MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026 - PhD Fellowships

Overview

MSCA Doctoral Networks (DN) fund doctoral programmes delivered by European university consortia in partnership with non-academic organisations. The 2026 call opened 28 May 2026 and closes 24 November 2026 for consortium proposals. Each approved network then recruits individual doctoral researchers directly, typically posting vacancies on EURAXESS. Individual PhD candidates do not apply to the European Commission - they apply for specific vacancies once networks are funded. Fellowships last 3 to 36 months, with 48 months possible for Joint Doctorates. Open to candidates of any nationality who have not resided in the host country for more than 12 months in the previous 3 years. Approximately 1,700 doctoral researchers were funded across the MSCA DN 2025 call; the 2026 call is expected to be similar in scale.

Benefits

• Gross monthly living allowance: EUR 2,500 (adjusted by a country-specific correction coefficient).
• Gross monthly mobility allowance: EUR 600.
• Family allowance (if applicable): EUR 660/month.
• Full tuition coverage by the host institution for the doctoral programme.
• Network-wide training events, secondments to other consortium partners, and co-supervision across at least two countries.
• Mandatory secondment of at least 6 months at a non-academic partner or at a partner in another country.

Eligibility

• Must be in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of a research career at the time of recruitment and must not hold a PhD yet.
• Must not have resided or carried out main activities (work, studies) in the recruiting country for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment date.
• Open to applicants of any nationality.
• Specific scientific requirements vary by individual network and vacancy.

How to apply

1. Monitor the EURAXESS portal (euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs) for individual PhD vacancies published by funded Doctoral Networks. Vacancies are posted on a rolling basis after network grants are awarded (typically from late 2026 and through 2027).
2. Search by keyword, field, and country. Filter by “MSCA” funding source to find Doctoral Network positions specifically.
3. Each network sets its own application deadline and requirements. Apply directly to the network via the contact or platform specified in the vacancy.
4. Typical documents required: CV (Europass format recommended), research statement, transcripts, letters of reference, and proof of language proficiency.
5. The 24 November 2026 deadline applies to consortium proposals submitted to the European Commission; individual PhD vacancies will appear after grant decisions in April 2027.