Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (MSCA) PhD Positions

European Commission (Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions)

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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

Candidates can be of any nationality, must not hold a doctoral degree at recruitment and should be enrolled in a doctoral programme. The mobility rule: you must not have lived or worked mainly in the recruiting organisation's country for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

MSCA Doctoral Networks are EU-funded PhD programmes run by partnerships of universities, research institutions and companies. You apply to the vacancies the networks post, mostly on EURAXESS.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Candidates can be of any nationality, must not hold a doctoral degree at recruitment and should be enrolled in a doctoral programme. The mobility rule: you must not have lived or worked mainly in the recruiting organisation's country for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment.
2. Note the deadline. Rolling (each funded network advertises its own PhD vacancies and sets its own deadline - search EURAXESS) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Research proposal (for research degrees, if requested); English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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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. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
4. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
5. "Rolling" or "varies" does not mean unlimited time. Funds are awarded as applications are reviewed, so apply early.
6. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (MSCA) PhD Positions?

Candidates can be of any nationality, must not hold a doctoral degree at recruitment and should be enrolled in a doctoral programme. The mobility rule: you must not have lived or worked mainly in the recruiting organisation's country for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment.

What does Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (MSCA) PhD Positions cover?

A funded PhD position in a European doctoral network: the EU pays a living allowance and a mobility allowance (plus family and special-needs allowances where they apply); networks last up to 4 years (5 for joint doctorates) and each fellowship lasts 3 to 36 months (48 for joint doctorates). The page gives no salary amounts

When is the deadline for Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (MSCA) PhD Positions?

Rolling (each funded network advertises its own PhD vacancies and sets its own deadline - search EURAXESS) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

What documents do I need for Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (MSCA) PhD Positions?

Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Research proposal (for research degrees, if requested); English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).

How much work is the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (MSCA) PhD Positions application?

High: Application to each network vacancy (CV, motivation letter, references)