The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA-PF) 2026 are among the most prestigious research funding opportunities in Europe. Supported through the European Union's Horizon Europe programme, these fellowships help experienced researchers advance their careers by conducting innovative research projects while gaining valuable international experience.

The 2026 call officially opens on 9 April 2026, with applications closing on 9 September 2026. Researchers from around the world are encouraged to submit proposals in collaboration with eligible host institutions located in European Union Member States or countries associated with Horizon Europe.

Beyond financial support, the fellowship provides researchers with the opportunity to strengthen their research profile, develop new skills, expand international networks, and improve long-term career prospects in academia or industry.

This guide explains everything prospective applicants need to know about the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026, including funding, eligibility, benefits, and the application process.

What Are the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships?

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships are designed to support experienced researchers who want to broaden their expertise through international mobility and high-quality research.

The programme encourages researchers to explore innovative research ideas while working closely with a host institution. It also promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and cooperation between academic and non-academic sectors.

Unlike traditional research grants, the fellowship focuses equally on research excellence and professional development. Fellows receive structured training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and practical experience that prepare them for future leadership positions in research.

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 Call Dates

Applicants should carefully note the official application timeline.

Because proposal preparation often requires several months, researchers are encouraged to begin discussions with potential host institutions well before the official deadline.

Objectives of the MSCA-PF Programme

The fellowship aims to develop researchers who can address global challenges through innovative research and international collaboration.

Its primary objectives include:

• Supporting outstanding postdoctoral researchers
• Encouraging international mobility
• Promoting interdisciplinary research
• Building collaboration between academic and non-academic sectors
• Improving researchers' transferable skills
• Strengthening Europe's research and innovation capacity

Applicants are expected to present an original research proposal that demonstrates scientific excellence and strong career development potential.

Who Can Apply?

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships are intended for experienced researchers who have already earned a doctoral degree.

Successful applicants generally must:

• Hold a PhD before the application deadline
• Demonstrate research experience relevant to the proposed project
• Meet the programme's mobility requirements
• Apply jointly with an eligible host institution
• Present a high-quality research proposal

Researchers from any nationality are eligible, making the programme one of Europe's most internationally competitive funding opportunities.

Eligible Host Institutions

Applicants must be hosted by an eligible organisation located in:

• European Union Member States
• Horizon Europe Associated Countries

Host organisations may include:

• Universities
• Research institutes
• Government research centres
• Hospitals
• Private companies
• Non-profit organisations
• Innovation centres

The host institution plays a significant role by providing supervision, research facilities, training opportunities, and administrative support throughout the fellowship.

Why International Mobility Matters

One of the defining features of the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships is international mobility.

Researchers are encouraged to move to another country to conduct their research. This mobility enables fellows to:

• Access world-class research facilities
• Learn new research methodologies
• Collaborate with leading experts
• Build international professional networks
• Experience different research cultures

International experience often improves future academic and professional opportunities.

Interdisciplinary and Intersectoral Research

The programme strongly encourages research that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Applicants are encouraged to integrate methods and perspectives from multiple fields to solve complex research problems.

The fellowship also supports collaboration between:

• Universities
• Industry
• Public institutions
• Non-governmental organisations
• Innovation partners

This approach helps researchers gain practical experience while improving the societal impact of their work.

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship Funding

One of the biggest attractions of the programme is its generous funding package.

Successful researchers receive financial support that covers salary, mobility, and other career-related expenses.

Living Allowance

Researchers receive a monthly living allowance of €6,350.A national correction coefficient is applied depending on the country where the fellowship is hosted.

Mobility Contribution

Each fellow receives:

• €710 per month

This contribution helps cover relocation and mobility-related expenses during the fellowship.

Family Contribution

Researchers with qualifying family responsibilities may receive:

• €660 per month

This additional support helps reduce the financial burden associated with international relocation.

Institutional Funding

In addition to funding provided directly to researchers, the programme also supports the host institution.

Research, Training and Networking Contribution

Host organisations receive:

• €1,000 per month

This funding supports:

• Research materials
• Laboratory costs
• Conferences
• Networking activities
• Professional training
• Skills development

Management and Indirect Costs

Host institutions also receive:

• €650 per month

These funds help cover project administration and institutional overhead costs.

Benefits of the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships

The programme offers much more than financial support.

Successful fellows gain access to numerous professional development opportunities.

Some of the major benefits include:

Career Development

Researchers strengthen their scientific profile while acquiring new technical and transferable skills.

These experiences often improve competitiveness for future academic positions and research grants.

International Collaboration

Working with researchers from different countries creates long-lasting professional partnerships.

These collaborations frequently continue long after the fellowship ends.

Advanced Research Training

Participants receive specialised training tailored to their research goals.

Training may include:

• Research methods
• Leadership
• Project management
• Science communication
• Entrepreneurship
• Intellectual property management

Networking Opportunities

Researchers participate in:

• International conferences
• Scientific workshops
• Research exchanges
• Collaborative projects

These activities help expand professional networks across Europe and beyond.

Developing a Strong Research Proposal

The quality of the research proposal is one of the most important factors in the selection process.

Applicants should ensure their proposal demonstrates:

• Scientific excellence
• Originality
• Innovation
• Feasibility
• Clear methodology
• Expected impact
• Career development plans

A well-prepared proposal should also explain why the chosen host institution is the ideal environment for completing the research.

Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application

Preparing a successful MSCA application requires careful planning.

Consider the following recommendations:

Start Early

Begin identifying a host institution months before the application deadline.

Early collaboration provides enough time to refine the research proposal.

Choose the Right Supervisor

An experienced supervisor with expertise in your research field can significantly strengthen your application.

Demonstrate Impact

Explain how your research could benefit science, society, industry, or public policy.

Reviewers value projects with clear long-term impact.

Highlight Career Development

The fellowship is not only about conducting research.

Applicants should clearly explain how the project will help them develop new skills and achieve future career goals.

Follow the Official Guidelines

Carefully read all application instructions before submitting your proposal.

Missing documents or formatting errors can negatively affect evaluation.

Why Researchers Choose the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships

The MSCA programme has earned an excellent international reputation for supporting research excellence.

Researchers choose the fellowship because it provides:

• Competitive funding
• International mobility
• Access to leading research institutions
• High-quality mentorship
• Professional development
• Global networking opportunities
• Strong career progression

For many early-career researchers, the fellowship serves as a stepping stone toward permanent academic positions, independent research grants, or leadership roles in industry.

Preparing Before the 2026 Deadline

Since the application deadline falls on 9 September 2026, prospective applicants should begin preparing as soon as possible.

Preparation may include:

• Identifying suitable host institutions
• Contacting potential supervisors
• Refining research ideas
• Collecting supporting documents
• Reviewing eligibility requirements
• Drafting and revising the proposal
• Seeking feedback from experienced researchers

Starting early greatly improves the quality of the final application.

Official Website       Apply Now

Follow our Social Media Platforms: WhatsApp Groups | Facebook Page