# MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 – European Postdoctoral Fellowships

**Funder:** REA (Research Executive Agency)
**Duration:** 1–2 years
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage — researcher applies together with a host organisation
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2026-09
**Official call:** https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-MSCA-2026-PF-01-01?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=relevance&keywords=msca&isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502,31094503&frameworkProgramme=43108390
**Last verified:** 21 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Open to researchers of any nationality holding a PhD (max 8 years post-PhD). Fellowship takes place in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. Strict mobility rule: applicant must not have resided/worked in the host country >12 months in the 36 months before deadline. Euratom areas require EU/Euratom nationality. Resubmission restrictions apply for scores below 80% from prior year.

## Summary

The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship (European track) funds researchers to spend 1-2 years at a host institution in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country, with a monthly living allowance plus mobility and family top-ups paid through the host. Open to researchers of any nationality holding a PhD with up to 8 years post-PhD experience, subject to a strict mobility rule: you cannot have lived or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the three years before the deadline. The 2026 call opens annually and operates a single-stage evaluation.

## Who should apply

- Researchers holding a PhD with up to 8 years full-time research experience
- Applicants from any nationality meeting the mobility rule (not based in host country >12 months in prior 3 years)
- Any research field eligible; Euratom areas require EU or Euratom citizenship
- Strong fit between candidate qualifications, supervisor track record, and host research environment

## Key dates

- Annual deadline (2026 call deadline on Funding & Tenders portal; confirm exact date before applying)
- Single-stage written evaluation
- 12-24 month fellowship duration

## Tips for applicants

- The mobility rule is a hard gate: check that you have not spent more than 12 months in the host country during the 36 months before the deadline; breaches disqualify regardless of score.
- Evaluation weight sits heavily on career development and training plan rather than scientific excellence alone; articulate how the fellowship advances your independence and career trajectory.
- If you scored below 80% in a prior year, resubmission carries restrictions, consult the call text and the feedback letter before reapplying with the same proposal.

## Frequently asked questions

### How long is an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship?

The European Postdoctoral Fellowship lasts 12 to 24 months. The Global track (if applicable in future calls) adds an additional 12-month mandatory return phase.

### Who is eligible for an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship?

Researchers holding a PhD with at most 8 years post-PhD experience from any nationality, provided they meet the mobility rule (not resident/employed in the host country more than 12 months in the prior 36 months).

### What does the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship pay?

A monthly living allowance plus mobility and family allowances (where applicable), paid to the host institution rather than as a fixed salary.

### Can I apply for an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship if I am currently working abroad?

Yes, provided your cumulative time in the host country in the 36 months before the deadline does not exceed 12 months; time spent elsewhere does not count against you.

### Is the interview part of the selection process?

No, the European Postdoctoral Fellowship uses single-stage written evaluation only; there is no interview stage.

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