International Scholarship ยท European Union

Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA)

The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships support experienced researchers holding a PhD to carry out research abroad, acquire new skills, and develop their careers through international and inter-sectoral mobility. The program offers two fellowship types: European Fellowships for mobility within or into Europe, and Global Fellowships for research outside Europe.

Dates UnconfirmedExpected: Varies - confirm on official siteOfficial Portal โ†’

Quick Facts

Status

Funding

Fully Funded

Deadline

Varies - confirm on official site

Country

EU flagEuropean Union
Official Website โ†’
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About the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships

๐Ÿ• 3 min read

The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships are designed to support the careers of researchers and promote excellence in research. The program targets researchers who hold a PhD and wish to gain experience in new countries, disciplines, and non-academic sectors.

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European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to researchers moving within Europe or coming to Europe from other parts of the world. These fellowships take place in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country and last between 1 and 2 years.

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Global Postdoctoral Fellowships fund the mobility of researchers outside Europe. These fellowships last between 2 and 3 years, consisting of an initial 1 to 2 years in a non-associated Third Country, followed by a mandatory 1-year return phase to an organization in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country.

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Both fellowship types may include short-term secondments anywhere in the world, except during the return phase of a Global Fellowship. Additionally, researchers may receive support for a placement of up to 6 months in a non-academic organization based in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country at the end of their fellowship.

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Interested researchers must submit an application jointly with a host organization, which can be a university, research institution, business, SME, or other organization based in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. All research disciplines are eligible.

Eligible Levels

PhD

Eligible Fields

All research disciplinesEuratom Research and Training Programme areas
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Why Choose This Scholarship?

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Supports career development through international and inter-sectoral mobility

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Provides comprehensive funding for living, research, and training costs

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Allows for placements in non-academic sectors to build professional bridges

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Open to researchers of any nationality for European Fellowships

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Offers the Seal of Excellence for high-scoring proposals that cannot be funded due to budget constraints

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What the Scholarship Covers

Living allowance
Mobility allowance
Family allowance (if applicable)
Long-term leave allowance (if applicable)
Special needs allowance (if applicable)
Funding for research, training, and networking activities
Coverage of management and indirect costs
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Eligibility Requirements

5 requirements

Must hold a PhD degree at the time of the application deadline (or have successfully defended a doctoral thesis)
Maximum of 8 years of research experience from the date of the PhD award
Must comply with mobility rules: must not have resided or worked in the country of the host organization for more than 12 months in the 36 months before the call deadline
For Global Fellowships: must be a national or long-term resident of an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country
For Euratom research: must be a national or long-term resident of an EU Member State or Euratom Associated Country
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Documents Checklist

3 documents required

1Proposal (including all annexes)
2Administrative forms
3Self-assessment tool for 8-years research experience calculation
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How to Apply - Step by Step

1

Identify the appropriate fellowship type (European or Global)

2

Find a host organization and supervisor to develop the research project

3

Register the organization to obtain a PIC number

4

Prepare the application jointly with the host organization

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Submit the proposal through the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal

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Application Timeline

1

Varies

Call Opening

Check Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal

2

Varies

Submission Deadline

Specified on the call page

3

Post-deadline

Evaluation

Conducted by external experts

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Insider Tips & Pro Tips

TIP 1

Use the Euraxess portal to find hosting offers and expressions of interest from research institutions

TIP 2

Contact the National Contact Point in your country for guidance on participation and rules

TIP 3

Check the specific guidelines on the calculation of 8-years research experience before applying

TIP 4

Submit your proposal as early as possible to avoid technical issues near the deadline

TIP 5

Review the Guide for Applicants and MSCA Work Programme for detailed financial and rule information

TIP 6

Use the self-assessment tool provided on the portal to verify your eligibility regarding research experience

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Frequently Asked Questions

3 questions - click any to expand

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Yes, applicants who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but have not yet formally been awarded the degree are considered eligible.

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For European Postdoctoral Fellowships, researchers of any nationality can apply. For Global Postdoctoral Fellowships, only nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries are eligible.

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It is a quality label awarded to applications with a total score of 85% or higher that cannot be funded due to budget limitations.

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Applications Currently Closed

This scholarship is expected to reopen in Varies - confirm on official site. Use this time to prepare your documents and polish your application.

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Accuracy notice: Information on this page was verified as of May 2026. Scholarship details - including deadlines, eligibility criteria, and required documents - can change without notice. Always confirm the latest requirements on the official website before submitting your application.

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Reopens: Varies - confirm on official site

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