# MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 - European Fellowships

**Funder:** REA
**Deadline:** 9 September 2026
**Consortium:** No
**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

Postdoctoral researchers of any nationality, max 8 years full-time research experience post-PhD at deadline. Mobility rule applies: researcher must not have resided/worked in the host country for >12 months in the 3 years before deadline. Full-time commitment required. Host must be an eligible organisation in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country.

## Summary

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships (European track) fund researchers to work abroad for 12-24 months, with living allowances plus mobility and family top-ups paid through the host institution. Eligibility requires a PhD plus no more than eight years of full-time research experience at deadline, and researchers must satisfy the cross-border mobility rule, no more than 12 months in the host country in the preceding three years. This annual call supports researchers of any nationality seeking to develop their research agenda under an established supervisor at a European host organisation.

## Who should apply

- Researchers with a PhD and maximum 8 years full-time research experience at the deadline
- Applicants of any nationality willing to relocate within Europe to satisfy the mobility rule
- Researchers seeking a named mentor or supervisor at a European host organisation
- Those committed to full-time research during the fellowship period

## Key dates

- Deadline 9 September 2026
- Single-stage written evaluation
- Fellowship duration: 12 to 24 months

## Tips for applicants

- The mobility rule is a hard gate: you cannot have lived or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the deadline.
- Emphasise your career development plan and the learning you will gain under the supervisor; scientific novelty alone does not drive the score.
- A committed, named host supervisor with a strong track record of mentoring postdocs significantly strengthens the implementation assessment.

## Frequently asked questions

### How long is an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship?

Between 12 and 24 months, depending on your research plan and the host institution's capacity.

### Who can apply for an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship (European)?

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

### Does the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship pay a salary?

No, it pays a monthly living allowance plus mobility and family allowances (where applicable) through the host institution, not a fixed salary.

### Can I apply for an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship if I hold a different grant?

You cannot hold multiple MSCA fellowships concurrently, but concurrent funding from other sources is permitted; check the full call terms for compatibility.

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