MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026: €399 Million Fully Funded Research Opportunity (Apply by Sept 9)

Application Deadline: September 9, 2026 (17:00 CEST)

The European Commission has officially opened the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026, with an indicative budget of €399.05 million for postdoctoral researchers ready to take their work across borders. Designed for PhD holders in all disciplines, this prestigious programme supports advanced research, international mobility, and long-term career development in Europe and beyond.

Quick Facts

About the Opportunity

For researchers trying to move from “qualified” to “internationally competitive,” this is one of the strongest fellowship calls currently open. The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 are designed for PhD holders who want to carry out research abroad, build new skills, and strengthen their academic or non-academic career path through structured mobility and training.

There are two fellowship tracks under this call. The first is the European Postdoctoral Fellowship, which supports researchers moving within Europe or coming to Europe from anywhere in the world for 12 to 24 months. The second is the Global Postdoctoral Fellowship, which supports outgoing research mobility outside Europe for 24 to 36 months, including a mandatory return year to Europe.

What makes this fellowship especially attractive is its flexibility. It is open across all academic disciplines, and host institutions can include universities, research institutes, businesses, SMEs, NGOs, and other eligible organisations. Fellows may also include secondments and even a non-academic placement of up to 6 months at the end of the project, which can be a serious advantage for researchers interested in industry, innovation, or policy-facing careers.

This opportunity is officially offered by Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, and applicants should apply through the official application portal.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026, applicants should generally meet the following conditions:

• You must hold a PhD by the application deadline
• Applicants who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but have not yet formally received the degree may still apply
• You must have no more than 8 years of research experience from the date your PhD was awarded
• Career breaks and time spent outside research are not counted toward the 8-year limit
• For certain reintegration cases, some research experience in third countries may also be excluded from the count
• You must satisfy the mobility rule, meaning you should not have lived or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the 36 months before the deadline
• For Global Fellowships, only nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries can apply
• From 2026 onward, resubmission restrictions apply to applications that scored below 80% in the previous year’s call

You may also like: Kapor Foundation Research Fellowship 2026 in the USA ($35,000 for Journalists and Policy Researchers)

Benefits

Successful fellows receive support that goes beyond just a salary. The programme is structured to fund both the researcher and the project environment.

Financial Support

• Living allowance
• Mobility allowance
• Family allowance (where applicable)
• Long-term leave allowance (if applicable)
• Special needs allowance (if applicable)

Project & Career Support

• Funding for research activities
• Support for training and networking
• Coverage for management and indirect costs
• Access to international collaboration and cross-sector exposure
• Strong career value for both academic and non-academic pathways

Who Should Apply

This fellowship is a strong fit for researchers who already have a PhD and are now looking for a serious international platform to grow their work. If you want to deepen your expertise, reposition your research profile, or move into a stronger institution, this is the kind of programme that can reshape your next few years.

It is especially suitable for:

• Early-career and mid-stage postdoctoral researchers
• PhD holders aiming to build an international research track record
• Applicants seeking a European host institution
• Researchers interested in interdisciplinary or intersectoral experience
• Scholars who want structured mentorship, mobility, and stronger long-term career visibility

Application Process

The official guidance encourages applicants to prepare early and work closely with a host organisation. The application is submitted jointly, not individually.

Simple Step-by-Step Process

1. Confirm your eligibility
   Check your PhD status, research experience, and mobility history carefully.
2. Choose the right fellowship type
   Decide whether you are applying for a European Fellowship or a Global Fellowship.
3. Find a host organisation and supervisor
   You can use your academic network, EURAXESS, the MSCA Matchmaking platform, or research job portals to identify a suitable host.
4. Develop your proposal jointly
   Work with your supervisor/host to shape the research idea, impact plan, and implementation strategy.
5. Review your draft carefully
   The MSCA guidance recommends checking your proposal with experts, National Contact Points, alumni, or institutional support teams before submission.
6. Submit through the official Funding & Tenders Portal
   Proposals must be submitted before September 9, 2026 at 17:00 CEST. You can edit or withdraw your proposal until the deadline. Results are expected around February 2027.

How to Apply

If you already have a host institution or research supervisor in mind, this is a good time to begin shaping your proposal and reviewing the official call requirements carefully. The strongest MSCA applications are usually prepared well before the deadline, especially for candidates planning international mobility.

The official 2026 call page