MSCA 2026: EU allocates around €400 million for postdocs – 30 years of Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

To mark the 30th anniversary of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), the European Commission is stepping up its support for researchers in Europe: a total of around €399 million will be available for postdoctoral fellowships in 2026. The new call for proposals under Horizon Europe has already been launched – applications can be submitted until 9 September 2026.

EU research funding: A major boost for postdocs in Europe

The MSCA is regarded as one of the EU’s key programmes for research funding, international mobility and career development. In this anniversary year, the EU is emphasising its strategic priority of positioning Europe as an attractive research hub in the face of global competition.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the programme’s importance for innovation and scientific progress: Europe continues to rely on talent from all over the world to translate research findings into societal value.

30 years of MSCA: excellence, mobility and international cooperation

Since its launch in 1996, over 150,000 researchers have participated in the MSCA – including 23 Nobel laureates. The programme is thus a prime example of the successful promotion of scientific excellence and cross-border cooperation in Europe.

Under the motto “30 years of curiosity changing the world”, the EU is marking the anniversary with numerous activities, insights into research careers and contributions from the international MSCA community.

Horizon Europe: Over €1.25 billion for MSCA in 2026

The current call for proposals is part of a total budget of more than €1.25 billion, which will be allocated to the MSCA in 2026 under Horizon Europe (2021–2027). Funding is available for, amongst other things:

• Postdoctoral fellowships
• Doctoral training (Doctoral Networks)
• Research and innovation projects
• International and intersectoral mobility

Applications can be submitted until 9 September 2026.

Overview of further MSCA calls for proposals in 2026

In addition to the postdoctoral fellowships, further key calls for proposals will follow in the course of the year:

• MSCA Doctoral Networks (HORIZON-MSCA-2026-DN-01)

  • Start: 28 May 2026
  • Deadline: 24 November 2026
  • Budget: €593.03 million
  • Focus: Training of doctoral candidates in academia, industry and the public sector
     

• MSCA Choose Europe for Science

  • Duration: 8 December 2026 – 6 April 2027
  • Budget: €51.25 million
  • Objective: To increase the attractiveness of European research careers

Relevance for Germany and Bavaria: Opportunities for research institutions and companies

For universities, research institutions, companies and start-ups in Germany – particularly in innovation-driven regions such as Bavaria – the MSCA offers excellent opportunities for internationalisation, talent acquisition and project funding.

Call to action: Support with MSCA applications

Are you planning to apply under the MSCA or would you like to join a consortium? BAYFOR supports you with the application process, partner search and strategic alignment of your project within the EU’s Horizon Europe research programme.

Get advice now and make the most of funding opportunities.