Are you an early-career researcher from a low- or middle-income country with a passion for tackling multiple sclerosis? The MS International Federation McDonald Fellowships could be your next big break. This prestigious two-year fellowship provides €55,000 per year, covering travel, living costs, and support for research in an internationally recognized lab or clinic outside your home country. It’s more than funding—it’s a powerful career accelerator, giving you access to world-class mentorship, cutting-edge research environments, and a global MS network.
The goal is to equip the next generation of MS researchers to lead change back home—whether through patient care, research, or policy. If you’re ready to sharpen your expertise and build long-term impact in the MS field, this fellowship is built for you.
Fellowship Summary
- Host: McDonald
- Scholarship Category: Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All countries
- Scholarship Benefits: €55,000 per year, One return flight, etc.
- Deadline: 1st December
MS International Federation McDonald Fellowship 2026 Benefits
- €55,000 per year (total €110,000 over 2 years) — paid to the host institution to cover salary, research costs, travel, and living expenses
- One return flight to the host country is included
- Additional €2,000 per year toward host institution costs
- Professional development through new skills, mentorship, international collaboration, and networking
- Opportunity to contribute to joint MS research, publish papers, and attend conferences
Eligibility Requirements for MS International Federation McDonald Fellowship 2026
To qualify, you must:
- Hold a postgraduate degree (at least an MSc; PhD or MD preferred) in a field relevant to multiple sclerosis
- Be a citizen of a low- or middle-income country as defined by the World Bank
- Have a research focus on multiple sclerosis
You must also meet one of the following:
- Be working or studying in a low- or middle-income country at the time of application
- Be working or studying in another country on a project that started within six months of the application
- Be involved in MSIF-supported Du Pré grant research
Additional notes:
- You may use the fellowship to part-fund a PhD if you’re already accepted and lack full funding
- You are expected to return to your home country after the fellowship to continue MS research or patient care
- The fellowship must begin within 12 months of award confirmation and requires signing MSIF’s Terms and Conditions
Documents Required for MS International Federation McDonald Fellowship 2026
- Completed online application form, including a project proposal and 500-word lay summary
- Supporting statement from your host supervisor (submitted after you apply)
- Three referee letters, sent directly by your referees to MSIF before the deadline
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts and certificates (MSc, PhD, or MD proof)
- Copy of your passport
Fellowship Application Deadline
- The application deadline is 1 December 2025
- Applications opened on 1 July 2025
Steps on How to Apply for MS International Federation McDonald Fellowship 2026
- Secure your host and project
- Identify a research project focused on multiple sclerosis.
- Contact a host supervisor at a research institution outside your country and agree on the project scope.
- Prepare your application materials
- Draft your research proposal and a 500-word lay summary.
- Update your CV and gather academic transcripts and a passport copy.
- Complete the online application
- Starting from 1 July 2025, fill out the application form, including your project proposal, personal details, and lay summary.
- Get a host supporting statement
- After submitting your application, your host supervisor will be prompted to upload a statement supporting your proposed project.
- Submit reference letters
- Request three referees to send their letters directly to MSIF at the specified email before 1 December 2025.
- Review the terms and conditions
- Understand the reporting obligations, payment structure, and expectations of the fellowship.
- Meet the final deadline
- Ensure all documents—including the host statement and reference letters—are submitted before 1 December 2025.
- Prepare for post-award steps
- If selected, you’ll need to submit mid-term and final reports. The second year of funding is contingent on the first year’s performance.
Click here to Get Standard CV for Admission or Scholarship Application
Click here to Get Admission or Scholarship CV or Statement of Purpose/Motivation Letter from a Professional.