Study in Italy | University of Padua Research MaRaThoN Scholarship 2026
Do you dream of securing a prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship? Then stop preparing in isolation and start strategizing with the experts. The University of Padua invites you to apply for the 10th edition of MSCA MaRaThoN, a high intensity training event running from 20 to 22 May 2026. This programme exists for one reason: to help you build a winning proposal for the Horizon Europe MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026.
This is not a passive information session. It is a working bootcamp. You will spend three focused days in Italy, receiving direct expert guidance on crafting every section of your application. If you plan to host your fellowship at Padua, this event gives you a serious competitive edge.
Why This Training Matters for Your Funding Future
MSCA MaRaThoN does not hand you a check. Instead, it offers something far more valuable: a dramatically improved chance of winning one of Europe’s most generous research grants.
Here is why this programme makes financial sense for your career.
- You gain strategic preparation for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship, which includes a competitive salary, mobility allowance, and research funding.
- You dramatically increase your odds of securing a prestigious European Commission funded position.
- You attend expert led sessions focused on the three critical proposal pillars: excellence, impact, and implementation.
- You integrate directly into Padua’s thriving Marie Curie research community.
- You unlock an alternative path through the MSCA Seal of Excellence. If your final MSCA proposal scores 85/100 or higher but does not receive EU funding, Padua may offer you an alternative institutional fellowship.
The number of participants remains limited, so expect a competitive selection process focused entirely on research quality and potential.
Quick Eligibility Check: Does This Fit You?
This programme targets experienced researchers with clear MSCA ambitions. You qualify if you meet these conditions.
- You hold a PhD degree. You must have it in hand by the time of the MSCA PF call.
- You satisfy the Horizon Europe MSCA mobility rules. This typically means you are moving from another country.
- You intend to submit your 2026 MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship proposal with the University of Padua as your host institution.
- You possess a strong academic track record and clear research potential.
- You can fully commit to the training programme from 20 to 22 May 2026.
Remember, the MSCA programme welcomes researchers from all scientific disciplines. Your field does not limit your chances.
Your Application Roadmap: Four Clear Steps
Applying to MSCA MaRaThoN requires preparation and initiative. Follow this straightforward path to secure your place.
- First, identify a potential supervisor or research group at the University of Padua. Your project idea must align with their expertise. Do not skip this step.
- Second, prepare your academic CV and a concise research concept. Tailor these materials to fit the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship framework from the very beginning.
- Third, complete the online application form through the official University of Padua MSCA MaRaThoN webpage. Fill it out carefully and completely.
- Fourth, submit your application before the deadline. Then monitor your email closely for selection results. If chosen, you will attend the intensive May training session.
This preparation positions you perfectly ahead of the official European Commission MSCA call launch on 9 April 2026. You will refine your proposal months before the final September deadline.
Why Choose Padua for Your MSCA Journey?
The University of Padua stands as one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious academic institutions. It boasts a strong, proven track record of hosting successful Marie Curie fellows. The university actively fosters interdisciplinary research and international collaboration.
Attending MaRaThoN places you directly in this supportive environment. You connect with potential supervisors face to face. Also, you receive feedback from experts who understand exactly what the European Commission evaluators seek. You leave with a stronger, more competitive proposal and a clear action plan.
The Critical Deadline You Cannot Ignore
Time moves quickly for competitive European funding. The application window for MSCA MaRaThoN opened on 9 February 2026. It will close on 9 March 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Italian time. Do not wait until the final days.
RECOMMENDED
- Study in USA | University of South Carolina Scholarships 2026
- Study in Qatar | Hamad Bin Khalifa University 2026 Scholarships
- Study in Turkey | Türkiye Başarı Burs Programı 2026
- Study in China | USTC International Winter Camp 2026
- Study in UK | University of Cambridge Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026
- Study in UK | Oxford University MSc African Studies Scholarships 2026-27
- Study in China | Chinese Government Scholarship Fully Funded 2026 at Nanjing University









