2024 High-Level Research (SSHN) Scholarships: Call for Applications - Apply Now

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2024 Séjours Scientifiques de Haut Niveau (SSHN) Scholarships offered by the Embassy of France in Nigeria. The Embassy of France in Nigeria administers the French Government Scholarship Programme, “France Excellence,” which includes the “Séjours Scientifiques de Haut Niveau (SSHN).” These scholarships are designed for academic and research staff interested in spending time at a higher education or research institution in France, with the aim of fostering cooperation with French institutions. In 2024, the Embassy of France is providing 9 scientific grants, each for a duration of one month. However, depending on the available budget and duration of visits, the number of funded visits may be higher.

Eligibility Criteria:

Nationality: Individuals holding a tenured position in a public or private higher education institution or scientific research laboratory accredited by the National Universities Commission are eligible. Binational candidates holding the nationality of a European Union country are not eligible.
Degree: Only individuals pursuing a PhD degree or those who have already obtained a PhD qualification are eligible. Candidates who obtained their doctorate more than 5 years ago are considered “confirmed researchers,” while those who obtained it within the last 5 years are considered “young researchers.”
Length of mobility: Mobility periods range from 2 weeks (14 days) to 4 weeks (28 days).
Dates of mobility: In 2024, only mobilities scheduled between September 15th and concluding no later than December 15th will be eligible if the hosting institution in France can accommodate the grantee.

Benefits:

The scholarship includes coverage for round-trip airfare, a monthly stipend, and health and repatriation insurance. Accommodation arrangements can be made through Campus France Paris, with the rent deducted from the grant.

Application Procedure:

Applications will undergo evaluation based on the project’s clarity and elements, ensuring the mobility’s added value and impact at personal, institutional, and cooperative levels.
The cover letter and/or invitation letter should outline planned activities during the stay (e.g., seminar/conference titles, ongoing scientific articles), reasons for selecting the host organization, past achievements relevant to the mobility project, alignment with home laboratory research areas, and efforts to strengthen or establish collaborations. The quality and precision of the work plan will be assessed via the mobility timetable, demonstrating careful project preparation. Candidates proposing co-financing will receive favorable consideration.
Results, along with travel arrangements and visa application instructions, will be communicated via email. The Embassy of France in Nigeria will connect grantees with Campus France Paris, responsible for organizing practical aspects of mobility.
Any mobility that has not begun or been confirmed by June 15th will be automatically canceled, and the scholarship will be granted to a candidate on the waiting list. Scholarships cannot be deferred to the following year for any reason.

Timeline: