Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (MSCA DN)

European Commission (Horizon Europe) — EU & Associated Countries

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Open to all nationalities, including Bangladeshi applicants. You need a master's degree (or equivalent) and must not yet have a PhD. Mobility rule: you must not have lived or worked in the country of the hiring institution for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe framework, MSCA Doctoral Networks recruit international doctoral candidates into high-impact research consortia comprising top European universities, research institutes, and industrial partners. Unlike traditional scholarships, MSCA fellows are hired as full-time salaried researchers for 36 to 48 months with full social security, pension, health coverage, and mandatory international/industrial secondments.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Open to all nationalities, including Bangladeshi applicants. You need a master's degree (or equivalent) and must not yet have a PhD. Mobility rule: you must not have lived or worked in the country of the hiring institution for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment.
2. Note the deadline. Rolling – peak recruitment Oct – May (each network advertises its own PhD vacancies on EURAXESS and the project websites) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Curriculum Vitae: Detailed academic CV highlighting laboratory skills, thesis work, publications, and coding/experimental competencies.; Motivation Letter: Custom cover letter tailored to the specific Individual Research Project (IRP) advertised on EURAXESS.; Academic Transcripts & Certificates: Certified Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates and full grade transcripts (plus Master’s thesis PDF or summary).; Mobility Declaration & Referees: Signed declaration confirming compliance with the MSCA 12-in-36-month mobility rule, plus 2–3 academic reference letters..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Compliance with MSCA Mobility & Doctoral Eligibility Rules (Pass/Fail) → Academic & Technical Fit with the Specific Project (40%) → Research Experience & Master’s Thesis Quality (30%) → Scientific Presentation & Panel Interview (30%).

Profile of past winners

Proactive Master’s graduates who monitor EURAXESS daily, apply to specific 3-year project calls matching their exact experimental or computational background, and deliver a sharp 10-minute presentation of their Master’s thesis during the consortium interview.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
3. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
4. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
5. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
6. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (MSCA DN)?

Open to all nationalities, including Bangladeshi applicants. You need a master's degree (or equivalent) and must not yet have a PhD. Mobility rule: you must not have lived or worked in the country of the hiring institution for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment.

What does Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (MSCA DN) cover?

A paid three-year doctoral position (employment contract) in a European doctoral network; the exact living, mobility and family allowances come from the EU MSCA rules and are listed in each vacancy

When is the deadline for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (MSCA DN)?

Rolling – peak recruitment Oct – May (each network advertises its own PhD vacancies on EURAXESS and the project websites) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (MSCA DN)?

Host countries: Germany, Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark.

What documents do I need for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (MSCA DN)?

Curriculum Vitae: Detailed academic CV highlighting laboratory skills, thesis work, publications, and coding/experimental competencies.; Motivation Letter: Custom cover letter tailored to the specific Individual Research Project (IRP) advertised on EURAXESS.; Academic Transcripts & Certificates: Certified Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates and full grade transcripts (plus Master’s thesis PDF or summary).; Mobility Declaration & Referees: Signed declaration confirming compliance with the MSCA 12-in-36-month mobility rule, plus 2–3 academic reference letters..

How are applicants selected for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (MSCA DN)?

Compliance with MSCA Mobility & Doctoral Eligibility Rules (Pass/Fail) → Academic & Technical Fit with the Specific Project (40%) → Research Experience & Master’s Thesis Quality (30%) → Scientific Presentation & Panel Interview (30%).

How much work is the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (MSCA DN) application?

High: Tailored Cover Letter + Academic CV + Master’s Thesis Abstract + 2–3 Referees + Technical Panel Interview