# Postdoctoral Fellowships **Funder:** European Commission **Duration:** 1-3 years (European: 1-2 years; Global: 2-3 years incl. 1-year return phase) **Consortium:** Required — consortium (Horizon Europe standard) **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?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=relevance&keywords=msca&isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502,31094503&frameworkProgramme=43108390 **Last updated:** 6 Sept 2026 ## Eligibility & scope Postdoctoral fellowships for researchers with a PhD and up to 8 years research experience, hosted at a university, research institution, business or SME in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country (European Fellowships) or requiring EU/Associated Country nationality for Global Fellowships. Mobility rule: applicant must not have resided in the host country for more than 12 months in the 3 years before the deadline. ## Summary REA Postdoctoral Fellowships fund early-career researchers to work abroad for 1-2 years (European track) or 2-3 years including a mandatory return phase (Global track), with living allowances, mobility costs, and family support paid through the host institution. European Fellowships are open to researchers of any nationality; Global Fellowships restrict outgoing mobility to non-associated countries and require EU/Associated Country nationality or long-term residency. Applicants must be within 8 years of their PhD and satisfy strict cross-border mobility rules (no more than 12 months in the host country in the preceding three years). ## Who should apply - Early-career researchers within 8 years of their PhD - Any nationality for European track; EU/Associated Country nationals or long-term residents for Global track - Applicants meeting the strict cross-border mobility rule (≤12 months in host country in prior 36 months) - Researchers with a named host supervisor and institution in an EU member state or associated country - Projects with a clear career-development and training plan ## Key dates - 2026 call is open; consult the REA portal for the exact deadline - Single-stage application: researcher and host organisation apply jointly - 1-2 year duration for European Fellowship; 2-3 years (incl. 1-year mandatory return) for Global Fellowship ## Tips for applicants - Mobility is a gating rule: verify you have not spent more than 12 months in the proposed host country in the 36 months before submission. - The Global Fellowship outgoing phase must be in a non-associated Third Country; the mandatory return year brings you back to an EU/Associated Country institution. - If your previous-year score was below 80%, check resubmission restrictions before investing effort in a reapplication. ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is a REA Postdoctoral Fellowship? 1-2 years for the European Fellowship; 2-3 years for the Global Fellowship, which includes a mandatory 1-year return phase in an EU/Associated Country. ### Who is eligible for a REA Postdoctoral Fellowship? Researchers within 8 years of their PhD. The European track is open to any nationality; the Global track requires EU/Associated Country nationality or long-term residency status. ### What is the mobility rule for REA Postdoctoral Fellowships? You must not have spent more than 12 months in the host country in the 36 months before your application deadline. ### Does REA Postdoctoral Fellowship pay a salary? No, it provides a living allowance, mobility costs, and family allowances (where applicable) through the host institution, rather than a fixed salary. ### Can I reapply if my previous REA Postdoctoral Fellowship application scored below 80%? Resubmission restrictions apply for scores below 80% from the prior year; check the funder's resubmission policy before planning a follow-up application. --- Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/rea-postdoctoral-fellowships-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying. **See which EU calls match your profile.** [Preview your matches in 30 seconds, no signup](https://grantsby.eu/demo?ref=llm_grant_md).