Are you ready to launch a world-class PhD journey in Europe? The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks 2026 are now open, offering international students the opportunity to join cutting-edge doctoral training programs across Europe and beyond. With generous funding, global collaboration, and unparalleled academic and industrial exposure, this is your chance to turn your research ambitions into reality.
MSCA Scholarship Introduction
The MSCA Doctoral Networks are designed to bring together universities, research institutions, industry partners, and socio-economic actors from across Europe and beyond to implement doctoral training programs. These networks are tailored to boost innovation, creativity, and employability by exposing candidates to both academic and non-academic sectors.
Alongside the Standard Doctoral Networks, applicants can also benefit from:
- Industrial Doctorates – bridging academia and industry with joint supervision.
- Joint Doctorates – offering integrated training that leads to joint or multiple doctoral degrees.
MSCA 2026 Scholarship Offering Package
The MSCA Doctoral Networks provide generous support to doctoral researchers including:
- Living allowance for the entire research duration.
- Mobility allowance to support relocation.
- Additional allowances for family, long-term leave, or special needs (if applicable).
- Full funding for research, training, and networking activities.
- Support for management and indirect costs.
The program funds doctoral fellowships lasting 3–36 months (or up to 48 months for Joint Doctorates) within projects that can last up to 4–5 years.
Eligibility Requirements for MSCA Scholarship Applicants
To be eligible, candidates must meet the following:
- No prior doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.
- Any nationality can apply.
- Must comply with the MSCA mobility rule: you should not have lived or carried out your main activity (work/study) in the host country for more than 12 months in the last 36 months before recruitment.
- Enrolment in a doctoral program is required during the fellowship.
- For Industrial Doctorates, at least 50% of the training must take place outside academia.
Organisations applying must form a consortium of at least three independent entities from three different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries. Additional global partners can also join.
How to Apply for MSCA Scholarship in 2026?
The application process involves two paths:
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Organizations and consortia: Submit proposals via the Funding & Tender Opportunities Portal before the deadline, ensuring all required annexes and forms are complete.
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Individual doctoral candidates: Search and apply directly for open PhD vacancies funded by MSCA Doctoral Networks, which are published on the EURAXESS portal. Applications are made directly to the host institution or project.
Application Timeline
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks 2026 call is currently open. The last date to apply for this prestigious doctoral opportunity is 25 November 2025. Researchers and organisations must submit their complete proposals, including all annexes and supporting documents, before this deadline through the official Funding & Tender Opportunities Portal.
Individual PhD vacancies under MSCA Doctoral Networks will continue to be advertised on the EURAXESS portal throughout the cycle, allowing candidates worldwide to apply directly to projects of their choice.