The French Institute in India (IFI), the educational, scientific and cultural wing of the Embassy of France in India, allocates grants annually for the mobility of faculty and researchers to France for a short visit to a French university or laboratory.

This visit would be within the framework of an existing or prospective collaboration with a French university or laboratory. Through the SSHN programme, IFI aims to nurture and strengthen Franco-Indian research networks by funding research trips involving faculty and researchers from eminent Indian and French Higher Education and Research Institutions (HERI).

  • Only Indian nationals residing in India are eligible to apply
  • There is no age limit; however, preference will be given to candidates who are 40 years old or younger at the time of application.
  • Faculty and researchers holding a permanent position at Indian HERI, PhD holders and Postdocs can apply, with preference given to those belonging to HERI ranked in the top 100 of the NIRF India Rankings (Overall or in any other category) or those in the 2024 tables of nature index for any Sector and any Subject/Journals or those which have a proven record of world reputation from other credible sources/rankings [https://www.nature.com/nature-index/research-leaders/2024/institution/academic/all/countries-India]
  • PhD students are not eligible to apply
  • Candidates can’t be granted SSHN if they already have been granted another funding for 2025
  • There is no restriction in terms of the research field of the faculty/researchers;
  • Previous links with French institutions is not mandatory but adds significant value to the application. Preference will be given to applications resulting from viable ties with French researchers, faculty, universities or research units (co-publications, missions, faculty exchange, joint supervision of students, joint research programmes etc.)
  • Applicants must demonstrate the value such a visit to French labs, colleagues, libraries, etc. holds in their research project and goals.

  • International flight (round trip from India to France in economy class)
  • Stipend of up to 1027.5 € for those with a PhD obtained more than 5 years ago, and up to 852 € for those with a PhD obtained within the last 5 years before the launch of this call. The stipend amount will be determined based on the duration of the trip.
  • Social security benefits
  • Priority assistance to find subsidized accommodation, subject to availability
  • Visa fee exemption (for research visa)
  • Support from Campus France (in France) for the organization of the stay and for the procedures for managing the scholarship

  1. The research trip must happen between 1st of June and 31st December 2025, anticipating administrative processing and visa clearance delays;
  2. The duration of the trip must be no less than 10 days and no more than 15 days, starting from the date of arrival in France. For trips of less than 15 days’ duration, the stipend will be determined on a pro-rata basis;
  3. IFI will undertake the cost and booking of an international flight between India and France in economy class and a stipend for 10-15 days (maximum 1027.5 € for those with a PhD obtained more than 5 years ago, and up to 852 € for those with a PhD obtained within the last 5 years, prorated according to the travel dates provided. The stipend will be issued as a lump sum upon the researcher’s arrival in France;
  4. Although assistance will be provided to find subsidized accommodation, it will be subject to availability and IFI will not pay for the accommodation. Since these accommodations are highly sought after, candidates are strongly encouraged to arrange for their own accommodation with the help of their French host;
  5. A wait-list of candidates will be maintained, should a seat from the main list of awardees become available. Such candidates will be personally notified by IFI.
  6. Decision of the selection committee is final.

NB: Points 3 & 4 – these benefits will be managed by Campus France (in France)

  • 3rd February 2025: Launch of the call for applications
  • 15th March 2025 (11:59pm): Deadline for applications
  • Results: Following evaluation by a selection committee from the French Institute in India (IFI), the selected candidates will be notified directly.
  • Follow-up: Submission of the administrative file: this includes the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Indian institution and the research convention agreement from the French institution.
  • From 1st July to 31st December 2025: mobility period in France (latest possible arrival: 10th December).

Candidates must complete the online form [HERE] and submit the following documents in one single PDF document in the following order:

  • CV indicating in particular any publications and scientific work completed or in progress
  • Presentation of the research visit specifying purpose & objectives of trip, expected outcomes of trip, description of research project; details of host(s) (name, designation, institution, email, phone number)
  • Official invitation letter from the host organization in France, written in French or English
  • Daily itinerary of the research trip
  • Copy of valid passport

NB: After the results are published, a research agreement with the host institute in France (please use this model: https://www.formulaires.service-public.fr/gf/cerfa_16079.do) and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Indian Institute will need to be readily available by the 15th of May. Please request the French lab for this well in advance, anticipating administrative delays.

Questions/Assistance

For additional information or queries, please contact: [email protected]