McDonald Fellowships 2026 UK – Fully Funded Global Fellowship for MS Research
The McDonald Fellowships 2026 UK offers a fully funded opportunity for researchers who aim to fight multiple sclerosis (MS) globally. Funded by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF), the fellowship offers early-career researchers from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) the opportunity to study or train at the best institutions globally, primarily in the UK.
The fellowship program will be available from July 1, 2025 for around 6 months as the application deadline is December 1, 2025. These fellowships are a golden opportunity for scholars seeking to enhance their expertise in MS-related fields and build global research networks.
What Makes McDonald Fellowships 2026 UK So Unique?
This fellowship is obvious a financial support and it is also a structured path for career development. Selected candidates receive guidance, mentorship, and access to cutting-edge research labs. While gaining academic excellence, scholars also build long-term collaborations with experts in the field.
MSIF makes sure that the fellows, in addition to gaining high–quality research experience, provide valuable contributions to local MS research work in their home countries.
Types of McDonald Fellowships Offered
There are two varying fellowships present under the 2026 program. Detait are as follows:
MSIF-ECTRIMS McDonald Fellowship (with the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis)
MSIF-FRANCESEP McDonald Fellowship (it is sponsored by FranceSEP – France Sclérose en Plaques)
They both have strong international exposure and target high-impact MS research fields.
Eligible Research Areas
Applicants are encouraged to propose projects in one of the following MS-focused fields:
Neuroimmunology and MS pathophysiology
Neurodegeneration and remyelination
Epidemiology of MS in developing nations
Neurorehabilitation science
MS public health and access in LMICs
Research proposals that align with local MS needs while tapping into global knowledge will be prioritized.
Benefits of the McDonald Fellowships 2026
The fellowship offers nemorous benefits, all of them designed to make the experience meaningful and sustainable. Each award includes:
A 2-year fully funded fellowship
An annual stipend of €55,000, to support living and research costs, it will be disbursed through the host university
Opportunities to engage in global MS research collaborations
Structured support for reintegrating into home institutions post-research
This comprehensive package ensures both academic growth and a ripple effect back in home countries.
Who Can Apply?
The McDonald Fellowships are open to applicants from all countries classified as low-income, lower-middle-income, or upper-middle-income by the World Bank.
To be eligible, applicants must:
Be citizens of an LMIC
Hold a postgraduate degree (preferably PhD or MD; MSc minimum)
Be involved in MS-related research
Be currently working/studying in an LMIC OR
Have started a project abroad in the last 6 months OR
Be completing an MSIF-funded Du Pré Grant project
Women and indigenous applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. Priority is also given to candidates from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Application Steps
Applying requires coordination between the candidate and a host supervisor at a UK or international institution. Here’s the process:
Identify and confirm a host supervisor
Visit the MSIF portal (opens July 1, 2025)
Fill out the online application form
Submit a 500-word lay summary in simple, non-technical English
Request a host statement of support
Arrange for three letters of reference (email to re******@**if.org)
All application materials must be submitted by December 1, 2025.
Post-Fellowship Commitments
After completing the fellowship, awardees must:
Submit a progress report after completion of year one
Submit a final report and expense summary during the study
Share copies of any publications, abstracts, or posters along with references and links.
Acknowledge the MSIF McDonald Fellowship in all future research publications
This process ensures overall transparency, accountability, and ongoing impact.
Conclusion: Advance Your Career in Global MS Research
The McDonald Fellowships 2026 UK is a launchpad for researchers committed to finding solutions for multiple sclerosis in resource-limited settings along with financial support With expert support, international exposure, and generous funding, this opportunity is unmatched in the field of MS.
If you’re ready to transform your career and help your community, apply before December 1, 2025.
Key Links:
For official guidelines, visit the scholarship office page.
Or stay updated through global scholarship updates on WeMakeYouScholar.com – your trusted source for study-abroad opportunities.
