The Embassy of France in Nigeria Séjours Scientifiques de Haut Niveau (SSHN) Scholarships are prestigious funding opportunities aimed at supporting Nigerian researchers in undertaking short-term scientific stays in France. The SSHN scholarships are part of the broader efforts by the French government to promote scientific cooperation and collaboration between France and Nigeria.
These scholarships provide Nigerian researchers with the opportunity to conduct research, collaborate with French counterparts, and access state-of-the-art research facilities and resources in France. The program covers various fields of study, including but not limited to, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, and arts.
The SSHN scholarships typically support short-term stays ranging from a few weeks to a few months, allowing researchers to engage in specific research projects, attend conferences, workshops, or training programs, or participate in academic exchanges and collaborations. The duration and scope of the scholarship may vary depending on the specific research objectives and arrangements made between the applicant and the host institution in France.
Applicants for the SSHN scholarships are expected to demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and relevance of their proposed research project to the bilateral scientific cooperation between France and Nigeria. They are also required to have support and endorsement from their home institution or research supervisor in Nigeria.
The Embassy of France in Nigeria Séjours Scientifiques de Haut Niveau (SSHN) Scholarships offer a valuable opportunity for Nigerian researchers to enhance their research skills, expand their professional networks, and contribute to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation through international collaboration with French partners. By supporting scientific exchanges and mobility, these scholarships contribute to strengthening the scientific ties between France and Nigeria and promoting sustainable development through research and innovation.
Administered by the Embassy of France in Nigeria, the French Government Scholarship Programme “France Excellence” includes the “Séjours Scientifiques de Haut Niveau (SSHN).” Targeting academic and research personnel interested in undertaking periods at higher education or research establishments in France, SSHN serves as a mechanism to bolster collaboration with French institutions.
For the year 2024, the Embassy of France extends nine scientific grants, each spanning one month. However, the quantity of sponsored visits might increase based on budgetary availability and visit duration.
Eligibility Criteria For The Embassy of France in Nigeria Séjours Scientifiques de Haut Niveau (SSHN) Scholarships.
Nationality: any candidate with a tenure position in a public or private higher education institution or scientific research laboratory accredited by the National Universities Commission is eligible. Please note that binational candidates holding the nationality of one of the countries of the European Union are not eligible.
Degree: only PhD students and holders of PhD degrees are eligible. According to the programme rules, candidates who have obtained a doctorate for more than 5 years will be considered “confirmed researchers”. Candidates who have obtained a doctorate within the last 5 years, are considered “young researchers”.
Length of mobility: from 2 weeks (14 days) to 4 weeks (28 days).
Dates of mobility: in 2024, only mobilities scheduled between the 15th of September and ending at the latest on the 15th of December will be eligible, if the institution in France can host the grantee.
Benefits
The scholarship includes a round-trip air ticket, a monthly allowance, health and repatriation insurance. Accommodation can be booked through Campus France Paris. The rent would be then deducted from the grant.
Method of Application
- Applications will be assessed on the basis of the precision of the project and elements ensuring the added value and impact of the mobility on personal, institutional and cooperation levels.
- The cover letter and/or letter of invitation may include a description of the activities to be carried out during the stay (e.g., titles of seminars/conferences organised, scientific articles in preparation), the reasons for the choice of the host organization, past achievements in line with the mobility project, relevance to the areas of research developed by the home laboratories, and actions generating the strengthening or creation of new collaborations. The quality and precision of the work plan will be assessed through the mobility timetable, which must demonstrate that the project has been carefully prepared in advance. Candidacies proposing a co-financing will be positively assessed.
- The results will be sent by e-mail together with the description of the procedure to comply for the travel arrangements and visa applications. The Embassy of France in Nigeria will link the grantee with Campus France Paris who is responsible for the organisation of the practical aspects of the mobility.
- Any mobility not started or not confirmed by June the 15th will be automatically cancelled. The scholarship will be given to a candidate on the waiting list. Scholarship cannot be transferred to the following year, whatever the reason might be.
Timeline:
- 26 February 2024: launch of the call for applications
- 26 April 2024: deadline for application
- 29 May 2024: results
- 15 June 2024: deadline for sending the full file to Campus France Paris
- From 15 September to 15 December 2024: mobility period in France
Application Deadline: 26 April 2024.
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