EFEO Field Research Scholarships in Asian & Buddhist Studies

About the Scholarship

The École française d’Extrême-Orient (EFEO) / French School of the Far East, France, invites applications for the EFEO Field Research Scholarships 2026. These scholarships support advanced research in Asian Studies and Buddhist Studies. In particular, they fund structured fieldwork at EFEO centres across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. Moreover, the scheme promotes interdisciplinary research in the humanities and social sciences. It encourages projects grounded in primary sources, archival materials, and field-based methodologies. Therefore, applicants must demonstrate clear alignment with EFEO’s scientific priorities. In addition, the programme strengthens international academic mobility and long-term scholarly collaboration. Consequently, selected candidates benefit from institutional networks and research infrastructure in Asia.

Furthermore, the scheme includes the specialised “David Ruegg” Field Scholarships 2026. These awards operate under the same conditions and funding structure. However, they are specifically designated for students enrolled in a Master’s or PhD programme in Buddhist Studies. Thus, the initiative supports both broad Asian Studies research and focused Buddhist textual and historical scholarship.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship Name: EFEO Field Research Scholarships 2026 and “David Ruegg” Field Scholarships 2026
Institution/Provider: École française d’Extrême-Orient (EFEO) / French School of the Far East
Location: Paris, France (Fieldwork at EFEO Centres in Asia)
Level of Study: Master’s II and PhD
Field of Study: Asian Studies, Buddhist Studies, Humanities and Social Sciences
Mode of Study: Full-time research stay
Duration: Up to 2 months (Master’s II); 1–6 months (PhD), within cumulative funding limits
Application Mode: Email submission (PDF format)
Scholarship Type: Monthly funded field research support

Supported Fields of Study

Asian Civilisations
South Asian Studies
Southeast Asian Studies
East Asian Studies
Buddhist Studies
History
Archaeology
Philology
Anthropology
Religious Studies

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Enrolled in a Master’s II or PhD programme
Nationality/Residency: Open to all nationalities
Language Proficiency: Applications accepted in French or English
Research Alignment: Project must align with EFEO’s scientific priorities
Methodology: Structured research project using primary sources

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in field research
Knowledge of relevant Asian languages
Demonstrated academic excellence

Financial Coverage / Funding Benefits

Monthly Allowance: Between €700 and €1,360, depending on academic level and country of stay
Duration of Funding: Maximum two months for Master’s students; one to six months for doctoral candidates
Payment Structure: 80% upon arrival (with boarding pass evidence); 20% after submission of research report
Cumulative Funding Limit: Maximum nine months per student

The “David Ruegg” Field Scholarships 2026 are awarded under the same financial and procedural conditions but are specifically designated for students enrolled in a Master’s or PhD programme in Buddhist Studies.

Application Process

How to Apply

Applicants must consolidate all required documents into a single PDF file in the specified order and submit it by email to appui.recherche@efeo.net.

Required Documents

Completed application form
Letter of motivation addressed to the Director of EFEO
Letter of recommendation from research supervisor
Research project (maximum five pages, including abstract, timetable, bibliography, and budget)
Curriculum vitae including relevant language skills
Proof of qualifications (scanned diplomas)