Study In France: 2025 PhD Scholarship In International Entrepreneurship And Innovation -

About the PhD Scholarship in International Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The 2025 PhD Scholarship in International Entrepreneurship and Innovation offered by the Iaelyon School of Management at Jean Moulin University Lyon 3 in France could be the ideal opportunity for you if you are passionate about using research to drive real-world impact? Do you believe entrepreneurship has the potential to solve pressing societal challenges like climate change, healthcare access, and sustainable city development? .

This fully funded three-year doctoral scholarship is part of the prestigious IEIS Graduate School (International Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Society), a program designed to nurture future researchers and thought leaders committed to positive societal transformation.

The IEIS Graduate School is a forward-thinking doctoral program that brings together management research and societal innovation. It is hosted by the Iaelyon School of Management at Jean Moulin University Lyon 3, one of France’s most prominent institutions for management and business education.

This PhD opportunity in International Entrepreneurship and Innovation is fully funded through a three-year doctoral contract, beginning in October 2025. Selected candidates will carry out their research at the Magellan iaelyon Research Center, under the supervision of Professor Marie-Christine Chalus, a leading scholar in entrepreneurship and innovation.

The program’s focus is on generating research that tackles real-world societal issues through the lens of entrepreneurship and innovation. Topics may include:

Entrepreneurial solutions to climate change

Social entrepreneurship in public health
Biodiversity and business
Smart and green cities

Sustainable economic models

Eligibility Criteria

The scholarship is open to both French and international applicants. Candidates must demonstrate a strong academic background and a commitment to research that blends entrepreneurship with societal impact.

To apply, you must meet the following requirements:

Master’s degree (Master 2 level) in Management Sciences or a closely related discipline, with a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship.
A completed research thesis (within the last 5 years) or a thesis that is nearing completion.
Proven academic excellence and analytical skills.

A clear and demonstrated interest in entrepreneurship and its societal applications.
Language proficiency in English and/or French, with a minimum B2 level. (TOEIC score of at least 785 or equivalent).
An international academic or professional background is highly encouraged.

This program particularly welcomes candidates who wish to use their academic journey as a platform to explore how entrepreneurship can lead to a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable society.

Documents Required

Applicants are required to submit the following documents as part of their application package:

Curriculum Vitae (maximum one page, with a recent photo)

Copies of academic degrees and transcripts
Thesis proposal (maximum 4 pages, including references)
Research paper or Master’s thesis (completed or in-progress; can be submitted later if not yet finalized)

Language proficiency certificate (TOEIC, IELTS, DALF, or equivalent)
Any other documents that support your application (e.g., letters of recommendation, certificates, etc.)

All documents must be submitted in PDF format and compiled clearly to facilitate review by the selection committee.

Benefits of the PhD Scholarship in International Entrepreneurship and Innovation

This PhD program offers more than just academic training — it offers the opportunity to shape the future of innovation and entrepreneurship with a purpose. Here’s what makes it a unique and rewarding choice:

Full financial support: The doctoral contract covers tuition fees and includes a competitive monthly stipend.
Hands-on research environment: Work closely with experienced faculty and engage in meaningful research that addresses global societal challenges.

International exposure: Join a diverse community of scholars and gain opportunities for collaboration with other universities and research centers worldwide.
Location advantage: Live and study in Lyon, a city known for its vibrant academic culture, entrepreneurial ecosystem, and rich historical heritage.

If you’re driven by curiosity, motivated by impact, and eager to explore how entrepreneurship can build a better world, this PhD opportunity is for you. Through the IEIS Graduate School, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge, and network needed to become a leader in innovation and academic research.

Start preparing your application today and be part of the 2025 cohort of change-makers.

How to Apply

To apply, candidates must send their complete application package by email to the following address:
romain.lesage@univ-lyon3.fr

Note: The deadline for applications is May 31, 2025, by 11:59 PM Central European Time.
Early preparation is strongly recommended, as the application process involves multiple documents and potentially ongoing thesis work.

Please ensure that your email subject line includes “IEIS Doctoral Scholarship 2025 Application – [Your Full Name]” to avoid delays or confusion.

Below is the key timeline for the 2025 IEIS PhD Scholarship:

Applications Open: April 14, 2025

Application Deadline: May 31, 2025
IEIS Graduate School Interviews: Week of June 2, 2025
Final Research Paper Submission (via ADUM platform): May 30, 2025

SEG Doctoral School Interviews: Early July 2025
Notification of Final Results: Mid-July 2025
Program Start Date: October 2025

Candidates selected for interviews will be notified shortly after the application deadline and should be available during the first week of June for virtual or in-person interviews.