Fully Funded EU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026
Applications are open for the EU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme. This Horizon Europe initiative supports PhD holders worldwide. It funds international, interdisciplinary, and cross-sector research mobility. Researchers gain advanced skills across different countries and fields. Funding covers salary, mobility, and family-related allowances. Projects run between one and three years total.
Program Snapshot
- Framework: Horizon Europe, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Fellowship Types: European and Global Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Duration: One to three years, depending on type
- Application Deadline: September 9, 2026 (call-specific; see note)
Types of Fellowships
- European Fellowships: Support mobility within Europe or incoming global researchers. These run one to two years in an EU or associated country. Any nationality can apply.
- Global Fellowships: Fund research outside Europe, followed by mandatory return. The outgoing phase lasts one to two years. A one-year return phase to Europe follows afterward. Only EU nationals or long-term residents qualify.
What the Funding Covers
- Living allowance covering salary support
- Mobility allowance for relocation costs
- Family allowance, where applicable
- Special needs allowance, where applicable
- Research, training, and networking funding
- Management and indirect costs for host institutions
Who Can Apply
- Must hold a PhD by the application deadline
- Thesis defenders awaiting formal degree confirmation qualify too
- Maximum eight years of research experience since PhD
- Career breaks and non-research time don’t count against this limit
- Must comply with specific mobility residency rules
Eligible Research Fields
- All academic disciplines qualify, with no exceptions
- Includes natural sciences, engineering, and life sciences
- Also includes social sciences, humanities, and interdisciplinary work
- Covers Euratom Research and Training Programme fields too
Host Organization Requirements
- Applications must include a joint host organization
- Eligible hosts include universities, businesses, and research institutes
- Host must be based in an EU or associated country
