Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026

Overview of MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships are prestigious European Union-funded fellowships designed to support researchers' careers and foster excellence in research. These fellowships target researchers holding a PhD who wish to carry out their research activities abroad, acquire new skills, and develop their careers across countries, disciplines, and sectors . The programme helps researchers gain experience in other countries, disciplines, and non-academic sectors while providing comprehensive funding for research, training, and networking activities.

◆ Fully funded postdoctoral fellowships for researchers of any nationality.
◆ Two types: European Postdoctoral Fellowships (1–2 years) and Global Postdoctoral Fellowships (2–3 years).
◆ Open to all disciplines, including Euratom research areas.
◆ Maximum 8 years of research experience from PhD award date.
◆ Check fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students for similar opportunities.

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Types of Postdoctoral Fellowships

◆ European Postdoctoral Fellowships:
◉ Open to researchers moving within Europe or coming to Europe from another part of the world.
◉ Take place in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country.
◉ Duration: 1 to 2 years.
◉ Researchers of any nationality can apply.

◆ Global Postdoctoral Fellowships:
◉ Fund the mobility of researchers outside Europe.
◉ Duration: 2 to 3 years (first 1–2 years in a non-associated Third Country, followed by 1-year return phase to an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country).
◉ Only nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries can apply.
◉ Explore latest scholarships in Europe for all nationalities for more field options.

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Eligibility Criteria for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships

◉ Must hold a PhD degree at the time of the application deadline (successful defence but not yet formally awarded is also eligible) .
◉ Maximum of 8 years of research experience from the date of PhD award (excluding career breaks and years outside research) .
◉ Mobility rule: Must not have resided or carried out main activity in the host country for more than 12 months in the 36 months before the deadline .
◉ Open to all nationalities (with specific conditions for Global Fellowships) .
◉ Must apply jointly with a host organisation based in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country .
◉ Resubmission restrictions apply from 2026 for applications scoring below 80% .
◆ See financial aids for students in Europe for more funding options.

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Funding Support – MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships

The EU provides comprehensive support for the recruited researcher:

◆ Living Allowance – for the researcher's salary.
◆ Mobility Allowance – for travel and relocation.
◆ Family Allowance – if applicable.
◆ Long-term Leave and Special Needs Allowances – if applicable.
◆ Research, Training and Networking Activities – funding for project implementation.
◆ Management and Indirect Costs – for the host organisation.
◆ Explore Europe's latest scholarships in 2026 for more details.

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Additional Features

◆ Non-Academic Placements: Additional support for placements of up to 6 months in a non-academic organisation in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country .
◆ Secondments: Short-term secondments anywhere in the world (except during the return phase of a Global Fellowship) .
◆ Seals of Excellence: Awarded to applications scoring ≥85% but not funded due to budget constraints .
◆ ERA Fellowships: Around 40 additional fellowships for applications from Widening Countries and outermost regions .

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How to Apply – MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships

1. Check your eligibility using the self-assessment tool .

2. Find a host organisation and supervisor (use Euraxess hosting offers, MSCA Matchmaking platform, or Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal) .

3. Develop an application jointly with your chosen host organisation .

4. Start drafting your application using the guide for applicants .

5. Consult the award criteria, evaluation forms, and proposal templates .

6. Attend dedicated webinars and workshops organised by MSCA National Contact Points .

7. Check your application with experts (MSCA NCPs, Marie Curie Alumni Association, host organisation) .

8. Submit your application through the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal .

9. Await the evaluation results (approximately 5 months) .

10. If successful, begin your fellowship.

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Important Dates for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships

Call Opens: 9 April 2026.

Application Deadline: 9 September 2026 at 17:00 CEST .

◆ Evaluation process: Approximately 5 months.
◆ Results announced: February 2027 .
◆ Check the official Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal for any updates.

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Key Resources for Applicants

◆ MSCA Work Programme and general annexes .
◆ Guide for Applicants – best starting point for researchers .
◆ Self-assessment tool for calculating research experience .
◆ Guidelines on the calculation of 8-years research experience .
◆ Proposal templates and evaluation forms .
◆ FAQs and online manual on how to submit an application .
◆ Euraxess hosting offers and MSCA Matchmaking platform .
◆ RADIANCE project resources (handbooks, FAQs, guidance documents) .

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Why Choose MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships

◆ Prestigious EU-funded fellowship under the Horizon Europe programme.
◆ Fully funded with comprehensive support for researchers.
◆ Opportunity to work in world-class research institutions across Europe and globally .
◆ Develop new skills and gain international research experience .
◆ Build bridges between academic and non-academic sectors .
◆ Join the Marie Curie Alumni Association network .
◆ Enhance your career prospects and research profile .
◆ Explore fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students for similar programs.

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Final Thoughts – MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships

◆ This is a prestigious opportunity for postdoctoral researchers to advance their careers .
◆ Start preparing your application early and find a suitable host organisation .
◆ Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements and submit by the 9 September 2026 deadline .
◆ For more opportunities, explore latest scholarships in Europe for all nationalities .

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Apply Link

Apply Now for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships