# Doctoral Networks **Funder:** European Commission **Deadline:** 24 November 2026 (17:00 Brussels time) **Duration:** 3-4 years **Consortium:** Required — minimum 3 entities from 3 EU member states or Horizon Europe Associated Countries **Application:** Single stage **Frequency:** Annual **Official call:** https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-MSCA-2026-DN-01-01 **Last updated:** 13 Sept 2026 > **Recently updated:** catalog cleanup 2026-07-04: deadline added per REA WP 2026-27 ## Eligibility & scope MSCA Doctoral Networks fund partnerships of universities, research institutions, businesses and other socio-economic actors to implement doctoral training programmes, including Industrial and Joint Doctorates with joint supervision arrangements. Open to organisations from EU, Associated and third countries. ## Summary MSCA Doctoral Networks fund collaborative doctoral training programmes across consortia of academic and non-academic organisations, with support for 3-4 year projects. The call targets early-stage researchers pursuing a PhD within a structured network, open to applicants meeting MSCA mobility rules (no more than 12 months prior residence in the host country). A minimum of three partners from three EU member states is required, making this a tool for building or strengthening cross-border research capacity in any discipline. ## Who should apply - Early-stage researchers pursuing a PhD (no prior doctorate) - Consortium coordinators at academic or non-academic organisations across 3+ EU member states - Applicants meeting MSCA mobility rules (max 12 months prior work/residence in host country in last 3 years) - Research teams building or strengthening international doctoral training networks - Any research field or discipline ## Key dates - Deadline: 24 November 2026 - Single-stage submission - Project duration: 3-4 years ## Tips for applicants - Consortium composition is gating: ensure you have genuine partners (not paper-only) from at least 3 different EU member states; weak partnerships trigger early rejection. - Mobility rules disqualify applicants who have lived or worked in the host country more than 12 months in the 3 years before the deadline, verify all doctoral candidate eligibility upfront. - The training plan is as weighted as the science; detail structured secondments, transferable-skills modules, and industry/non-academic placements explicitly. ## 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 run by a consortium of partners across multiple EU member states, lasting 3-4 years. It funds a cohort of doctoral candidates (early-stage researchers) to conduct PhD research within a structured, transnational framework. ### Who is eligible to apply for an MSCA Doctoral Network? Doctoral candidates who do not hold a PhD and comply with MSCA mobility rules (not resided or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the 3 years before the deadline) are eligible. Consortium coordinating organisations must be based in an EU member state, with at least 2 other partners in different member states. ### What is the minimum consortium size for an MSCA Doctoral Network? A minimum of 3 entities from 3 different EU member states is required. These can be academic institutions, non-academic organisations, or a mix. ### When is the deadline for MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026? The deadline is 24 November 2026. Proposals must be submitted in English through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. --- 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. **See which EU calls match your profile.** [Preview your matches in 30 seconds, no signup](https://grantsby.eu/demo?ref=llm_grant_md).