# MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 – Global Postdoctoral Fellowships

**Funder:** REA (Research Executive Agency)
**Duration:** 2–3 years (1–2 years outgoing + mandatory 1-year return phase)
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage — researcher applies together with a host organisation; includes mandatory return phase to EU/Associated Country
**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

Only nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries can apply. Outgoing phase in a non-associated Third Country, followed by mandatory 1-year return to EU/Associated Country. Max 8 years post-PhD; mobility rule applies to outgoing host country. Optional non-academic placement up to 6 months at fellowship end. Resubmission restrictions apply for scores below 80%.

## Summary

The MSCA Global Postdoctoral Fellowship funds researchers to spend 1-2 years conducting research in a non-associated country (outgoing phase), followed by a mandatory 1-year return to an EU or Horizon Europe Associated Country institution. Open to researchers with at most 8 years post-PhD experience, the fellowship covers living, mobility, and family allowances. This structured return phase uniquely ensures researchers reintegrate their training into the European research landscape.

## Who should apply

- Researchers with a PhD and up to 8 years of full-time research experience
- EU or Horizon Europe Associated Country nationals, or long-term residents of such countries
- Applicants planning 1-2 years in a non-associated Third Country followed by return to Europe
- A clear career-development and training plan linking the outgoing and return phases
- Willingness to undergo mandatory return-phase institutional matching

## Key dates

- Annual deadline; exact 2026 date to be confirmed on the Funding and Tenders portal
- Single-stage application submitted jointly with the host organisation
- Total fellowship duration 2-3 years including mandatory 1-year EU return phase

## Tips for applicants

- The return-phase host must be identified and committed upfront; a weak or generic return plan significantly weakens the proposal.
- The outgoing mobility rule applies to the Third Country phase, confirm you meet it before submission.
- Frame the outgoing phase as research training and the return phase as independent career consolidation; reviewers assess both halves equally.

## Frequently asked questions

### How long is the MSCA Global Postdoctoral Fellowship?

2-3 years total: 1-2 years in a non-associated Third Country (outgoing phase) plus a mandatory 1-year return to an EU or Associated Country institution.

### Who can apply for the MSCA Global Postdoctoral Fellowship?

Researchers with a PhD and at most 8 years of full-time research experience who are nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries.

### Is the return phase mandatory?

Yes, all Global Fellowships include a compulsory 1-year return phase in an EU or Associated Country institution; the outgoing host must be in a non-associated Third Country.

### Can I do a non-academic placement in a Global Fellowship?

Yes, an optional non-academic placement of up to 6 months is permitted at the end of the fellowship.

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