McDonald Fellowships 2026 | Fully Funded | MSIF's McDonald Fellowships

McDonald Fellowships 2026 is an amazing opportunity launched by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation. Are you a resident of a low or middle-income country? Are you studying or working on a project in a low or middle-income country? Is your field of study relevant to multiple sclerosis? Do you want to work in a research institution outside your own country? This fully funded fellowship has been designed for candidates who fulfill the above criteria. Participants are encouraged to become a part of this fellowship, helping them gain expertise in their proposed research projects.

The fully funded international fellowship 2026 is a tremendous opportunity for candidates who cannot afford to gain research experience in global settings. This opportunity expects the candidates to utilize the newly developed expertise and networks required to undertake MS research and patient care in low- and middle-income countries. These research fellowships are of two types: one is awarded in partnership with ECTRIMS (European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis) and is known as the MSIF-ECTRIMS McDonald Fellowship. Another fellowship is awarded in partnership with ARSEP and is known as the MSIF-ARSEP McDonald Fellowship.

The McDonald Fellowship 2026 is aimed at helping individuals become aware of the types of MS, causes of MS, symptoms of MS, and other related advanced knowledge in a more profound way. The barriers to accessing MS healthcare and improved treatment are wide-ranging, complex, and vary from one country to another. Although some of these challenges can be overcome locally, the interconnected world demands a feasible and globally sustainable solution for this cause. To achieve this purpose, MSIF is focused on working with national MS organizations to provide a solid action plan to address MS healthcare challenges.

The research projects must aligns with the mission of MSIF, which states that everyone should be brought together to improve the quality of life for all those affected by MS. MSIF is based on five critical aims it wants to achieve over the next few years. First is the positive change in attitudes, policies, and practices. The second is confident and informed decision-making. The third is greater scientific understanding and improved treatments. Fourth is better access to healthcare and treatment.

McDonald Fellowships 2026 | MSIF’s McDonald Fellowships:

Host Country:

It can be a Neighbouring country or the participant’s home country

Host Institution:

The institute can be outside the home country or institute of the participant’s home country

Duration of 2026 McDonald Fellowship:

2 years

Benefits of McDonald Fellowships 2026:

The fellowship provides funding for two years, with €55,000 awarded each year. This amount is sent directly to the host institution, which then uses it to cover the fellow’s expenses
an additional contribution of GBP 2,000 per year to the host institution
Enrich the knowledge of Multiple Sclerosis.
Helps come up with effective possible solutions to overcome MS.
Professional development is ensured.
International collaboration is encouraged.
Social networking is enhanced.

Check COP30 CCMP Reporting Fellowship Program in Brazil 2025 | Fully Funded

Eligibility Criteria of McDonald Fellowships 2026:

Applicant must be educated to Postgraduate (Ph.D. and Master’s, including MSc or MD) in an area related to multiple sclerosis.
Citizens of a low or middle-income country (as defined by the World Bank).
Working or studying in a low or middle-income country (as defined by the World Bank).
The area of research should be relevant to multiple sclerosis.
Studying in another country on a project, supported by an MSIF grant.
I am working on a project in a research institute or hospital abroad or in a home country or working on a virtual project.
You can check eligibility by searching for the field of work or discipline available on the website.

How to Apply For McDonald Fellowships 2026:

Students have to apply through the official website of MSIF.
Choose your research project and area of interest.
Contact a host supervisor at a research institution outside your home country and agree on a project together.
Complete all sections of the online application form.
Once you submit the form, your host will be emailed and asked to fill in a supporting statement (they must do this before the deadline).
Ask three referees to send their reference letters directly to research@msif.orgbefore the deadline.
Carefully read the Terms and Conditions of the award to understand your responsibilities.
Write a clear and simple lay summary of your project. (Tips are available at the bottom of the official application page.)