European Research Council
ERC Starting Grant
Up to €1.5M for early-career researchers 2–7 years post-PhD conducting ground-breaking frontier research.
About the ERC Starting Grant
The ERC Starting Grant is one of Europe's most prestigious awards for early-career researchers. Administered by the European Research Council, it funds up to €1.5 million over 5 years (with an additional €1M possible for eligible start-up costs) to pursue ground-breaking research across any field. Applicants must have 2 to 7 years of experience post-PhD at the call deadline and be hosted at a legal entity in an EU Member State or associated country. There is no nationality requirement. The evaluation is a two-stage process since 2024: a panel review of an extended synopsis (Part B1), followed by a full proposal and interview for shortlisted candidates. Success rates typically range from 10–15% overall. The ERC specifically looks for research that goes beyond the state of the art — incremental science does not win.
Key facts
- Career stage
- 2–7 years post-PhD
- Maximum budget
- €1.5M (+€1M start-up)
- Project duration
- 5 years
- Evaluation
- Two-stage (since 2024)
- Time to decision
- ~9–11 months
- Success rate
- 10–15% across all panels
Who is eligible?
- •2 to 7 years post-PhD at the call deadline (extensions possible for career breaks, parental leave, military service, clinical training)
- •Hosted at an institution in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe associated country
- •No nationality requirement — researchers of any citizenship are eligible
- •Must devote at least 50% of their total working time to the ERC project
Frequently asked questions
+When is the next ERC Starting Grant deadline?
The ERC Starting Grant typically has one call per year with a deadline in October or early November. The exact date is published in the annual ERC Work Programme. Check our live deadlines table or the ERC website for the current year's deadline.
+How competitive is the ERC Starting Grant?
Success rates vary by panel (Life Sciences, Physical Sciences & Engineering, Social Sciences & Humanities) and by year, but typically sit between 10% and 15% overall. Life Sciences panels are generally the most competitive.
+Can I apply if I already hold a permanent position?
Yes. There is no restriction on employment status. What matters is time since PhD. Many Starting Grant winners are tenure-track assistant professors or independent group leaders.
+Can I apply with a co-PI?
No. ERC Starting Grants are strictly single-PI awards. The principal investigator must lead the project independently. Team members are welcome but the PI holds the grant.
+What if I fail the first time — can I reapply?
Yes, but there are restrictions based on your Stage 1 score. "A" evaluations can resubmit the following year; "B" evaluations face a one-year cooldown; "C" evaluations face a two-year cooldown before they can reapply to any ERC call.
Looking for proposal-writing advice?
Read the European Research Council writing guide →Related programmes
European Research Council
ERC Consolidator Grant
Up to €2M for mid-career researchers 7–12 years post-PhD consolidating their independent research team.
European Research Council
ERC Advanced Grant
Up to €2.5M for established research leaders with a 10-year track record of significant achievements.
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship
Monthly stipend of €5,080+ for 12–36 months of international mobility for postdoctoral researchers.
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