IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme 2027/2029

Applicants should establish a clear connection between their proposed Master's programme and nuclear science or one of its approved applications.

Scholarship Support

The programme has provided selected students with:

• Up to €20,000 toward tuition costs.
• Up to €20,000 toward living costs.
• An opportunity for an IAEA-facilitated internship related to the student's field of study, potentially for up to 12 months.
• Exposure to international scientific and professional environments.
• Opportunities to participate in educational, professional and networking activities associated with the programme.

Funding is subject to the conditions of the particular application cycle. Applicants should therefore verify the exact financial arrangements when the current call is published.

The Internship Component

One distinctive feature of the MSCFP is that the programme is not limited to classroom-based Master's education.

Selected students may receive an opportunity to undertake an internship related to their field of specialisation. The internship is facilitated by the IAEA and can provide exposure to professional environments where nuclear science and technology are applied.

Depending on the placement and field, this can complement academic training with practical experience and help students understand how nuclear techniques are used in scientific, medical, industrial, environmental or energy-related settings.

Career Areas

Graduates with specialised Master's training in nuclear-related disciplines may go on to work in areas such as:

• Nuclear research
• Universities and higher education
• Nuclear energy
• Nuclear medicine
• Radiation protection
• Nuclear safety and regulation
• Medical physics
• Environmental monitoring
• Agricultural and food applications
• Scientific laboratories
• Nuclear technology and instrumentation
• Government and regulatory agencies
• Research and development
• International scientific organisations

The programme is intended to contribute to a stronger pipeline of women entering and progressing within the nuclear field.

Why the Programme Matters

Nuclear science is applied in many areas beyond electricity generation. Nuclear and radiation technologies contribute to cancer diagnosis and treatment, medical imaging, food and agricultural research, environmental monitoring, industrial applications, energy systems and scientific research.

The MSCFP addresses the need for a more diverse nuclear workforce by helping women obtain advanced academic training in these areas.

For students from countries where specialised nuclear education may be less accessible, the programme can provide a route to international postgraduate training and exposure to the wider nuclear-science community.

Academic Preparation

Before applying, candidates should identify a Master's programme that clearly fits the nuclear-related scope of the MSCFP.

It is important to check:

1. Whether the university is accredited.
2. Whether the proposed programme is at Master's level.
3. Whether the subject is recognised as nuclear-related.
4. Whether the applicant meets the university's academic requirements.
5. Whether admission must be obtained before the fellowship application.
6. Whether the programme duration and study location satisfy the current MSCFP requirements.

Applicants should not assume that every programme in physics, engineering, medicine or environmental science automatically qualifies. The connection to nuclear science or a peaceful nuclear application should be clear.

Application Process

When a new application round opens, applicants should:

1. Read the official IAEA MSCFP announcement.
2. Confirm nationality and other eligibility requirements.
3. Identify an appropriate Master's programme.
4. Check the university's admission requirements.
5. Obtain admission or the required admission documentation according to the current call.
6. Prepare academic certificates and transcripts.
7. Prepare evidence of academic performance.
8. Complete the IAEA application materials.
9. Provide the required university and identification documents.
10. Submit the application within the official application period.
11. Monitor official communications for selection and subsequent instructions.

The exact documents and application procedure can change between calls, so applicants should follow the instructions published for the current cycle rather than relying on an older application checklist.

Selection Considerations

Selection is competitive. Meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not automatically result in an award.

Academic performance is an important consideration, together with the applicant's proposed field of study and its relevance to the nuclear field. Applicants should be able to demonstrate genuine interest in developing a career involving nuclear science, technology or a peaceful nuclear application.

Who Is This Fellowship Suitable For?

The programme can be relevant to women with backgrounds in:

• Physics
• Engineering
• Chemistry
• Medicine
• Medical physics
• Environmental science
• Nuclear science
• Radiation science
• Other disciplines that provide an appropriate foundation for an eligible nuclear-related Master's programme.

It is particularly suited to students who want to specialise further and develop a professional pathway in nuclear science and technology.

Important Information

The IAEA Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme is a Master's-level scholarship, not a general research grant or doctoral fellowship.

The programme is specifically aimed at women and applicants must be citizens of an IAEA Member State.

The scholarship supports study in eligible nuclear-related fields, while the additional internship opportunity provides a practical professional-development component.

Because the IAEA may update eligibility requirements, funding arrangements, eligible fields and application dates between calls, applicants should rely on the current official announcement when applying.

Current Call Status

The programme remains an established IAEA initiative, but a current 2026/27 application deadline should not be assumed from previous calls.

Applicants should wait for and follow the next official IAEA application announcement for the definitive deadline, eligible programmes, funding conditions and required documents.