Are you a passionate early-career researcher from a low- or middle-income country aiming to study abroad? The McDonald Fellowships 2026 offer a prestigious fully funded opportunity to conduct multiple sclerosis research at a top institution in the UK or other host countries. With generous financial support and international mentorship, this fellowship opens doors to world-class research, networking, and impactful contributions to MS treatment and care.
About McDonald Fellowships 2026
The McDonald Fellowships, offered by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF), are designed for talented young researchers from low-, lower-middle-, and upper-middle-income countries. These fully funded fellowships allow recipients to work in leading research institutions for two years on projects related to multiple sclerosis (MS).
Hosted primarily in the United Kingdom, the fellowship supports groundbreaking studies in neurology, neuroimmunology, and MS care, and aims to build sustainable research capacity in regions where MS resources are limited.
Notably, the fellowship is offered in collaboration with:
- ECTRIMS – European Committee for Treatment and Research in MS
- FranceSEP – French MS Society
McDonald Fellowships 2026 Summary
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Country: | United Kingdom (or other approved host institutions) |
| Host Institution: | UK Universities / MS Research Institutions (chosen by applicant and host supervisor) |
| Level of Study: | Fellowship (Post-Master’s / Early-Career Research) |
| Eligible Degrees / Fields: | Neurology, Neuroimmunology, Neurorehabilitation, Epidemiology, Public Health, MS-related Research |
| Scholarship Coverage: | Fully Funded (€55,000/year, research expenses, travel, mentorship) |
| IELTS Requirement: | May apply depending on host institution’s country |
| Eligible Regions / Nationalities: | Low-, lower-middle-, and upper-middle-income countries (World Bank classified) |
| Application Deadline: | December 1, 2025 |
| Destination Country: | United Kingdom (or other) |
| Category: | Fully Funded, Research Fellowship |
Benefits of the McDonald Fellowships 2026
The McDonald Fellowships are designed to support international MS research through:
- €55,000 per year (for 2 years) paid to the host institution
- Coverage includes the fellow’s salary, living expenses, and project costs
- Access to world-class research labs and supervision
- Training and mentoring from global MS experts
- Integration into global MS research networks
- Support to continue MS work upon return to home country
- Travel allowance and support for conferences (as applicable)
Eligibility Criteria for McDonald Fellowships 2026
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be citizens of a low-, lower-middle-, or upper-middle-income country (as defined by the World Bank)
- Hold a postgraduate degree (at least MSc; preferably PhD or MD)
- Be focused on a research area relevant to multiple sclerosis
- Be working/studying in their home country OR have started a research project abroad (within 6 months of application) OR be completing a Du Pré Grant-funded project
- Be committed to returning to their home country after the fellowship
Note: Priority is given to applicants from SIDS (Small Island Developing States) and LDCs (Least Developed Countries). Women and Indigenous researchers are strongly encouraged to apply.
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Required Documents for McDonald Fellowships 2026 Application
Applicants must provide the following:
- Completed online application form (opens July 1, 2025)
- 500-word Lay Summary (in simple language)
- Host supervisor’s statement (submitted through the portal)
- Three reference letters, sent to research@msif.org
All documents must be submitted by December 1, 2025. Documents should be scanned and legible. Use academic email addresses for referees and host supervisors where possible.
Application Timeline for McDonald Fellowships 2026
- Applications Open: July 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
- Host Statement Deadline: December 1, 2025
- Reference Submission Deadline: December 1, 2025
- Results Announcement: Early 2026
All deadlines are strict. Applicants should allow at least 2 weeks for hosts and referees to complete their sections.
How to Apply for McDonald Fellowships 2026
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Identify a host supervisor and agree on a research proposal
- Prepare your lay summary, academic documents, and CV
- Complete the online application on the MSIF portal (opens July 1, 2025)
- After submitting, your host will receive a link to complete their supporting statement
- Contact three referees and ask them to send reference letters to: research@msif.org
Tips for Successful Application
- Start early to allow time for coordination with hosts and referees
- Write a clear, jargon-free lay summary using analogies and simple examples
- Choose a host institution with expertise in your research area
- Ensure all documents are submitted before the deadline
FAQs about the McDonald Fellowships 2026
Who can apply for the McDonald Fellowship?
Researchers from World Bank-classified low- or middle-income countries with a relevant postgraduate degree.
Is IELTS required?
Only if the host institution requires it as part of their admission or visa criteria.
Can I apply if I’ve already started a PhD abroad?
Yes, if you started within the last 6 months or are part-funded and need support.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, but if awarded multiple, you must comply with MSIF’s funding policies.
Can I choose any institution as host?
Yes, but it must be outside your home country and have the capacity to support MS research.
Final Thoughts on McDonald Fellowships 2026
The McDonald Fellowships 2026 are an incredible opportunity for researchers from under-resourced countries to join the global MS research community. This fully funded program not only covers financial needs but also builds long-term research capacity, fosters collaboration, and directly supports innovations in multiple sclerosis treatment and care.
If you are an early-career researcher ready to make a difference, this is your chance.
📌Submit your application now before the deadline closes. Don’t miss this opportunity to study in the UK.
Application Deadline: 1st December 2025
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