# Rubicon

**Funder:** ZonMw
**Budget:** €3,145,000 total round budget
**Deadline:** 1 December 2026 (14:00 CEST)
**Duration:** 12-24 months
**Consortium:** No - individual applicant, hosted by a research institute outside the Netherlands
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** NL
**Official call:** https://www.nwo.nl/calls/rubicon-2026-3
**Last updated:** 18 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For researchers awarded a PhD in the 12 months before the deadline (or near-completion with supervisor approval), to gain research experience at a host institute outside the Netherlands for 12-24 months. Applications must be individual, in English, and PhD obtained from a listed NWO-recognized research organization.

## Summary

Rubicon, run by ZonMw, funds recently graduated PhD holders to gain 12-24 months of research experience at a host institute outside the Netherlands. It targets researchers who earned (or are about to earn) their PhD at an NWO-recognized Dutch research organization, with a total round budget of €3,145,000 shared across applicants. Applications are individual, written in English, and evaluated in a single stage.

## Who should apply

- Researchers awarded a PhD within 12 months before the deadline, or near-completion with supervisor approval
- PhD obtained from an NWO-recognized Dutch research organization
- Individual applicants planning to work at a host institute outside the Netherlands
- Early-career researchers seeking international research experience

## Key dates

- Deadline: 1 December 2026, 14:00 CEST
- Single-stage application process
- Fellowship duration: 12-24 months

## Tips for applicants

- Secure your host institute and supervisor agreement early, since the fellowship requires a confirmed placement outside the Netherlands before applying.
- If your PhD is not yet finalized, get written supervisor approval of near-completion in place well before the deadline.
- Confirm your PhD-granting institution appears on the NWO-recognized list, as this is a strict eligibility gate.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does Rubicon provide?

Rubicon has a total round budget of €3,145,000 shared across all awarded applicants in that round.

### Who is eligible for the Rubicon grant?

Researchers awarded a PhD within 12 months before the deadline (or near-completion with supervisor approval) from an NWO-recognized Dutch research organization.

### How long can I hold a Rubicon fellowship?

Rubicon fellowships run for 12 to 24 months at a host institute outside the Netherlands.

### Is Rubicon a single-stage or multi-stage application?

Rubicon uses a single-stage application process.

### Does Rubicon fund research within the Netherlands?

No, Rubicon specifically funds research experience at a host institute outside the Netherlands.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/zonmw-rubicon-2026-12) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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