European Commission (REA)
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026
5 p.m. CEST; internal Carleton cuResearch Approval Form due September 2, 2026
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MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships fund experienced researchers to relocate across borders for 12-24 months (European Fellowship) or up to 36 months including a mandatory return phase (Global Fellowship), with living allowances, mobility grants, and family top-ups paid through the host institution. The call welcomes PhD holders of any nationality, with European Fellowships open in EU/Associated Countries and Global Fellowships supporting outgoing phases to non-associated countries followed by return to Europe. This annual call supports career-restart, reintegration, and displaced researchers alongside traditional postdoctoral mobility, and welcomes non-academic hosts.
Details
| Funder | European Commission (REA) |
| Budget | EUR 399.05 million (total call budget) |
| Deadline | 9 September 2026 |
| Duration | 12–24 months (European Fellowships); 24–36 months total (Global Fellowships: 12–24 months outgoing + 12 months return phase) |
| Consortium | Required — minimum 3 entities from 3 EU member states (Horizon Europe standard) |
| Application | Single stage: joint application by researcher and host institution submitted to the European Commission |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Career stage | Early-career opportunity |
Eligibility & scope
Open to PhD holders of any nationality. European Fellowships: any nationality, hosted in EU/Associated Country. Global Fellowships: European nationals or long-term residents, outgoing phase at a non-associated Third Country (e.g. Canada/Carleton), mandatory 12-month return phase to EU/Associated Country host. Supports inter-sectoral, interdisciplinary, and international mobility; also open to career-restart and conflict-displaced researchers.
Who Should Apply
- •PhD holders with up to 8 years of full-time research experience
- •Researchers willing to relocate across borders to satisfy the mobility rule
- •Applicants seeking a career restart, reintegration, or displaced-researcher support
- •A strong fit between candidate, supervisor, and host research environment or non-academic sector partner
- •Projects with a clear training and career-development plan
Key Dates
- •Deadline 9 September 2026, 5 p.m. CEST
- •Single-stage application; joint submission by researcher and host institution
- •12-24 months for European Fellowships; 24-36 months total for Global Fellowships (including 12-month return phase)
Tips for Applicants
- ✓The cross-border mobility rule is gating: you cannot have lived in the host country more than 12 months in the 3 years before the deadline.
- ✓Career-development and training plan score weight is high; frame your personal and scientific growth trajectory, not just the research hypothesis.
- ✓Global Fellowships require a committed return-phase host; identify and secure this early, a weak or missing return commitment sinks the Global application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship?
European Fellowships run 12-24 months; Global Fellowships are 24-36 months total, comprising 12-24 months outgoing to a non-associated country plus a mandatory 12-month return to an EU/Associated Country host.
Who is eligible for an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship?
PhD holders of any nationality for European Fellowships; Global Fellowships are limited to European nationals or long-term residents. All applicants must meet the cross-border mobility rule.
Does the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship pay a salary?
It pays a living allowance, mobility allowance, and family allowances (where applicable) through the host institution rather than a fixed salary.
Can I apply to a non-academic organisation as a host?
Yes, MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships explicitly support inter-sectoral mobility, including hosts in the private and public non-research sectors.
What is the total budget for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026?
The total call budget is EUR 399.05 million.
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