Request for Applications: Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme

The EU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme supports PhD holders in advancing their research careers through international, interdisciplinary, and cross-sector mobility. It offers European and Global Fellowships that enable researchers to work across countries and sectors while gaining advanced skills and experience. Funding includes salary, mobility, family, and research-related allowances for projects lasting 1 to 3 years.

Overview of the Programme

The Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme under Horizon Europe is designed to strengthen research careers by supporting international mobility, interdisciplinary research, and collaboration between academic and non-academic sectors.

It enables researchers to:

• Conduct research abroad
• Develop advanced scientific and transferable skills
• Gain cross-sector experience
• Build international collaborations
• Strengthen research excellence and career development

Key Objectives

The programme focuses on advancing research careers and scientific excellence.

Core objectives include:

• Supporting postdoctoral researchers with PhDs
• Promoting international research mobility
• Encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration
• Strengthening academia–industry engagement
• Enhancing research skills and innovation capacity
• Building long-term global research networks

Types of Fellowships

1. European Postdoctoral Fellowships

European Fellowships support mobility within Europe or incoming researchers from outside Europe.

Key features:

• Host location: EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country
• Duration: 1 to 2 years
• Open to researchers of any nationality
• Supports intra-European mobility and incoming global talent

2. Global Postdoctoral Fellowships

Global Fellowships support researchers gaining experience outside Europe followed by reintegration.

Key features:

• Phase 1: 1 to 2 years in a non-associated third country
• Phase 2: Mandatory 1-year return to Europe (EU Member State or Associated Country)
• Duration: 2 to 3 years total
• Open to nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Associated Countries

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Academic qualification:

• Must hold a PhD by the application deadline
• Candidates who have defended their thesis but not yet formally received the degree are eligible

Research experience:

• Maximum 8 years of research experience after PhD
• Exclusions include:
  • Career breaks
  • Time spent outside research
  • Certain research periods in third countries

Eligible Research Fields

All disciplines are eligible.

Includes:

• Natural sciences
• Engineering and technology
• Life sciences
• Social sciences and humanities
• Interdisciplinary research
• Euratom Research and Training Programme fields

Host Organisation Requirement

Applications must be submitted jointly with a host organisation.

Eligible host organisations include:

• Universities
• Research institutions
• Businesses and SMEs
• Other eligible research organisations

Host location requirement:

• Must be in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country

Funding Support

The programme provides comprehensive financial support for researchers.

Funding includes:

• Living allowance (salary support)
• Mobility allowance (relocation support)
• Family allowance (if applicable)
• Special needs allowance (if applicable)
• Research, training, and networking costs
• Management and indirect costs for host institutions

Key Features of the Programme

• International research mobility across countries
• Interdisciplinary research opportunities
• Cross-sector experience in academia and industry
• Strong career development support
• Networking and collaboration opportunities
• Focus on research excellence and innovation

Why This Programme Matters

This fellowship programme is a major driver of global research mobility and scientific development.

Key benefits:

• Strengthens international research collaboration
• Builds advanced scientific careers
• Enhances interdisciplinary knowledge exchange
• Connects academia with industry and non-academic sectors
• Supports innovation and research excellence in Europe
• Expands global research networks

How It Works

Step-by-step process:

• Identify research topic and objectives
• Secure a host organisation in an eligible country
• Develop a joint research proposal with the host
• Submit application under MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships
• Evaluation based on excellence, impact, and implementation
• Selected fellows begin research project with funding support

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Research excellence
• Quality and impact of the project
• Career development potential
• Mobility and training value
• Interdisciplinary and intersectoral dimension

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not meeting the 8-year post-PhD experience limit
• Missing PhD requirement at application deadline
• Weak or unclear career development plan
• Poorly defined research objectives
• Lack of strong host institution match
• Limited interdisciplinary or international dimension

Tips for Strong Applications

• Clearly define innovative research goals
• Highlight international mobility benefits
• Emphasize interdisciplinary approach
• Align closely with host institution expertise
• Include strong career development outcomes
• Show impact beyond academia

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the EU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme?

It is a Horizon Europe funding scheme that supports postdoctoral researchers through international mobility and career development opportunities.

Who can apply?

Researchers with a PhD and up to 8 years of postdoctoral research experience.

What are the types of fellowships?

European Fellowships (within Europe) and Global Fellowships (outside Europe with return phase).

How long is the fellowship?

European Fellowships: 1–2 years
Global Fellowships: 2–3 years

What funding is provided?

Living allowance, mobility allowance, research costs, and additional family or special needs support.

Do I need a host organisation?

Yes, applications must be submitted jointly with a host institution.

Are all research fields eligible?

Yes, all disciplines including interdisciplinary and Euratom-related fields are eligible.

Conclusion

The EU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme is a key initiative supporting early career researchers through international mobility, interdisciplinary collaboration, and cross-sector experience. By providing strong financial and institutional support, it helps researchers build global careers while contributing to scientific excellence and innovation across disciplines.