Almost 400 million for post-doctoral researchers from the European Commission
Call for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (Msca) scholarships launched. Applications open until 9 September
Key points
As of today, the 2026 call for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (Msca) post-doctoral fellowships kicks off, with a budget of 399.05 million euros, set by the European Commission. These grants supportdoctoral researchers to carry out theirresearch activities abroad and acquire new skills in different disciplines and fields. Researchers will benefit from collaboration with leading scientific groups, contributing to the competitiveness of the European Union. Applications will close on 9 September 2026.
Since its inception in 1996, more than 150,000 researchers have participated in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, including 23 Nobel Prize winners. Over the years, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions have become the European Union's flagship programme for training, mobility and career development of researchers, attracting global talent, strengthening links with industry and non-academic actors and contributing to a more integrated European Research Area.
The call is part of the more than 1.25 billion allocated for Msca actions in 2026 under 'Horizon Europe 2021-2027' to promote excellence in research, as highlighted in the 'Choose Europe' initiative. With this funding, the Msca continues to support research throughdoctoral and postdoctoral programmes, research grants and collaborative research and innovation projects.
"The future of Europe is based on knowledge, discovery and talent. For 30 years, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions have enabled researchers to push the boundaries ofscience and turn ideas into progress for society. Today we renew this commitment," commented European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. "For researchers around the world, our message is clear: bring your ambition, bring your talent: Europe is your place to innovate and prosper."
Investing in training
In addition to participating in the call for Msca postdoctoral fellowships, the Commission will launch another two initiatives during 2026 to support the training of researchers and strengthen careers in Europe:
