MSCA

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026

~€220,000 (living + mobility + research, 24 months)| Deadline: 15 September 2026 (2 days)|12-24 months

Call opens April 9, 2026

Last updated: 6 Sept 2026

Deadline in 2 days. Add it to your calendar, then see what else you're eligible for. See my matches →

This is the current call of the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship programme. The programme guide covers eligibility, budget, success rate and FAQ across every round.

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships fund researchers with a PhD to conduct independent research abroad for 12 to 24 months, with living allowances, mobility support, and research costs covered. The scheme targets early-career researchers seeking international placements and supports both European Fellowships (staying within Europe) and Global Fellowships (outgoing to a non-associated country plus mandatory return year). Calls open annually in spring, with evaluation decided on scientific merit and career-development fit.

Details

Funder	MSCA
Budget	~€220,000 (living + mobility + research, 24 months)
Deadline	15 September 2026
Duration	12-24 months
Consortium	No — individual + host institution
Application	Single-stage
TRL	Any
Frequency	Annual
Next round	2027-04
Career stage	Early-career opportunity

Eligibility & scope

Open to postdoctoral researchers of any nationality with up to 8 years research experience post-PhD, in any scientific field including Euratom research. Applicants must apply jointly with a prospective supervisor and host organisation; Global Fellowships require a third-country host plus a mandatory 12-month return phase in Europe.

Who Should Apply

•Researchers with a PhD and at most 8 years full-time research experience
•Applicants willing to relocate internationally to meet the cross-border mobility rule
•A clear fit between candidate research interests, supervisor expertise, and host environment
•Researchers with a structured career-development and training plan for the placement

Key Dates

•Deadline 15 September 2026 (call opens 9 April 2026)
•Single-stage written evaluation
•12 to 24 month fellowship duration

Tips for Applicants

✓The mobility rule is strict: you cannot have lived in the host country more than 12 months in the 3 years before the deadline, verify your eligibility early.
✓Career development and training plan outweigh raw research novelty; show how the placement advances your independent career trajectory.
✓A named, committed supervisor with a strong hosting record on prior MSCA schemes significantly boosts your implementation score.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship pay?

Approximately €220,000 over 24 months, covering living allowances, mobility costs, and research expenses; the exact amount depends on the host country and family status.

How long is an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship?

Between 12 and 24 months; Global Fellowships add a mandatory 12-month return phase to a non-associated country.

Who is eligible for an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship?

Researchers with a PhD and at most 8 years of full-time research experience who meet the cross-border mobility rule (not having lived in the host country more than 12 months in the prior 3 years).

Can I apply for an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship if I'm already working in my host country?

Only if you have lived there less than 12 months in the 3 years before the deadline; if you have, you must choose a different host institution in another country.

mscahorizon-europepostdoctoralearly-careermobility-grantfellowshipcareer-development

Related on Grantsby

MSCA writing tips & FAQ
Evaluation criteria, proposal structure, common mistakes.
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship, full programme guide
Eligibility, budget, success rates, application timeline, FAQ.
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship past winners & funded projects
Recent recipients, host institutions, and funded project titles. See who tends to win before you apply.
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship: The Application Checklist
Mobility rule, supervisor fit, Part B structure, and the common rejection reasons that sink first-time applicants.
How to Write the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship Proposal
Excellence, Impact, and Implementation: how the three criteria are scored and where applicants lose points.