# HORIZON-MSCA-2026-DN-01-01 — MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026

**Funder:** European Commission (REA)
**Duration:** 3-4 years
**Consortium:** Required — minimum 3 entities from 3 EU member states
**Frequency:** Annual
**Official call:** https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-MSCA-2026-DN-01-01
**Last verified:** 1 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

MSCA Doctoral Networks fund collaborative doctoral training programmes across a consortium of academic and non-academic organisations. Doctoral candidates (early-stage researchers) must not have a PhD and must comply with MSCA mobility rules (not resided/worked in host country >12 months in last 3 years). Proposals submitted in English.

## Summary

MSCA Doctoral Networks funds collaborative doctoral training programmes across international consortia, with 3-4 year funding for PhD candidates across multiple academic and non-academic partner organisations. Early-stage researchers without a PhD can apply if they meet MSCA mobility rules, making this ideal for prospective doctoral candidates at institutions participating in a coordinated network. Calls run annually with a European-wide scope.

## Who should apply

- Doctoral candidates without a PhD, meeting MSCA cross-border mobility rules
- Academic and non-academic organisations forming international consortia (minimum 3 entities from 3 EU member states)
- Prospective PhD students based at participating host institutions
- Research proposals with a strong training, mentoring and career-development component

## Key dates

- Annual deadline (verify exact date on EU Funding & Tenders Portal)
- Single or multi-stage written evaluation followed by panel assessment
- 3-4 year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- The mobility rule is mandatory: applicants cannot have spent more than 12 months in the host country during the 3 years before deadline.
- Consortia strength matters as much as individual candidate quality, weak partner complementarity will lower scores.
- Articulate a clear structured training plan with named mentors and secondment opportunities; panels weight career development heavily.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is an MSCA Doctoral Network and how long does it last?

An MSCA Doctoral Network is a collaborative doctoral training programme spanning 3-4 years across a consortium of academic and non-academic organisations across different EU member states.

### Who can apply for MSCA Doctoral Networks?

Doctoral candidates (early-stage researchers without a PhD) who comply with MSCA mobility rules, specifically, not having resided or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the 3 years before the deadline.

### Is a consortium required for MSCA Doctoral Networks?

Yes, a minimum of 3 entities from at least 3 different EU member states must form the consortium.

### How often does the MSCA Doctoral Networks call run?

Annually, with deadlines published on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/european-commission-rea-horizon-msca-2026-dn-01-01-msca-doctoral-networks-) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.