[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

September 23, 2026 (Full application submission deadline, single-stage)

€3,000,000–€3,300,000 per grant; 3 grants expected; single lump sum funding

Supports research to identify effective policies for attracting and retaining international students, researchers, and high-skilled workers in the EU to bolster global competitiveness.

--- ## Description This grant opportunity, under Horizon Europe (HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-06), funds research projects that generate policy-relevant evidence on how to attract and retain students, researchers, and high-skilled workers from non-EU countries. The aim is to provide actionable guidance to policymakers and higher education/research institutions, develop strategies to retain talent, and deliver evidence-based insights to improve migration pathways and retention mechanisms. The scope covers diverse influencing factors (academic quality, career prospects, integration, etc.), the effectiveness of Talent Partnerships, and the mobilisation of humanitarian migrants’ professional potential. Projects should use rigorous quantitative and qualitative research methods, address gender and disability dimensions, and are encouraged to collaborate with academia, industry, and social partners. --- ## Due Dates - September 23, 2026: Full application submission deadline (single-stage), 17:00 Brussels time --- ## Funding Amount - Total indicative budget: €10,000,000 - Expected contribution per project: €3,000,000–€3,300,000 (lump sum) - Number of grants: 3 - Funding is provided as a lump sum under Horizon Europe rules. --- ## Eligibility - Open to legal entities established in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries. - Proposals must be submitted by a consortium (minimum three independent legal entities from different eligible countries). - Additional eligibility requirements and country-specific rules apply as detailed in [Annex B of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf). - The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a beneficiary with zero funding or as an associated partner. --- ## Application Process - Single-stage application: submit full proposal by the deadline. - Proposals must comply with the structure and page limits (max 50 pages for Part B). - Submission and templates are available via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-06?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=6&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - A detailed budget table is required, using the template provided in the Submission System. - Evaluation criteria and process are outlined in [Annex D and F](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf). - See the [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) for step-by-step guidance. --- ## Additional Information - Projects should address gender and disability dimensions. - Collaboration with non-academic partners (industry, social partners) is encouraged. - Partner search tools and support are available via the portal. - Intellectual property, financial, and legal guidelines are detailed in the [Annotated Model Grant Agreement](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/guidance/aga_en.pdf). --- ## External Links - [Call Details & Submission Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-06?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=6&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [General Annexes (eligibility, evaluation, etc.)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) - [Application Form Template (HE RIA, IA)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf) - [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [Partner Search Tool](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/partner-search?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=lastModified&isExactMatch=true&type=ORGANISATION,PERSON&frameworkProgramme=43108390) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Enquiries | [European Commission Contact](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiries | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points | [Find NCPs](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT/Portal Support | [IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | ---

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

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