MSCA Doctoral Networks: how to find a funded PhD position in Europe

• What a Doctoral Network is
• Three types of networks
• Who can apply
• What the position offers
• Where to find vacancies
• How to prepare an application
• Key points

⇑What a Doctoral Network is

Doctoral Networks are part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), the European Union’s programme for researcher training and mobility. Each network is a partnership of universities, research institutions, businesses and other organisations that together offer doctoral training. The aim is not only to produce a thesis, but to prepare young researchers for careers inside and outside academia.

The European Commission funds the network, and the network then recruits doctoral candidates. This is the key point for applicants: you do not apply to the Commission. You apply to a specific project that has already received funding and has open positions.

⇑Three types of networks

According to the official MSCA Doctoral Networks page, the action comes in three forms:

• Standard Doctoral Networks – joint training by partners from several countries, often with secondments to other organisations.
• Industrial Doctorates – candidates spend at least 50% of their time outside academia and are supervised jointly by academic and non-academic partners.
• Joint Doctorates – candidates are enrolled in a joint programme, are jointly supervised and can obtain a joint or multiple doctoral degree.

A network must include at least three independent organisations, each established in a different EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. Partners from other parts of the world can also take part.

⇑Who can apply

The rules for doctoral candidates are short, but they are applied strictly. You must:

• not hold a doctoral degree on the date you are recruited;
• enrol in a doctoral programme during the project;
• meet the mobility rule: you must not have lived or carried out your main activity (work, studies) in the country of the recruiting organisation for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before recruitment.

Nationality does not matter. A Polish graduate can apply for a position in Spain or Belgium, and a candidate from outside Europe is equally eligible. What usually rules people out is the mobility rule: if you have spent most of the last three years in the country where the position is based, you will not qualify for that particular post, even if you are not a citizen of that country.

⇑What the position offers

Recruited researchers receive a living allowance and a mobility allowance, plus family, long-term leave and special needs allowances where these apply. The network also has funding for research, training and networking. Each individual fellowship lasts between 3 and 36 months (between 3 and 48 months for Joint Doctorates). Many networks combine work at the host institution with secondments to partner organisations, sometimes outside Europe.

Exact amounts and contract conditions are set out in each vacancy, so read the advertisement carefully rather than relying on general figures.

⇑Where to find vacancies

Funded projects advertise their positions internationally, in particular on EURAXESS, the EU portal for researchers. The MSCA website says the lists are updated daily. Each advertisement gives the full requirements and explains how to apply, usually directly to the recruiting organisation.

EURAXESS also has national portals with practical information about visas, taxes, pensions and the recognition of qualifications in each country, which is useful once you receive an offer.

⇑How to prepare an application

Networks often recruit several candidates at once, for projects with clearly defined topics. A good application shows that you understand the specific project, not only the general field. Practical steps:

• check the mobility rule against your own history for the last 36 months before anything else;
• read the project description and the profile of the host institution and supervisor;
• prepare a CV that highlights research experience, such as a master’s thesis, lab work or publications;
• write a motivation letter tailored to the position and the network’s training goals;
• arrange references in advance and keep copies of your degree certificates ready.

If you are still choosing between countries and programmes, our study guide brings together country guides, research in Europe and doctoral programme search.

⇑Key points

MSCA Doctoral Networks are funded PhD posts offered by international partnerships. Anyone without a doctorate can apply, regardless of nationality, provided they meet the 12-in-36-months mobility rule. There is no central call for candidates: positions open throughout the year and are listed on EURAXESS, where each advertisement sets its own deadline.