European Commission (REA)
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 (HORIZON-MSCA-2026-PF-01-01)
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MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships fund experienced researchers to undertake 1-2 year placements abroad (European Fellowship) or up to 3 years with mandatory return mobility (Global Fellowship), with living allowances and mobility top-ups paid through the host institution. Open to researchers holding a PhD with at most 8 years of full-time research experience who satisfy the cross-border mobility rule. This annual Horizon Europe call emphasises career development and training alongside scientific quality.
Details
| Funder | European Commission (REA) |
| Duration | 1-2 years (European Fellowship) or up to 3 years (Global Fellowship) |
| Consortium | Required — minimum 3 entities from 3 EU member states (Horizon Europe standard) |
| Application | Single stage |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Career stage | Early-career opportunity |
Eligibility & scope
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships support experienced researchers (post-PhD) undertaking international/intersectoral mobility. Applicants must not have resided in the host country for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to the deadline. Individual fellowships; no consortium required. Proposals submitted in English.
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers holding a PhD with up to 8 years of full-time research experience
- •Applicants willing to relocate internationally; mobility rule requires not residing in host country more than 12 months in the 3 years before deadline
- •Individual applicants with a named, committed supervisor and strong host research environment
- •Projects with a clear career-development and training component, not only science
Key Dates
- •Annual deadline (check EU Funding & Tenders Portal for 2026 exact date)
- •Single-stage written evaluation
- •12-24 months for European Fellowship; up to 3 years for Global Fellowship (includes 12-month mandatory return phase)
Tips for Applicants
- ✓The mobility rule is gating, verify you do not have more than 12 months continuous or cumulative residence in the host country in the 3 years before the deadline.
- ✓Evaluation prioritises the career-development and training plan; spend as much space justifying how the fellowship advances your independence as on the science.
- ✓A named, named supervisor with a strong MSCA track record in prior fellowships strengthens the implementation and feasibility scoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship?
European Fellowships last 12-24 months; Global Fellowships last up to 3 years total, including a 12-month mandatory return phase to Europe.
Who is eligible for an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship?
Researchers with a PhD and at most 8 years of full-time research experience who have not resided in the host country for more than 12 months in the 3 years before the deadline.
Does the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship pay a salary?
No; it pays a monthly living allowance, plus mobility allowances and family allowances where applicable, through the host institution.
What is the difference between European and Global Fellowships?
European Fellowships are 12-24 months within Europe; Global Fellowships add an outgoing phase (up to 24 months) to a non-EU associated country, then require a 12-month return to Europe.
Related on Grantsby
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