MSCA postdoctoral fellowship in a nutshell
The postdoctoral fellowships action targets researchers holding a PhD who wish to carry out their research activities abroad, acquire new skills and develop their careers. PFs help researchers gain experience in other countries, disciplines and non-academic sectors.
The objective of PFs is to support researchers’ careers and foster excellence in research.
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to postdoctoral researchers from all over the world that
- hold a PhD degree on the closing date for applications. Applicants who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree are also eligible to apply
- have a maximum of eight years of experience in research from the date of the award of the PhD degree
- comply with mobility rules: they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the beneficiary (for European postdoctoral fellowships), or the host organisation for the outgoing phase (for Global postdoctoral fellowships) for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline.
Some exceptions and specific conditions apply. For further information, please visit the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions website.
There are 2 types of postdoctoral fellowships:
- European postdoctoral fellowships. They are open to researchers moving within Europe or coming to Europe from another part of the world to pursue their research career. These fellowships take place in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country and can last between 1 and 2 years. Researchers of any nationality can apply
- Global postdoctoral fellowships. They fund the mobility of researchers outside Europe. The fellowship lasts between 2 to 3 years, of which the first 1 to 2 years will be spent in a non-associated Third Country, followed by a mandatory return phase of 1 year to an organisation based in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. Only nationals or long-term residents of the EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries can apply.
The beneficiary receiving EU funding needs to recruit the researcher for the total period of the fellowship.
The EU provides support for the recruited researcher in the form of
- a living allowance
- a mobility allowance
- if applicable, family, long-term leave and special needs allowances.
In addition, funding is provided for
- research, training and networking activities
- management and indirect costs.
You can find complete and updated information on the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions website.
For full details of this call, visit the call page on the portal.