CEA Research Internship (Master’s, PhD, and Post-doc)
by French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) · CEA Research Centers (Saclay, Grenoble, Cadarache, Valduc, Fontenay-aux-Roses) and partner French Universities
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
🏆 Fully Funded🟩 Active🎓 Master's, PhD, and Post-doctoral🌍 France📌 Research Grant / Paid Internship
Varies by project; major recruitment cycles for PhDs occur January–May annually
Level
Master's, PhD, and Post-doctoral
Acceptance
Highly Competitive
Difficulty
High
Quick Summary
French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) offers CEA Research Internship (Master’s, PhD, and Post-doc), a fully funded opportunity designed for international students heading to France. The award covers Provides a competitive monthly stipend, full social security coverage, and integration into high-level international research teams with advanced technological resources. and is open to master's, phd, and post-doctoral students studying nuclear energy, renewable energy, life sciences, physical sciences, material sciences, climate and environment, cybersecurity, digital technologies. The scholarship runs for master's (3-6 months), phd (3 years), post-doc (1-2 years). Eligibility is generally based on open to international and domestic students with excellent academic records in STEM fields relevant to CEAs research strategic axes. The application deadline is Varies by project; major recruitment cycles for PhDs occur JanuaryMay annually, with an acceptance rate of approximately Highly Competitive. EduAtlasHub tracks updated deadlines, coverage details and eligibility requirements for this scholarship as they change.
✨ Should I Apply for CEA Research Internship (Master’s, PhD, and Post-doc)?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
50%
Win Probability
9/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
60-80 hrs
Time Required
Varies by department (estimated 10-15%)
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Master's: €600 to €1,200/month; PhD: ~€2,100/month (gross); Post-doc: ~€2,500 to €3,500/month (gross)
Varies by project; major recruitment cycles for PhDs occur January–May annually
🔬
Fields
Nuclear Energy, Renewable Energy, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Material Sciences, Climate and Environment, Cybersecurity, Digital Technologies
🏆
Awards/Year
Over 1,500 active PhD students and hundreds of interns annually
🌏
Study Country
France
🏛️
Provider
French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA)
📊
Acceptance
Highly Competitive
The CEA Research Internship and Fellowship programs offer students and early-career researchers the opportunity to conduct high-level scientific research at one of the world's leading technological research organizations. The program covers disciplines from basic physics and climate science to applied energy and digital security, providing a robust pathway for professional development in the European research ecosystem.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to international and domestic students with excellent academic records in STEM fields relevant to CEA’s research strategic axes.
🏛️ Host University
CEA Research Centers (Saclay, Grenoble, Cadarache, Valduc, Fontenay-aux-Roses) and partner French Universities
🤝 Sponsor
French Ministry of Higher Education and Research
🔬 Fields of Study
Nuclear Energy, Renewable Energy, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Material Sciences, Climate and Environment, Cybersecurity, Digital Technologies
✨ Key Benefits
Provides a competitive monthly stipend, full social security coverage, and integration into high-level international research teams with advanced technological resources.
Varies significantly by research area (Thousands across all CEA divisions)
Applicants Last Year
Approximately 500 new PhD positions per year
Winners
Highly Competitive
Acceptance Rate
Varies by department (estimated 10-15%)
Competition Level
Win Probability
50%
Match Score
75%
Competition
50%
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Not applicable (typically research-based; tuition is usually covered by the French state for public universities)
Living Stipend
Included in the monthly salary/stipend
Total Award
Master's: €600 to €1,200/month; PhD: ~€2,100/month (gross); Post-doc: ~€2,500 to €3,500/month (gross)
✈️ Travel: Varies (some labs provide relocation or mission travel support)🏠 Accommodation: No, but interns are eligible for CAF (French housing assistance)💊 Health Insurance: Yes, covered under French Social Security (Sécurité Sociale)🔄 Renewable: No for Master's; PhD is a fixed 3-year term💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Not applicable (typically research-based; tuition is usually covered by the French state for public universities)
🏠 Living Stipend
Included in the monthly salary/stipend
🏡 Accommodation
No, but interns are eligible for CAF (French housing assistance)
✈️ Travel Allowance
Varies (some labs provide relocation or mission travel support)
💊 Health Insurance
Yes, covered under French Social Security (Sécurité Sociale)
🎁 Other Benefits
Access to subsidized staff canteens, discounted public transportation, and access to world-class laboratory equipment
🔄 Renewable
No for Master's; PhD is a fixed 3-year term
📋 Renewal Conditions
PhD contracts are subject to successful annual progress reviews by the doctoral school
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Enrollment in a Master's program or holding a Master's/PhD degree in a relevant scientific field
🎓 Academic Level
Master's, PhD, and Post-doctoral
📊 Minimum GPA
Competitive (Equivalent to 3.5/4.0 or top 20% of the cohort)
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficiency required (B2/C1 level); French is helpful but not mandatory for research positions
Previous laboratory or research project experience is highly preferred
🏆 Leadership
Not mandatory but beneficial for Post-doctoral candidates
💰 Financial Need
No
🎯 Target Students
International and Domestic Research Students
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Research Statement and Motivation Letter)
Rec Letters
Yes (Usually 2 references from academic supervisors)
Interview
Yes (Technical and HR interview)
Application Fee
Free
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Yes (Usually 2 references from academic supervisors) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
Proficiency required (B2/C1 level); French is helpful but not mandatory for research positions
Interview: Yes (Technical and HR interview)
Min GPA: Competitive (Equivalent to 3.5/4.0 or top 20% of the cohort)
📋 Application Process
Directly contact the Principal Investigator (PI) of the specific laboratory project you are interested in before submitting a formal application.
💡 Insider Tip: Tailor your CV to highlight technical skills and familiarity with specific scientific software or experimental methods mentioned in the job description.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Rolling (specific calls for PhD/Post-doc positions typically open in late Winter)
⏰ Deadline
Varies by project; major recruitment cycles for PhDs occur January–May annually
🎤 Interview
Yes (Technical and HR interview)
🎓 Study Starts
Typically October for PhDs; Varies for Master's internships
Rolling (specific calls for PhD/Post-doc positions typically open in late Winter)
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Varies by project; major recruitment cycles for PhDs occur January–May annually
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Yes (Technical and HR interview)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
Typically October for PhDs; Varies for Master's internships
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic excellence, technical proficiency, alignment of research interests, and interview performance.
⚡ Similar Scholarships
Scholarship
Country
Coverage
Level
CEA Research Internship (Master’s, PhD, and Post-doc)Current
France
Monthly stipend, social security, and research expenses
Open to international and domestic students with excellent academic records in STEM fields relevant to CEA’s research strategic axes.
This scholarship covers: Provides a competitive monthly stipend, full social security coverage, and integration into high-level international research teams with advanced technological resources.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is Varies by project; major recruitment cycles for PhDs occur January–May annually. Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Varies by department (estimated 10-15%). Acceptance rate: Highly Competitive. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
No for Master's; PhD is a fixed 3-year term
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Proficiency required (B2/C1 level); French is helpful but not mandatory for research positions, Yes (Usually 2 references from academic supervisors) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.