Applications are now open for the 2026 Fully Funded Horizon Europe ERA Fellowships for Postdoctoral Graduates looking to advance their careers through international research collaboration.
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This fellowship aims to strengthen research excellence, promote international mobility, and improve research and innovation capacity in participating countries. Successful applicants will work with a host organisation in a Widening country while gaining advanced research skills, transferable competencies, and valuable international experience.
The programme also encourages collaboration between academia and industry through optional secondments and non-academic placements, helping researchers broaden their career opportunities beyond traditional academic pathways.
2026 Fully Funded Horizon Europe ERA Fellowships Summary Table
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Horizon Europe ERA Fellowships |
| Funding Body | European Commission (Horizon Europe) |
| Fellowship Type | Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship |
| Host Location | Eligible Widening Countries in Europe |
| Eligible Applicants | Postdoctoral Researchers of Any Nationality |
| Funding | €100,000 to €500,000 |
| Total Budget | €8 Million |
| Estimated Awards | 50 Fellowships |
| Application Opens | 9 April 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 9 September 2026 |
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants receive comprehensive support that includes;
- Funding ranging from €100,000 to €500,000
- Fully funded postdoctoral research opportunity
- International research experience
- Access to leading European research institutions
- Personalised career development plan
- Advanced research and transferable skills training
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration
- Networking with international researchers
- Optional worldwide research secondments
- Optional placement in the non-academic sector for up to six months
- Enhanced career opportunities in academia and industry
Eligibility Requirements
- Hold a doctoral degree before the fellowship begins.
- Meet the eligibility requirements for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026.
- Apply jointly with an eligible host organisation.
- Conduct the fellowship at a host institution located in a Widening country.
- Comply with the MSCA mobility rules.
- Submit a complete proposal before the application deadline.
- Researchers of any nationality are eligible to apply.
Eligible Host Organisations
- Academic sector
- Non-academic sector
- The host institution must be located in a Horizon Europe Widening country.
Training Opportunities
Throughout the fellowship, researchers receive specialised training in areas such as:
- Research leadership
- Innovation
- Entrepreneurship
- Intellectual Property Rights
- Research integrity
- Open Science
- FAIR data management
- Public engagement
- Science communication
- Citizen science
Career Development Plan
Each ERA Fellow works with their supervisor to develop a personalised Career Development Plan. The plan is submitted early in the fellowship and updated during the project. The career development plan will include participant’s
- Research objectives
- Training activities
- Career development goals
- Publication plans
- Conference participation
- Teaching opportunities
- Transferable skills development
Optional Secondments
- Can take place anywhere in the world
- Can be split into multiple periods
- Cannot exceed one-third of the fellowship duration
- Must directly contribute to the research project
Non-Academic Placement
When applicable, researchers can request an additional placement of up to 6months with a non-academic organisation. This placement will aim to:
- Improve career prospects
- Strengthen industry collaboration
- Promote innovation
- Encourage knowledge transfer
Step by Step Application Process
Step 1: Find an Eligible Host Organisation
Identify a research institution located in a Horizon Europe Widening country.
Step 2: Develop Your Research Proposal
Work with your proposed supervisor to prepare a competitive MSCA research proposal.
Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents
Complete all required application forms and supporting documentation through the Horizon Europe Funding & Tenders Portal.
Step 4: Submit the Proposal
Applications are submitted jointly by the applicant and the host organisation before the deadline.
Step 5: Evaluation
Independent experts assess proposals based on the Horizon Europe evaluation criteria.
Funding Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Budget | €8,000,000 |
| Grant Value | €100,000 to €500,000 |
| Estimated Awards | Approximately 50 |
Application Deadline: 9 September 2026
CLICK HERE TO START YOUR APPLICATION
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the Horizon Europe ERA Fellowships?
They are fully funded postdoctoral fellowships under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions supporting research in European Widening countries.
2. Who can apply?
Postdoctoral researchers of any nationality who meet the MSCA eligibility requirements.
3. Where must the fellowship be hosted?
At an eligible organisation located in a Horizon Europe Widening country.
4. How much funding is available?
Individual grants range from €100,000 to €500,000.
5. How many fellowships are expected?
Approximately 50 fellowships will be funded.
6. Can researchers from outside Europe apply?
Yes. Researchers from any country may apply.
7. Is international mobility required?
Yes. The programme supports cross-border researcher mobility in line with MSCA rules.
8. Can I include a research secondment?
Yes. Secondments anywhere in the world are permitted if they support the project objectives.
9. How long can a secondment last?
Up to one-third of the standard fellowship duration.
10. Can I work in industry during the fellowship?
Yes. An optional non-academic placement of up to six months may be included.
11. Is a Career Development Plan required?
Yes. Every fellow must prepare a Career Development Plan with their supervisor.
12. Are host organisations limited to universities?
No. Both academic and non-academic organisations may host fellows if they are located in eligible Widening countries.
13. What training is included?
Training covers research, innovation, entrepreneurship, research integrity, Open Science, communication, and transferable skills.
14. What is the application deadline?
9 September 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time.
15. How are proposals evaluated?
Independent experts assess scientific excellence, impact, implementation, and researcher potential.
16. What happens if my proposal scores highly but funding is unavailable?
Eligible proposals above the quality threshold may receive a Seal of Excellence.
17. Is there a total programme budget?
Yes. The total indicative budget is €8 million.
18. Can I submit the application alone?
No. Applications must be submitted jointly with an eligible host organisation.
19. Where is the application submitted?
Applications are submitted through the Horizon Europe Funding & Tenders Portal.
20. Why should I apply?
The ERA Fellowship offers generous funding, international research experience, career development support, and access to Europe’s leading research and innovation ecosystem.
