# Doctoral Networks

**Funder:** MSCA
**Consortium:** Required — minimum 3 entities from 3 EU member states or Horizon Europe Associated Countries; partnerships of universities, research institutions, businesses (incl. SMEs) and other socio-economic actors
**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:** 9 August 2026

## Eligibility & scope

MSCA Doctoral Networks fund doctoral training programmes implemented by multi-country, inter-sectoral partnerships. Supports Industrial Doctorates (joint academic/non-academic supervision) and Joint Doctorates (leading to joint/double/multiple degrees). Open to organisations from third countries. Doctoral candidates recruited via open, transparent, merit-based selection. RAISE variant supports AI-in-science networks.

## Summary

MSCA Doctoral Networks funds multi-country, inter-sectoral doctoral training programmes led by consortia of universities, research institutions, businesses and other organisations. The call supports Industrial Doctorates with joint academic and non-academic supervision, and Joint Doctorates leading to joint or multiple degrees. Coordinators and partner organisations should apply if they can assemble a consortium of at least three entities across EU member states or Horizon Europe Associated Countries.

## Who should apply

- Universities and research institutions serving as coordinators or consortium partners
- Businesses and SMEs offering non-academic supervision and industrial placement
- Organisations from third countries willing to join a multi-country consortium
- Consortium leaders able to coordinate at least three entities across different countries

## Key dates

- Deadline: Check HORIZON-MSCA-2026-DN-01 call identifier on the Funding and Tenders Portal for submission date
- Annual call frequency
- Doctoral training programme duration and funding depend on project scope

## Tips for applicants

- MSCA prioritises added value from multi-country, inter-sectoral partnerships; build a consortium with clear division of roles between academic supervisors and non-academic partners.
- Industrial Doctorates and Joint Doctorates each have distinct governance and degree-award requirements; align your partnership structure to match your doctorate model early.
- The RAISE variant funds AI-in-science networks; if AI methods are central to your doctoral training, flag this explicitly for the correct evaluation track.

## Frequently asked questions

### Do I need a consortium to apply for MSCA Doctoral Networks?

Yes, a minimum of three entities from at least three different EU member states or Horizon Europe Associated Countries is required.

### Can businesses and SMEs participate in MSCA Doctoral Networks?

Yes, businesses and SMEs are encouraged as consortium partners and can provide non-academic supervision in Industrial Doctorates.

### What is the difference between Industrial Doctorates and Joint Doctorates in this call?

Industrial Doctorates involve joint supervision by academic and non-academic partners; Joint Doctorates lead to joint, double or multiple degrees awarded by participating institutions.

### Can organisations from outside the EU join an MSCA Doctoral Network?

Yes, organisations from third countries can participate as consortium members, provided the coordinator and minimum three entities are based in EU member states or Associated Countries.

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

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