🧠 How to Apply for the McDonald Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)
💸 €55,000/year × 2 | Research in World-Class Institutions | Full Guidance + Sample Emails, Lay Summary & More
Instead of just telling you to apply, I’ll walk you through the entire process: from finding a host to writing your lay summary, gathering documents, and even email samples to professors.
🧬 What Is the McDonald Fellowship?
A two-year, fully funded research opportunity for early-career professionals working in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It allows you to work in an international lab, gain cutting-edge expertise, then return home to improve MS research or care.
- Funding: €55,000/year paid to the host institution
- Includes: Living costs, research support, travel, and more
✅ Who Should Apply?
- From a low- or middle-income country
- Have an MSc (or MD/PhD preferred)
- Involved in MS-related care or research
- Less than 6 months abroad
- Confirmed host supervisor abroad
Note: You must return to your country after the fellowship.
🪜 Step-by-Step: How to Apply
1️⃣ Find a Host Supervisor Abroad
Look for labs working on MS via Google Scholar, ResearchGate, or university websites.
📧 Sample Email
Subject: McDonald Fellowship Collaboration Request
Dear Dr. [Last Name],
I am an early-career researcher from [Your Country] currently working on [MS topic]…
[Include your research focus, request for supervision, and CV attachment.]
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
2️⃣ Prepare Your Documents
- 📄 CV
- 🧾 Statement of Interest
- 🧪 Draft Research Proposal
- ✍️ Lay Summary (500 words)
- 👥 3 Academic References
- 🖊️ Host Supervisor Agreement
📝 Statement of Interest (Sample)
“As a neurologist-in-training from Nigeria, I’ve seen how MS patients suffer due to limited diagnostics and late interventions… This Fellowship would equip me with tools in early MS diagnosis and personalized treatment protocols…”
🧠 Lay Summary (Sample)
“Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective cover of nerves… My research explores how diet and genetics affect MS symptoms in African patients…”
✉️ Reference Request Email Sample
Subject: McDonald Fellowship Reference Request
Dear Prof. [Name],
I am applying for the McDonald Fellowship 2026 and would be grateful if you could provide an academic reference to research@msif.org by 1 December 2025. Attached: CV and project summary.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
3️⃣ Submit Online
Go to msif.org and apply. Referees email letters directly to research@msif.org.
🗓️ Key Dates
- 📌 Application Deadline: 1 December 2025
- 📌 Reference Letters Due: 1 December 2025
📢 Final Tips
- ✅ Start host search ASAP
- ✅ Give referees enough time
- ✅ Simplify your lay summary
📲 Want Samples, Templates & 1-on-1 Support?