# MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships — Global Postdoctoral Fellowships

**Funder:** Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (European Commission)
**Duration:** 2-3 years (including mandatory 1-year return phase)
**Consortium:** Required — minimum 3 entities from 3 EU member states (Horizon Europe standard)
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** Annual
**Official call:** https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/postdoctoral-fellowships
**Last updated:** 3 Jul 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Open only to nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries (max 8 years post-PhD). Funds mobility outside Europe: 1–2 years in a non-associated Third Country followed by a mandatory 1-year return phase to an EU/Associated Country organisation. Mobility rule applies to the outgoing host country. All disciplines eligible.

## Summary

MSCA Global Postdoctoral Fellowships fund researchers to spend 1-2 years working in a non-associated country, followed by a mandatory 1-year return to a European host institution, for a total duration of 2-3 years. Open to researchers within 8 years of their PhD who are EU/Associated Country nationals or long-term residents, across all disciplines. The scheme requires a consortium of at least three partner organisations from three EU Member States, emphasising European research network building alongside global mobility.

## Who should apply

- Researchers with a PhD and at most 8 years of full-time research experience
- EU or Associated Country nationals, or long-term residents of those countries
- Applicants with a clear outgoing and return phase strategy across borders
- Host organisations forming consortia of at least 3 entities from 3 EU/Associated countries
- Researchers seeking global research exposure with return commitment to Europe

## Key dates

- Annual deadline (verify exact date on the Funding and Tenders Portal)
- Single-stage written evaluation
- 2-3 year total fellowship duration, including mandatory 1-year return phase

## Tips for applicants

- The mandatory return phase is non-negotiable and must involve a different European host than the outgoing phase; plan the transition and training continuity carefully.
- Consortium strength matters: reviewers assess the coherence and commitment of your three+ partner organisations; letters of support from all must address concrete involvement, not boilerplate backing.
- The outgoing-phase host must be in a non-associated country; confirm that your target destination is not listed as associated before finalising your proposal.

## Frequently asked questions

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

2-3 years total: 1-2 years in a non-associated Third Country, followed by a mandatory 1-year return phase in an EU Member State or Associated Country.

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

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

### Do I need a consortium to apply for MSCA Global Postdoctoral Fellowships?

Yes, a consortium of at least three entities from three EU Member States or Associated Countries is required.

### Can I stay in the same country for both the outgoing and return phases?

No, the outgoing phase must be in a non-associated Third Country and the return phase must be in an EU Member State or Associated Country, typically with different host organisations.

### What is the mobility rule for MSCA Global Postdoctoral Fellowships?

You cannot have spent more than 12 months in the outgoing Third Country in the 3 years before the deadline.

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

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