Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship At German Host Institutions 2027 in Germany | Fully Funded — European Commission (Horizon Europe)
EU research funding does not stop at Europe’s borders, and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships prove it clearly, funding researchers from anywhere in the world to run their own projects at strong German host institutions like TU Munich and LMU Munich.
About the Fellowship
Part of the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships support researchers who have completed a PhD and want to develop their skills and independence through a defined research project at a host institution. German universities, research institutes, companies, and international organizations all qualify as eligible hosts, making Germany one of the most popular destinations within the scheme.
Fellows design their own project in collaboration with a host supervisor, giving the programme a genuinely researcher-led character rather than following a fixed institutional agenda.
Fellowship Benefits
- A living allowance plus mobility and family allowances, calculated according to EU Horizon Europe funding rules
- Full integration into the German host institution’s research environment
- Career development support, including training and networking opportunities
- A strong credential recognized across European and global academic and research circles
- Flexibility in designing an original research project with the chosen supervisor
Eligibility Criteria
- A completed doctorate, with a maximum of eight years of full-time equivalent research experience at the call deadline
- Must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Germany for more than twelve months in the three years immediately before the deadline
- Open to researchers of any nationality worldwide
- A confirmed host supervisor and institution in Germany willing to support the application
- A clearly defined, original research proposal
Fields of Study Covered
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to all academic disciplines, since funding decisions are based on the quality and originality of the individual research project rather than a fixed subject list.
Required Documents
- Joint application submitted by the researcher together with the host institution through the EU Funding and Tenders Portal
- A detailed research proposal
- Curriculum vitae with full publication list
- Doctoral degree certificate
- A letter of commitment from the host supervisor
- A career development plan outlining training and skill-building goals during the fellowship
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Identify a German host institution and supervisor whose work aligns with your research interests
- Develop a detailed, original research proposal together with the prospective supervisor
- Confirm the host institution’s willingness to submit the joint application on your behalf
- Prepare your CV, publication list, and career development plan
- Submit the complete application through the EU Funding and Tenders Portal before the annual deadline
- Respond to review panel feedback if invited to clarify or revise any part of the proposal
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by independent expert panels for the excellence of the research proposal, the researcher’s track record, and the quality of the host institution’s support and training environment. Because this is a competitive EU-wide scheme, even strong applications face significant competition for a limited number of fellowships each year.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Secure a genuinely engaged host supervisor who contributes meaningfully to shaping the proposal, not just a formal sign-off
- Make the research proposal’s originality and feasibility clear and well justified
- Build a detailed career development plan that shows real thought about long-term research growth, not a token section
- Apply with enough lead time to allow the host institution to prepare its part of the joint application properly
- If you are earlier in your research career without a completed doctorate yet, compare this with the Humboldt Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral Researchers for a sense of how the two major postdoctoral routes differ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this fellowship only for European researchers?
No, researchers of any nationality worldwide can apply, as long as they meet the mobility and eligibility rules.
Do I need a doctorate already to apply?
Yes, applicants must have completed their PhD before applying, with a maximum of eight years of research experience since completion.
Can I apply directly, or does the host institution need to be involved?
The application is submitted jointly by the researcher and the host institution, so securing host engagement is a required early step.
How long does the fellowship typically last?
Fellowship duration varies by call but generally runs one to two years, depending on the specific proposal and funding type.
Is Germany a common destination for MSCA fellows?
Yes, German universities and research institutions are among the most frequently chosen hosts within the MSCA scheme.
What counts as the host institution’s commitment?
A formal letter of commitment from the proposed supervisor, confirming their support for the project and the applicant’s integration into their research group.
Can I switch host institutions after being awarded the fellowship?
Changes to the agreed host institution generally require formal approval, since the award is tied to the specific proposal and host arrangement.
Is funding the same across all host countries?
Funding levels are calculated using standard EU Horizon Europe rates, which can vary slightly based on the host country’s cost of living adjustments.