The European Commission has launched the MSCA COFUND 2026 call, allowing organizations to create or strengthen their own research training and career development programs. The action supports two main types: Doctoral Programs and Postdoctoral Programs, covering any research discipline. The goal is to attract international talent and foster researchers' career development through high standards and best practices. Programs must offer international, interdisciplinary, and inter-sectoral experience.

📅 Call Timeline

• Call Opening Date: 16 December 2025
• Submission Deadline: 08 April 2026 (19.00)
• Notification of Results (Indicative): September 2026
• Grant Agreement Signature (Indicative): December 2026
• Project Start (Indicative): First Half of 2027

✅ Eligibility

• A single legal entity established in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country can apply.
• Additional partners can be included as "Implementing Partners" (recruiting researchers) or "Associated Partners" (providing training/secondments).
• For Doctoral Programs researchers without a PhD, enrolled in a doctoral program,
• For Postdoctoral Programs researchers in possession of a PhD are eligible to apply.
• Researchers must not have resided in the recruiting country for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment.

📂 Support Scope and Duration

• Projects typically last up to 5 years.
• At least 3 researchers must be recruited under the programme.
• Researchers are supported for a minimum of 3 months.

Scope:

• The EU contribution is a fixed "COFUND allowance" per researcher (equivalent to the minimum salary).
• The beneficiary must top up this amount with their own or external funds (e.g., Cohesion Funds).

💶 Funding Opportunities

• Total Call Budget: €105.5 Million.
• Maximum Grant per Beneficiary: €10 Million per call.

📌 Useful Links

• MSCA COFUND Web Site
• Application Portal
• MSCA Work Programme