Chateaubriand Fellowship 2026 and Embassy of France, USA (Fall 2026)

By Navneet Raj On January 14, 2026 In Fellowship

The Chateaubriand Fellowship 2026-2027 is now accepting urgent applications for its prestigious research mobility program. Offered by the Embassy of France in the United States, this fellowship supports outstanding PhD candidates enrolled in U.S. institutions who wish to conduct part of their doctoral research in France. Furthermore, the program fosters strong transatlantic partnerships by allowing scholars to access specialized instrumentation and archival resources in French laboratories. Consequently, eligible candidates must submit their proposals before the January deadline to secure this fully funded opportunity.

Program Highlights

Feature	Details
Program Title	Chateaubriand Fellowship 2026-2027
Organizer	Embassy of France in the United States
Location	France (Various host laboratories)
Duration	4 to 9 Months
Stipend	Up to €1,850 per month
Deadline	January 25, 2026

Program Overview

The Chateaubriand Fellowship is a grant designed to initiate or reinforce partnerships and joint projects between French and American research teams. Unlike a standard degree program, this fellowship is a strategic research placement. It offers a focused, collaborative, and internationally networked environment for doctoral students.

The program is divided into two distinct tracks to cover a wide range of academic disciplines. The STEM track (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Biology-Health) connects fellows with top-tier French labs, including partners like Inserm and Inria. The HSS track (Humanities and Social Sciences) is open to all disciplines within the field and provides on-site support via Campus France. This structure ensures that whether a scholar needs archival access or a complementary research group, the fellowship fits their professional needs perfectly.

Eligibility Criteria

To ensure a competitive and diverse cohort, the fellowship has specific eligibility requirements.

• Enrollment: Applicants must be currently enrolled as PhD students in an American university (U.S.).
• Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is not required. However, French citizens (including dual citizens) are not eligible to apply.
• Research Status: Candidates must be working on their doctoral dissertation and have the support of their U.S. advisor.
• Collaboration: Applicants must obtain a letter of invitation from a host laboratory or professor in France.
• Language: Proficiency in French is not a mandatory requirement for the STEM track, but is beneficial for HSS depending on the research topic.

Benefits and Financial Support

The Chateaubriand Fellowship 2026-2027 provides a comprehensive financial package to support fellows during their stay in France.

• Monthly Stipend: Fellows receive a monthly allowance of up to €1,500 – €1,850, depending on the track and other funding sources.
• Travel Coverage: The program covers the cost of a round-trip ticket to France.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance is provided for the entire duration of the fellowship.
• Networking: Access to a broad network of alumni and researchers, strengthening future career prospects.
• Support: HSS fellows receive logistical support from Campus France, while STEM fellows benefit from partnerships with major research organizations.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents in English or French (as specified) for the online application:

• Research Proposal: A detailed description of the research project (3 pages maximum).
• CV/Resume: Highlighting academic background and publications.
• Transcripts: Copies of university transcripts.
• Letter of Support: From the U.S. PhD advisor agreeing to the mobility.
• Letter of Invitation: From the French host advisor agreeing to co-supervise the research.
• Recommendation Letter: At least one additional letter from a professor familiar with the candidate’s work.

Registration Details

The application process is fully digital and managed through the dedicated Chateaubriand Fellowship portal.

Detail	Information
Application Link	Official Chateaubriand Portal
Deadline	January 25, 2026 (12:00 PM EST)
Notification	May 2026
Start Date	Fall 2026 or Spring 2027
Mode	Online Application

Application Process

• Step 1: Identify a host laboratory or professor in France and secure a letter of invitation.
• Step 2: Create an account on the official Chateaubriand Fellowship website.
• Step 3: Select the appropriate track (STEM or HSS).
• Step 4: Complete the online form and upload all required documents as PDF files.
• Step 5: Ensure your referees submit their letters before the deadline.
• Step 6: Submit the application by January 25, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is U.S. citizenship required for the Chateaubriand Fellowship?

No, U.S. citizenship is not required. Any PhD student enrolled in a U.S. university is eligible, provided they are not a French citizen.

2. What is the deadline for the 2026-2027 application?

The deadline for submitting applications is January 25, 2026.

3. Can I apply for a period shorter than 4 months?

No, the minimum duration for the fellowship is 4 months, and the maximum is 9 months.

4. Is the fellowship fully funded?

Yes, the fellowship provides a monthly stipend, round-trip airfare, and health insurance coverage.

5. Can I apply if I am in the Humanities?

Yes, the HSS track is specifically designed for PhD students in Humanities and Social Sciences.