The Lafayette Fellowship is a prestigious program designed to support the next generation of young leaders with a strong interest in transatlantic relationships. The Fellowship offers up to 30 exceptional American students the opportunity to fund one year of master’s-level study in France, in collaboration with top French universities across a wide range of fields, including STEM, humanities, social sciences, and the arts. The program is open to both Francophone and non-Francophone candidates, with courses available in French or English.
Beyond academic study, fellows participate in the French American Leadership Program, a year-long series of lectures, masterclasses, site visits, and mentorship that immerse them in European culture, innovation and policy. The Fellowship fosters reflection on global challenges such as sustainability, health, peace and security, digital technologies, and AI.
Alongside their academic coursework, fellows will participate in the French American Leadership Program, an immersive leadership development experience offering opportunities to:
- Attend conferences and masterclasses in fields where France is at the forefront.
- Meet world-renowned French leaders and top researchers.
- Visit leading labs and scientific facilities to explore innovative solutions to global challenges.
- Take part in a rich cultural itinerary, including internationally renowned events, such as the Avignon Theater Festival.
- Travel to Strasbourg, the seat of European institutions, and Paris to gain insights into Europe’s role on the global stage.
Fellows will also benefit from a mentorship program, each paired with a prominent French figure in business, government, culture, or academia aligned with their professional goals.
Eligibility
- Open to U.S. citizens or residents
- Graduating seniors, Alumni (under the age of 27) – there is no flexibility permitted with respect to the age requirement
- GPA 3.7 (on a 4.0 scale, no rounding)
Award Highlights
- Full funding for one year of study (tuition, stipend, and graduate program and related academic expenses)
- Application fee waivers for French academic institutions and master’s programs
- Student visa fee waivers for one academic year
- A round-trip flight to and from France at the start and end of the program
The awarding of the scholarship is conditional upon admission to one of the partner institutions.
Application Components
- General information: personal information, nationality, and contact details
- Proof of eligibility
- Education history, including university transcripts
- Academic institutions you are applying to and the academic program or degree you intend to pursue in France
- Resume/CV
- Cover letter
- Video personal statement
- At least three, but no more than four, recommendation letters, including two academic letters and one extracurricular letter
- French language certificates (with date(s) of issue), only if you are applying for a program taught in French
External Deadline: November 30, 2025 (11:59 pm Eastern Time)
Advisor: Office of Distinguished Scholarship