The Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES), France’s space agency, is offering 100 fully funded Ph.D. positions for 2025.
These opportunities allow students to conduct research across multiple disciplines, including natural sciences, applied sciences, formal sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
Co-funded by CNES and its research partners, these grants provide financial support and access to essential research resources. Each year, CNES sponsors Ph.D. candidates to work on preselected research projects in collaboration with leading universities and institutions.
These projects receive additional funding from public or private partners, ensuring a solid research foundation for scholars.
Applicants must choose from a list of approved Ph.D. projects available on the CNES recruitment portal, as proposals for unlisted topics will not be considered. Selected candidates will gain valuable research experience while benefiting from CNES expertise, interdisciplinary collaboration, and international networking opportunities.
To qualify, candidates must hold a Master 2 degree or an equivalent diploma before the start of their Ph.D. contract. In some European education systems, particularly in France, Master 2 refers to the second year of a Master’s program, requiring students to complete a thesis or project before earning their degree.
Beyond academic credentials, applicants must demonstrate excellence in their field. Language proficiency is also a key factor—projects conducted in French require fluency, while those in English do not mandate French proficiency but encourage it. CNES promotes equal opportunity, welcoming applicants of all nationalities.
The application process involves selecting a listed project and submitting an application via the CNES recruitment portal. The deadline for submissions is March 14, 2025, with selection results announced by early June.
This prestigious and competitive program offers scholars the chance to engage in cutting-edge research, particularly in space-related fields, with strong financial and institutional support. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply before the deadline. Further details and the application portal can be accessed on the CNES website.
