MSIF McDonald Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)

Are you a budding researcher in the field of multiple sclerosis (MS) from a low- or middle-income country? The MSIF McDonald Fellowship 2026 could be your gateway to a world-class research experience, international collaboration, and personal academic growth—all fully funded.

🌍 What is the MSIF McDonald Fellowship?

Offered by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF), the McDonald Fellowship supports young researchers from developing countries to work in a research institution outside their own country. The focus is on projects that directly relate to multiple sclerosis.

This prestigious fellowship is named after Professor Ian McDonald, a pioneer in MS research, and aims to build international expertise and collaboration to improve MS research capacity worldwide.

🎓 Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the MSIF McDonald Fellowship 2026, you must:

Be a citizen of a low- or middle-income country (as per World Bank classification).
Hold at least an undergraduate degree in a field relevant to multiple sclerosis (e.g., neurology, neuroscience, public health, immunology).
Be working or studying in a low- or middle-income country at the time of nomination.
Have a host institution (either in a high-income country or another low/middle-income country with expertise in MS research) willing to accept you.

Preference is given to candidates who return to their home country after the fellowship to apply their newly gained knowledge.

🧳 What Does the Fellowship Cover?

The McDonald Fellowship is fully funded and includes:

Up to £30,000 GBP per year to cover travel and living expenses during the research placement.
Up to £2,000 GBP for the host institution to support the applicant’s research project.
The duration of the fellowship is typically 2 years.

This is not just financial support—it’s a life-changing opportunity to work alongside leading scientists and develop advanced research skills in the MS field.

📅 Important Dates

Application opens: Typically opens early each year.
Deadline: Expected in June 2026 (exact date to be confirmed on the MSIF official website).
Fellowship Start Date: Flexible, usually starts in early 2027, depending on visa and institutional requirements.

📝 How to Apply?

Find a Host Institution: Secure a supervisor and institution willing to support your research.
Prepare Your Research Proposal: This should align with MSIF’s priorities and demonstrate the benefit of the research to MS treatment or understanding.
Submit Online Application: Visit the official MSIF website and complete the application form with all required documents (CV, letters of support, project plan, etc.).

Details About the MSIF McDonald Fellowship 2026
- Host Country: Any Country
- Level of Study: Master’s, PhD
- Focus Areas: Multiple Sclerosis
- Program Period: Two years
- Financial Benefits: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 1st December 2025

🔍 Selection Process

The MSIF Scientific and Medical Advisory Board reviews all applications based on:

Scientific merit and potential impact.
Feasibility and clarity of the research plan.
Benefit to the applicant’s home country.

Successful candidates will be notified later in the year after the application deadline.

🌟 Why You Should Apply

The MSIF McDonald Fellowship is more than just funding—it’s a platform for global research collaboration and the advancement of MS research in underserved regions. Past fellows have gone on to lead research programs, influence MS policy, and improve care in their countries.APPLY FOR THE MSIF FELLOWSHIP 2026

🔗 For more details and the latest updates, visit: https://www.msif.org

💬 Thinking of applying for the MSIF McDonald Fellowship 2026? Have questions about your eligibility or the application process? Drop a comment below or contact us for personalized guidance.