This programme is between rounds. The round described here has closed.

2026 call deadline not explicitly stated on page; check the Funding & Tenders portal for the exact date

Next round expected: 2026-09

MSCA

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 – Global Postdoctoral Fellowships

2–3 years (1–2 years outgoing + mandatory 1-year return phase)

2026 call deadline not explicitly stated on page; check the Funding & Tenders portal for the exact date

Last seen in a scan/import: 3 Jul 2026.

Catalog updated: 3 Jul 2026.

These timestamps are not source verification. Confirm the current deadline and your eligibility on the funder’s call page before applying.

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This call page belongs to the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship programme. The programme guide covers eligibility, budget, success rate and FAQ across every round.

The MSCA Global Postdoctoral Fellowship funds researchers to spend 1-2 years conducting research in a non-associated country (outgoing phase), followed by a mandatory 1-year return to an EU or Horizon Europe Associated Country institution. Open to researchers with at most 8 years post-PhD experience, the fellowship covers living, mobility, and family allowances. This structured return phase uniquely ensures researchers reintegrate their training into the European research landscape.

Details

Funder	MSCA
Duration	2–3 years (1–2 years outgoing + mandatory 1-year return phase)
Consortium	No
Application	Single stage — researcher applies together with a host organisation; includes mandatory return phase to EU/Associated Country
Frequency	Annual
Next round	2026-09
Career stage	Early-career opportunity

Eligibility & scope

Only nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries can apply. Outgoing phase in a non-associated Third Country, followed by mandatory 1-year return to EU/Associated Country. Max 8 years post-PhD; mobility rule applies to outgoing host country. Optional non-academic placement up to 6 months at fellowship end. Resubmission restrictions apply for scores below 80%.

Who Should Apply

•Researchers with a PhD and up to 8 years of full-time research experience
•EU or Horizon Europe Associated Country nationals, or long-term residents of such countries
•Applicants planning 1-2 years in a non-associated Third Country followed by return to Europe
•A clear career-development and training plan linking the outgoing and return phases
•Willingness to undergo mandatory return-phase institutional matching

Key Dates

•Annual deadline; exact 2026 date to be confirmed on the Funding and Tenders portal
•Single-stage application submitted jointly with the host organisation
•Total fellowship duration 2-3 years including mandatory 1-year EU return phase

Tips for Applicants

✓The return-phase host must be identified and committed upfront; a weak or generic return plan significantly weakens the proposal.
✓The outgoing mobility rule applies to the Third Country phase, confirm you meet it before submission.
✓Frame the outgoing phase as research training and the return phase as independent career consolidation; reviewers assess both halves equally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the MSCA Global Postdoctoral Fellowship?

2-3 years total: 1-2 years in a non-associated Third Country (outgoing phase) plus a mandatory 1-year return to an EU or Associated Country institution.

Who can apply for the MSCA Global Postdoctoral Fellowship?

Researchers with a PhD and at most 8 years of full-time research experience who are nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries.

Is the return phase mandatory?

Yes, all Global Fellowships include a compulsory 1-year return phase in an EU or Associated Country institution; the outgoing host must be in a non-associated Third Country.

Can I do a non-academic placement in a Global Fellowship?

Yes, an optional non-academic placement of up to 6 months is permitted at the end of the fellowship.

mscahorizon-europepostdoctoralglobal-mobilityfellowshipearly-careerreturn-phase

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