Overview
MSCA Staff Exchanges are part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions under Horizon Europe’s Pillar 1: Excellent Science. They support short-term international, inter-sectoral and interdisciplinary exchanges of staff involved in research and innovation.
Staff Exchanges help organisations build international research and innovation partnerships through staff mobility.
They support collaborative projects between academic and non-academic organisations, including universities, research organisations, businesses, SMEs and public bodies.
The scheme is open to all areas of research and innovation.
Who this is for
MSCA Staff Exchanges are for organisations that want to develop research and innovation collaborations through staff exchanges. They are suitable for:
- higher education institutions
- research organisations and infrastructures
- private sector organisations, including industry, businesses and SMEs
- public sector organisations, including national, regional and local governments,
- agencies and museums
- other socio-economic organisations, including NGOs, charities and cultural organisations.
Individual staff members do not apply directly. They take part through a funded project led by participating organisations.
What this could help you do
An MSCA Staff Exchange could help you:
- build or strengthen international partnerships
- share knowledge between sectors and disciplines
- exchange research and innovation staff
- develop collaborative projects with academic and non-academic partners
- increase skills, networks and career development opportunities
- support knowledge transfer and innovation.
What you can get
MSCA Staff Exchanges provide funding for short-term staff secondments between participating organisations. Funding can support seconded staff with:
- a top-up allowance for travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. This is on top of the salary paid by their organisation
- a special needs allowance, if applicable.
In addition, dedicated funding is provided for:
- research, training and networking activities
- management and indirect costs.
The exact funding rules and unit contributions are set out in the latest MSCA Work Programme document and call documents (PDF).
What proposals are eligible
Staff Exchanges are open to international consortia. A consortium must usually include at least three independent legal entities in three different countries. At least two must be based in different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries.
In addition, other organisations from other countries can also take part where this supports the project.
Exchanges must usually take place between different countries, sectors or disciplines. The full eligibility rules are set out in the call documents.
Staff exchanges
Staff members can include researchers at any career stage, from PhD students to postdoctoral researchers, and technical, managerial or administrative staff involved in research and innovation activities.
Secondments are short-term and are designed to support knowledge sharing, collaboration and skills development.
Staff members return to their sending organisation after the exchange, helping organisations build long-term links and share learning across the partnership.
Teams and partners
Staff Exchanges are delivered by a consortium of participating organisations.
Partners can include academic and non-academic organisations from Europe and beyond.
The consortium should show how each partner will contribute to the project and how the exchanges will support the project’s research and innovation objectives.
Funding in practice
Sharing expertise on mobility, peace and migration
The Peace and Mobilities project brings together organisations in Europe and Latin America to investigate how migration and displacement interact with peace and conflict. Coordinated by Bielefeld University, the project received around €639,400 in EU funding and enables researchers and other staff to share knowledge and expertise through international and interdisciplinary exchanges.
View the Peace and Mobilities project on their website
Next steps and support
- Read about Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions — policy, strategy, how to apply and work programmes on their website.
- Find out if you are eligible to apply, read about the scheme and what the funding covers by visiting the Staff Exchanges — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions website.
- Read the Staff Exchanges application guidance for more information on how to plan and prepare your proposal in 6 steps on their website.
- Find out more about the latest and previous calls on the MSCA Staff Exchanges call page.
- For further guidance and support with your application contact your NCP for MSCA.
Find current MSCA Staff Exchanges calls
The next call is expected to open on 15 December 2026. Check the latest call page for confirmed dates, budget and application documents.
Find and apply for MSCA Staff Exchanges calls on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal
Registering for EU Login and a PIC
To apply for funding through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, you need an EU Login account. If you do not already have one, register for an EU Login account on the EU Funding and Tenders portal.
Your organisation also needs a Participant Identification Code (PIC) to be included as a participant in a funding application and to manage the grant if the application is successful. If your organisation does not yet have one, find out how to register your organisation and get a PIC on the EU Funding and Tenders portal.
Last updated: 8 September 2026