About this opportunity
Nuclear science needs more women in the room, and the IAEA has built a scholarship around that gap. The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme supports young women who are already admitted to or enrolled in an accredited master's programme in a nuclear related field, and it pays up to €20,000 towards tuition plus up to €20,000 towards living costs. Some fellows also gain internship opportunities facilitated by the IAEA.
The fields covered are practical and broad: nuclear engineering, nuclear physics and chemistry, nuclear medicine, isotopic techniques, radiation biology, nuclear safety, nuclear security, non-proliferation and nuclear law. Candidates must be female and a national of an IAEA Member State, which includes Nigeria and most other African countries. Above average academic results help, with preference given to applicants scoring 75 per cent or above, or a GPA higher than 3.0 out of 4.0.
The paperwork decides who gets in, so start early. Alongside the online form you upload a copy of your passport or national ID, the official admission letter that names your field of study and its duration, a statement of tuition fees, and any other scholarship documents if you hold additional support. Referees send completed reference templates directly to the programme by the closing date. One reference is mandatory and a second is preferred. Every document must be in English, or accompanied by an official English translation, and incomplete applications are not considered.
Applications run through the IAEA recruitment portal and close on 31 October 2026 at 11:59 pm Vienna time. An IAEA Technical Selection Committee assesses entries on academic background, motivation, career impact and commitment to public service, with attention to geographic, field of study and linguistic diversity. Shortlisted candidates are emailed the decision, and offers must be accepted within one week. Fellows who do not graduate are obliged to repay the support received.
What you receive
- Up to €20,000 towards tuition costs
- Up to €20,000 towards living costs
- Limited internship opportunities facilitated by the IAEA
- Membership of a global network of young women in the nuclear field
- Continued eligibility for programme opportunities during and after the award
Who can apply
- Female candidates
- Nationals of an IAEA Member State, a list that includes Nigeria and most African countries
- Accepted by or enrolled in an accredited university master's programme in a nuclear related field
- Preference for above average academic credentials, 75 per cent or above or a GPA above 3.0 out of 4.0
Who should not apply
- Male applicants
- Candidates not admitted to or enrolled in a nuclear related master's programme
- Applications submitted after the closing date or missing required documents
- Undeclared additional scholarships, which can suspend financial support
Documents to prepare
- Copy of passport or national ID
- Official acceptance or admission letter naming the nuclear related field of study and programme duration
- Statement of tuition fees or confirmation of tuition costs
- Documents for any other scholarship held for the same programme
- Completed reference templates sent directly to the programme by referees, one mandatory and a second preferred
- Official English translation for any document issued in another language
How to apply
- Confirm your field of study appears in the IAEA list of nuclear related fields
- Download the applicant reference form and send it to your referees early, since they must submit it themselves
- Open the IAEA recruitment portal through the official application link and complete the online form in English
- Upload all documents and submit before 31 October 2026 at 11:59 pm Vienna time
Selection process
- Applications are assessed by the IAEA MSCFP Technical Selection Committee against published criteria
- Review covers entry requirements, educational background, prior achievements, motivation and the fellowship's impact on career goals and commitment to public service
- Geographic, field of study and linguistic diversity are considered alongside merit
- All applicants are notified of the decision by email, and selected candidates must confirm acceptance within one week
Sources and verification
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Questions applicants ask
Can a Nigerian student apply?
Yes. The programme is open to students from IAEA Member States, and Nigeria is a member state.
Do I need admission to a master's programme first?
Yes. You must already be accepted by or enrolled in an accredited university master's programme in a nuclear related field, and your admission letter must state that field and the duration of study.
Can I hold another scholarship?
You must declare other support and provide the documents. The IAEA may then reduce its assistance to tuition costs only for the duration of the programme.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
