The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme under Horizon Europe has officially opened applications for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026, targeting postdoctoral researchers from around the world.

The programme aims to support researchers in developing advanced professional skills through high-level training, while enhancing international, interdisciplinary, and inter-sectoral experience through research activities conducted in different countries. The total budget for the 2026 call is €399.05 million.

The Department of Science & Technology Management and International Cooperation would like to inform faculty members, researchers, and interested candidates about the programme with the following details:

1. Programme Information

  • Programme name: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026
  • Funding organization: European Commission – Horizon Europe
  • Target applicants: Researchers holding a PhD degree
  • Research fields: All scientific disciplines, including Euratom research
  • Expected number of funded projects: Approximately 1,600 projects

2. Fellowship Types

The programme includes:

European Postdoctoral Fellowships

  • Open to researchers of all nationalities;
  • Research projects are conducted in EU Member States or countries associated with Horizon Europe;
  • Funding duration of up to 24 months.

Global Postdoctoral Fellowships

  • Open to nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States and Horizon Europe associated countries;
  • Research activities are conducted in third countries for 12–24 months, followed by a mandatory 12-month return phase in Europe.

In addition, applicants may propose up to 6 additional months at non-academic organizations in Europe to strengthen practical experience and industry collaboration.

3. Eligibility Criteria

Applicants are required to meet the following conditions:

  • Hold a PhD degree;
  • Have a maximum of 08 years of research experience after obtaining the PhD degree;
  • Develop a research proposal jointly with a supervisor and host institution;
  • Conduct research at an eligible host institution, including:
    • Universities;
    • Research institutes;
    • Enterprises or SMEs;
    • Public authorities;
    • Hospitals, museums, NGOs, or other relevant organizations.

For Global Fellowships, applicants must obtain a commitment letter from the host organization in the third country where the research will be carried out.

4. Priority Groups

The programme particularly encourages applications from:

  • Researchers wishing to return to Europe for research activities;
  • Researchers affected by conflicts;
  • High-potential researchers seeking to restart their research careers.

5. ERA Fellowships

Applicants applying for a European Fellowship in “widening countries” or outermost regions of the EU may also be considered for the ERA Fellowships programme.

Approximately 40 ERA Fellowships will be awarded to high-quality proposals that are not selected under the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships due to budget limitations.

6. Tentative Timeline

  • Call opening date: April 9, 2026
  • Application deadline: September 9, 2026
  • Expected result announcement: February 2027
  • Expected grant agreement signing: February – May 2027
  • Expected project start date: From May 2027

7. Further Information

Detailed information about the programme is available HERE.