Overview
The MSCA program supports the following types of Doctoral Networks :
Description
The MSCA program supports the following types of Doctoral Networks :
Eligibility
To join a Doctoral Network as a PhD candidate, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Must not already hold a doctoral degree
Must comply with the mobility rule: not residing or working in the recruiting country for more than 12 months in the past 36 months
Must be enrolled in a doctoral program during the project
For consortium eligibility:
Minimum of three independent organizations from three different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries, with at least one from the EU
Additional partners from other countries worldwide can join
Additional Information
Degree Level
The MSCA program supports the following types of Doctoral Networks :
1 Standard Doctoral Networks
Conventional research-based PhD training programs across Europe and beyond.
2 Industrial Doctorates
Doctoral candidates are co-supervised by academic and non-academic partners , focusing on developing skills in industry and business settings .
3 Joint Doctorates
Highly integrated PhD programs leading to joint or multiple doctoral degrees awarded by participating universities.
What Are Msca Doctoral Networks
The MSCA Doctoral Networks fund PhD programs implemented by international consortia of universities, research institutions, businesses (including SMEs), and non-academic organizations. These networks provide:
Advanced scientific research training
Industry collaboration and exposure
Interdisciplinary supervision
Opportunities for secondments and mobility across sectors and countries
Benefits
Doctoral Networks are fully funded by the European Union. Funding includes:
Living allowance
Mobility allowance
Family, long-term leave, and special needs allowances (if applicable)
Costs for research, training, networking activities
Coverage of management and indirect costs
Each researcher can be recruited for 3 to 36 months (up to 48 months for Joint Doctorates), and projects can last up to 4 years (5 years for Joint Doctorates).
Eligible Nationalities
Open to candidates of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
To join a Doctoral Network as a PhD candidate, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Must not already hold a doctoral degree
Must comply with the mobility rule: not residing or working in the recruiting country for more than 12 months in the past 36 months
Must be enrolled in a doctoral program during the project
For consortium eligibility:
Minimum of three independent organizations from three different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries, with at least one from the EU
Additional partners from other countries worldwide can join
For Organizations
Organizations interested in applying must submit proposals through the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal before the 25 November 2025 deadline . Key documents include:
MSCA work programme
Guide for applicants
Application forms and evaluation templates
Visit the official portal
For Phd Candidates
Researchers seeking funded PhD positions under MSCA Doctoral Networks should:
Browse open MSCA-funded PhD vacancies on EURAXESS
Apply directly to institutions hosting funded projects
Review position requirements, visa info, taxation rules, and more
Why Choose Msca Doctoral Networks
Prestige : Part of the globally recognized Horizon Europe Programme
International Exposure : Work in multiple countries and sectors
Innovation Focused : Emphasis on creativity, interdisciplinary research, and societal impact
Strong Employability : Equips candidates with research, industry, and transferable skills
Frequently Asked Questions Faqs
What are the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN)? The MSCA Doctoral Networks are research and training programs funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe. They aim to train highly skilled doctoral candidates through international, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral collaboration between universities, research institutions, and industry partners across Europe and beyond.
Who can apply for the MSCA Doctoral Networks? Applications must be submitted by international consortia consisting of at least three independent legal entities from three different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries. Additional partners from any country worldwide may also join the consortium. Individual researchers (PhD candidates) cannot apply directly for funding but can apply for PhD positions within funded MSCA Doctoral Network projects.
What are the main types of Doctoral Networks? There are three types of Doctoral Networks: Standard Doctoral Networks: Focused on academic and research training across various disciplines. Industrial Doctorates: Combine academic and industrial training, requiring candidates to spend at least 50% of their time outside academia. Joint Doctorates: Offer joint or multiple doctoral degrees from participating universities through highly integrated international collaboration.
What does the funding cover? Funding includes: Monthly living and mobility allowances for doctoral candidates. Family, long-term leave, and special needs allowances (if applicable). Support for research, training, networking activities, and management costs. Doctoral Networks typically last up to 4 years (5 years for Joint Doctorates), and each fellowship may last 3–36 months (3–48 months for Joint Doctorates).
How can individual researchers apply for MSCA-funded PhD positions? Researchers interested in joining an MSCA Doctoral Network should apply directly to the PhD vacancies advertised by funded projects. These positions are published on the EURAXESS portal , where candidates can find details about eligibility, job descriptions, and application deadlines.
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