MSCA Choose Europe for Science 2027: Opens 8 Dec 2026

MSCA Choose Europe for Science 2027: Current Status

What Is MSCA Choose Europe for Science?

Choose Europe for Science is an MSCA initiative designed to help European organisations recruit and retain postdoctoral researchers through longer employment and research-career tracks than conventional short postdoctoral contracts.

The distinctive feature is the two-phase structure: an initial period supported through Horizon Europe/MSCA contributions, followed by a compulsory 24-month phase funded by the beneficiary organisation. The aim is to create stronger, longer-term career perspectives for recruited researchers.

Who Applies to the European Commission Call?

The 2027 proposal is submitted by a single eligible legal entity established in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country.

Potential applicants may include eligible:

• universities and higher-education institutions;
• research organisations;
• companies;
• public-sector research bodies; and
• other academic or non-academic legal entities meeting Horizon Europe requirements.

48–60 Month Career-Track Structure

Successful organisations must recruit their researchers within the first 12 months of the funded action.

During the final 24-month beneficiary-funded phase, the host organisation must provide the resources necessary to maintain the researcher contract and support the associated research, training and networking activities.

EU Funding and Researcher Remuneration

The 2027 Work Programme defines MSCA support through unit contributions. These figures should not be interpreted as a universal take-home salary.

Recruited researchers must receive an employment contract or equivalent direct contract with appropriate social-security coverage in line with the applicable national framework.

Eligibility of Researchers Recruited Later

Researcher eligibility is assessed when successful Choose Europe programmes publish their own vacancies. It is not assessed against the 6 April 2027 European Commission proposal deadline.

• Researchers may be of any nationality.
• They must hold a doctoral degree by the deadline of the relevant host vacancy notice.
• Researchers must normally not have resided or carried out their main activity in the recruiting country for more than 12 months during the 36 months before the vacancy deadline.
• Researchers permanently employed by the recruiting organisation cannot be funded through the action.
• Researchers temporarily employed by the organisation may still qualify if they satisfy the mobility and other call conditions.

Choose Europe vs Standard MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships

For the standard MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship route, see CareerAidHub’s dedicated guide: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships.

Indicative 2027 Timeline

CareerAidHub Preparation Guidance

The following is CareerAidHub guidance, not additional European Commission eligibility criteria.

For Organisations

• Design a clear 48–60 month researcher career pathway before the call opens.
• Budget realistically for the mandatory 24-month beneficiary-funded phase.
• Define transparent recruitment, salary and career-development conditions.
• Prepare credible institutional commitments rather than relying only on EU funding.

For Researchers

• Do not treat 6 April 2027 as your personal fellowship application deadline.
• Track successful Choose Europe projects and their later vacancy announcements.
• Check mobility eligibility against each host vacancy deadline.
• Compare gross remuneration, host-country correction, social-security arrangements and second-phase conditions before applying.