Deadline: 09-Sep-2026
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.
For more information, visit European Commission.