has long been a hub of innovation, science, and intellectual excellence, attracting some of the world’s brightest researchers. For postdoctoral scholars seeking international exposure, advanced training, and access to cutting-edge laboratories, Postdoctoral Fellowships in France represent an outstanding opportunity.

From the globally renowned CNRS, INSERM, and Institut Pasteur to prestigious European schemes like ERC and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), France offers a wide range of postdoc programs tailored for PhD graduates in STEM, life sciences, social sciences, and humanities. These fellowships not only provide competitive salaries (€2,500–€5,000 per month) but also cover research budgets, mobility grants, family allowances, and relocation support.

What makes France unique is its multicultural academic environment, strong visa policies, and international collaborations, which make it especially attractive for scholars from India, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The country is also deeply committed to global research priorities such as climate change, renewable energy, digital innovation, and public health, giving postdoctoral fellows the chance to work on projects with worldwide impact.

Whether you are an Indian researcher seeking EU exposure, a STEM graduate exploring European opportunities, or a social scientist interested in French intellectual traditions, these fellowships can serve as a launchpad to a global academic or industry career.

In this guide, we will explore all the major Postdoctoral Fellowships in France, their eligibility, benefits, application process, and official links, along with practical advice and FAQs for international applicants.

🌍 Why Choose France for Postdoctoral Research?

France is a top global hub for postdoctoral fellows due to:

  • 🏛️ Prestigious Institutions like CNRS, INSERM, Pasteur, and Sorbonne.
  • 💶 Generous Funding including salaries, research budgets, travel, and family allowances.
  • 🌏 Internationally Inclusive programs with English as a primary research language.
  • ✈️ Strategic EU Location with opportunities to network across Europe.
  • 🎨 High Quality of Life with rich cultural, social, and academic experiences.

🎓 Major Postdoctoral Fellowships in France

France offers a diverse portfolio of postdoctoral fellowships, covering STEM, biomedical sciences, social sciences, humanities, and interdisciplinary fields. These programs are internationally competitive and attract scholars worldwide.

1. 🌍 European Research Council (ERC) Grants

  • Duration: Up to 5 years
  • Fields: All academic disciplines (STEM, life sciences, social sciences, humanities)
  • Eligibility: Open to global researchers with outstanding research track records. Requires a host institution in France.
  • Benefits: Generous funding for salary, research costs, staff hiring, and international mobility. Considered one of the most prestigious fellowships worldwide.
    🔗 Link: https://erc.europa.eu/

2. 🏛️ CNRS Postdoctoral Mobilité Internationale

  • Duration: 12–24 months
  • Fields: All research areas supported by CNRS (physics, chemistry, engineering, social sciences, arts).
  • Eligibility: Requires collaboration with a French CNRS laboratory. Designed to encourage international mobility.
  • Benefits: Monthly stipend, lab support, relocation funding. A pathway into longer-term CNRS research careers.
    🔗 Link: https://www.cnrs.fr/en

3. 🧬 INSERM Postdoctoral Fellowship

  • Duration: 1–3 years
  • Focus: Biomedical sciences, neuroscience, public health, genetics, pharmacology.
  • Eligibility: Open to PhD holders with biomedical research expertise. Must align with an INSERM-affiliated lab.
  • Benefits: Salary, access to advanced biomedical facilities, international collaborations in Europe and beyond.
    🔗 Link: https://www.inserm.fr/

4. 🦠 Institut Pasteur Postdoctoral Programme

  • Duration: 2–3 years
  • Focus: Infectious diseases, immunology, virology, microbiology, vaccine research.
  • Eligibility: Open to international PhD graduates with strong lab experience.
  • Benefits: Stipend, cutting-edge labs, opportunity to collaborate with WHO and global health organizations.
    🔗 Link: https://www.pasteur.fr/en/international-careers/postdoc-positions

5. 📚 Collège de France / Institut Universitaire de France (IUF)

  • Duration: 3–5 years
  • Focus: Multidisciplinary, combining sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
  • Eligibility: Exceptional candidates with strong academic achievements.
  • Benefits: High research independence, prestigious academic recognition, opportunities to publish with French intellectual leaders.
    🔗 Link: https://www.college-de-france.fr/

6. 💫 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) – France Host

  • Duration: 2 years
  • Fields: All disciplines, with a focus on mobility and international collaboration.
  • Eligibility: Must move to France from another country. Open to researchers worldwide.
  • Benefits: Salary, mobility allowance, family allowance, research costs. Highly competitive but internationally recognized.
    🔗 Link: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/

7. 🎓 Eiffel Excellence Postdoctoral Programme

8. 🕊️ PAUSE Programme (Programme d’Aide à l’Accueil en Urgence des Scientifiques en Exil)

  • Duration: Flexible, based on the situation
  • Focus: All disciplines, designed to protect and support at-risk and exiled scholars.
  • Eligibility: Academics facing persecution or conflict in their home country.
  • Benefits: Salary coverage, integration into French research institutions, humanitarian support.
    🔗 Link: https://www.college-de-france.fr/

9. 🌐 Campus France – General Postdoctoral Opportunities

  • Type: Central hub for postdoctoral openings, visa information, and scholarship guidance.
  • Eligibility: International PhDs exploring fellowships across disciplines.
  • Benefits: Resource platform linking to universities, CNRS, INSERM, and external EU opportunities.
    🔗 Link: https://www.campusfrance.org/en/post-doctorate-France

10. 🏛️ Foundation Maison des Sciences de l’Homme (FMSH)

  • Duration: ~10 months
  • Focus: Humanities and Social Sciences (history, sociology, philosophy, anthropology, political science).
  • Eligibility: Open to global researchers, especially those working on international collaboration.
  • Benefits: Monthly stipend, integration into French research networks, funding for fieldwork.
    🔗 Link: https://www.fmsh.fr/en

🇮🇳 Postdoctoral Fellowships in France for Indian Scholars

France has become one of the top destinations for Indian postdoctoral researchers, offering a perfect mix of world-class laboratories, international collaborations, and supportive funding schemes. With strong India–France cooperation in science and education, Indian scholars are increasingly securing prestigious fellowships in France across multiple disciplines.

🌟 Why France is Attractive for Indian Postdocs

  • Strong India–France Academic Cooperation: Active partnerships between IITs, IISc, and leading French universities.
  • STEM and Biomedical Focus: Prestigious institutions like INSERM, Institut Pasteur, and CNRS offer excellent pathways in life sciences, biotechnology, medical research, and AI.
  • Prestigious European Funding: Programs like ERC Grants, CNRS Mobility Schemes, and MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships are highly competitive yet accessible to Indian candidates.
  • Family & Visa Support: Campus France and French institutions provide visa facilitation, relocation funds, and family allowances.
  • Rising Success Rate: Every year, dozens of Indian scholars secure MSCA or ERC fellowships with a French host.

🎓 Recommended Postdoctoral Fellowships for Indian Scholars in France

These fellowships cover monthly salaries (€2,500–€5,000), research costs, travel, and relocation allowances.

📌 Tips for Indian Scholars Applying to France

  • Plan Early: Contact potential French supervisors 8–12 months before deadlines to align research interests.
  • Tailor Proposals: Highlight how your project fits with France’s research priorities in climate change, sustainable energy, digital innovation, and healthcare.
  • Strengthen Profile: Showcase high-impact publications, prior international collaborations, and unique expertise.
  • Cultural Preparation: Learn basic French to adapt to daily life and show willingness for integration.
  • Leverage Networks: Use Indo-French research platforms like CEFIPRA (Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research) for networking.

🚀 Career Prospects for Indian Postdocs in France

After completing their Postdoctoral Fellowship in France, Indian scholars have strong opportunities to:

  • Transition into faculty positions at French or European universities.
  • Secure advanced funding like the ERC Starting Grant or CNRS Permanent Researcher tracks.
  • Return to India with PAUSE Return Fellowships or Indo-French collaborative grants.
  • Enter R&D careers in French industries like pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and AI.

❓ FAQs – Postdoctoral Fellowships in France

1. What are Postdoctoral Fellowships in France?

Postdoctoral Fellowships in France are fully or partially funded research positions for scholars who have recently completed their PhD. These fellowships are designed to provide independence, career development, and international exposure. Fellows receive salaries, research budgets, and institutional support, allowing them to focus on advanced research while building strong collaborations with French universities, CNRS labs, and research institutes like INSERM and Institut Pasteur.

2. Are they open to international researchers?

Yes ✅. International researchers are highly encouraged to apply. Prestigious programs like the European Research Council (ERC) Grants, CNRS Mobility, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), INSERM, and Institut Pasteur fellowships are explicitly designed to promote global academic mobility. France is one of the most attractive destinations for Indian scholars, Asian researchers, and scientists from Africa and Latin America, thanks to inclusive funding policies.

3. What is the typical duration of these fellowships?

The duration varies significantly:

  • FMSH Fellowships: ~10 months.
  • MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships: ~2 years.
  • CNRS & INSERM: 1–3 years.
  • ERC Starting/Consolidator Grants: Up to 5 years.
    This flexibility allows researchers to choose programs that best suit their research goals and personal circumstances.

4. Do I need a French host institution?

Yes. Almost all postdoctoral fellowships in France require a host institution such as:

  • A French university (e.g., Sorbonne, PSL, Lyon).
  • A major research body (CNRS, INSERM, INRAE, CEA).
  • Specialized institutions (Institut Pasteur, Collège de France).

Applicants must secure a host supervisor in advance, which is a crucial step for most applications.

5. What benefits are included in French postdoc fellowships?

Fellows usually receive:

  • Salary between €2,500–€5,000/month (gross).
  • Travel and relocation allowances.
  • Research costs and laboratory budgets.
  • Family and childcare support (in fellowships like Humboldt-PAUSE, MSCA).
  • Visa and residency assistance via Campus France.

This makes France one of the most financially supportive destinations for postdoctoral research.

6. How competitive are these fellowships?

Postdoctoral fellowships in France are very competitive. For instance:

  • ERC success rate: ~15%.
  • MSCA: ~20%.
  • CNRS, INSERM, and Pasteur: ~10–25%.

Applicants need excellent research proposals, strong publication records, and prior collaborations to maximize their chances.

7. Which fields of research are covered?

France supports all major disciplines, including:

  • STEM (Physics, Chemistry, AI, Renewable Energy, Engineering).
  • Biomedical Sciences (Virology, Immunology, Neuroscience).
  • Social Sciences & Humanities (Anthropology, Philosophy, History, Literature).
  • Interdisciplinary Research (Sustainability, Climate Change, Digital Humanities).

8. How do I apply for Postdoctoral Fellowships in France?

The application steps are usually:

  1. Identify a host institution or supervisor.
  2. Draft a detailed proposal highlighting innovation and impact.
  3. Apply via the official portal (ERC, CNRS, INSERM, Campus France, MSCA).
  4. Undergo peer review and interviews if shortlisted.

9. Where can I find fellowship deadlines?

The best sources are the official portals:

10. Do I need French language proficiency?

Not necessarily. Most research groups operate in English, especially in science and engineering. However, basic French is recommended to manage daily life, integration, and networking.

11. Can families join postdoctoral researchers in France?

Yes 👨‍👩‍👧. Fellowships like MSCA, CNRS, and PAUSE allow fellows to bring spouses and children, often covering:

  • Family allowances.
  • Relocation assistance.
  • Childcare subsidies.

12. What is the average salary for postdoctoral fellows in France?

Depending on the program and host, salaries range from:

  • €30,000–€60,000 annually.
  • Some fellowships include extra research budgets and mobility funds.

13. What career opportunities follow a French postdoc?

After completing a postdoctoral fellowship in France, scholars can:

  • Secure faculty positions at French or EU universities.
  • Apply for ERC Starting Grants to lead independent research.
  • Transition into industry roles in France’s high-tech and biotech sectors.
  • Return home with enhanced global recognition and alumni networks.

14. Are Indian researchers competitive in France?

Yes 🇮🇳. Indian scholars are well-represented in ERC, MSCA, CNRS, and INSERM fellowships. Many benefit from Indo-French cooperation programs through IITs and French Grandes Écoles.

15. What opportunities exist for at-risk researchers?

France runs the PAUSE Programme, hosted by the Collège de France, which provides financial and legal protection for at-risk scholars, including those displaced by conflict or political crisis.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only. Eligibility, benefits, and deadlines may change over time. Always verify details on the official fellowship websites before applying.

Follow Scholarshipgrow

📌 Quick Navigation – Postdoctoral Fellowships Worldwide

🌍 Popular Postdoctoral Destinations

🌐 Europe – Country-wise Postdoctoral Fellowships

🇬🇧 Post-doctoral Fellowships in the UK
🇩🇪 Post-doctoral Fellowships in Germany
🇫🇷 Post-doctoral Fellowships in France

🇮🇹 Italy (Marie Curie, EUI, Human Technopole)
🇪🇸 Spain (Juan de la Cierva, Ramón y Cajal)
🇳🇱 Netherlands (Rubicon, VENI/NWO)
🇨🇭 Switzerland (ETH Zurich, EPFL Fellowships)
🇸🇪 Sweden (Wallenberg Foundation, STINT)
🇳🇴 Norway (Research Council of Norway Fellowships)
🇩🇰 Denmark (Novo Nordisk, Danish Research Foundation)
🇫🇮 Finland (Academy of Finland Postdoctoral Researcher)
🇦🇹 Austria (Lise Meitner Fellowship, FWF)
🇵🇹 Portugal (FCT Fellowships)
🇵🇱 Poland (NCN Fellowships, Polonez Bis)
🇨🇿 Czech Republic (GAČR Postdoc Fellowships)
🇭🇺 Hungary (MTA Postdoctoral Fellowship)
🇧🇪 Belgium (FWO Postdoctoral Fellowships)
🇮🇸 Iceland (RANNIS Arctic Research)
🇪🇪 Estonia (Mobilitas+ Program)
🇱🇹 Lithuania (Research Council of Lithuania)
🇸🇮 Slovenia (Young Researcher Program)
🇸🇰 Slovakia (SASPRO 2 Program)

🌏 Asia – Country-wise Postdoctoral Fellowships

🇮🇳 Post-doctoral Fellowships in India

🇯🇵 Post-doctoral Fellowships in Japan
🇷🇺 Post-doctoral Fellowships in Russia
🇨🇳 Post-doctoral Fellowships in China

🇸🇬 Singapore (NUS, NTU, A*STAR Fellowships)
🇰🇷 South Korea (Brain Pool, NRF Fellowships)
🇹🇭 Thailand (TRF & NRCT Postdoctoral Fellowships)
🇲🇾 Malaysia (FRGS & UM Fellowships)
🇵🇭 Philippines (DOST-SEI Fellowships)
🇮🇩 Indonesia (BRIN Postdoctoral Research)
🇻🇳 Vietnam (VAST Postdoctoral Program)
🇹🇼 Taiwan (Academia Sinica Postdoctoral Fellowship)
🇭🇰 Hong Kong (RGC Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme)

🌍 Middle East – Post doctoral Fellowships

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia (KAUST Fellowships, KACST Grants)
🇦🇪 UAE (NYU Abu Dhabi, Masdar Institute Fellowships)
🇶🇦 Qatar (QNRF Postdoctoral Fellowships)
🇴🇲 Oman (TRC Research Fellowships)
🇧🇭 Bahrain (Arabian Gulf University Fellowships)
🇮🇱 Israel (Weizmann Institute, Azrieli Fellowships)
🇹🇷 Turkey (TÜBİTAK 2236 CoFund, TÜBA Fellowships)
🇮🇷 Iran (IPM & Sharif University Fellowships)

🌐 Americas – Post doctoral Fellowships

🇺🇸 Post-doctoral Fellowships in the USA

🇨🇦 Canada (Banting Fellowships, Mitacs Elevate)
🇲🇽 Mexico (CONACYT Postdoctoral Fellowships)
🇧🇷 Brazil (CAPES PNPD Fellowships)
🇦🇷 Argentina (CONICET Postdoctoral Fellowships)
🇨🇱 Chile (ANID Postdoctoral Research)
🇨🇴 Colombia (Colciencias Postdoctoral Fellowships)

🌏 Australia – Postdoctoral Fellowships

🇦🇺 Post-doctoral Fellowships in Australia

🌏 Africa – Postdoctoral Fellowships

🇿🇦 South Africa (NRF Postdoctoral Fellowships)
🇪🇬 Egypt (STDF & Nile University Fellowships)
🇳🇬 Nigeria (TETFund Postdoctoral Support)
🇰🇪 Kenya (African Academy of Sciences Postdocs)
🌍 Pan-African Programs (African Research Universities Alliance)

🌐 Global & Multinational Postdoctoral Fellowships

Some fellowships are open to researchers from all nationalities, offering placements in multiple countries or global collaborations:

🌍 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA – Europe & Worldwide)
🌍 Humboldt Research Fellowship (Germany & Global)
🌍 Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellowships (US & Partner Countries)
🌍 Newton International Fellowships (UK + Global)
🌍 TWAS Fellowships (Developing Countries Focus)
🌍 Schmidt Science Fellows (International)
🌍 Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP)

✅ Conclusion – Postdoctoral Fellowships in France

France continues to stand out as one of the most attractive destinations for postdoctoral researchers worldwide. With its prestigious institutions like CNRS, INSERM, Institut Pasteur, and Collège de France, along with international programs such as ERC Grants, MSCA Fellowships, and the Eiffel Programme, the country provides an exceptional platform for academic and professional growth.

For international scholars—including a growing number of Indian postdoctoral fellows in France—these opportunities open doors to cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaborations, and long-term career advancement in Europe and beyond. The fellowships not only provide competitive salaries, research funding, and mobility support, but also integrate researchers into a multicultural and intellectually vibrant environment.

Whether you are aiming for a career in academia, looking to collaborate with French laboratories, or planning to transition into global industry research, securing a Postdoctoral Fellowship in France can be a life-changing step. With early preparation, strong research proposals, and the right host institution, scholars can leverage France’s research excellence to build an impactful international career.

✨ In short:
France doesn’t just offer funding—it offers a gateway to global recognition, career independence, and lasting collaborations. If you’re ready to take the next step after your PhD, Postdoctoral Fellowships in France are among the best opportunities worldwide.