MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 | Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Research Fellowship Apply Online

Recruitment Details:
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) has announced the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 for talented and innovative researchers holding a Ph.D. degree. The programme supports advanced research, international collaboration, interdisciplinary exposure and career development through mobility across academic and non-academic sectors.

The fellowship enables researchers to work with universities, research institutions, industries, public organisations and innovation ecosystems while developing independent research careers.

Recruitment Name: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026
Programme Code: HORIZON-MSCA-2026-PF-01-01
Notification Number: Not Separately Mentioned
Programme Type: International Research Fellowship
Funding Body: European Union

Important Dates:
Application Starting Date: 09 April 2026
Last Date of Application: 09 September 2026 (17:00 Brussels Time – CEST)
Expected Result Notification: February 2027 (Indicative)
Grant Agreement Preparation: February–May 2027 (Indicative)
Expected Project Start: From May 2027 onwards (Indicative)

Vacancy Details (Subject / Field Wise):
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships are open across all disciplines and research domains.

Eligible Subject Areas Include:

• Science
• Engineering
• Technology
• Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Science
• Medical & Health Sciences
• Biotechnology
• Environmental Science
• Agriculture
• Social Sciences
• Economics
• Commerce
• Management
• Education
• Arts & Humanities
• Interdisciplinary Research

Fellowship Streams:

European Postdoctoral Fellowships:

• Open to researchers of any nationality.
• Research carried out in Europe.
• Host organisation must be located in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country.
• Fellowship Duration: 12–24 Months.

Global Postdoctoral Fellowships:

• Open to nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries.
• Includes outgoing research phase outside Europe followed by a mandatory return phase.
• Fellowship Duration: 24–36 Months total.

Additional Opportunity:
Researchers may choose an optional non-academic placement of up to 6 months at the end of the fellowship in Europe, including industry, business, SMEs, NGOs, hospitals or public organisations.

Eligibility Criteria:

Educational Qualification:
Applicants must hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) or have successfully defended their doctoral thesis before the application deadline.

Research Experience Requirement:
Maximum 8 years of full-time equivalent research experience from the date of PhD award.

Exceptions may apply for:

• Career breaks
• Time outside research activities
• Research conducted outside Europe for eligible returning researchers

Mobility Rule:
Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the host country for more than 12 months during the previous 36 months before the deadline.

Joint Application Requirement:
Applications must be submitted jointly with:

• Prospective Supervisor
• Future Host Organisation
  (University, Research Institute, Company or Public Organisation)

Financial Support / Fellowship Benefits:
Selected fellows receive financial support under EU funding provisions including:

• Living Allowance
• Mobility Allowance
• Family Allowance (where applicable)
• Long-Term Leave Support
• Special Needs Support
• Research & Training Costs
• Networking Activities Support
• Institutional Management & Indirect Costs

How to Apply:
Step 1: Visit the official MSCA fellowship portal.
Step 2: Identify a suitable host organisation and supervisor.
Step 3: Review eligibility and mobility requirements.
Step 4: Prepare research proposal and supporting documents.
Step 5: Register on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
Step 6: Complete the online application process.
Step 7: Submit the proposal before the closing date.

Applicants should submit applications carefully and verify all required documents before final submission.

About the Programme:
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) is one of the European Union’s flagship research and innovation programmes designed to support researchers at different stages of their careers. The programme promotes international collaboration, mobility, knowledge transfer and interdisciplinary research excellence. MSCA fellowships provide researchers with opportunities to strengthen research skills, build global networks and contribute to scientific and societal advancement.

Official Website: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/whats-new/news/msca-opens-eu399-million-call-for-postdoctoral-fellowships

Source: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/postdoctoral-fellowships