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.
Quick Facts
Status
Funding
Fully FundedDeadline
Varies - confirm on official site
Country
About the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Supports career development through international and inter-sectoral mobility
Provides comprehensive funding for living, research, and training costs
Allows for placements in non-academic sectors to build professional bridges
Open to researchers of any nationality for European Fellowships
Offers the Seal of Excellence for high-scoring proposals that cannot be funded due to budget constraints
What the Scholarship Covers
Eligibility Requirements
5 requirements
Documents Checklist
3 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Identify the appropriate fellowship type (European or Global)
Find a host organization and supervisor to develop the research project
Register the organization to obtain a PIC number
Prepare the application jointly with the host organization
Submit the proposal through the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal
Application Timeline
Varies
Call Opening
Check Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal
Varies
Submission Deadline
Specified on the call page
Post-deadline
Evaluation
Conducted by external experts
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Use the Euraxess portal to find hosting offers and expressions of interest from research institutions
Contact the National Contact Point in your country for guidance on participation and rules
Check the specific guidelines on the calculation of 8-years research experience before applying
Submit your proposal as early as possible to avoid technical issues near the deadline
Review the Guide for Applicants and MSCA Work Programme for detailed financial and rule information
Use the self-assessment tool provided on the portal to verify your eligibility regarding research experience
Important Links & Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions - click any to expand
Yes, applicants who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but have not yet formally been awarded the degree are considered eligible.
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.
It is a quality label awarded to applications with a total score of 85% or higher that cannot be funded due to budget limitations.
โณ
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.
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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