REA (Research Executive Agency)
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 – European Postdoctoral Fellowships
2026 call deadline not explicitly stated on page; check the Funding & Tenders portal for the exact date
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The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship (European track) funds researchers to spend 1-2 years at a host institution in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country, with a monthly living allowance plus mobility and family top-ups paid through the host. Open to researchers of any nationality holding a PhD with up to 8 years post-PhD experience, subject to a strict mobility rule: you cannot have lived or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the three years before the deadline. The 2026 call opens annually and operates a single-stage evaluation.
Details
| Funder | REA (Research Executive Agency) |
| Duration | 1–2 years |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | Single stage — researcher applies together with a host organisation |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Next round | 2026-09 |
| Career stage | Early-career opportunity |
Eligibility & scope
Open to researchers of any nationality holding a PhD (max 8 years post-PhD). Fellowship takes place in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. Strict mobility rule: applicant must not have resided/worked in the host country >12 months in the 36 months before deadline. Euratom areas require EU/Euratom nationality. Resubmission restrictions apply for scores below 80% from prior year.
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers holding a PhD with up to 8 years full-time research experience
- •Applicants from any nationality meeting the mobility rule (not based in host country >12 months in prior 3 years)
- •Any research field eligible; Euratom areas require EU or Euratom citizenship
- •Strong fit between candidate qualifications, supervisor track record, and host research environment
Key Dates
- •Annual deadline (2026 call deadline on Funding & Tenders portal; confirm exact date before applying)
- •Single-stage written evaluation
- •12-24 month fellowship duration
Tips for Applicants
- ✓The mobility rule is a hard gate: check that you have not spent more than 12 months in the host country during the 36 months before the deadline; breaches disqualify regardless of score.
- ✓Evaluation weight sits heavily on career development and training plan rather than scientific excellence alone; articulate how the fellowship advances your independence and career trajectory.
- ✓If you scored below 80% in a prior year, resubmission carries restrictions, consult the call text and the feedback letter before reapplying with the same proposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship?
The European Postdoctoral Fellowship lasts 12 to 24 months. The Global track (if applicable in future calls) adds an additional 12-month mandatory return phase.
Who is eligible for an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship?
Researchers holding a PhD with at most 8 years post-PhD experience from any nationality, provided they meet the mobility rule (not resident/employed in the host country more than 12 months in the prior 36 months).
What does the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship pay?
A monthly living allowance plus mobility and family allowances (where applicable), paid to the host institution rather than as a fixed salary.
Can I apply for an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship if I am currently working abroad?
Yes, provided your cumulative time in the host country in the 36 months before the deadline does not exceed 12 months; time spent elsewhere does not count against you.
Is the interview part of the selection process?
No, the European Postdoctoral Fellowship uses single-stage written evaluation only; there is no interview stage.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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