Villa Albertine Lafayette Fellowship Opens Doors for American Graduate Students in France

American students have a new opportunity for fully-funded graduate study in France. The Villa Albertine Lafayette Fellowship is now accepting applications for its 2026 cohort. The deadline for submission is November 30, 2025. The program will support up to 30 young American leaders for a full academic year.

This initiative aims to strengthen the transatlantic relationship through deep academic and cultural immersion. It is designed for the next generation of leaders focused on global challenges.

Comprehensive Financial and Academic Support Package

The fellowship offers extensive benefits to remove financial barriers. Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend of €1,500 for living expenses. The award also covers a full year of tuition at a partner French university.

Additional support includes round-trip airfare and student visa fee waivers. Fellows will also have their application fees waived for participating institutions. This comprehensive package ensures scholars can focus entirely on their studies and cultural experience.

Rigorous Eligibility and Application Requirements

The program has strict eligibility criteria to identify top candidates. Applicants must hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree earned between January 2023 and June 2026. They must be 27 years old or younger by July 1, 2026, and possess a minimum GPA of 3.7.

The application process is thorough and requires several components. Candidates must submit a CV, cover letter, and a video personal statement. They also need to provide at least three letters of recommendation and university transcripts.

A Bridge for Future Transatlantic Leaders

The fellowship is more than just an academic program. It includes a mandatory French-American Leadership Program. This series of lectures and site visits offers full immersion in European innovation and policy.

The program targets key global issues like sustainability and artificial intelligence. It aims to equip fellows with the knowledge and networks to address these challenges. This experience is designed to nurture influential leaders for decades to come.

The Villa Albertine Lafayette Fellowship represents a significant investment in Franco-American relations. This program offers a unique path for high-achieving American students. It provides a transformative year of study and leadership development in France.

Thought you’d like to know-

What is the application deadline for the Lafayette Fellowship?

The application deadline is November 30, 2025. The fellowship year itself will run from mid-July 2026 through the end of June 2027. All materials must be submitted by the deadline for consideration.

Do I need to speak French to apply for this fellowship?

No, fluency in French is not a mandatory requirement. The program partners with institutions offering courses taught entirely in English. However, proof of language proficiency is required if applying for a program taught in French.

What fields of study does the fellowship support?

The fellowship supports a wide range of master’s-level studies. This includes STEM, humanities, social sciences, and the arts. The program encourages study related to major global challenges.

What are the age and academic requirements?

Applicants must be 27 or younger as of July 1, 2026. They must also hold a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution with a minimum GPA of 3.7. There is no flexibility permitted for the age requirement.

How many students will be selected for the fellowship?

The program plans to select up to 30 outstanding American students for the 2026 cohort. These individuals will form the next class of transatlantic leaders.

Trusted Sources

Villa Albertine, French Embassy in the United States.