The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP) provides an important opportunity for women pursuing postgraduate education and careers in nuclear science, technology and related fields.
Designed to inspire and support the next generation of women professionals in the nuclear sector, the programme provides selected students with financial assistance for a master’s degree in a nuclear-related field. Successful candidates can receive up to €20,000 toward tuition costs and up to an additional €20,000 toward living expenses, representing potential financial support of up to €40,000 for their master’s programme.
In addition to scholarship support, the programme may provide selected participants with limited internship opportunities facilitated by the IAEA, helping recipients connect their academic studies with professional exposure in areas related to the peaceful, safe and secure use of nuclear science and technology.
The fellowship is open to eligible female students from IAEA Member States who have been accepted into or are already enrolled in an accredited university master’s programme in a nuclear-related field.
About the IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme
The IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme was created to encourage more young women to pursue education and professional careers within the nuclear field.
Nuclear science and technology have applications across numerous areas of society, including energy, medicine, agriculture, environmental protection, industry, scientific research, safety and security. Developing a highly skilled and diverse workforce is therefore important for ensuring that nuclear technologies continue to be used safely, securely and peacefully.
Through the MSCFP, the IAEA supports women pursuing advanced university education in disciplines connected with the Agency’s work.
The programme combines two important forms of support:
- Financial assistance for eligible master’s-level education in nuclear-related subjects.
- Limited internship opportunities facilitated by the IAEA.
The programme therefore goes beyond simply helping recipients pay for their education. It seeks to contribute to the longer-term development of women professionals who may go on to work in nuclear science, nuclear engineering, nuclear medicine, radiation sciences, nuclear law, safety, security and other relevant areas.
What Does the IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme Offer?
One of the major features of the MSCFP is the level of financial assistance available to selected students.
Successful applicants may receive:
- Up to €20,000 toward tuition costs for their master’s programme.
- Up to €20,000 toward living costs during their master’s programme.
- Potential access to limited internship opportunities facilitated by the IAEA.
- The opportunity to advance their education in a nuclear-related discipline relevant to the IAEA’s mission.
- Support toward developing a professional career within the nuclear sector.
This means the maximum potential scholarship support can reach €40,000, although the actual amount awarded will depend on the applicant’s circumstances and the terms of the individual fellowship offer.
Financial Support for Tuition Costs
Selected fellows can receive up to €20,000 to cover tuition costs associated with their master’s degree.
Applicants are required to provide documentation confirming their tuition costs as part of the application process. This allows the IAEA to assess the level of financial assistance required.
Candidates should therefore make sure they obtain an official statement of tuition fees or another acceptable document confirming the cost of their studies from their university.
Financial Support for Living Costs
In addition to tuition assistance, the fellowship can provide up to €20,000 for living expenses during the master’s programme.
This can make the programme particularly valuable for students who may otherwise face financial barriers to pursuing postgraduate studies in nuclear-related disciplines.
However, applicants must disclose any additional scholarships they receive for the same master’s programme.
Where an applicant receives another scholarship, the IAEA may adjust its financial contribution accordingly. According to the programme information, this could mean that IAEA support covers tuition costs rather than living expenses for the duration of the programme.
Applicants must therefore provide complete and transparent information regarding other scholarship funding.
Failure to disclose additional financial support in a timely and transparent manner may result in the suspension of IAEA financial assistance.
Limited IAEA Internship Opportunities
The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme also provides limited internship opportunities facilitated by the IAEA.
These opportunities complement the academic component of the fellowship by potentially allowing participants to gain additional exposure to the international nuclear field.
Applicants should note that internship opportunities are described as limited. Candidates should therefore not assume that receiving the scholarship automatically guarantees an internship.
Who Can Apply for the IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme?
The MSCFP is open to students from IAEA Member States who satisfy the programme’s entry requirements.
Applicants must meet the following principal eligibility conditions:
- The applicant must be female.
- The applicant must come from an IAEA Member State.
- The applicant must have been accepted into or already be enrolled in an accredited university.
- The applicant must be studying toward a master’s degree.
- The master’s programme must be in a nuclear-related field.
Candidates should carefully review these requirements before beginning an application.
Academic Performance and Preference
Meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not necessarily guarantee selection.
The IAEA states that preference will be given to applicants with above-average academic credentials.
In particular, preference is given to candidates with:
- Academic results of 75% or above, or
- A GPA greater than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Applicants with strong academic records should therefore make sure that their educational achievements are clearly reflected in their submitted documentation.
The academic threshold is described as a preference rather than one of the basic entry requirements. Candidates should therefore carefully distinguish between the programme’s eligibility criteria and the factors that can strengthen an application.
Eligible Fields of Study
The MSCFP supports women studying subjects connected to nuclear science, technology and other areas relevant to the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The IAEA’s work focuses on advancing the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology.
Examples of relevant areas of study include:
- Nuclear engineering
- Nuclear physics
- Nuclear chemistry
- Nuclear medicine
- Isotopic techniques
- Radiation biology
- Nuclear safety
- Nuclear security
- Nuclear non-proliferation
- Nuclear law
These examples are not necessarily exhaustive. The IAEA provides additional information on eligible or relevant fields of study through its official MSCFP resources.
Students studying interdisciplinary subjects connected with nuclear technologies should consult the IAEA’s official Fields of Studies document to determine whether their programme falls within an appropriate area.
How to Apply for the IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme
Applications must be completed through the MSCFP online application form.
Candidates should prepare their supporting documentation carefully before submitting their application.
The IAEA emphasizes that incomplete applications will not be considered.
Applicants should therefore allow sufficient time to collect official university documents, identification documents, tuition information and references before submitting the application.
Documents Required for the Application
In addition to completing the online application form, candidates must provide several supporting documents.
1. Passport or National Identification Document
Applicants must submit a copy of their:
- Passport, or
- National identification document.
Candidates should ensure that the document submitted is clear, valid and contains the necessary identifying information.
2. Official University Acceptance or Admission Letter
Applicants must provide an official acceptance or admission letter from their university.
The letter must confirm admission into the relevant master’s programme and should indicate:
- The nuclear-related field of study; and
- The duration of the master’s programme.
Because acceptance into or enrolment in an accredited university master’s programme is a core eligibility requirement, this document is particularly important.
3. Statement of Tuition Fees
Applicants must provide a statement or confirmation showing the tuition costs associated with their master’s programme.
This information helps determine the level of financial support that may be provided toward tuition.
4. Information About Other Scholarships
Candidates who have already received other scholarship funding for the master’s programme for which they are requesting MSCFP support must provide documentation relating to that funding.
Applicants must be transparent about other scholarships because additional financial assistance may affect the level or type of support offered by the IAEA.
5. Reference Form
References are an important part of the application process.
The IAEA requires:
- One reference as mandatory.
- A second reference is preferred.
Importantly, the completed reference templates must be sent directly to the MSCFP by the referees by the application deadline.
Applicants should therefore contact their referees well in advance and ensure that they understand the submission requirements.
Waiting until the final days before the deadline to request references could put an otherwise strong application at risk.
English-Language Application Requirement
All application documents must be submitted in English using the MSCFP online application form.
If an applicant’s original documents are issued in another language, the applicant must also provide an official English translation.
Candidates should factor the time required to obtain official translations into their application preparations.
Submitting untranslated documents when an English translation is required could make an application incomplete.
Incomplete Applications Will Not Be Considered
The IAEA specifically states that incomplete applications will not be considered.
Candidates should therefore perform a detailed review before final submission.
A useful application checklist should include confirmation that:
- The online application form has been fully completed.
- A passport or national ID copy has been included.
- The official university admission or acceptance letter has been included.
- The letter identifies the relevant master’s programme and its duration.
- Tuition cost documentation has been included.
- Any other scholarship funding has been declared.
- Supporting scholarship documents have been provided where applicable.
- At least one referee has completed and directly submitted the required reference form.
- A second reference has been arranged where possible.
- All required documents are in English or accompanied by official English translations.
How Are Applicants Selected?
Applications are evaluated by the IAEA MSCFP Technical Selection Committee.
The assessment considers several factors rather than focusing on only one aspect of an applicant’s profile.
Selection criteria include:
- Whether the candidate meets the programme’s entry requirements.
- Educational background.
- Previous achievements.
- Motivation for applying.
- The potential impact of the fellowship on the candidate’s career goals.
- Commitment to public service.
The selection process also takes broader diversity considerations into account.
These include:
- Geographic diversity.
- Diversity of fields of study.
- Linguistic diversity.
- Other relevant factors considered during the selection process.
Candidates should therefore use their application to clearly demonstrate not only their academic capabilities but also how the fellowship could contribute to their professional development and future impact.
Why Motivation and Career Goals Matter
Academic performance is important, particularly because preference is given to applicants with above-average academic credentials. However, the selection process also considers the applicant’s motivation and the potential impact of the fellowship on her career.
A strong application should therefore clearly communicate:
- Why the applicant chose her nuclear-related field.
- What she hopes to accomplish professionally.
- How master’s-level education will help achieve those goals.
- How the MSCFP could contribute to her development.
- How she intends to use her knowledge and expertise in the future.
- Her commitment to contributing to society and public service.
Candidates should avoid treating these elements as secondary to academic results. They form part of the IAEA’s stated selection considerations.
Notification of Results
Following the selection process, all applicants will be notified of the decision by email.
Candidates should therefore ensure that the email address included in their application is accurate and regularly monitored.
It may also be useful to check spam or junk folders periodically so that important correspondence from the programme is not overlooked.
What Happens If You Are Selected?
Successful candidates will receive a fellowship offer from the IAEA.
Selected applicants will be required to confirm acceptance of the fellowship within one week.
This is a relatively short response period, so successful candidates should review their offer promptly.
The fellowship offer will provide information concerning:
- Award details.
- Payment arrangements or modality.
- Expected commitments.
- Administrative requirements.
- Relevant programme arrangements.
Candidates should carefully read the complete offer before accepting it.
Responsibilities of Fellowship Recipients
Receiving an MSCFP award also comes with important obligations.
Students who receive scholarship support are expected to successfully complete their master’s programme.
Recipients must comply with the requirements associated with their fellowship award.
According to the IAEA, failure to graduate from the master’s programme or failure to meet the requirements of the scholarship may result in:
- Termination of the MSCFP award; and
- An obligation to repay tuition and living-cost support already received, if requested by the IAEA.
Applicants should therefore view the fellowship as a serious academic and financial commitment.
Obligation to Disclose Other Scholarships
Financial transparency is another significant obligation.
Applicants must disclose whether they have additional scholarships supporting the master’s programme for which they are seeking MSCFP funding.
If another scholarship exists, supporting documentation must be provided.
The IAEA may then reduce its own financial assistance accordingly.
Failure to disclose this information in a timely and transparent manner may lead to the suspension of IAEA financial support.
Application Deadline
The information supplied does not state a specific application deadline.
Prospective applicants should check the official IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme application page for the current application cycle and confirm the applicable deadline before preparing or submitting an application.
This is particularly important because reference forms must also be received directly from referees by the application deadline.
Applicants should not assume that submitting their own online application is sufficient if the mandatory reference has not also been submitted correctly and on time.
Important Tips Before Applying
Prospective applicants can strengthen their preparation by taking several practical steps.
Start Collecting Documents Early
Official university letters, tuition statements, identification documents and translations can take time to obtain.
Begin gathering documents as early as possible.
Contact Your Referees in Advance
At least one reference is mandatory, while a second is preferred.
Because referees must send their completed reference templates directly to the MSCFP, applicants should contact suitable referees early and provide them with enough time to complete the process.
Check Whether Your Master’s Programme Is Relevant
The degree must be in a nuclear-related field.
Applicants whose programmes are interdisciplinary should review the official IAEA list of relevant fields before applying.
Explain Your Long-Term Career Goals
The selection committee considers the potential impact of the fellowship on an applicant’s career.
Candidates should clearly demonstrate how their studies relate to their future professional ambitions.
Highlight Academic and Professional Achievements
Previous achievements and educational background form part of the assessment.
Relevant academic distinctions, research experience, projects, professional experience and other accomplishments should therefore be clearly presented where the application permits.
Be Transparent About Other Funding
Candidates who have other scholarships should disclose them and submit the appropriate documentation.
Having another scholarship should not be hidden in an attempt to maximize funding, as failure to provide the information can result in suspension of financial support.
Review Everything Before Submission
Because incomplete applications are not considered, applicants should carefully verify every section and supporting document before submitting.
Why the IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme Is an Important Opportunity
The MSCFP offers more than financial assistance.
It provides women pursuing advanced studies in nuclear-related disciplines with support that can help reduce the financial barriers associated with postgraduate education.
With potential funding of up to €20,000 for tuition and €20,000 for living expenses, the programme can provide substantial assistance during a master’s degree.
The possibility of limited internship opportunities facilitated by the IAEA adds another valuable dimension by connecting academic development with potential professional exposure.
The programme is particularly relevant to women seeking careers in fields such as nuclear engineering, physics, chemistry, medicine, radiation sciences, nuclear safety, security, non-proliferation and nuclear law.
Official Application Information
Prospective candidates should consult the International Atomic Energy Agency’s official Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme website for application information, forms, eligible fields of study and updates regarding the current application cycle.
Applicants can also access the official reference form and the IAEA’s detailed list of relevant fields of study through the programme website.
Conclusion
The IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme is a significant international opportunity for women who want to build careers in nuclear science, technology and related disciplines.
Open to eligible female students from IAEA Member States, the programme supports candidates who have been accepted into or are already enrolled in accredited master’s programmes in nuclear-related fields.
With financial assistance of up to €20,000 for tuition and up to €20,000 for living expenses, successful candidates may receive as much as €40,000 in total support, subject to the conditions of their individual award and any other scholarship funding they receive.
The programme also offers limited internship opportunities facilitated by the IAEA, potentially helping fellows complement their postgraduate studies with valuable exposure to the international nuclear sector.
Prospective applicants should pay particular attention to the documentation requirements. At least one reference is mandatory, documents must be submitted in English or accompanied by official English translations, and incomplete applications will not be considered.
Candidates with strong academic credentials may have an advantage, with preference given to applicants achieving at least 75% or a GPA above 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. However, academic performance is only part of the assessment. Educational background, previous achievements, motivation, career impact and commitment to public service are also considered.
Women seeking to advance their expertise in nuclear engineering, nuclear physics, nuclear chemistry, nuclear medicine, radiation biology, nuclear safety, nuclear security, non-proliferation, nuclear law and other relevant disciplines are encouraged to review the official programme requirements carefully and prepare their applications well in advance of the applicable deadline.
Visit the OFY website for more Fellowship Opportunities.
