Postdoctoral Fellowships (PF) target 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.
Who should apply
You must be a researcher with no more than eight years of full-time equivalent research experience (starting from the date you received your PhD). All disciplines are eligible for PFs.
You can submit an application along with a host organisation, which can be a:
- university
- research institution
- business
- SME or other organisation based in an EU member state or Horizon Europe associated country
How it works
There are two types of PF.
The European PF allows you to move within Europe or come to Europe. The fellowship is no longer than two years
With the Global PF, you move from Europe to anywhere in the world. The fellowship lasts up to two years for the outgoing phase, followed by a mandatory one-year return phase in Europe. Specific eligibility criteria are outlined in the MSCA Work Programme.
PFs may also include short-term secondments anywhere in the world and could also include an optional 6-month placement in a non-academic organisation at the end of the standard fellowship.
What is funded
The MSCA provides a contribution to the:
- salary costs of the doctoral candidate
- research, training and networking costs and overall management of the project
The full MSCA contribution is listed in the MSCA Work Programme.
How we can support you
We are the UK National Contact Point (NCP) for MSCA. You can email mariecurie-uk@ukro.ac.uk for free information and advice.
You can attend our regular free events about MSCA calls. Every event is recorded, so you can catch up on the recordings too.
Additional support for UKRO subscribers
If your organisation subscribes to UKRO, we can provide additional support. Check if your organisation is a subscriber.
While we cannot read proposals and comment on them directly, we do have resources to help with proposal writing. Your UKRO European Advisor is available to advise on general questions about proposals.
Next steps
- Find out if you are eligible to apply; read about this scheme and what the funding covers by visiting the MSCA website.
- Read about the financial support available in the current Work Programme to see if this is right for you.
- Apply on the Funding & Tenders Portal.
If you do not already have an account, you need to register on the portal.
If you or a partner organisation need a Participant Identification Code (PIC), register for one at the Funding & Tenders Portal.
Contact us if you have any questions.
Last updated: 1 March 2024