The MS International Federation has opened applications for the 2026 McDonald Fellowship for interested and qualified early-career researchers from low- and middle-income countries.
The MS International Federation McDonald Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded opportunity providing a €55,000 grant per year for selected fellows to engage in research placements and contribute to advancing care and research in Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Scholarship Summary
- Host: McDonald
- Category: Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: Low- and middle-income countries
- Reward: €55,000 Grant per year
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: December 1, 2025
Scholarship Details
The McDonald Fellowship enables early-career researchers from low- and middle-income countries to undertake research placements in institutions outside their home country, working on areas relevant to Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The MS International Federation (MSIF) is a global movement of MS organizations working together to improve the lives of people affected by MS worldwide.
Through this fellowship, participants either gain new expertise or contribute to joint research projects, fostering international collaboration. After the fellowship, it is expected that fellows will leverage their newly developed skills and networks to continue MS research or patient care in their home countries.
Eligibility Criteria
To be qualified for the MS International Federation McDonald Fellowship, applicants must:
- Be educated to postgraduate level (at least MSc, preferably PhD/MD) in a field relevant to Multiple Sclerosis
- Be citizens of a low- or middle-income country (as defined by the World Bank)
- Focus their research on an area relevant to Multiple Sclerosis
Candidates must also be in one of the following situations:
- Working or studying in a low- or middle-income country at the time of application
- Working or studying in another country on a project which started within six months prior to application
- Studying in another country on a Du Pré grant project supported by MSIF
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants of the MS International Federation McDonald Fellowship will receive:
- A two-year grant of approximately €55,000 per year
- Funding to cover travel and living costs
- An additional contribution to the host institution
Required Documents
To apply for this fellowship, applicants must prepare to submit:
- Completed online application form
- Agreed project proposal with host supervisor
- Supporting statement from host institution (submitted via the application system)
- Three reference letters sent directly to [email protected] before the June 30 deadline
- A lay summary as part of the application (guidance available on the fellowship page)
How to Apply
To apply for the MS International Federation McDonald Fellowship 2026:
- Identify your project and field of interest
- Contact and agree on a project proposal with your host supervisor in a lab or clinic
- Complete all sections of the online application form
- Ensure your host submits the required supporting statement via the application system
- Request three referees to send their reference letters to [email protected] before the June 30 deadline
- Read the Terms and Conditions of the Award and the requirements around reporting and payments
- Be attentive to the lay summary section of the application (advice on writing this is provided at the bottom of the fellowship webpage)
To begin the fellowship application process, click HERE
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