McDonald Fellowships 2026 – Fully Funded Research Fellowship for International Researchers
McDonald Fellowships 2026
Fully Funded Research Fellowship for International Students
The McDonald Fellowship is a prestigious international research opportunity designed to support early-career scientists working in the field of multiple sclerosis (MS). The program is funded by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) and allows researchers from low- and middle-income countries to work at leading research institutions abroad.
Through this fellowship, selected researchers gain advanced training, collaborate with international experts, and contribute to improving the understanding and treatment of multiple sclerosis.
The program plays an important role in building global research capacity and ensuring that scientists from developing regions can participate in cutting-edge medical research.
Overview of the McDonald Fellowship
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | McDonald Fellowship |
| Sponsor | Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) |
| Program Type | Research Fellowship |
| Funding | Up to €55,000 per year |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Eligible Applicants | Early-career researchers |
| Deadline | Usually around December each year |
| Host Location | International research institutions |
The fellowship provides funding for a two-year research placement, enabling scholars to work in laboratories or clinical research centers outside their home country.
About the McDonald Fellowship Program
The McDonald Fellowship aims to strengthen research related to multiple sclerosis, a neurological disease affecting the central nervous system.
The program supports researchers who are working on projects related to MS diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. It also encourages collaboration between research institutions worldwide.
Participants conduct research at an international host institution and are expected to return to their home country afterward to help advance MS research and healthcare locally.
Fellowship Benefits
The McDonald Fellowship provides financial and professional support to selected researchers.
1. Annual Funding
Successful fellows receive up to €55,000 per year for a two-year period. The funding is usually paid to the host institution to support the researcher’s work and living expenses.
2. Travel Support
The program includes funding for one return airfare between the fellow’s home country and the host institution.
3. Access to Global Research Networks
Fellows gain the opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers and institutions specializing in multiple sclerosis.
4. Career Development
The fellowship allows participants to develop advanced research skills and gain international experience that can strengthen their academic and professional careers.
Fields of Research Supported
The McDonald Fellowship supports projects that focus on multiple sclerosis and related biomedical research areas.
Examples include:
Neurology and neuroscience
Biomedical sciences
MS diagnosis and treatment
Clinical research on neurological diseases
Patient care and rehabilitation related to MS
Research projects must contribute to improving knowledge or treatment of multiple sclerosis.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet several requirements to qualify for the fellowship.
Basic Requirements
Candidates must:
Hold a postgraduate qualification (at least MSc, preferably PhD or MD) in a relevant field
Be a citizen of a low- or middle-income country
Conduct research related to multiple sclerosis
Identify a host institution and research supervisor before applying
These criteria ensure that the fellowship supports researchers who can contribute to global MS research efforts.
Additional Eligibility Conditions
Applicants must also meet at least one of the following conditions:
Currently working or studying in a low- or middle-income country
Studying or working abroad on a project that started within the last six months
Participating in an MSIF-supported research project
In addition, fellows are expected to return to their home country after the fellowship to apply their knowledge and support local research development.
Required Documents
Applicants typically need to prepare the following documents:
Completed fellowship application form
Research proposal
Academic transcripts or certificates
Curriculum vitae (CV)
Reference letters from academic or professional supervisors
Confirmation letter from the host institution
All documents must be submitted before the official application deadline.
How to Apply for the McDonald Fellowship
Follow these steps to apply for the fellowship:
Step 1: Identify a Research Project
Applicants must develop a research idea related to multiple sclerosis.
Step 2: Find a Host Institution
Before applying, candidates must secure a host supervisor and research institution abroad.
Step 3: Prepare Application Documents
Gather all required documents, including reference letters and research proposal.
Step 4: Submit the Online Application
Applications are submitted through the official MSIF fellowship portal.
Step 5: Provide Reference Letters
Applicants must arrange for referees to submit recommendation letters before the deadline.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by a panel of researchers and experts in multiple sclerosis research.
The selection process considers:
Quality and impact of the research proposal
Academic qualifications and research experience
Strength of the host institution and supervisor
Potential impact of the research in the applicant’s home country
Only a limited number of fellows are selected each year.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the McDonald Fellowship is usually around 1 December each year, although applicants should confirm the exact date on the official website before applying.
Official Fellowship Website
For the most accurate and updated information, applicants should visit the official fellowship page:
Official Page
https://www.msif.org/research/awards-grants-and-fellowships/mcdonald-fellowships/
Applicants should always verify scholarship details from the official website before submitting their application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the McDonald Fellowship?
The McDonald Fellowship is an international research program that supports early-career scientists studying multiple sclerosis.
2. How much funding does the fellowship provide?
The fellowship offers approximately €55,000 per year for two years to support research and living expenses.
3. Who can apply for the fellowship?
Researchers with at least a master’s degree in a relevant field who are citizens of low- or middle-income countries can apply.
4. Do applicants need a host institution?
Yes. Applicants must identify a host supervisor and institution abroad before submitting their application.
5. What is the duration of the fellowship?
The McDonald Fellowship lasts two years.
Final Thoughts
The McDonald Fellowship is a valuable opportunity for researchers who want to contribute to global efforts in understanding and treating multiple sclerosis.
By supporting international collaboration and advanced research training, the fellowship helps scientists develop expertise that can benefit patients and healthcare systems around the world.
Researchers interested in neurological science and multiple sclerosis should consider applying for this prestigious international program.
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