# MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships (HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-GF)

**Funder:** REA (Research Executive Agency)
**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

Global Fellowships for nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Associated Countries, involving an outgoing phase at a non-EU/Associated Country host and a mandatory return phase. Researchers must have a PhD and ≤8 years full-time research experience at deadline. Mobility rule applies. Full-time employment required as a rule.

## Summary

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships, Global Fellowships fund researchers with PhDs to spend 12-24 months working outside Europe, followed by a mandatory 12-month return phase in an EU or Associated Country host institution. Open to EU nationals or long-term residents of EU/Associated Countries, the fellowship covers living, mobility and family allowances through the host. This call is ideal for postdoctoral researchers seeking to build international networks and develop independence before returning to establish their career in Europe.

## Who should apply

- Researchers with a PhD and ≤8 years full-time research experience at the deadline
- EU nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Associated Countries
- Applicants planning a structured outgoing phase at a non-EU/Associated host, then return to Europe
- A clear career-development plan linking the third country placement to future independence

## Key dates

- Deadline: 9 September 2026
- Single-stage written evaluation
- 12-24 month outgoing phase plus 12-month mandatory return phase

## Tips for applicants

- The mandatory return phase is binding, ensure your European host institution is committed to support reintegration and is named in the proposal from day one.
- Global Fellowships score heavily on the training and career-independence plan; detail what you will learn abroad and how you will apply it on return, not only the host institution's prestige.
- The mobility rule gates entry: you cannot have lived in your chosen return country (EU/Associated) for more than 12 months in the 3 years before the deadline.

## Frequently asked questions

### How long is an MSCA Global Fellowship?

12-24 months spent working at a non-EU/Associated Country host, followed by a mandatory 12-month return phase in the EU or an Associated Country.

### Who is eligible for MSCA Global Fellowships?

Researchers with a PhD and ≤8 years of full-time research experience who are EU nationals or long-term residents of an EU Member State or Associated Country, and meet the cross-border mobility rule.

### What does the MSCA Global Fellowship pay?

A monthly living allowance, mobility allowance and, where applicable, family allowances, paid through the host institution during both outgoing and return phases.

### Can I choose any non-EU country for the outgoing phase?

Yes, any country outside the EU and Associated Countries is eligible as the outgoing host, provided the host institution meets REA requirements.

### Is the return phase to Europe compulsory?

Yes, a 12-month return phase at an EU or Associated Country host institution is mandatory and must be planned from the outset.

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