Are you a young researcher or postdoctoral fellow looking to elevate your career internationally? If yes, then the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships might be the perfect opportunity for you.
Funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, this fellowship supports global mobility, interdisciplinary research, and career development. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about eligibility, funding, application steps, and tips to succeed.
What is the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship?
The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships are designed to support talented researchers from around the world in pursuing a research project in collaboration with a European or international host institution.
This fellowship promotes:
- Research excellence
- Career independence
- Cross-border mobility
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Opportunities in both academic and non-academic sectors
It’s more than a grant—it’s a career transformation platform.
Who Can Apply?
Here are the key eligibility requirements for 2025:
- You must have a PhD degree at the time of application.
- You should have no more than 8 years of full-time research experience after your PhD (career breaks and time spent in non-research roles are excluded).
- You must meet the mobility rule:
- For European Fellowships, you must not have lived or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the past 36 months.
- For Global Fellowships, the rule applies to the non-European host country.
Special Note: If your application received a score below 70% last year, you’re not eligible to reapply this year for the same project.
Fellowship Types
European Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Open to researchers of any nationality.
- Host institution must be in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country.
- Duration: 12 to 24 months.
- Optional: A 6-month secondment in a non-academic sector at the end of the fellowship.
Global Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Open to nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries.
- First phase: 12 to 24 months in a non-European country.
- Second phase: 12 months mandatory return to a European host.
- Total duration: 24 to 36 months.
Both types allow short-term secondments to other organizations during the project.
Key Dates for 2025 Call
- Call opens: 8 May 2025
- Deadline: 10 September 2025, 17:00 (CEST)
- Results notification: February 2026 (tentative)
- Fellowship start date: From April or May 2026 onwards
It is highly recommended to start preparing your application at least 2–3 months before the deadline.
What Does the Fellowship Cover?
This is a fully-funded program that offers a competitive salary package along with additional benefits:
- A living allowance (competitive salary according to EU standards)
- A mobility allowance to help with relocation
- Additional allowances:
- Family allowance (if applicable)
- Special needs allowance
- Long-term leave allowance
- Funds for:
- Research and training activities
- Networking and collaboration costs
- Host institution’s indirect and management costs
This funding ensures that both researchers and their host institutions are supported throughout the fellowship.
Application Process: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Identify a Host Institution
Your project must be carried out in partnership with a host organization, which can be a:
- University or research institute
- Private company or SME
- Non-profit or governmental research body
Search for host offers via:
- Euraxess
- ResearchGate or LinkedIn groups
- Personal and academic networks
Step 2: Write a Proposal
Work with your future supervisor to craft a strong and innovative project. The proposal must demonstrate:
- Scientific excellence
- Impact on your career
- Clear implementation strategy
The proposal is split into two parts (Part A and Part B) and must follow strict formatting and evaluation criteria.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Submit your full application through the official Funding & Tenders Portal.
Make sure to review the:
- Guide for Applicants
- Work Programme
- Evaluation forms
- FAQs and rules for the 8-year limit
The application must be submitted by your host institution on your behalf.
What Documents Will You Need?
You’ll be required to prepare and submit the following:
- Research proposal (Part A and Part B templates)
- CV
- Host institution letter of support
- Ethics self-assessment (if applicable)
- Budget estimates (auto-calculated in the online system)
You can download all required documents from the official MSCA call page on the Funding & Tenders Portal.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Start Early: Proposal writing, coordination with your host, and reviews take time.
- Align With EU Priorities: Include aspects like Open Science, gender equality, and stakeholder engagement.
- Be Specific and Structured: Avoid vague objectives or timelines.
- Use Clear Language: Make it easy for evaluators from different backgrounds to understand.
- Seek Feedback: Get experienced researchers to review your proposal.
Why Choose MSCA-PF?
- International exposure
- Multi-sectoral collaborations
- Enhanced career progression
- Competitive salary and financial security
- Independence in shaping your research
The fellowship also opens doors for future roles in academia, policy, or industry thanks to its global recognition.
Helpful Links
- MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships – Official Page
- Funding & Tenders Opportunities Portal
- Guide for Applicants (PDF)
- List of Horizon Europe Associated Countries
- Salary benefits of MSCA in participating counties
Final Words
The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025 offer one of the most competitive and flexible funding schemes for researchers across all disciplines. It’s not just about funding a project; it’s about building your future in global research.
For aspiring postdocs worldwide, this is a door you’ll want to open.
To stay updated on more such career opportunities, funding alerts, and proposal tips, visit us at:
Let us help you navigate your research career, step by step.
1 thought on “Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA-PF) 2025: A Complete Guide for Aspiring Researchers”