MSCA
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships fund international mobility for postdoctoral researchers. European (move within EU) and Global (go outside, then return). €5,100-6,740/month depending on country.
Evaluation Criteria
- 1Excellence (50%): quality and credibility of research, novelty, training programme
- 2Impact (30%): career development, dissemination, communication
- 3Implementation (20%): work plan, host capacity, feasibility
Proposal Structure
- •Part B1 (max 10 pages): Excellence + Impact
- •Part B2: Implementation, work packages, Gantt chart, host capacity
- •Supervision and hosting arrangements
- •Ethics considerations
- •Career development plan
Common Mistakes
- ×Not demonstrating clear two-way knowledge transfer
- ×Weak career development plan
- ×Choosing a host supervisor without complementary expertise
- ×Not explaining WHY this specific host institution
- ×Ignoring the training aspects — it's not just a research grant
Success Tips
- ✓The mobility rule is strict — check eligibility carefully
- ✓Your career development narrative should show a clear trajectory
- ✓Include secondments to add value and show international networking
- ✓Publications and your independence matter — show you are ready for this
- ✓The supervisor letter should be specific to YOUR project
Frequently Asked Questions
+Who is eligible for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships?
Researchers with a PhD (or equivalent experience) of maximum 8 years full-time research experience post-PhD at the call deadline. You must comply with the mobility rule: not having resided or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the 36 months before the deadline.
+What is the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship stipend?
MSCA provides a monthly living allowance of €5,080, plus a €1,000 mobility allowance and additional family, long-term leave, and special needs allowances where applicable. Country correction coefficients apply. The fellowship duration is 12–24 months (European) or 24–36 months (Global).
+What is the difference between European and Global Postdoctoral Fellowships?
European Fellowships fund 12–24 months in an EU or Associated Country. Global Fellowships fund 12–24 months outside Europe plus a mandatory 12-month return phase in an EU/Associated Country — a total of 24–36 months.
+What is the MSCA mobility rule?
You must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies) in the host country for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline. This rule is strictly enforced and exceptions are rare.
+What is the MSCA success rate?
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship success rates vary by year and panel but typically range from 15% to 18% overall, with significant variation between disciplines (ENV, ECO, LIF, MAT, PHY, etc.).
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