European Commission
Doctoral Networks
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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.
Details
| Funder | European Commission |
| Deadline | 24 November 2026 |
| Duration | 3-4 years |
| Consortium | Required — minimum 3 entities from 3 EU member states or Horizon Europe Associated Countries |
| Application | Single stage |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Career stage | Early-career opportunity |
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.
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.
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