Postdoctoral scholarships provide critical support for early-career researchers, offering funding to pursue advanced research, gain new skills, and build academic networks. In 2025, numerous prestigious opportunities are available for postdoctoral scholars across disciplines, from STEM to humanities and social sciences.
These scholarships often cover stipends, research expenses, and sometimes additional benefits like travel allowances or health insurance. Below is a curated list of top postdoctoral scholarships for 2025, designed to help researchers advance their careers and make significant contributions to their fields.
Top Postdoctoral Scholarships for 2025
1. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships
The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships, funded by the European Commission, support researchers of any nationality with a PhD to conduct research in EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, or non-associated Third Countries. These fellowships emphasize international, interdisciplinary, and inter-sectoral mobility to enhance career development.
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Eligibility: PhD holders with up to 8 years of research experience post-PhD; must comply with mobility rules (not have resided in the host country for more than 12 months in the last 36 months for European Fellowships).
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Funding: Covers salary, research, training, and networking costs for 1-2 years (European Fellowships) or 2-3 years (Global Fellowships, including a 12-month return phase).
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Fields: All disciplines, including Euratom Research and Training Programme areas.
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Deadline: Typically mid-September 2025.
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Application Process: Submit jointly with a host organization (university, research institution, or business).
2. National Science Foundation (NSF) Postdoctoral Fellowships
The NSF offers several postdoctoral fellowship programs for U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents, focusing on STEM fields. These include the Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships, Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowships, and the Innovative Postdoctoral Entrepreneurial Research Fellowship (I-PERF).
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Eligibility: Recent PhD recipients (within 7 years for I-PERF); U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required for most programs.
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Funding: Varies by program; I-PERF provides $78,000 annually, plus health insurance, relocation assistance, and conference travel.
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Fields: Mathematics, astronomy, astrophysics, engineering, and entrepreneurial STEM research.
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Deadline: Varies (e.g., I-PERF typically rolling; others in October or November 2025).
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Application Process: Apply through NSF’s Funding Search or I-PERF website.
3. American Heart Association (AHA) Postdoctoral Fellowship
The AHA Postdoctoral Fellowship supports researchers in cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or brain health research, aiming to foster independent academic careers.
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Eligibility: PhD holders not yet independent; open to international applicants based in the U.S.
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Funding: Matches NIH stipend levels (as of July 2025), plus $12,200/year for health insurance and $1,500/year for conference travel; 1-2 years, renewable for up to 4 years.
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Fields: Cardiovascular and brain health research.
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Deadline: July 1, 2025.
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Application Process: Submit via ProposalCentral with a mentor’s support.
4. American Cancer Society (ACS) Postdoctoral Fellowships
The ACS funds early-career researchers in cancer research to prepare them for independent careers.
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Eligibility: Recent PhD holders; open to U.S. and international applicants.
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Funding: $4,000/year for health insurance, workshop costs, or conference travel; additional $1,500 in the final year for ACS Symposium or domestic meetings; paid maternity/paternity leave available.
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Fields: Cancer research (prevention, detection, treatment).
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Deadline: Typically April or October 2025.
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Application Process: Apply through ACS’s grant portal with a research proposal.
5. The British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowships
This three-year fellowship supports early-career researchers in the humanities and social sciences, emphasizing publishable research and academic integration.
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Eligibility: PhD holders within 3 years of degree; must be affiliated with a UK institution.
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Funding: Covers salary and research expenses for 3 years.
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Fields: Humanities and social sciences.
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Deadline: October 1, 2025.
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Application Process: Submit through the British Academy’s online system with institutional approval.
6. TWAS Postdoctoral Fellowships
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) offers fellowships for researchers from developing countries to conduct postdoctoral research in physical sciences, biotechnology, or related fields in countries like India, Pakistan, or Brazil.
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Eligibility: PhD holders from developing countries; age limit typically 45.
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Funding: Stipend, research support for 6-36 months.
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Fields: Agricultural sciences, biology, chemistry, physics, and more.
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Deadline: Varies (e.g., September 22, 2025, for S.N. Bose Fellowships).
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Application Process: Apply through partner organizations like S.N. Bose National Centre or CSIR.
7. NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship
The National Academy of Education supports early-career scholars in education research, fostering significant contributions to the field.
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Eligibility: PhD or EdD received between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024; open to non-U.S. citizens.
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Funding: $70,000 for one academic year.
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Fields: Education research (any discipline).
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Deadline: Likely November 2025.
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Application Process: Submit an individual application with a research proposal.
8. EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships
The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) supports postdoctoral researchers in life sciences, emphasizing international mobility.
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Eligibility: PhD holders within 2 years of degree; must involve international movement.
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Funding: Salary, relocation allowance, and support for fellows with children for up to 2 years.
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Fields: Life sciences (e.g., cell biology, molecular biology).
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Deadline: July 11, 2025 (next cutoff).
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Application Process: Apply online with at least one first-author publication or preprint.
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FAQs
What are the benefits of pursuing a postdoctoral scholarship?
Postdoctoral scholarships provide funding for research, professional development, and networking. They enhance research skills, build academic or industry connections, and improve prospects for securing permanent positions.
Can international researchers apply for these scholarships?
Yes, many scholarships (e.g., MSCA, TWAS, ACS, NAEd/Spencer) are open to international applicants, though some (e.g., NSF) are restricted to U.S. citizens or residents. Always check eligibility criteria.
Can I apply for a scholarship in a different field from my PhD?
Yes, interdisciplinary opportunities exist (e.g., MSCA, NAEd/Spencer). Applicants must demonstrate how the scholarship aligns with their research goals and career development.
How competitive are these scholarships?
Postdoctoral scholarships are highly competitive, often requiring strong academic records, clear research proposals, and mentor support. Programs like MSCA and NAEd/Spencer select only a small percentage of applicants.
Do these scholarships cover living expenses?
Most scholarships provide stipends or salaries to cover living expenses, with some offering additional benefits like health insurance (e.g., AHA, ACS) or travel allowances (e.g., NSF, EMBO).
How can I strengthen my application?
Craft a clear, impactful research proposal, secure strong letters of recommendation, and align your project with the scholarship’s goals. Contact program officers or mentors for guidance before applying.
