# HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships (HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF)

**Funder:** European Commission
**Deadline:** 9 September 2026
**Consortium:** Required — minimum 3 entities from 3 EU member states (Horizon Europe standard)
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** Annual
**Official call:** https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-MSCA-2026-PF-01-01
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Postdoctoral fellowships for researchers of any nationality hosted at institutions in EU Member States or Associated Countries. Researchers must hold a PhD and have ≤8 years full-time research experience at the deadline. MSCA mobility rules apply: applicants cannot have resided in the host country for >12 months in the 3 years prior to the deadline. Full-time commitment required as a rule.

## Summary

HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships, European Fellowships fund researchers with a PhD and up to 8 years of postdoctoral experience to conduct independent research for 12-24 months at institutions in EU Member States or Associated Countries. Open to researchers of any nationality, provided they meet the MSCA cross-border mobility rule (no more than 12 months residence in the host country in the 3 years before deadline). This is an annual call with single-stage evaluation.

## Who should apply

- Postdoctoral researchers holding a PhD with up to 8 years of full-time research experience
- Researchers of any nationality hosted at institutions in EU Member States or Associated Countries
- Applicants able to meet MSCA mobility requirements (no more than 12 months prior residence in the host country)
- Researchers ready for a full-time commitment to independent research
- Candidates with a clear career development and training plan aligned with host institution strengths

## Key dates

- Single-stage deadline: 9 September 2026
- 12 to 24 month fellowship duration
- Annual call

## Tips for applicants

- The MSCA mobility rule is a hard gate: confirm you have spent no more than 12 months in the host country in the 3 years before 9 September 2026.
- Score weight lies on the career development and training plan; articulate how this fellowship advances your independence and career trajectory, not only the science.
- A named, research-active supervisor with a proven hosting track record strengthens credibility; ensure your supervisor's support letter highlights institutional resources and mentoring commitment.

## Frequently asked questions

### How long is a HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship, European Fellowship?

Between 12 and 24 months of full-time research at a European host institution.

### Who is eligible for HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships, European Fellowships?

Researchers of any nationality holding a PhD with at most 8 years of full-time research experience who meet the MSCA mobility rule (no more than 12 months residence in the host country in the prior 3 years).

### Can I apply if I am currently working abroad?

Yes, if your total time in the host country over the past 3 years does not exceed 12 months as of the 9 September 2026 deadline.

### Is there a funding amount for HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships, European Fellowships?

The call metadata does not specify a budget range; consult the full call text on the Funding and Tenders Portal for disbursement rates.

### How are applications reviewed?

Applications undergo single-stage evaluation; all proposals are assessed on merit without a pre-screening phase.

---

Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/european-commission-horizon-tma-msca-postdoctoral-fellowships-european-2026-09) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.