Contact
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are interested in applying for this fellowship, please fill out a preliminary questionnaire. You may contact the office with any questions.
Award Details
Launching on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence and celebrating the French-American friendship, the Lafayette Fellowship will fund one year of master’s level study in France for up to 30 outstanding American students.
Open to both Francophone and non-Francophone candidates, the initiative will partner with top French higher education institutions that offer programs across STEM, the humanities, social sciences, and the arts, either in French or entirely in English.
In addition to their academic studies, fellows will take part in the French-American Leadership Program, a dynamic, year-long experience featuring lectures, masterclasses, site visits, and mentorship support, offering a 360-degree immersion into European innovation, culture, and policy.
This annual program aims to deepen academic and cultural exchange between France and the U.S. and nurture future leaders committed to strengthening the transatlantic relationship. It also strives to spread awareness about France’s many internationally ranked universities and academic excellence programs taught in English.
The Fellowship will encourage reflection on major global challenges, such as environmental challenges and sustainable transition; health and biotechnology; peace and security; social equity and democratic issues; digital technologies; and artificial intelligence.
Abroad Award
US Citizenship Required
Minimum GPA: 3.7
- Be under the age of 27 (as of July 1, 2026).
- Be in possession of a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution (completed between August 2023 and June 2026).
- Graduate with a GPA of no lower than 3.7.
- Knowledge of French is not required for acceptance into the program.
Candidates must apply for admission to one of the partner institutions as well as complete a separate Lafayette Fellowship program application. The awarding of the scholarship is conditional upon admission to one of the partner institutions.
- Candidates will be evaluated on their academic history, leadership potential, and dedication to and understanding of the French-American relationship.
- The fellowship strives for a representative cohort in terms of students’ backgrounds, academic disciplines, individual projects, and geographic representation across the United States.
- Full funding for one year of master’s-level studies in France, including tuition, living expenses, travel, program activities, and administrative costs.
- Includes the French-American Leadership Program, which features lectures, site visits, cultural immersion, and mentorship support aimed at developing the next generation of transatlantic leaders.
- 15 leading academic institutions across France with internationally ranked programs in the fields of STEM, humanities, social sciences, and the arts.
- Program activities across France (Paris, Strasbourg, etc.).
- Candidates must apply for admission to one of the partner institutions as well as complete a separate Lafayette Fellowship program application. The awarding of the scholarship is conditional upon admission to one of the partner institutions.
- Application materials include:
- a transcript
- cover letter, resume
- personal statement in a video format
- three letters of recommendation, including two academic letters and one extracurricular letter.
A full list of guidelines will be available when applications open in late August.
Interested? Have Questions?
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are interested in a fellowship or opportunity, please fill out a preliminary questionnaire. Contact the office with any questions: