France opened a dedicated support track for Ukrainian researchers and artists back in spring 2022, and several of those programmes still run today. So this roundup gathers four French options that Ukrainians can apply for right now or within a few days: two cultural residencies, a programme for scholars in exile, and a fund for women’s organisations.
Most French programmes share one condition, because a French host institution or a French partner files the application rather than the candidate from Ukraine. Therefore, for each programme we explain who actually submits the documents and how a Ukrainian applicant gets in. At the end, we also list the annual scholarships that sit between cycles right now, so you know when the next window opens.
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How access to French programmes works
Before you look at specific sums and deadlines, you should grasp one thing about the French system. The money almost always flows through a French structure, so it rarely lands directly in the account of a Ukrainian person or organisation. As a result, this shapes how you prepare the application.
Through a host institution
This is how the PAUSE programme works for scholars and artists in exile. A French university or research centre that agrees to host the person files the application. If you have no direct contact with an institution, the PAUSE team can connect you with one that is looking for a candidate.
Through a French partner
The Institut français x Cité internationale des arts residencies are filed by a partner structure that also covers accommodation and travel. The RAJA Foundation funds only projects led by a French civil society organisation, so a Ukrainian women’s group joins as the partner on the ground.
Directly
The translators’ residency in Arles is the exception, since the translator applies in person, with no French institution between them and the organisers. You only need a current translation contract with a publisher.
Science and researchers: the PAUSE programme
This is the main French programme for Ukrainian researchers, PhD students, and artists who can no longer work at home because of the war. The Collège de France runs it with support from several ministries. Since 2017, PAUSE has hosted more than 600 researchers and artists from 43 countries.
PAUSE – Solidarité Ukraine (Collège de France)
Who can apply
Ukrainian researchers, PhD students, and artists who cannot safely work in Ukraine. A French host institution files the documents, so this means a university, a research centre, or a cultural institution.
What it offers
Funding for a stay in France, plus help with the visa and administration. The emergency track for Ukraine gives 3 months to find a lasting solution, with roughly 5,700 euros and a family supplement. After that, a regular reception of up to 12 months is possible, co-funded 60 percent by the Collège de France and 40 percent by the institution.
Deadline and budget
The Ukrainian emergency reception runs on an ongoing basis through volunteer institutions. The regular call opens at the end of August 2026, and institutions submit files by 24 September 2026. Emergency aid is roughly 5,700 euros for 3 months.
Official page
Artists, translators, and the cultural sector
The cultural field in France has two different formats with open intake. The first suits literary translators and runs all year. The second covers Paris residencies for visual artists and other creators, and intake opens on 1 July 2026.
CITL residency in Arles (ATLAS association)
Who can apply
Literary translators from around the world who translate from or into French. Ukrainian translators can apply directly. You need a current translation contract with a publisher.
What it offers
A place in the Arles residency from one week to 3 months, with a working library of 19,000 titles in more than 50 languages. Accommodation comes at a reduced rate of 25 euros. For stays over 2 weeks, the association can grant a bursary of 20 euros per day from its own funds.
Deadline and budget
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis. Accommodation costs 25 euros, with a bursary of up to 20 euros per day for longer stays.
Official page
Institut français x Cité internationale des arts
Who can apply
Artists and cultural professionals from any country who have lived abroad for at least 5 years. Ukrainians meet this condition. A partner structure files the file, and it covers accommodation and travel.
What it offers
A residency in Paris for 3, 6, or 9 months in a studio-apartment in the city centre. The partner provides housing, pays for travel, and gives a monthly allowance from 1,100 euros.
Deadline and budget
Intake is open from 1 July to 8 October 2026 (for residencies between April 2027 and April 2028). The allowance starts at 1,100 euros per month, plus the studio-apartment.
Official page
| Programme | Who it fits | Deadline | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAUSE | Researchers, PhD students, artists | Ongoing and up to 24.09.2026 | Around 5,700 euros for 3 months |
| CITL Arles | Literary translators | Ongoing | Stay 25 euros, bursary up to 20 euros/day |
| IF x Cité | Artists, cultural professionals | 01.07 – 08.10.2026 | From 1,100 euros/month plus housing |
| RAJA Foundation | Women’s organisations (via partner) | Ongoing (emergency track) | Around 10,000 – 25,000 euros/year |
Women’s organisations and civil society
Here the RAJA Foundation runs a separate track for women and girls affected by a humanitarian crisis, specifically including the war in Ukraine. A Ukrainian women’s organisation takes part as the partner on the ground, because a French civil society organisation files the application. Over 19 years, the fund has supported around 950 projects in 70 countries.
Fondation RAJA-Danièle Marcovici, humanitarian crisis track
Who can apply
A French non-profit organisation (association loi 1901) leads the application. A Ukrainian women’s organisation takes part as the partner that works with the beneficiaries on the ground. The project must give concrete help to women or girls.
What it funds
Protection of rights and the fight against violence toward women, access to services, and better living conditions. It prioritises women in vulnerable situations, such as refugees, single mothers, and women with disabilities. Projects abroad are allowed.
Deadline and budget
The emergency track for crisis situations works by email at fondation@raja.fr, so applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. The amount runs from around 10,000 to 25,000 euros per year, and funding can cover up to 3 years.
Official page
Annual programmes that sit between cycles
Several major French scholarships run on annual cycles, and intake for the current year has already closed. They are not gone for good, so it pays to set a reminder for the next window.
The France Excellence Eiffel scholarship for master’s and PhD students keeps Ukraine in focus for Europe. The 2026 call closed on 8 January, so the next one opens around October 2026. A French university files the application, which means you should find the institution early.
The FMSH Atlas: Ukraine to France programme gives 2 to 3 months in France for postdocs in the humanities and social sciences, with up to 5,400 euros. This cycle usually opens in September. The French Embassy scholarships (Master 2 and short research mobility) are annual as well, so watch the website of the French Institute in Ukraine.
For business, the separate French tool is Ukraine Fund II, worth 71 million euros for 2026. It funds French companies working on Ukraine’s reconstruction, and the 2026 intake closed on 9 April. Ukrainian businesses can enter only through a joint project with a French company once a new round opens.
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