MSCA
Doctoral Networks
Call identifier HORIZON-MSCA-2026-DN-01; check portal for submission deadline
Last verified:
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.
Details
| 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 |
| Career stage | Early-career opportunity |
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.
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.
Related on Grantsby
- MSCA writing tips & FAQ
Evaluation criteria, proposal structure, common mistakes.
- MSCA Doctoral Networks, full programme guide
Eligibility, budget, success rates, application timeline, FAQ.
- MSCA Doctoral Networks past winners & funded projects
Recent recipients, host institutions, and funded project titles. See who tends to win before you apply.
- MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship: The Application Checklist
Mobility rule, supervisor fit, Part B structure, and the common rejection reasons that sink first-time applicants.
- How to Write the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship Proposal
Excellence, Impact, and Implementation: how the three criteria are scored and where applicants lose points.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
More from MSCA
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 - Global Fellowships
Deadline: 9 Sept 2026MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 - European Fellowships
Deadline: 9 Sept 2026MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026
Deadline: 15 Sept 2026~€220,000 (living + mobility + research, 24 months)HORIZON-MSCA-2026-DN-01-01 — MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026
Deadline: 24 Nov 2026Msca Cofund 2027
Deadline: 6 Apr 2027
Browse Related
Could Doctoral Networks be right for you?
See your personalised match score for this grant and others in 30 seconds. No signup needed to preview.
See my matches free →