The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) fund researchers across all scientific disciplines. This Marie Curie Fellowship program promotes mobility through international, interdisciplinary, and inter-sectoral projects. It supports career development for doctoral candidates and postdoctoral scholars.
The European Commission manages the MSCA under the Horizon Europe framework. You can choose any research topic, if you find a willing host organization. Host organizations include universities, research centers, and private companies.
Applicants must move to a new country to acquire new skills. This “mobility rule” prevents brain drain and encourages knowledge sharing. The Marie Curie Fellowship provides a full employment contract with comprehensive social security.
Marie Curie Fellowship Summary
- Level of Study: Doctoral and Postdoctoral research.
- Location: EU Member States, Associated Countries, and Global Third Countries.
- Institution(s): Academic organizations (universities), non-academic organizations (SMEs), and international research centers.
- Program Period: 12 to 24 months for European Fellowships and 24 to 36 months for Global Fellowships.
- Course Offered: All research areas, such as engineering, social sciences, and life sciences.
- Deadline: September 9, 2026, for Postdoctoral Fellowships.
Coverage
The Marie Curie Fellowship provides monthly allowances to cover your living and research costs.
- Living Allowance: A base salary adjusted by a correction coefficient for the host country.
- Mobility Allowance: A fixed amount to cover relocation, travel, and personal expenses.
- Family Allowance: Additional funding for researchers with spouses, children, or registered partners.
- Research, Training, and Networking Contribution: Funds for lab equipment, conference fees, and professional memberships.
- Management and Indirect Contribution: Financial support for the host institution’s overheads.
Marie Curie Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
You must meet four specific requirements to qualify for the Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship.
- PhD Degree: You must possess a successfully defended doctoral degree by the call deadline.
- Research Experience: You must have a maximum of 8 years of full-time research experience after your PhD.
- Mobility Rule: You must not have lived in the host country for more than 12 months in the last 3 years.
- Nationality: Researchers of any nationality may apply for European Fellowships.
- Resubmission Rule: You must wait until 2027 to reapply, if your 2025 score was below 80%.
Application Process
To submit an application, you must follow a structured five-step process on the official portal.
- Find a Host: Identify a supervisor and institution in a country different from your current residence.
- Create an Account: Register on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal to access the application forms.
- Write the Proposal: Draft a 10-page technical document focusing on excellence, impact, and implementation.
- Complete Administrative Forms: Enter personal data, CV details, and budget requests into the online system.
- Upload Documents: Submit your research plan in PDF format before the 17:00 CEST deadline.
You May Read: Oasis Scholarship (2026) Application Process, Eligibility, and Last Date.
Marie Curie Fellowship Deadline
The deadline for the 2026 Marie Curie Fellowship Postdoctoral Fellowship is September 9, 2026. Other 2026 deadlines include April 8 for COFUND and November 24 for Doctoral Networks.
Apply Now
Access the official application forms and the 2026 Guide for Applicants through the link below:
