REA (Research Executive Agency)
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 – Global 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 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 | REA (Research Executive Agency) |
| 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.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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