MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships for Pakistani researchers 2026

Scholarship Overview

The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 program, funded by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe framework, provides €399.05 million for postdoctoral researchers. The program aims to support research excellence, advanced training, and international mobility. Pakistani scholars seeking to advance their careers through high-impact research in Europe can apply for these fellowships.

Can Pakistani Students Apply?

Yes, Pakistani researchers are eligible to apply for the European Fellowship route of the MSCA program. European Fellowships are open to researchers of any nationality, provided they meet the specific academic and mobility requirements. Note that Global Fellowships, which include an outgoing phase outside of Europe, have more restrictive eligibility limited to EU/Associated country nationals and long-term residents.

Funding and Benefits

The program is a high-value opportunity supporting research expenses, training, and professional development. Benefits include:

• Competitive research stipend and living allowance.
• Support for advanced training and transferable skills development.
• Funding for public engagement and international networking.
• Opportunities for optional secondments in academic or non-academic organizations.
• Support for an optional non-academic placement of up to six months post-fellowship.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the European Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• PhD Status: Applicants must hold a PhD or have completed an unconditional doctoral defence by the submission deadline of 9 September 2026.
• Research Experience: Candidates must have no more than eight years of full-time research experience post-PhD, with specific deductions available for career breaks, parental leave, or other non-research periods.
• Mobility Rule: Applicants must not have resided or conducted their main activity in the host country for more than 12 months within the 36-month period immediately preceding the deadline.
• Host Commitment: Proposals must be developed jointly with an eligible host institution and supervisor in an EU Member State or Associated Country.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following materials through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal:

• Part A: Online forms detailing project, host, supervisor, and administrative information.
• Part B-1: A 10-page PDF document covering Excellence, Impact, and Implementation.
• Part B-2: A document including the CV, organizational capacity information, and ethics/security declarations.
• AI Disclosure: Must be included if generative AI was used in drafting the proposal.

Application Timeline

• Deadline: 9 September 2026, at 17:00 Brussels time.
• Process: Applications are submitted as joint proposals by the researcher and the host institution.

Selection Process

The European Commission uses a competitive, merit-based review process. Proposals are evaluated based on their research quality, the potential for career impact, the effectiveness of the training plan, and the two-way knowledge transfer between the researcher and the host organization.

How to Apply

1. Review the eligibility rules and select the appropriate route.
2. Secure an eligible host institution and supervisor.
3. Prepare the research proposal using the 2026 official templates.
4. Ensure all administrative parts are completed via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
5. Review PDF files and submit well before the deadline.

Pakistan-Specific Application Advice

Pakistani applicants should focus on clearly articulating how the host institution will facilitate specific career development goals that are otherwise unattainable. Ensure you thoroughly document any career breaks to correctly calculate your research experience. For additional support on applications, visit our guide on scholarship applications.

Important Terms and Limitations

Applicants may only submit one proposal. A resubmission rule applies: if a 2025 proposal scored below 80%, it cannot be resubmitted in 2026. Always verify your specific mobility status against the host country's regulations.