PhD Scholarships at INRAE – National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment

INRAE, France’s leading research institute dedicated to agriculture, food, and the environment, offers a range of PhD scholarships designed to attract talented international students. These opportunities focus on cutting-edge research in sustainable agriculture, environmental sciences, and food systems, providing foreign applicants with fully funded positions that include stipends and research support. International students benefit from INRAE’s global network, with programs emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to address climate change, biodiversity, and food security. The institute welcomes applicants from all countries, offering guidance on visa processes and integration into French research teams. With over 20 research centers across France, PhD candidates collaborate with world-class scientists on projects that have real-world impact. Scholarships typically last three years, combining rigorous training with practical experience in labs and field stations. This makes INRAE an ideal choice for non-EU students seeking high-quality doctoral education in Europe.

Navigation

Monthly Stipend	Eligibility Criteria	Application Process
Deadlines	Contacts	Official Website

Apply for Scholarship

Unlock Your Research Potential at INRAE

INRAE invites ambitious international students to pursue PhD scholarships in agriculture, food, and environmental sciences. With a strong emphasis on global collaboration, these programs provide foreign applicants access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert supervision. Non-local students can expect support for relocation, including visa assistance and cultural integration workshops, making it easier to thrive in France's vibrant research community.

Fields of Study

INRAE's PhD programs cover a diverse array of fields aligned with its mission in agriculture, food, and environment. International students can engage in research that addresses global challenges like sustainable farming and climate resilience, with opportunities tailored for cross-cultural collaboration.

Agricultural Sciences

INRAE's agricultural sciences PhD programs focus on innovative farming practices, soil health, and crop management. International students explore sustainable agriculture through field trials and modeling, contributing to global food security solutions.

Animal Sciences

Research in animal sciences at INRAE emphasizes livestock health, genetics, and welfare. Foreign PhD candidates investigate animal nutrition and breeding strategies to enhance productivity while promoting ethical practices.

Bioinformatics

INRAE's bioinformatics PhD tracks integrate data analysis with biological research. International students apply computational tools to genomic data, supporting advancements in agriculture and environmental monitoring.

Biology

PhD studies in biology at INRAE delve into ecosystems, microbiology, and biodiversity. Non-local applicants collaborate on projects examining organism interactions in agricultural contexts.

Biotechnology

INRAE biotechnology programs develop bio-based solutions for agriculture and food. International PhD students work on genetic engineering and bioprocesses to create resilient crops and sustainable materials.

Environmental Sciences

Environmental sciences PhDs at INRAE address climate impacts, water management, and ecosystem services. Foreign students contribute to research on environmental protection and adaptation strategies.

Food Sciences

INRAE's food sciences focus on quality, safety, and innovation in food processing. International candidates explore nutritional aspects and sustainable food systems through experimental research.

Forestry and Agroforestry

PhD programs in forestry and agroforestry at INRAE examine forest management and integrated land use. Non-EU students research biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration in forested landscapes.

‹

›

These fields reflect INRAE's commitment to interdisciplinary research, offering international students a platform to advance their careers while contributing to global sustainability goals.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria

INRAE's PhD scholarships require candidates to hold a master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field. International applicants must demonstrate strong academic records and research potential, with emphasis on fitting into ongoing projects at INRAE units.

Academic Qualifications

Applicants must possess a master's degree or equivalent (e.g., engineering diploma) in sciences related to agriculture, biology, or environment. International students should ensure their qualifications are recognized in France, often requiring equivalency validation.

Research Experience

Prior research experience, such as internships or theses, is highly valued. Foreign candidates need to highlight relevant projects that align with INRAE's research themes to strengthen their applications.

Age and Nationality

There are no strict age limits, and scholarships are open to all nationalities. Non-EU students must comply with French immigration rules for student visas.

Supervisor Agreement

Candidates must secure agreement from an INRAE supervisor before applying. International applicants are encouraged to contact potential supervisors via the institute's directory.

Monthly Stipend for PhD Students

INRAE provides a monthly stipend of approximately 2,000 EUR (around 2,200 USD) for PhD students under doctoral contracts. This funding supports living expenses, with international students eligible for the same rates as locals, ensuring financial stability during the three-year program.

Annual Research Funding

PhD candidates at INRAE receive annual budgets of up to 5,000 EUR for research expenses, covering equipment, materials, travel to conferences, and fieldwork. This is separate from stipends and supports international students in conducting high-impact research.

Application Process for PhD Scholarships

Applying for PhD scholarships involves identifying open positions and submitting tailored applications. International students receive support for documentation and visa processes to facilitate global access.

Explore Open PhD Positions: Browse available PhD offers on the jobs portal. Positions are listed with details on research topics and requirements. View positions.
Contact Potential Supervisors: Reach out to researchers via email to discuss project fit. Use the directory to find contacts and express interest in specific topics.
Prepare Application Documents: Gather CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, and references. Ensure documents are in English or French as specified in the offer.
Submit Online Application: Apply through the online platform for the chosen position. Upload all required files and complete the form accurately.
Attend Interview: Shortlisted candidates participate in interviews, often via video for international applicants, to discuss research plans and fit.

For assistance, contact doctoral schools via email at [email protected]. Deadlines vary by position, typically rolling with peaks in spring and fall. Check specific offers for dates.

Application Deadlines

INRAE PhD applications are often on a rolling basis, but key campaigns run from March to June for fall starts. For 2025, check positions opening in early 2025 with deadlines around April 30, 2025. Always verify on the official jobs portal for the latest dates.

Official Website

For more information, please visit the official website: PhD Scholarships at INRAE – National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment

Contact Information for PhD Admissions and Inquiries

For inquiries about PhD scholarships, reach out via email at or call +33 1 42 75 90 00.

Physical Address:
147 rue de l'Université
75338 Paris Cedex 07
France

Additional Information

International Student Services

INRAE offers dedicated support for foreign PhD students, including orientation sessions, French language courses, and housing assistance. The international office helps with residence permits and health insurance, ensuring a smooth transition. Learn more about international support.

Career Prospects

Graduates from INRAE PhD programs often secure positions in academia, industry, or international organizations like FAO. International alumni benefit from a global network, with opportunities in research, policy, and agribusiness worldwide.

Resource Links

Access thesis topics at PhD offers. For funding details, visit Researcher resources. Explore research units at Units directory.

PhD scholarship programs and External Funding Opportunities for PhD Scholarships in Agriculture INRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment

INRAE Doctoral Contracts

These are fully funded PhD positions with a three-year contract, offering a monthly stipend of about 2,000 EUR. Eligible for all nationalities, focusing on agriculture research. Apply via jobs portal. Deadlines vary; contact .

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

External funding from French government for international PhD students in agriculture. Provides 1,400 EUR monthly plus travel. Eligibility: non-French nationals under 30. Apply through INRAE nomination; deadline January 10, 2025. Details at Campus France.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

EU-funded fellowships for PhD in agriculture and environment. Funding up to 3,400 EUR monthly. Open to all countries; requires mobility. Application via EU portal, deadlines September 2025. INRAE hosts many projects; info at MSCA site.

INRAE Location