# MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026

**Funder:** MSCA
**Budget:** ~€220,000 (living + mobility + research, 24 months)
**Deadline:** 15 September 2026 (Call opens April 9, 2026)
**Duration:** 12-24 months
**Consortium:** No — individual + host institution
**Application:** Single-stage
**TRL:** Any
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2027-04
**Official call:** https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/postdoctoral-fellowships
**Last verified:** 6 July 2026

> **Recently updated:** catalog cleanup 2026-07-04: deadline corrected per MSCA call page

## Summary

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships fund researchers with a PhD to conduct independent research abroad for 12 to 24 months, with living allowances, mobility support, and research costs covered. The scheme targets early-career researchers seeking international placements and supports both European Fellowships (staying within Europe) and Global Fellowships (outgoing to a non-associated country plus mandatory return year). Calls open annually in spring, with evaluation decided on scientific merit and career-development fit.

## Who should apply

- Researchers with a PhD and at most 8 years full-time research experience
- Applicants willing to relocate internationally to meet the cross-border mobility rule
- A clear fit between candidate research interests, supervisor expertise, and host environment
- Researchers with a structured career-development and training plan for the placement

## Key dates

- Deadline 15 September 2026 (call opens 9 April 2026)
- Single-stage written evaluation
- 12 to 24 month fellowship duration

## Tips for applicants

- The mobility rule is strict: you cannot have lived in the host country more than 12 months in the 3 years before the deadline, verify your eligibility early.
- Career development and training plan outweigh raw research novelty; show how the placement advances your independent career trajectory.
- A named, committed supervisor with a strong hosting record on prior MSCA schemes significantly boosts your implementation score.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship pay?

Approximately €220,000 over 24 months, covering living allowances, mobility costs, and research expenses; the exact amount depends on the host country and family status.

### How long is an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship?

Between 12 and 24 months; Global Fellowships add a mandatory 12-month return phase to a non-associated country.

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

Researchers with a PhD and at most 8 years of full-time research experience who meet the cross-border mobility rule (not having lived in the host country more than 12 months in the prior 3 years).

### Can I apply for an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship if I'm already working in my host country?

Only if you have lived there less than 12 months in the 3 years before the deadline; if you have, you must choose a different host institution in another country.

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

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