PostdocFully Funded

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships

Last verified 26 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships support researchers holding a PhD who wish to carry out their research activities abroad, acquire new skills, and develop their careers in Europe and beyond.

Provider: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Host country: Multiple
Deadline: 9 September 2026, 17.00, CEST
Region: Multiple

Official source Track this application

Topics

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply: Researchers interested in PFs should have a PhD degree at the time of the deadline for applications, must have a maximum of eight years experience in research from the date of their PhD degree, and should comply with mobility rules, meaning they must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the country of the beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline.
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Postdoc
Deadline: 9 September 2026, 17.00, CEST

Key eligibility criteria

Researchers interested in PFs should have a PhD degree at the time of the deadline for applications, must have a maximum of eight years experience in research from the date of their PhD degree, and should comply with mobility rules, meaning they must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the country of the beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline.

Recorded funding information

Fully Funded

About the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships (2026)

## Overview The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships are a flagship program designed to support the careers of postdoctoral researchers and foster excellence in research. These fellowships enable researchers holding a PhD to gain experience in other countries, acquire new skills, and develop their careers both within and beyond academia. The program emphasizes international, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral mobility, providing a significant boost to a researcher's professional trajectory. There are two main types of Postdoctoral Fellowships: * **European Postdoctoral Fellowships:** These are for researchers moving within Europe or coming to Europe from other parts of the world. They are hosted in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country and can last between 1 and 2 years. Researchers of any nationality are eligible. * **Global Postdoctoral Fellowships:** These fund the mobility of researchers outside Europe. They involve a period of 1 to 2 years in a non-associated Third Country, followed by a mandatory 1-year return phase to an organisation in 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. Both types of fellowships may include short-term secondments anywhere globally, allowing for further diversification of research experience. Additionally, researchers can receive extra support for a placement of up to 6 months in a non-academic organisation in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country, typically at the end of their fellowship. ## Benefits The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships offer comprehensive financial support, covering various aspects of the researcher's journey and research activities. The funding is primarily provided by the EU to the beneficiary organisation, which then recruits and supports the researcher. Benefits for the recruited researcher include: * **Living Allowance:** A fixed amount to cover daily expenses. * **Mobility Allowance:** Support to facilitate relocation and international mobility. * **Family, Long-term Leave, and Special Needs Allowances:** Additional provisions based on individual circumstances. Beyond direct support for the researcher, the funding also covers: * **Research, Training, and Networking Activities:** Resources to advance the research project, participate in training programs, and expand professional networks. * **Management and Indirect Costs:** Contributions towards the administrative and overhead expenses of the host institution. ## Eligibility To be eligible for an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship, interested researchers must meet specific criteria related to their academic qualifications, research experience, and mobility status. Key eligibility requirements are: * **PhD Degree:** Applicants must hold a PhD degree by the application deadline. Those who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but have not yet been formally awarded the degree are also eligible. * **Research Experience:** A maximum of eight years of experience in research from the date of the PhD award. Years of experience outside research and career breaks do not count towards this maximum. For nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries wishing to reintegrate into Europe, years of research experience in third countries are also excluded from this calculation. * **Mobility Rules:** Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the beneficiary (for European Postdoctoral Fellowships) or the host organisation for the outgoing phase (for Global Postdoctoral Fellowships) for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately preceding the call deadline. For Postdoctoral Fellowships in research areas covered by the Euratom Research and Training Programme, researchers must be nationals or long-term residents of an EU Member State or a Euratom Associated Country, and the beneficiary organisation must also be established in one of these countries. ## Required Documents While a definitive list of all required documents is available on the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal for each specific call, common documents and information typically include: * **Research Proposal:** A detailed outline of the proposed research project, developed jointly with the host organisation. * **Curriculum Vitae (CV):** Highlighting academic qualifications, research experience, publications, and other relevant achievements. * **Host Organisation Commitment:** Documentation demonstrating the host institution's support and willingness to host the researcher. * **Ethics Self-Assessment:** If applicable, a declaration regarding ethical considerations of the research. * **Letters of Support:** From the supervisor and other relevant parties. (Implicit, based on application process) Additionally, applicants should consult the MSCA Work Programme, General Annexes, and the Guide for Applicants for the specific call to ensure all necessary documentation is prepared. ## How to Apply The application process for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships involves a collaborative effort between the researcher and a chosen host organisation. The host organisation can be a university, research institution, business, SME, or any other organisation based in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. **For Researchers:** 1. **Find a Host Organisation:** Leverage your professional network or consult platforms like Euraxess (which lists hosting offers) to find an organisation that aligns with your research interests. Many organisations advertise specific research fields for potential applicants. 2. **Develop the Application Jointly:** Work closely with your prospective host organisation and supervisor to develop a compelling research proposal. 3. **Prepare and Submit:** Once the call is open, prepare your application on the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal. The host organisation is responsible for submitting the final proposal by the deadline. **For Organisations:** 1. **Attract Researchers:** Post hosting offers on Euraxess and other job portals to attract talented international researchers. 2. **Collaborate on Application:** Work with the chosen researcher to develop the research project and application. 3. **Submit the Proposal:** As the host organisation, you are responsible for submitting the complete proposal, including all annexes, through the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal by the specified deadline. 4. **Host and Support:** If the proposal is funded, the organisation will recruit, supervise, host, train, and potentially second the researcher throughout the fellowship. All relevant documents and guidance, including the MSCA Work Programme, Guide for Applicants, FAQs, and application forms, are available on the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal for each specific call. ## Key Dates * **Call Open:** The call is currently open. * **Application Deadline:** 9 September 2026, 17.00, CEST. It is crucial to submit proposals well in advance of this deadline. ## Selection Criteria The selection process for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships is highly competitive and proposals are evaluated based on their excellence, impact, and the quality of the implementation. Key criteria typically include: * **Excellence:** This assesses the quality of the research project, the researcher's profile, and the supervisor's expertise. * **Impact:** This evaluates the potential impact of the research on the researcher's career, the host institution, and society, including the dissemination and exploitation of results. * **Quality and Efficiency of the Implementation:** This examines the appropriateness of the proposed methodology, the work plan, the resources, and the overall management of the project. Applications with a total score of 85% or higher, but which cannot be funded due to budgetary constraints, may be awarded a "Seal of Excellence." As of 2026, resubmission restrictions apply to applications that received a score below 80% in the previous year. ## Tips * **Start Early:** The application process is comprehensive and requires significant planning and collaboration. Begin preparing your proposal well in advance of the deadline. * **Choose Your Host Wisely:** Select a host organisation and supervisor whose expertise aligns perfectly with your research interests and career goals. * **Craft a Strong Proposal:** Dedicate ample time to developing a clear, innovative, and compelling research proposal that effectively addresses the evaluation criteria. * **Address All Eligibility Criteria:** Carefully review and ensure you meet all eligibility requirements, particularly concerning your PhD award date and mobility rules. * **Utilize Available Resources:** Make full use of the MSCA Work Programme, Guide for Applicants, FAQs, and online manuals provided on the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal. * **Network:** Actively engage with your academic network to find suitable host organisations and supervisors. * **Consider Non-Academic Placements:** Highlight potential non-academic sector engagement in your proposal to demonstrate broader impact and career development. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions website and the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal: * **Official Website:** [https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/postdoctoral-fellowships](https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/postdoctoral-fellowships) * **Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal:** [https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-MSCA-2026-PF-01-01](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-MSCA-2026-PF-01-01) **Last updated:** 14 April 2026

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

Fully Funded

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Researchers interested in PFs should have a PhD degree at the time of the deadline for applications, must have a maximum of eight years experience in research from the date of their PhD degree, and should comply with mobility rules, meaning they must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the country of the beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline.

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

How to apply for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1
Check the provider's process
Consult https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/postdoctoral-fellowships to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
2
Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: Researchers interested in PFs should have a PhD degree at the time of the deadline for applications, must have a maximum of eight years experience in research from the date of their PhD degree, and should comply with mobility rules, meaning they must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the country of the beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Listed deadline information: 9 September 2026, 17.00, CEST. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships deadline & application timeline

Provider deadline information: 9 September 2026, 17.00, CEST. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider deadline
9 September 2026, 17.00, CEST
Provider deadline information: 9 September 2026, 17.00, CEST. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships?+

Researchers interested in PFs should have a PhD degree at the time of the deadline for applications, must have a maximum of eight years experience in research from the date of their PhD degree, and should comply with mobility rules, meaning they must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the country of the beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline.

What funding does the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships offer?+

Listed funding: Fully Funded. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

When is the application deadline?+

Provider deadline information: 9 September 2026, 17.00, CEST. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

What documents do I need to apply?+

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

How do I check the application process?+

Consult https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/postdoctoral-fellowships to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Researchers interested in PFs should have a PhD degree at the time of the deadline for applications, must have a maximum of eight years experience in research from the date of their PhD degree, and should comply with mobility rules, meaning they must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the country of the beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: 9 September 2026, 17.00, CEST. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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