Applications are open for the IAEA Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme 2026, also known as the IAEA MSCFP. The programme supports female students from IAEA Member States who are accepted into or already studying an eligible Master’s degree in a nuclear-related field.
Selected fellows can receive up to €20,000 toward tuition fees and up to €20,000 toward living costs, giving a maximum potential award of €40,000. The current application deadline is October 31, 2026.
The fellowship is offered by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and is not limited to study in Austria. Applicants may pursue an eligible nuclear-related Master’s at an accredited university that satisfies the programme requirements.
The programme may also provide access to limited internship opportunities facilitated by the IAEA, although an internship is not guaranteed to every fellowship recipient.
Students searching for other current opportunities can also explore Scholarships Central’s Master’s Scholarships, Scholarships Still Open, and Fully Funded Scholarships.
IAEA Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Current Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | IAEA Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme |
| Short name | MSCFP |
| Organisation | International Atomic Energy Agency |
| Degree level | Master’s |
| Applicants | Female students |
| Eligible countries | IAEA Member States |
| Eligible fields | Nuclear-related fields |
| Tuition support | Up to €20,000 |
| Living support | Up to €20,000 |
| Maximum potential support | Up to €40,000 |
| University | Accredited university meeting programme conditions |
| Admission required first? | Yes |
| Reference letters | 1 mandatory; second preferred |
| Application language | English |
| Deadline | October 31, 2026 |
| Internship | Limited opportunities may be facilitated |
Applicants should use the official IAEA MSCFP programme page and the current IAEA application call for final verification.
What Is the IAEA Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship?
The IAEA Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme was launched in 2020 to encourage more women to study and build careers in nuclear science and technology.
The programme supports women pursuing Master’s degrees related to the peaceful applications of nuclear science.
It is named after Marie Skłodowska-Curie, the pioneering physicist and chemist whose work transformed research on radioactivity.
The programme combines financial support with opportunities to develop professional experience and connections within the international nuclear field.
IAEA Marie Curie Fellowship Benefits
The current fellowship provides two main forms of financial support.
Up to €20,000 for Tuition
The IAEA can provide:
up to €20,000 toward tuition costs
for the eligible Master’s programme.
If tuition costs are below €20,000, applicants should not assume they will automatically receive the full €20,000.
Up to €20,000 for Living Costs
Selected fellows can also receive:
up to €20,000 toward living expenses.
The amount depends on the fellowship conditions and individual circumstances.
Maximum Potential Funding
Combined support can therefore reach:
up to €40,000
for tuition and living expenses.
The IAEA’s programme material confirms these funding ceilings. The phrase “up to” is important because the final contribution can be lower depending on tuition costs, other scholarships and the fellow’s financial situation.
Is the IAEA Marie Curie Fellowship Fully Funded?
The fellowship can provide substantial funding, but applicants should be careful with the term fully funded.
The IAEA provides:
- up to €20,000 for tuition;
- up to €20,000 for living costs.
This does not mean every selected student automatically receives €40,000 or that every possible expense will always be covered.
For example, if tuition fees exceed €20,000, the fellowship does not automatically promise to pay the excess.
Similarly, living expenses above the IAEA contribution remain the student’s responsibility.
A more accurate description is:
up to €40,000 in tuition and living-cost support.
Who Can Apply for the IAEA MSCFP?
Applicants must satisfy the current programme eligibility requirements.
The fellowship is open to:
- female candidates;
- nationals of an IAEA Member State;
- applicants accepted into or already enrolled in an accredited Master’s programme;
- students pursuing a nuclear-related field.
The programme is specifically designed to increase women’s participation in nuclear science, technology and related professions.
Do You Need Master’s Admission Before Applying?
Yes.
You must already be:
accepted into or enrolled in an eligible Master’s programme
before applying for the IAEA fellowship.
Applicants cannot normally submit the fellowship application first and then search for a university afterward.
The university admission or acceptance letter should clearly identify:
- the Master’s programme;
- the nuclear-related field of study;
- the expected duration of the degree.
This is one of the most important requirements to complete before starting the MSCFP application.
Can You Study at Any University?
The fellowship is not restricted to the University of Vienna or universities in Austria.
Applicants can study at an accredited university that offers an eligible nuclear-related Master’s programme and meets the MSCFP requirements.
The IAEA is headquartered in Vienna, Austria, but the fellowship programme supports women studying in different countries.
Applicants should therefore choose their university based on the academic programme rather than assuming they must relocate to Austria.
Eligible Fields for the IAEA Marie Curie Fellowship
The programme covers a broad range of nuclear-related disciplines.
Examples specifically associated with MSCFP include:
- Nuclear Engineering
- Nuclear Physics
- Nuclear Chemistry
- Nuclear Medicine
- Radiation Biology
- Isotopic Techniques
- Nuclear Safety
- Nuclear Security
- Nuclear Non-Proliferation
- Nuclear Law
Related programmes may also be considered if they clearly connect with the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology.
This means MSCFP is relevant not only to nuclear engineers.
Students from backgrounds such as:
- physics;
- chemistry;
- engineering;
- medicine;
- health sciences;
- radiation sciences;
- biotechnology-related nuclear applications;
- law;
- security and policy
may potentially qualify when their actual Master’s programme has a strong nuclear component.
IAEA MSCFP Academic Requirement
The current call states that preference is given to applicants with above-average academic credentials.
The academic benchmark mentioned is approximately:
75% or above
or:
GPA above 3.0/4.0.
Importantly, this is described as a selection preference, rather than a simple universal automatic eligibility cutoff.
Therefore, it is more accurate to say:
Candidates with at least around 75% or GPA above 3.0/4.0 are preferred.
rather than:
Every applicant below 75% is automatically ineligible.
Selection considers the complete application.
Is There an Age Limit?
The current MSCFP call does not publish a specific maximum age requirement.
Applicants should therefore not rely on unofficial websites claiming that candidates must be below 25, 30 or another specific age unless the IAEA adds such a condition to the official call.
Documents Required for the IAEA Marie Curie Fellowship
The current application requires important supporting documents including:
- Passport or national identity document.
- Official Master’s admission or acceptance letter.
- Confirmation that the Master’s is nuclear-related.
- Confirmation of the programme duration.
- Information or documentation showing tuition costs.
- Information about other scholarships or funding received.
- MSCFP reference documentation.
Applicants should use the checklist in the current official application rather than adding unnecessary documents that have not been requested.
Recommendation Letter Requirement
The current MSCFP call requires:
at least one reference.
A:
second reference is preferred.
This is important because some older MSCFP articles still state that two recommendations are mandatory.
For the current application cycle, the live IAEA instructions should take priority.
How Should the Reference Be Submitted?
The referee should complete the official MSCFP reference template.
The reference is sent directly by the referee to:
by the fellowship deadline.
Applicants should contact their referee early enough to ensure the reference reaches the IAEA before October 31, 2026.
Application Documents Must Be in English
The IAEA requires application documents to be submitted in English.
If an original university document, admission letter or other required record is issued in another language, an official English translation should also be provided where required.
Incomplete applications are not considered.
Can You Apply If You Already Have Another Scholarship?
Yes, potentially.
Having another scholarship does not automatically prevent a student from applying for MSCFP.
However, all other scholarship funding must be disclosed.
The IAEA may adjust its financial contribution depending on what another scholarship already covers.
For example, if another award fully covers the student’s living expenses, MSCFP support may focus on eligible tuition costs instead.
Applicants should therefore never hide another scholarship.
Failure to disclose funding can result in suspension of IAEA financial assistance.
Can Working Professionals Apply?
Being employed does not automatically make an applicant ineligible.
Applicants still need to satisfy the fellowship’s normal requirements and disclose relevant employment income or other financial support when requested.
The key requirements remain eligible Master’s admission, female applicant status, IAEA Member State nationality and a nuclear-related field.
How Are IAEA Marie Curie Fellows Selected?
The IAEA Technical Selection Committee assesses more than academic grades.
Selection can consider:
- eligibility requirements;
- educational background;
- previous academic achievements;
- applicant motivation;
- expected impact of the fellowship on career goals;
- commitment to public service;
- geographic diversity;
- field-of-study diversity;
- linguistic diversity.
A strong application should therefore explain how the Master’s programme will help the candidate contribute to the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology.
Does MSCFP Guarantee an IAEA Internship?
No.
This is another point often overstated in scholarship articles.
The programme can provide limited internship opportunities facilitated by the IAEA, but receiving the fellowship does not automatically guarantee an internship placement.
Internship opportunities may involve organisations such as:
- the IAEA;
- IAEA laboratories;
- research institutes;
- universities;
- industry;
- partner organisations.
Availability depends on programme needs and suitable placements.
IAEA Marie Curie Fellowship for Pakistani Students
Yes. Pakistani women can apply.
Pakistan is an official IAEA Member State and has been a member since May 2, 1957.
The IAEA’s official Pakistan country profile confirms Pakistan’s membership.
A Pakistani applicant would need to:
- be female;
- have admission to or enrollment in an eligible Master’s;
- study a nuclear-related subject;
- provide the required application documents;
- meet the scholarship deadline.
There is no separate Pakistan-only application process.
Can Indian Students Apply?
Yes.
India is also an IAEA Member State, so eligible female Indian applicants may apply under the same general MSCFP conditions.
Can African Students Apply?
Female applicants from African countries that are IAEA Member States can apply.
The IAEA also considers geographic diversity during selection, but applicants should not interpret this as a guaranteed regional quota unless the IAEA publishes one for the current round.
How to Apply for the IAEA Marie Curie Fellowship 2026
Step 1: Apply for a Nuclear-Related Master’s
First obtain admission to an eligible Master’s programme at an accredited university.
Step 2: Confirm Your Programme Is Nuclear-Related
Make sure the degree clearly connects with nuclear science, technology, medicine, law, safety, security or another eligible nuclear field.
Step 3: Collect Your Admission Documents
Your admission letter should identify the programme and its duration.
Step 4: Prepare Tuition Information
Obtain documentation showing the tuition cost of your Master’s programme.
Step 5: Prepare Your Identification Document
Upload the required passport or national-ID information.
Step 6: Arrange Your Reference
Ask at least one suitable referee to complete the official MSCFP reference form.
A second referee is preferred.
Step 7: Disclose Other Funding
Include accurate details about any other scholarships or financial assistance you receive.
Step 8: Submit the Online Application
Complete the official IAEA application through the current MSCFP call:
Apply for the IAEA Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship
Step 9: Ensure References Arrive
Your referee should send the official reference template directly to the MSCFP programme before the deadline.
Step 10: Submit by October 31, 2026
Do not leave document translations or references until the final day.
IAEA MSCFP Deadline 2026
The current deadline is:
October 31, 2026.
Applications submitted after the official deadline should not be expected to receive consideration.
Because references are part of the application process, applicants should make sure the required reference also reaches the IAEA on time.
What Happens After Selection?
Selected candidates receive an official fellowship offer from the IAEA.
The current call requires selected applicants to confirm acceptance within one week.
Applicants should therefore monitor the email address they used for their application.
Missing the acceptance window could affect the fellowship offer.
Important Obligation After Receiving the Scholarship
MSCFP recipients are expected to successfully complete their Master’s programme and comply with the fellowship conditions.
The current call states that failure to graduate or satisfy programme requirements can result in:
- termination of the fellowship; and
- possible repayment of tuition and living-cost support if requested by the IAEA.
Applicants should therefore treat the fellowship as a formal funding agreement rather than unrestricted financial assistance.
IAEA MSCFP vs EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
These programmes have similar names but are different.
| Feature | IAEA MSCFP | EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Organisation | IAEA | European Union |
| Main audience | Women in nuclear-related Master’s programmes | Researchers at different career stages |
| Degree focus | Master’s | Mainly research training and mobility |
| Main field | Nuclear-related disciplines | Broad research fields |
| Current MSCFP funding | Up to €40,000 | Depends on individual MSCA scheme |
Applicants looking specifically for the IAEA women’s nuclear scholarship should search for IAEA MSCFP, not just “Marie Curie scholarship.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the IAEA Marie Curie Fellowship open now?
Yes. The current call is open and closes on October 31, 2026.
How much is the IAEA MSCFP worth?
Up to €20,000 for tuition and €20,000 for living costs, giving maximum potential support of €40,000.
Is MSCFP fully funded?
It can cover a substantial portion of tuition and living expenses, but the funding is capped. Not every recipient automatically receives €40,000 or complete coverage of every expense.
Can men apply?
No. The current MSCFP is specifically for female candidates.
Can Pakistani students apply?
Yes. Pakistan is an IAEA Member State.
Do I need university admission before applying?
Yes. You must be accepted into or already enrolled in an eligible nuclear-related Master’s programme.
Do I have to study in Austria?
No. The Master’s can be pursued at an eligible accredited university outside Austria.
What GPA is required?
The IAEA gives preference to applicants with approximately 75% or above or GPA above 3.0/4.0. This is presented as an academic preference rather than a simple universal cutoff.
Is there an age limit?
The current call does not publish a specific maximum age.
Are two references mandatory?
No. For the current call, one reference is mandatory and a second is preferred.
Can I apply if I already have another scholarship?
Yes, but you must disclose it. The IAEA may adjust its own financial contribution based on other funding received.
Is an IAEA internship guaranteed?
No. Internship opportunities are limited and facilitated subject to availability.
Are documents required in English?
Yes. Required documents should be submitted in English, with official English translations when necessary.
Can current Master’s students apply?
Yes, provided they are enrolled in an accredited nuclear-related Master’s programme and meet the remaining eligibility requirements.
Official IAEA Links
Official IAEA Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme
Use this page for official programme information and future updates.
Official MSCFP 2026 Application
This is the current application call closing October 31, 2026.
Applicants can check whether their country is an IAEA Member State.
IAEA Pakistan Member State Profile
This confirms Pakistan has been an IAEA Member State since May 2, 1957.
Related Scholarships on Scholarships Central
Applicants looking for other international Master’s opportunities can also explore:
- Master’s Scholarships
- Fully Funded Scholarships
- Scholarships Still Open
- Fully Funded Scholarships Still Open
- All Scholarships
Final Thoughts
The IAEA Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme 2026 is a strong opportunity for women planning careers in nuclear science, engineering, medicine, safety, security, law and related fields.
Selected fellows can receive up to €40,000, split between a maximum of €20,000 for tuition and €20,000 for living expenses.
Applicants should remember three important points: they need Master’s admission before applying, another scholarship must be disclosed, and an IAEA internship is an additional opportunity rather than a guaranteed benefit.
The deadline is October 31, 2026, so applicants who still need an admission letter, official English translations or a referee should prepare those documents early.