Making Europe a global magnet for talent - Attracting and retaining students, researchers and high-skilled workers from outside the EU

Overview

Supports research projects generating evidence-based insights on attracting and retaining non-EU students, researchers, and high-skilled workers to strengthen the EU’s innovation and competitiveness. Targets policymakers, higher education institutions, and research organizations.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., universities, research institutions, non-academic organizations, industry, and social partners) from eligible countries. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a beneficiary with zero funding or as an associated partner.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €6,000,000
• Funding is provided as a lump sum.

What Is Funded

• Rigorous quantitative and qualitative research on factors influencing the attraction and retention of non-EU talent (e.g., academic quality, career opportunities, cultural appeal, policy frameworks).
• Assessment of Talent Partnerships and mobility schemes to reduce administrative barriers.
• Analysis of gender and disability dimensions in talent attraction and retention.
• Focus areas may include students, researchers, or high-skilled workers, with encouragement for cross-sector collaboration.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects must operate at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 to 6.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-05-11
• Deadline: 2026-09-22

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must include a detailed budget table and adhere to a 50-page limit for Part B of the application.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland. Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must address gender and disability dimensions.
• Cooperation with higher education institutions, research organizations, industry, and social partners is strongly encouraged.
• Projects may focus on one or more target groups (students, researchers, high-skilled workers).
• The granting authority may object to transfers of ownership or exclusive licensing of results for up to four years post-award.