Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA PFs) are among the most competitive and respected research funding programmes in the world. Funded by the European Commission under Horizon Europe, these fellowships are designed to support researchers who have completed their PhD and are seeking to expand their expertise through international and interdisciplinary mobility.

The programme aims to foster excellence in research while helping scholars gain new skills, explore different sectors, and collaborate across borders. Whether in academia or industry, MSCA PFs provide a platform for researchers to innovate, grow, and contribute to global knowledge.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 Summary

What Are the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships All About?

The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships are designed to boost the careers of researchers by enabling them to work in new countries, institutions, and sectors. The focus is on mobility, skill development, and research excellence.

Researchers collaborate with a host organization, such as a university, research institute, or company, to carry out a project that enhances their expertise and broadens their professional network. The programme also promotes interdisciplinary research and encourages collaboration between academic and non-academic sectors.

By participating, fellows gain international experience, improve their research profile, and position themselves for long-term career success in science, innovation, and policy.

Types of Postdoctoral Fellowships

European Postdoctoral Fellowships

These are open to researchers of any nationality who wish to work in Europe or move within Europe.

• Duration: 1 to 2 years
• Location: EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries
• Open to: Researchers worldwide

Global Postdoctoral Fellowships

These support researchers moving outside Europe and then returning.

• Duration: 2 to 3 years
• Structure:
  • 1-2 years in a non-European country
  • Mandatory 1-year return phase in Europe
• Open to: Nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or associated countries

Both fellowship types may include short-term secondments anywhere in the world, allowing researchers to collaborate across sectors and institutions.

Additionally, fellows can undertake a non-academic placement of up to 6 months at the end of their fellowship to gain industry experience.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

To qualify for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Academic Qualification

• Must hold a PhD degree by the application deadline
• Applicants who have defended their thesis but have not yet received the certificate are also eligible

Research Experience

• Maximum of 8 years of research experience after PhD
• Career breaks and non-research periods are not counted

Mobility Rule

• Must not have lived or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the last 36 months before the deadline

Eligible Disciplines

• All research fields are eligible, including those under the Euratom Research and Training Programme

Additional Notes

• Resubmission restrictions apply from 2026 for low-scoring applications
• Applications scoring 85% or higher but not funded may receive a Seal of Excellence

What Does the Funding Cover?

The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships are fully funded and provide comprehensive support for both researchers and host institutions.

For Researchers:

• Living allowance (monthly salary)
• Mobility allowance
• Family allowance (if applicable)
• Support for long-term leave or special support

For Research Activities:

• Funding for research and training
• Networking and collaboration support
• Management and indirect costs

This funding structure ensures that fellows can focus entirely on their research without financial stress.

Required Documents

Applicants typically need to prepare:

• Research proposal (developed with host organization)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Academic certificates (PhD proof)
• Supporting documents as required by the call
• Application forms via the Funding & Tenders Portal

Step-by-Step Procedure to Apply

Here’s how to apply for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026:

• Find a Host Organization: Identify a university, research institution, or company in Europe or abroad. Platforms like Euraxess can help.
• Develop Your Research Proposal: Work closely with your host supervisor to create a strong, innovative research project.
• Access the Funding Portal: Visit the European Commission’s Funding & Tenders Opportunities Portal.
• Prepare Your Application: Gather all required documents and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
• Submit Before Deadline: Applications must be submitted by the host organization before the official deadline.
• Evaluation and Selection: Applications are assessed based on excellence, impact, and implementation.

Why Choose MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships?

• Prestige and Recognition: MSCA is globally recognized as a mark of research excellence.
• International Mobility: Work in top institutions across Europe and beyond.
• Career Advancement: Gain skills that open doors to academic, industrial, and policy roles.
• Interdisciplinary Opportunities: Collaborate across fields and sectors.
• Strong Networking: Build lasting professional relationships worldwide.

For more details, applicants should visit the official Funding & Tenders Opportunities Portal and the European Research Executive Agency website for updated calls and guidelines.

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