# HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships (HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-GF)

**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

Global Fellowships for nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Associated Countries, involving an outgoing phase at a non-EU/Associated Country partner and a mandatory return phase. Researchers must hold a PhD and have ≤8 years full-time research experience. MSCA mobility rules apply to both outgoing and return phases. Full-time commitment required as a rule.

## Summary

HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships, Global Fellowships fund researchers with a PhD and ≤8 years research experience to undertake a two-phase fellowship: an outgoing phase at a partner institution in a non-EU/Associated country, followed by a mandatory return year within Europe. Open to EU/Associated country nationals and long-term residents, the call emphasises career development and cross-border mobility as a training mechanism. This Global variant adds international breadth to the standard Postdoctoral Fellowship; calls are annual.

## Who should apply

- Researchers holding a PhD with up to 8 years full-time research experience
- EU/Associated country nationals or long-term residents eligible for outgoing mobility
- Candidates seeking a 2-phase placement (outgoing + mandatory return year)
- Projects with clear career-development and supervisor mentoring plans
- Applicants prepared for full-time, continuous commitment across both phases

## Key dates

- Deadline: 9 September 2026
- Single-stage evaluation
- Outgoing phase typically 12-24 months, followed by mandatory 12-month return phase

## Tips for applicants

- The mandatory return phase is non-negotiable: ensure your host institution and supervisor are willing and equipped to support re-integration, as panels assess this explicitly.
- Career development and training comprise a significant evaluation weight; articulate how the outgoing placement and return mentor relationship will reshape your research trajectory.
- Mobility rules apply to both phases: you cannot have spent more than 12 months in the host country (outgoing or return) during the 3 years before deadline.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the difference between MSCA Postdoctoral European and Global Fellowships?

European Fellowships fund 12-24 month placements within Europe; Global Fellowships add an outgoing phase at a non-EU/Associated partner, followed by a mandatory 12-month return to Europe.

### Who is eligible for HORIZON MSCA Postdoctoral Global Fellowships?

Researchers holding a PhD with ≤8 years full-time research experience who are EU/Associated country nationals or long-term residents, subject to MSCA mobility rules in both outgoing and return phases.

### Is the return phase compulsory?

Yes, Global Fellowships require a mandatory 12-month return phase at a European host after the outgoing placement ends.

### How long is a Global Fellowship?

Total duration is typically 24-36 months: 12-24 months outgoing plus 12 months mandatory return.

### What do MSCA mobility rules mean for a Global Fellowship?

You must not have spent more than 12 months in any host country in the 3 years immediately before the deadline; this rule applies to both the outgoing and return host countries.

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