NWO

NWO Rubicon 2026-2

Salary + bench fee abroad, up to 24 months| Deadline: 1 September 2026 (75 days)|Up to 24 months

Round 2026-2 closes 1 Sep 2026 14:00 CEST; round 2026-3 closes 1 Dec 2026

Last verified: 18 June 2026

NWO Rubicon funds researchers who completed their PhD in the Netherlands to gain international research experience abroad for up to 24 months, with salary and research bench fees covering €100,000-€250,000. The scheme targets early-career researchers seeking to build independence outside the Netherlands before returning to establish themselves in Dutch academia. Rubicon runs three annual rounds, with applications evaluated on scientific quality and career-development potential.

Details

Funder	NWO
Budget	Salary + bench fee abroad, up to 24 months
Deadline	1 September 2026
Duration	Up to 24 months
Consortium	No — individual researcher + host institution abroad
Application	Single-stage
Frequency	Three rounds in 2026 (Mar/Sep/Dec); two rounds/year from 2027
Next round	2026-12
Career stage	Early-career opportunity
Eligible countries	NL

Eligibility & scope

NWO/ZonMw Rubicon funds researchers who obtained their PhD in the Netherlands to gain international experience at a research institution abroad. Outgoing-mobility scheme: applicant origin is NL, host institution is outside NL.

Who Should Apply

•Researchers who completed their PhD at a Dutch institution within the past few years
•Applicants with a confirmed postdoctoral position at a host institution outside the Netherlands
•Early-career researchers building independence before establishing themselves in Dutch academia
•All research disciplines eligible via NWO/ZonMw

Key Dates

•Deadline for round 2026-2: 1 September 2026 at 14:00 CEST
•Next deadline round 2026-3: 1 December 2026
•Single-stage application process, up to 24 months fellowship duration

Tips for Applicants

✓Rubicon is an outgoing-mobility scheme: you must have a confirmed host institution abroad before applying, a letter of commitment from the supervisor strengthens your case.
✓The panel prioritises career development and independence; frame your time abroad as a stepping stone to your own research line back in the Netherlands, not just a lab role.
✓Apply in the round that fits your timeline, with three rounds per year in 2026, you have flexibility to align with your host institution's onboarding dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the NWO Rubicon fellowship pay?

Rubicon covers a salary and bench fee abroad, with a total budget of €100,000-€250,000 over the fellowship period.

Who is eligible for NWO Rubicon?

Researchers who obtained their PhD at a Dutch institution and have a position at a host institution outside the Netherlands.

How long is an NWO Rubicon fellowship?

Up to 24 months of postdoctoral research abroad.

How often does NWO Rubicon have a deadline?

Three rounds in 2026 (March, September, December); two rounds per year from 2027 onwards.

Do I need a host institution confirmed before applying for Rubicon?

Yes, Rubicon is an outgoing-mobility scheme, so you must have a confirmed position and supervisor commitment at your host institution abroad.

nworubiconpostdoctoralearly-careermobility-grantnetherlandsoutgoing-mobility

Related on Grantsby

NWO writing tips & FAQ
Evaluation criteria, proposal structure, common mistakes.
How to Write a Winning NWO Veni Proposal
Domain choice, the scored knowledge utilisation paragraph, the preproposal, and the interview.

View full call → NWO writing tips

Share ✉ Email X LinkedIn WhatsApp

Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.