Indo-French Visiting-Mobility Programme for Women in Science (PROWIS-II) supports talented women researchers by helping them work with Indian and French scientific communities. The scheme gives money help for a two-week research visit in frontier areas of science and technology. Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA) runs this scheme under the Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology.
Applications for this scheme are accepted in calls. The latest call under PROWIS-II closed on 23 September 2025, so applications are not open right now. CEFIPRA announces a fresh call on its official website when the next round starts, so keep checking cefipra.org for the update.
Indo-French Visiting-Mobility Programme for Women in Science - Introduction
Indo-French Visiting-Mobility Programme for Women in Science, also known as PROWIS-II, is made for young women scientists from both India and France. It encourages women candidates to work with international scientific communities so that they can move ahead in advanced studies and research across frontier areas of science and technology.
The duration of the programme is set for two weeks of collaborative study.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Indo-French Visiting-Mobility Programme for Women in Science |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Science, IT & Communications, Women and Child |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual |
| Sub Category | Research & Development |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Science and Technology |
| Nodal Department | Department of Science & Technology |
| Implementing Agency | Indo-French Centre for Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA) |
Benefits
Selected candidates receive support for a smooth research visit. The scheme covers the following:
- Return airfare in economy class for the research visit.
- Accommodation and per diem allowances during the stay.
- Local travel expenses within India or France.
- Airport transfers for the journey.
- Insurance cover and visa charges.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this fellowship, the following points should be met:
1. Applicant must be an Indian or French citizen residing in either country and affiliated with a recognized university or research institution.
2. An Indian applicant should hold a PhD degree and a sanctioned or tenured post at a scientific or academic institution, and be willing to undertake collaborative research in French universities.
3. A French applicant should hold a PhD and be currently completing a postdoctoral project while being willing to conduct research in Indian institutions.
4. The research visit should take place during the employment period of the applicant at the concerned institution.
5. Applicant should not have availed of any visiting fellowship in France or India during the last 5 years.
6. This fellowship cannot be combined with any other fellowship.
Note: Preference is given to candidates with no prior international research exposure. CEFIPRA reserves the right to relax eligibility conditions for potential candidates.
Application Process
Applications are submitted through the online submission system of CEFIPRA. The steps are given below.
STEP 1 - Go to the official website at cefipra.org and open the Women in Science (PROWIS) page under the Mobility-Fellowship menu.
STEP 2 - Check the current call details and the last date before starting the application.
STEP 3 - Register on the CEFIPRA online portal and complete the online application form with the required research proposal.
STEP 4 - Upload the required documents and submit the application before the deadline of the current call.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready for the online application:
- An invitation or hosting letter from the host scientist, researcher, or faculty member.
- A one-page research proposal focused on STEM or allied Science and Technology areas.
- A no-objection certificate from the current employer.
- A recent passport-sized photograph.
- Valid passport.
- Relevant educational certificates.
- Any additional documents requested during the application process.
References
FAQ's
What is the aim of this programme?
This programme encourages women candidates to collaborate with the Indian and French scientific communities so that they can move ahead in research in frontier areas of science and technology.
Which agency implements this programme?
Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA) is the department running the scheme under the Department of Science and Technology.
What are the eligibility criteria?
Indian applicants need a PhD and a sanctioned or tenured post to collaborate in France. French applicants should hold a PhD and be currently engaged in a postdoctoral project to collaborate in India.
Who is not eligible to apply?
Those who have already availed of any visiting fellowship in France or India within the last 5 years are not eligible for this programme.
Who gets preference during selection?
Preference is given to candidates with no prior international exposure. CEFIPRA may relax criteria for highly potential candidates.
What financial support is provided?
Selected fellows receive return airfare, accommodation and per diem, local travel, airport transfers, insurance cover, and visa fee coverage.
What is the duration of the programme?
The programme duration is two weeks.
How can I apply for the fellowship?
Register and apply online through the official CEFIPRA website or the CEFIPRA online portal when a fresh call is announced.