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

Topics

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships is open to African students applying to study in Multiple at the Postdoc level, with fully funded funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Postdoc · applicants for Multiple
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Postdoc
Deadline: 9 September 2026, 17.00, CEST

Key eligibility criteria

Applicants must hold a PhD, have a maximum of eight years of research experience after their PhD, and comply with mobility rules for the chosen fellowship type (European or Global).

What the fully funded award covers

Monthly stipend

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

What the Fully Funded MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Monthly stipend

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships eligibility for Multiple applicants

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

Applicants must hold a PhD, have a maximum of eight years of research experience after their PhD, and comply with mobility rules for the chosen fellowship type (European or Global).

Documents required for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Financial-need declaration or family-income statement (sponsor-specific template)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/postdoctoral-fellowships and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Applicants must hold a PhD, have a maximum of eight years of research experience after their PhD, and comply with mobility rules for the chosen fellowship type (European or Global).". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Apply to the host university or programme first where required, and obtain a conditional admission letter. A growing number of sponsors only fund applicants who already hold an offer.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a 500–1,000-word personal statement and any additional essays the sponsor specifies. Anchor each essay in concrete examples and tie your goals back to the sponsor's mission.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/postdoctoral-fellowships, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by 9 September 2026, 17.00, CEST (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Postdoc level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), and be able to relocate to the host country for the duration of the programme.

Is the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships fully funded?+

Funding model: Fully Funded. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is 9 September 2026, 17.00, CEST. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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