Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, MSCA

MSCA Doctoral Networks fund international doctoral training networks. The 2026 MSCA Doctoral Networks call opened on 28 May 2026, with a proposal deadline of 24 November 2026; notification of results is expected in April 2027 and first EU-funded projects are expected to start around September 2027.

Required documents

For students applying to MSCA doctoral positions after projects are funded:

• CV.
• Master's degree certificate or equivalent.
• Academic transcripts.
• Motivation letter.
• Research statement.
• Recommendation letters.
• Passport.
• Proof of eligibility for doctoral enrolment.
• Language certificate, if required by host institution.
• Publications or writing sample, if available.
• Evidence of mobility eligibility, depending on position rules.
• Employment documents after selection.

Eligible nationalities

• Generally open to candidates of any nationality.
• Candidates must meet the doctoral candidate definition.
• Mobility rules apply and may restrict applicants who recently lived or worked in the host country.
• Each advertised position may have specific scientific and institutional requirements.
• Applicants must check each vacancy.

How to apply

• Students do not apply to the EU call directly as individual scholarship applicants.
• Universities and consortia first apply for MSCA Doctoral Network funding.
• Once funded, projects advertise doctoral positions.
• Students apply directly to the recruiting university, research institute or project.
• Selection usually includes interviews.
• Successful candidates sign an employment contract.

Usual timeline

• For institutions:
• Call opens: May.
• Proposal deadline: November.
• Results: around April.
• Project starts: around September.
• For students:
• Start preparing: when calls are announced and research themes are known.
• Vacancy advertisements: often after project approval.
• Applications: usually spring to autumn after project results.
• Interviews: 1 to 3 months after vacancy deadline.
• Start: depends on project, often autumn.
• Payment: salary begins after employment contract starts.