The Lafayette Fellowship Grant

The Lafayette Fellowship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Northeastern University
Last Updated: November 24, 2025

Summary

The Lafayette Fellowship, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence, offers funding for one year of master’s study in France to 30 exceptional American students. Open to both Francophone and non-Francophone candidates, the program partners with top French institutions across various fields. Participants engage in the French-American Leadership Program, enhancing transatlantic ties through lectures, mentorship, and cultural immersion, while addressing global challenges in health, technology, and social equity.

Overview

About Us Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (URF) fosters a culture of undergraduate research and creative endeavor—broadly defined—at Northeastern University. Research and creative endeavors are key components of Northeastern’s experiential learning model. Experiences can range from laboratory bench work to the analysis of big data to archival research to collaborative theatre productions. This work can take place in a variety of contexts and formats, including the following: Courses, which generally fulfill major elective requirements Labs or centers Research or creative-based co-ops or internships Community-based research or creative endeavor Research or creative-based activity as the option for work-study work Research or creative endeavor as a service activity Junior/senior honors projects The Lafayette Fellowship Launching on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence and celebrating the French-American friendship, the Lafayette Fellowship will fund one year of master’s level study in France for up to 30 outstanding American students. Open to both Francophone and non-Francophone candidates, the initiative will partner with top French higher education institutions that offer programs across STEM, the humanities, social sciences, and the arts, either in French or entirely in English. In addition to their academic studies, fellows will take part in the French-American Leadership Program, a dynamic, year-long experience featuring lectures, masterclasses, site visits, and mentorship support, offering a 360-degree immersion into European innovation, culture, and policy. This annual program aims to deepen academic and cultural exchange between France and the U.S. and nurture future leaders committed to strengthening the transatlantic relationship. It also strives to spread awareness about France’s many internationally ranked universities and academic excellence programs taught in English. The Fellowship will encourage reflection on major global challenges, such as environmental challenges and sustainable transition; health and biotechnology; peace and security; social equity and democratic issues; digital technologies; and artificial intelligence. This fellowship is for those who are heading for the project pinnacle. You have the skills and sophistication to work independently, while still in conversation with a mentor, and you can develop your own research questions and creative problems, as well as pathways to working through them. Projects funded by this Fellowship are likely to emerge from a significant previous engagement with the mentor and the methods and questions in the field. This might include independent engagement, prior research or creative endeavors, or experiences gained through previous employment or co-op. Award Benefits Full funding for one year of master’s-level studies in France, including tuition, living expenses, travel, program activities, and administrative costs. Includes the French-American Leadership Program, which features lectures, site visits, cultural immersion, and mentorship support aimed at developing the next generation of transatlantic leaders. 15 leading academic institutions across France with internationally ranked programs in the fields of STEM, humanities, social sciences, and the arts. Program activities across France (Paris, Strasbourg, etc.).

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Be under the age of 27 (as of July 1, 2026). Be in possession of a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution (completed between August 2023 and June 2026). Graduate with a GPA of no lower than 3.7. Knowledge of French is not required for acceptance into the program.