IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP) 2026 (Fully Funded Master's Scholarship for Women in Nuclear Science)

Applications are now open for the IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP) 2026, a prestigious fully funded scholarship initiative established by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to encourage and support young women pursuing master's degrees in nuclear-related fields. The programme aims to increase female participation in the nuclear sector by providing financial assistance for postgraduate education together with internship opportunities facilitated by the IAEA.

Named in honor of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Marie Skłodowska-Curie, the fellowship contributes to building a new generation of women leaders in nuclear science and technology. As global demand for skilled professionals in the nuclear sector continues to grow, the programme seeks to remove financial barriers preventing talented women from pursuing advanced education and careers in disciplines that contribute to the peaceful, safe, and secure use of nuclear technologies.

The fellowship supports studies in a wide range of nuclear-related subjects that align with the IAEA's mission of advancing nuclear science for sustainable development, healthcare, agriculture, environmental protection, energy production, and industrial innovation. In addition to generous financial support, selected fellows may also benefit from internship opportunities that provide practical experience within the IAEA or with partner institutions.

About the Fellowship

The IAEA launched the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme to address the gender imbalance within the global nuclear workforce. Although women continue to make significant contributions to science and technology, they remain underrepresented in many nuclear-related professions. Through this initiative, the IAEA seeks to empower talented female students by investing in their education and professional development.

The programme provides scholarships for master's degree studies at accredited universities around the world. Fellows pursue specialized education in nuclear disciplines while developing the knowledge and technical expertise needed to contribute to scientific advancement and the peaceful application of nuclear technologies.

Beyond financial assistance, the programme offers selected participants access to valuable internship opportunities, enabling them to gain practical experience, expand their professional networks, and strengthen their career prospects within the international nuclear community. These internships expose fellows to real-world applications of nuclear science while fostering collaboration with experienced professionals across multiple sectors.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• Up to €20,000 to cover tuition fees.
• Up to €20,000 to support living expenses during the master's programme.
• Opportunity to participate in internships facilitated by the IAEA.
• Access to an international network of nuclear professionals.
• Exposure to leading research and technological developments.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Enhanced career prospects within the global nuclear sector.
• Recognition as an IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellow.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme, applicants must:

• Be female.
• Be a citizen of an IAEA Member State.
• Have been accepted into or currently enrolled in an accredited master's degree programme in a nuclear-related field.
• Demonstrate strong academic performance.
• Submit a complete application before the deadline.

Eligible Applicants

The fellowship is ideal for:

• Recent university graduates.
• Women pursuing careers in nuclear science.
• Future nuclear engineers.
• Medical physicists.
• Nuclear medicine specialists.
• Radiation safety professionals.
• Nuclear researchers.
• Scientists working in peaceful nuclear applications.
• Future policymakers specializing in nuclear law and regulation.

Required Application Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

• Completed online application form.
• Copy of a valid passport or national identity card.
• Official university admission or acceptance letter indicating the master's programme, field of study, and programme duration.
• Official confirmation of tuition fees.
• Documentation of any additional scholarships, if applicable.
• Completed referee reference form submitted directly by the referee (one mandatory, a second reference is recommended).
• Official English translations for documents originally issued in another language.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Academic excellence.
• Relevance of the chosen field of study.
• Potential to contribute to the nuclear sector.
• Completeness of the application.
• Quality of reference letters.
• Alignment with the objectives of the fellowship.

Preference will be given to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic performance and strong potential to become future leaders in nuclear science and technology.

How to Apply

To apply for the IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme 2026:

1. Visit the official MSCFP online application portal.
2. Review all eligibility requirements carefully.
3. Complete the online application form in English.
4. Upload all required supporting documents.
5. Arrange for your referee(s) to submit the required reference form directly to the programme before the deadline.
6. Submit your completed application no later than October 31, 2026.