iaelyon, France: Fully Funded PhD Scholarship in Entrepreneurship – 2025
Are you a bright and ambitious graduate with a Master’s degree and a burning desire to delve deep into the world of entrepreneurship? Do you envision yourself conducting impactful research that can shape the future of innovation and business creation? Then, an incredible opportunity awaits you across the globe!
iaelyon School of Management at Jean Moulin University Lyon 3 in France is offering a fully funded 3-year Doctoral Scholarship in Entrepreneurship, commencing in October 2025. This prestigious scholarship, part of their IEIS Graduate School (“International Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Society”), is a chance for talented individuals like you to pursue cutting-edge research in a vibrant international environment.
What Makes This PhD Scholarship Exceptional?
This isn’t just about earning a doctorate; it’s about becoming a leading researcher focused on international entrepreneurship projects with a positive societal impact.
Being part of the IEIS Graduate School at iaelyon means you’ll benefit from:
- Top-Notch Research Environment: You’ll be integrated into the Magellan iaelyon Research Center, connecting with leading academics and engaging with major international conferences.
- Real-World Connections: The program fosters collaboration with student entrepreneurs, incubators, and international researchers. This could provide invaluable links for future collaborations and the application of your research findings.
- Dedicated Mentorship: You’ll receive dedicated support from experienced academic and industry mentors, guiding you through your research journey.
- Skill Development: The program aims to hone your entrepreneurial skills, essential for leading impactful research projects and potentially translating your findings into real-world solutions.
- International Opportunities: Benefit from potential mobility options and a truly global community, broadening your horizons and fostering international collaborations.
What Kind of Research Will You Undertake?
Your research project should focus on international entrepreneurship and innovation with a strong societal impact. This is a broad and exciting field, allowing you to explore topics such as:
- How international entrepreneurship can drive sustainable development in emerging economies.
- The role of innovation in addressing specific societal challenges through global partnerships.
- Comparative studies of entrepreneurial ecosystems, identifying best practices and opportunities for cross-pollination.
- The impact of digital technologies on the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
You will be guided by Professor Marie-Christine Chalus (Strategy and Entrepreneurship), with the possibility of co-supervision, ensuring expert guidance throughout your doctoral journey. The scholarship provides funding for three years, from October 2025 to October 2028, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your research.
Are You the Ideal Candidate? Eligibility
To be eligible for this fully funded PhD scholarship, you typically need to:
- Have (or be about to complete) a Master’s degree (Master 2 level) in Management Sciences or a related field with a solid understanding of entrepreneurship.
- Have completed (or be finishing) a strong research thesis/dissertation within the last five years, demonstrating your research aptitude.
- Have an excellent academic record.
- Be passionate about international entrepreneurship and its potential for societal good.
- Be proficient in English and/or French (Minimum B2 level).
iaelyon actively welcomes global applicants!
Ready to Take Your Research to the World? How to Apply
The application process involves submitting a comprehensive package, typically including:
- A developed thesis proposal (up to 4 pages) focusing on international entrepreneurship and societal impact.
- A research thesis completed as part of your Master’s program.
- Academic transcripts showcasing your excellent grades.
- A CV detailing your academic and professional experience.
- A motivation letter explaining your career goals, your interest in the IEIS program, and why you are the ideal candidate.
- A language proficiency certificate for English and/or French (minimum B2 level).
- Any other relevant documents.
All documents must be submitted in PDF format by email before the application deadline: May 31, 2025, 11:59 PM Central European Time.
Key Dates to Remember
- Application Deadline: May 31, 2025.
- IEIS Interviews (for shortlisted candidates): Week of June 2, 2025.
- SEG Doctoral School Interviews (if applicable): Early July 2025.
- Results Announcement: Mid-July 2025.
- Start Date: October 2025.
This is an incredible opportunity for a driven graduate to pursue fully funded doctoral research in a dynamic international setting. Imagine the possibilities – contributing to global knowledge in entrepreneurship. Take that leap, refine your research proposal, and submit your application. Your academic journey in France awaits!
Decoding the Requirements: What CGPA Do You Need for a Scholarship in France?
Thinking of furthering your education in France and hoping to secure a scholarship? That’s a fantastic goal! France is renowned for its quality education and offers various scholarship opportunities for international students. However, when it comes to the crucial question of the required Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), the answer isn’t always a simple, one-size-fits-all number.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about CGPA requirements for scholarships in France:
It Varies Significantly Based On:
- The Scholarship Provider: Different organizations offering scholarships in France will have their own specific criteria. This includes the French government, individual universities, regional authorities, private foundations, and international organizations.
- The Level of Study: Requirements for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD scholarships can differ. Generally, postgraduate scholarships (Master’s and PhD) tend to be more competitive and may demand a higher CGPA.
- The Specific Program: Even within the same university, different programs might have varying expectations for scholarship applicants.
- The Competitiveness of the Scholarship: Highly prestigious and fully funded scholarships will naturally attract a larger pool of strong applicants, leading to more stringent CGPA requirements.
- Other Factors: While CGPA is often a key factor, scholarship committees also consider other aspects of your application, such as:
- Statement of Purpose/Motivation Letter: This is your chance to showcase your passion, research interests, and why you deserve the scholarship. A compelling letter can sometimes compensate for a slightly lower GPA.
- Research Proposal (for postgraduate studies): The quality and feasibility of your research proposal are crucial for PhD scholarships.
- Letters of Recommendation: Strong recommendations from your professors can highlight your academic abilities and potential.
- Extracurricular Activities and Achievements: Participation in relevant clubs, volunteer work, and other achievements can strengthen your application.
- Language Proficiency: For some scholarships, especially those for specific programs or regions, French language proficiency might be a requirement or an advantage.
- Specific Eligibility Criteria: Some scholarships may have nationality restrictions or focus on particular fields of study.
General Guidelines (Keep in Mind These Are Not Fixed Rules):
- Good Academic Standing is Essential: Regardless of the specific scholarship, you will almost always need to demonstrate a strong academic record. This generally translates to a CGPA that indicates good to excellent performance in your previous studies.
- Minimum CGPA: Some scholarships might explicitly state a minimum CGPA requirement (e.g., 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent). It’s crucial to check the specific requirements of each scholarship you are interested in.
- Competitive CGPA: For highly sought-after scholarships, a CGPA of 3.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent is often considered competitive. For some of the most prestigious awards, the average CGPA of successful applicants might be even higher.
- French Grading System: Be aware that French universities often use a grading system out of 20. An average of 12/20 (“Assez Bien” – Good) or higher is generally considered a good academic standing at the undergraduate level. For postgraduate studies, a higher average is usually expected.
How to Find the Specific CGPA Requirements:
- Identify Scholarships: Research the various scholarships available for international students in France based on your nationality, field of study, and level of education. Resources like the Campus France website and university websites are excellent starting points.
- Carefully Review Application Guidelines: Once you’ve identified potential scholarships, meticulously read the specific application guidelines and eligibility criteria. The required CGPA, if any, will usually be clearly stated in these documents.
- Contact the Scholarship Provider: If the CGPA requirement isn’t explicitly mentioned or if you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to contact the scholarship provider or the international admissions office of the university for clarification.
There’s no magic number when it comes to the required CGPA for a scholarship in France. It’s a crucial factor, but the specific cut-off will depend on the scholarship provider, the level of study, the program, and the overall competitiveness. Focus on maintaining a strong academic record, but also dedicate time and effort to crafting a compelling application that highlights your other strengths and motivations. Good luck with your scholarship search!