McDonald Fellowship Program 2027: Eligibility, Benefits, and How to Apply
McDonald Fellowship Program 2027 supports MS researchers with €55,000 annual funding.
Early-career researchers from low- and middle-income countries have a new opportunity to advance their careers through the McDonald Fellowship Program 2027, a prestigious international research fellowship funded by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF).
The fully funded fellowship provides €55,000 per year for two years, enabling successful applicants to undertake cutting-edge multiple sclerosis (MS) research at leading institutions outside their home countries. Beyond financial support, the program focuses on strengthening global research collaboration while helping fellows return home with new expertise to improve MS care and scientific research in their regions.
Applications are currently open, with interested researchers encouraged to submit their entries before the December 1, 2026 deadline.
What Is the McDonald Fellowship Program 2027?
The McDonald Fellowship Program is an international research initiative established by the MS International Federation (MSIF) to support promising early-career researchers working in the field of multiple sclerosis.
The fellowship allows researchers from eligible low- and middle-income countries to spend up to two years at a recognized research institution or clinical center in another country. During the placement, fellows collaborate with leading scientists, participate in advanced research projects, and develop specialized expertise in MS research and patient care.
According to MSIF, the program is designed to strengthen research capacity globally by ensuring participants return to their home countries equipped with new knowledge, professional networks, and practical experience that can benefit local healthcare systems.
Who Can Apply for the McDonald Fellowship Program 2027?
The fellowship is specifically targeted at researchers from developing nations who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing multiple sclerosis research.
Applicants must satisfy several eligibility requirements, including:
- Hold a postgraduate qualification, preferably an MSc, PhD or MD, in a discipline related to multiple sclerosis.
- Be a citizen of a low-, lower-middle- or upper-middle-income country, as classified by the World Bank.
- Conduct research that focuses on multiple sclerosis.
- Be working or studying in an eligible country at the time of application, or have recently begun an approved research project abroad.
- Applicants currently participating in an MSIF-supported Du Pré Grant may also be eligible.
The fellowship is intended for researchers in the early stages of their careers who are seeking international research exposure while maintaining strong ties to their home countries.
Funding and Benefits Worth €55,000 Per Year
One of the biggest attractions of the McDonald Fellowship is its generous financial support package.
Successful applicants receive approximately €55,000 annually for two years, covering travel expenses, accommodation, living costs, and other fellowship-related expenses.
The program also provides additional financial support to the host institution where the research is conducted, helping facilitate collaboration between the fellow and host researchers.
Beyond the funding, participants gain access to:
- International research collaborations
- Advanced laboratory and clinical research experience
- Professional mentorship
- Global scientific networking
- Skills development in MS research
- Opportunities to improve patient care in their home countries
These benefits make the fellowship one of the leading opportunities for researchers interested in neurological diseases and global health.
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How the Fellowship Supports Global Multiple Sclerosis Research
The MS International Federation describes itself as a worldwide movement of MS organizations committed to improving the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis.
Through the McDonald Fellowship, researchers are encouraged to develop innovative research projects while working alongside internationally recognized experts. Fellows are expected to transfer the expertise gained abroad back to their home countries, contributing to stronger healthcare systems and better treatment outcomes for patients with multiple sclerosis.
The initiative also promotes long-term international collaborations between research institutions, ensuring that scientific discoveries continue beyond the fellowship period.
Documents Required for the McDonald Fellowship Application
Applicants should prepare several important documents before beginning the online application process.
Required documents include:
- Completed online application form
- Detailed research proposal
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Supporting statement from the host institution
- Three reference letters submitted by referees
- Other documents requested during the online application process
The program also advises applicants to carefully prepare the lay summary section of their application, as it plays an important role during the review process.
How to Apply for the McDonald Fellowship Program 2027
Researchers interested in the MS International Federation McDonald Fellowship 2027 must complete their application through the official online portal. Applicants are encouraged to begin preparations early, as the process requires coordination with a host institution and supporting referees.
The application process includes the following steps:
- Identify a research project related to multiple sclerosis and determine your area of specialization.
- Secure a host institution or supervisor at a research laboratory or clinical center outside your home country and agree on the research proposal.
- Complete the online application form with accurate personal, academic and research information.
- After submission, the host supervisor must provide a supporting statement using the same application platform.
- Arrange for three referees to submit their recommendation letters directly to MSIF before the application deadline.
- Carefully review the Terms and Conditions of the fellowship to understand reporting obligations, funding arrangements and payment schedules.
- Prepare a clear and accessible lay summary, explaining the significance of your research in language that non-specialists can understand.
Applicants are advised to ensure every required document is submitted before the deadline, as incomplete applications are unlikely to be considered.
Why the McDonald Fellowship Matters
Multiple sclerosis remains one of the world’s most complex neurological diseases, yet access to advanced research facilities and specialist training remains limited in many developing countries.
The McDonald Fellowship helps bridge this gap by investing in talented researchers from low- and middle-income nations. By supporting international research placements, the fellowship enables scientists to acquire advanced expertise while building lasting collaborations with leading institutions around the world.
The expectation that fellows return home after completing the program also strengthens national healthcare systems by increasing local research capacity, improving patient care and expanding scientific knowledge within regions where MS research resources may be limited.
For young researchers hoping to establish themselves in neurological research while making a meaningful impact in their home countries, the fellowship represents one of the most valuable international opportunities currently available.
FAQ
What is the McDonald Fellowship Program 2027?
The McDonald Fellowship Program is a fully funded international research fellowship offered by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF). It supports early-career researchers from low- and middle-income countries by funding two-year research placements at institutions outside their home countries.
How much funding does the McDonald Fellowship provide?
Successful fellows receive approximately €55,000 per year for two years, along with additional support for the host institution.
Who is eligible for the McDonald Fellowship?
Applicants must:
- Hold at least an MSc (preferably a PhD or MD) in a field related to multiple sclerosis.
- Be citizens of a World Bank-defined low-, lower-middle-, or upper-middle-income country.
- Conduct research related to multiple sclerosis.
- Meet the program’s residency or study requirements.
Is the McDonald Fellowship fully funded?
Yes. The fellowship covers travel, living expenses and provides financial support for the host institution throughout the two-year placement.
Does the fellowship require IELTS?
No. The published eligibility requirements do not list IELTS as a mandatory application requirement.
How long does the fellowship last?
The McDonald Fellowship supports a research placement lasting two years.
Which countries are eligible?
Researchers from countries classified by the World Bank as low-, lower-middle- or upper-middle-income economies are eligible to apply.
What documents are required?
Applicants generally need:
- Online application form
- Research proposal
- Supporting statement from the host supervisor
- Three referee letters
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Any additional documents requested during the application process
How do I apply for the McDonald Fellowship 2027?
Applicants must identify a host institution, agree on a research proposal, complete the online application, obtain the host’s supporting statement, arrange referee letters and submit all required materials before the deadline.
What is the application deadline?
Applications for the McDonald Fellowship Program 2027 close on December 1, 2026.
Can African researchers apply?
Yes. Researchers from eligible African countries classified as low- or middle-income economies by the World Bank may apply if they meet all eligibility criteria.
What research area does the fellowship support?
The fellowship is specifically intended for research related to multiple sclerosis (MS), including laboratory, clinical and patient-care research.
Can current PhD students apply?
Applicants with postgraduate qualifications relevant to multiple sclerosis, including MSc, PhD or MD holders, may be eligible depending on their academic and research status.
What makes the McDonald Fellowship unique?
Unlike many research grants, the McDonald Fellowship combines generous financial support with international collaboration, advanced training, mentorship and a strong focus on building research capacity in developing countries.
Why should researchers apply?
The fellowship offers international research experience, substantial funding, mentorship from leading experts, global networking opportunities and the chance to contribute to advancing multiple sclerosis research while strengthening healthcare systems in applicants’ home countries.