Call for Applications: Lafayette Fellowship Program (US)

Deadline: 01-Dec-2026

The Lafayette Fellowship, renewed by the French Embassy in the United States, provides outstanding American students with an opportunity to pursue one year of master’s-level study at leading French academic institutions. The Fellowship supports up to 30 American students and combines academic study with cultural immersion, leadership development, and international exchange. Fellows can study in fields including sustainability, health and biotechnology, peace and security, social equity, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. Selected fellows receive a €1,500 monthly stipend, tuition support at a partner French institution for eligible programmes, travel assistance, and additional benefits designed to make studying in France more accessible.

About the Lafayette Fellowship

The Lafayette Fellowship is designed to strengthen academic and cultural exchange between France and the United States while supporting future leaders. The programme gives American students the opportunity to undertake master’s-level coursework in France and experience the country’s academic, cultural, innovation, and policy environments. The Fellowship combines formal academic study with the French-American Leadership Program, providing fellows with opportunities to engage with experts, institutions, and other participants throughout the year. Purpose of the Fellowship The programme aims to support outstanding students while strengthening long-term connections between France and the United States.

Its objectives include:

- Promoting academic exchange between France and the United States. - Supporting future leaders. - Encouraging cultural immersion. - Strengthening French-American relationships. - Exposing students to European innovation and policy. - Supporting interdisciplinary study. - Developing leadership skills alongside academic knowledge. - Encouraging collaboration across fields and cultures. Priority Areas of Study The Lafayette Fellowship focuses on several areas considered important to future global challenges and French-American cooperation.

Priority areas include:

- Sustainability. - Health and biotechnology. - Peace and security. - Social equity. - Emerging technologies. - Artificial intelligence. Students whose proposed master’s-level studies connect with these areas can demonstrate how their academic interests relate to broader societal and global challenges. Study Opportunities in France The Fellowship supports one year of master’s-level coursework at leading French higher education institutions.

Partner institutions offer programmes across a broad range of disciplines, including

- STEM. - Humanities. - Social sciences. - Arts. Depending on the programme, coursework may be delivered in French or entirely in English. This makes the Fellowship accessible to both students with strong French-language backgrounds and candidates who intend to pursue their studies in English. Who Can Apply? The Fellowship is open to American students who meet the programme’s eligibility requirements. Both Francophone and non-Francophone candidates are encouraged to apply. Applicants should identify an appropriate master’s-level programme at a partner French institution and separately complete the institution’s admission process. Francophone and Non-Francophone Candidates A major feature of the Fellowship is that applicants do not have to be Francophone. Students can pursue eligible programmes taught in French or programmes offered entirely in English, depending on the available partner programmes. This provides opportunities for American students with different linguistic backgrounds to participate in master’s-level study in France. French-American Leadership Program Academic study is complemented by the French-American Leadership Program, which runs throughout the fellowship year.

The leadership programme includes:

- Lectures. - Masterclasses. - Site visits. - Mentorship support. Through these activities, fellows can gain exposure to European innovation, culture, policy, and professional networks. Academic and Cultural Immersion The Fellowship is designed to provide more than a traditional academic experience. Fellows have opportunities to immerse themselves in French and European culture while engaging with academic institutions, experts, and organizations. The combination of academic coursework and cultural activities can help students develop a broader understanding of France, Europe, and international cooperation. Leadership Development Leadership development is an important component of the Fellowship. Through lectures, masterclasses, site visits, and mentorship, fellows can explore contemporary issues while developing perspectives and connections that may support their future careers. The programme seeks students who can contribute to the ongoing relationship between France and the United States. How Many Students Will Be Supported? The programme will support up to 30 outstanding American students for one year of master’s-level study in France. The limited number of fellowships makes the programme competitive and highlights the importance of presenting a clear academic and leadership profile. Monthly Stipend Selected fellows receive a €1,500 monthly stipend. The stipend is provided from July through the end of the academic year and is intended to help fellows meet living expenses while studying in France. Tuition Support The Fellowship provides one year of tuition at a partner French institution for eligible programmes. Students should nevertheless ensure that their chosen academic programme qualifies for the Fellowship’s tuition support. Application Fee Reimbursement The Fellowship also provides reimbursement of application fees for French academic institutions and master’s programmes. This can help reduce some of the upfront costs associated with applying to French higher education institutions. Student Visa Support Selected fellows receive student visa fee waivers for one a