Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Fellowship 2025: The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Fellowship 2025 is an incredible opportunity for researchers looking to advance their careers through international mobility, interdisciplinary research, and top-tier training. Whether you are an early-career scientist or an experienced researcher, understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and benefits of this prestigious program is crucial.

This article breaks down everything you need to know about the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025, from eligibility to application deadlines, with actionable insights and expert advice to help you succeed.
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Fellowship 2025
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Funding Body | European Commission (Horizon Europe) |
Eligibility | PhD holders with up to 8 years of postdoctoral experience |
Mobility Rule | Must not have lived in the host country for more than 12 months in the past 3 years |
Types of Fellowships | European & Global Fellowships |
Funding Coverage | Salary, research costs, travel, and family allowance |
Application Deadline | September 10, 2025 |
Official Website | Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions |
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Fellowship 2025 is a game-changing opportunity for researchers seeking international mobility, career growth, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With generous funding, access to world-class institutions, and a strong support network, this fellowship can significantly advance your research career.
What is the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Fellowship?
The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship is part of the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program. It aims to boost the careers of researchers by providing funding for postdoctoral training and mobility. These fellowships help scientists gain international exposure, collaborate with leading institutions, and enhance their professional skills.
Why Should You Apply?
Who is Eligible for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Fellowship?
Before you apply, ensure you meet these key eligibility criteria:
1. Doctoral Degree Requirement
To be eligible, you must hold a PhD degree by the time of the application deadline. If you have defended your thesis but have not received the official PhD certificate, you may still apply.
2. Research Experience Limit
You must have a maximum of eight years of postdoctoral research experience after earning your PhD. However, career breaks (e.g., due to parental leave, illness, or working in non-research sectors) do not count toward this limit.
3. Mobility Rule
Applicants must not have lived, worked, or studied in their prospective host country for more than 12 months in the last 36 months before the deadline.
4. Nationality Restrictions
- European Fellowships: Open to researchers of any nationality moving to or within Europe.
- Global Fellowships: Open to EU nationals or long-term residents, requiring an outgoing phase to a third country.
Types of Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Fellowship
1. European Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Designed for researchers moving within Europe or from outside Europe to an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country.
- Duration: 12-24 months.
- Open to researchers of any nationality.
- Can be hosted by universities, private companies, and non-profit organizations.
2. Global Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Targeted at EU nationals or long-term residents.
- Includes an outgoing phase (12-24 months) in a third country, followed by a mandatory 12-month return phase in Europe.
- Provides increased funding during the outgoing phase.
- Designed to foster global collaboration and knowledge exchange.
How to Apply for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Fellowship
Step 1: Find a Host Organization
Your host institution can be:
- A university or research center.
- A private company (SMEs included).
- A non-profit organization.
- A government research body.
Step 2: Develop Your Research Proposal
Your proposal should include:
- A clear research plan.
- Expected impact on your career and the research field.
- Interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaboration aspects.
- A detailed work plan including objectives and methodologies.
- Potential economic and societal benefits.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
- Applications are submitted through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
- You will need a host institution supervisor to co-write the proposal.
Step 4: Evaluation Process
Your application is reviewed based on:
- Excellence (scientific quality and innovation).
- Impact (career development and knowledge transfer).
- Implementation (work plan, feasibility, and institutional support).
- Ethical considerations and sustainability of research.
Funding and Benefits
What Costs Are Covered?
- Living Allowance: Covers salary and benefits.
- Mobility Allowance: For relocation and travel expenses.
- Family Allowance: For researchers with dependents.
- Research & Training Costs: Funding for conferences, lab expenses, and training programs.
Salary Estimates
- Researchers in Europe: €4,880 per month (before tax).
- Global Fellowships: Higher salaries during the outgoing phase.
- Additional funding for specialized equipment and fieldwork.
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FAQs About Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Fellowship 2025
1. Can I apply for both European and Global Fellowships?
No, you must choose one fellowship type per application cycle.
2. Do I need to be an EU citizen to apply?
No, the European Fellowship is open to all nationalities, while the Global Fellowship requires EU nationality or long-term residence.
3. Can I apply if I already have a postdoctoral position?
Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
4. When will the results be announced?
Results are expected in February 2026, with projects starting in April 2026.
5. What happens if my project is rejected?
You can revise your proposal and apply in the next cycle.