La European Commission launches the 2026 call for post-doctoral scholarships, Postdoctoral Fellowships, under the Marie Skłodowska–Curie Shares (MSCA), with a budget of nearly €400 million. Beneficiaries, researchers with a doctorate, will have the opportunity to conduct research abroad and acquire new skills in a variety of fields. They will be able to collaborate with leading international scientific groups, contributing cutting-edge research to improving the EU's competitiveness.
The amount allocated for the call is part of the over €1,25 billion earmarked for MSCA actions in 2026 under Horizon Europe 2021-2027, which aims to promote excellence in research, as reflected in the "Choose Europe" initiative. The program, established in 1996, has seen over 150 researchers participate in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, including 23 Nobel Prize winners. The anniversary will be celebrated throughout 2026 under the motto "30 years of curiosity changing the world," highlighting the achievements and impact of MSCAs on research.
Two types of postdoctoral fellowships will be awarded:
- European Postdoctoral ScholarshipsFor researchers moving to Europe to pursue their research careers. They can last between 1 and 2 years. Researchers of any nationality are eligible to apply.
- Global Postdoctoral FellowshipsThey fund the mobility of researchers outside Europe. The grant lasts 2 to 3 years. Only citizens or long-term residents of an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe associated country are eligible to apply.
Interested parties may apply jointly with a host organization, which may be a university, research institute, company, SME, or other organization based in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe associated country. All disciplines are eligible for postdoctoral fellowships, including research areas covered by the Euratom Research and Training Programme.
The deadline for submitting applications will close on 9 September 2026. Click here read more