MSCA & Citizens call: 6 steps to prepare your application

Step 1: Get familiar with how funding works

Have a look at the MSCA and Citizens page and key resources for an introduction to the scheme’s features.

Consult the MSCA Work Programme (pages 67-75) and annexes for all details about the call.

Attend webinars and hands-on workshops to learn more about the programme. MSCA National Contact Points and Euraxess Worldwide organise information sessions regularly. Contact them to find out about the next sessions.

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Step 2: Make sure your organisation can apply

The guide for applicants is the best starting point for any organisation interested in the scheme.

MSCA and Citizens activities can be organised either by one single beneficiary or by several organisations in a consortium at regional, national or cross-border levels.

Organisations from all socioeconomic sectors in Member States and countries associated to the Horizon Europe programme can apply to organise activities in these countries.

This includes

• higher education institutions
• research institutions and infrastructures
• museums, scientific centres and festivals
• science communication companies
• organisations involved in science engagement
• local, regional and national governments, education authorities and agencies
• other socio-economic actors

If you are not sure about your country’s status, have a look at the list of participating countries to Horizon Europe or contact your MSCA National Contact Points for more information.

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Step 3: Find the best partners to prepare your proposal

If you are planning to apply as a consortium, you could start by exploring the existing links that your department and organisation have with institutions around Europe. You can also use this call to explore new collaborations and expand your network.

Partnerships and coordination at regional, national or cross-border levels will be strongly encouraged, aiming at a good geographical spread and avoiding overlaps.

You can get help to find new partners via

• the MSCA Matchmaking platform
• the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal (see “Partner Search Announcements”)

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Step 4: Start drafting your application

The Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal is the one-stop-shop for future applicants, offering useful resources such as proposal templates and application forms, evaluation forms and evaluation criteria, and many others.

If you are participating in an EU-funded programme for the first time, you will need to register your organisation and get a participant identification code (PIC).

To draft a successful application, you will need to get familiar with the award criteria below, which you can also find in General Annex D of the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023-2025. 

Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals covering activities for both 2026 and 2027, including the organisation of the European Researchers’ Night and implementation of Researchers at Schools activities during the project duration.

Selected projects will

• publicise the European Researchers’ Night as a European event. It is the occasion for a Europe-wide public and media event for the promotion of research careers and the collaborative pursuit of knowledge across borders
• set up a website which links to the MSCA’s website, strengthening the tie to the European level
• promote gender balance, diversity and inclusiveness in science in its activities and among researchers involved

European Researchers’ Night activities can

• combine education with entertainment, especially when addressing young audiences. Portals such as the European Science Engagement Platform can help applicants and future practitioners find inspiration and resources for the projects’ activities
• support events that can last up to two days: they can start on Friday and continue the following day. Related events before and after the European Researchers’ Night can also be organised

Researchers at Schools activities should

• be subject to dedicated promotion, particularly towards schools and other pedagogical and educational centres
• take place at any time during the project duration

CORDIS, the official projects’ database of the European Commission, can help you find examples of previously funded MSCA and Citizens projects.

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Step 5: Check your application with your peers

If you want to receive feedback on your draft and get advice from former applicants and experts, you can also reach out to

• the MSCA National Contact Point in your country
• your organisation, which may also have resources to verify and submit your application

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Step 6: Submit your application

The 2025 call for the MSCA and Citizens opens on 17 June 2025 with a deadline to apply by 22 October 2025 17.00, CEST.  

During this period, you can start becoming familiar with the electronic submission service, which is the online system you must use to submit proposals.  

You and your partners can learn more about the submission process on the call page on the Funding and Tenders Opportunities Portal and through the portal’s online manual.

Submit your proposal as early as possible before the deadline expires to avoid last-minute problems. You can update, download, or withdraw your proposal up until the deadline.  

You can see an overview of the evaluation process on the website of the European Research Executive Agency (REA). 

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