Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026

The Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships—often called “Marie Curie Fellowships”—are prestigious European grants under the Horizon Europe program. These fellowships fund high-impact postdoctoral research, professional development, and international mobility across academic and non-academic sectors.

Types & Duration

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 call (HORIZON-MSCA-2026-PF-01) will officially open on April 9, 2026, with a submission deadline of September 9, 2026. The entire application process is conducted online via the European Commission’s Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal

Who Can Apply?

• Researchers with a PhD or equivalent obtained by the call deadline.

• Up to 8 years of total research experience post-PhD, excluding parental leave and other career breaks.

• Must comply with mobility rules:

  • For European Fellowships: no more than 12 months’ residence in the host country during the last 36 months.

  • For Global Fellowships: similar restriction for both outgoing and host institutions.

Fellowship Benefits

• Salary Components (sample for France/Western EU):

  • Living Allowance: up to €5,990/month

  • Mobility Allowance: approx. €710/month

  • Family Allowance: €660/month (if applicable) .

• Project Support: grants cover research costs, training, networking, exchanges and management overheads.

• Professional Growth: training modules in transferable and entrepreneurial skills, plus networking and secondment opportunities .

• Alumni Network: Entry into the global Marie Curie Alumni Association for long-term career support.

How to Apply Online Process

1. Get Familiar with the Rules: Carefully read the official call documents, including the Guide for Applicants and the MSCA Work Programme, available on the Funding and Tenders Opportunities Portal.
2. Verify Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria, which typically include holding a PhD (or having successfully defended your thesis by the deadline), having a maximum of 8 years of research experience since your PhD award, and complying with the mobility rules (not having resided in the host country for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to the deadline).
3. Find a Host Organisation and Supervisor: Identify a potential host institution and a supervisor who agrees to support your application. You can search for hosting offers on the Euraxess website.
4. Draft the Application: Work closely with your supervisor to write the research proposal, addressing the specific award criteria (excellence, impact, quality of implementation). Your host organisation’s research office and MSCA National Contact Point can offer guidance and feedback.
5. Submit the Proposal: Complete the administrative forms and upload your proposal via the Electronic Submission Service on the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal. It is highly recommended to submit well before the deadline to avoid technical issues. You can update your submission multiple times until the deadline.
6. Evaluation: After the deadline, the European Research Executive Agency (REA) checks eligibility, and external experts evaluate all eligible proposals

Key Dates

FAQs – Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026

• Am I eligible?
→ You must hold a doctoral degree, have ≤ 8 years of post-PhD research experience, and meet mobility criteria.

• How much funding is provided?
→ Living + mobility + family allowance (total monthly ~€7,500 depending on location), plus project expenses.

• Can I do a secondment?
→ Yes—short research stays in academia or non-academic sectors are supported.

• What career support is included?
→ Free training, entrepreneurship modules, peer networks, and access to MCAA.

The Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025 empowers PhD holders worldwide to carry out high-impact research in international settings, offering generous funding, career development, and training—ideal for those aiming for a global research profile.