MSCA Europe PhD Scholarships – 2025

Overview

Are you an aspiring researcher seeking a fully funded PhD opportunity in Europe? The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks 2025 program offers one of the most prestigious and competitive international doctoral training schemes in the world. Funded by the European Commission’s Horizon Europe Programme, this initiative supports talented researchers from all nationalities through structured, high-level doctoral training.

Application Deadline for Organizations: 25 November 2025

Program Objective

The MSCA Doctoral Networks aim to:

• Train the next generation of highly skilled researchers

• Enhance research excellence and innovation potential

• Improve long-term career prospects in academia, industry, and beyond

• Foster international, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral collaboration

Program Structure

The MSCA Doctoral Networks support three main types of training pathways:

1. Standard Doctoral Networks

   • Traditional research-based doctoral programs across European and associated countries.

2. Industrial Doctorates

   • Candidates are co-supervised by both academic institutions and non-academic partners (such as companies), gaining experience in real-world industry settings.

3. Joint Doctorates

   • Integrated training and supervision from multiple institutions, often leading to joint or multiple doctoral degrees.

Available Fields of Study

All academic disciplines are eligible. Researchers from every subject area—STEM, social sciences, arts, humanities, and more—can apply, depending on the participating institution and project.

Scholarship Benefits

The MSCA Doctoral Networks are fully funded by the European Union, offering a comprehensive financial support package that includes:

• Living allowance (salary/stipend)

• Mobility allowance

• Family, long-term leave, and special needs allowances (if applicable)

• Research and training costs

• Networking and travel support

• Administrative and overhead coverage for host institutions

📌 PhD candidates may be recruited for a period of 3 to 36 months (up to 48 months for Joint Doctorates). Projects themselves may run for up to 4 years (5 years for Joint Doctorates).

Eligibility Criteria

For PhD Candidates:

• Must not already hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment

• Must satisfy the MSCA mobility rule: candidates must not have resided or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment

• Must be enrolled in a recognized PhD program during their MSCA participation

For Consortium Applicants (Organizations):

• Must include at least three independent legal entities from three different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries

• At least one organization must be based in an EU Member State

• Additional partners from anywhere in the world are welcome to participate

Application Procedure

For Organizations

Institutions wishing to host and supervise MSCA PhD researchers must submit a full project proposal via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal before 25 November 2025. Key resources include:

• MSCA Work Programme

• Application Guide for Applicants

• Evaluation templates and submission forms
  Visit the official submission portal

For PhD Candidates

Prospective PhD applicants do not apply directly to the MSCA program. Instead, they should:

1. Browse available PhD vacancies funded under MSCA via EURAXESS Jobs Portal

2. Apply directly to the institution or consortium offering the position

3. Review project-specific requirements, visa procedures, salary details, and country-specific conditions

Why Apply for MSCA Doctoral Networks?

✅ Prestigious & Competitive
Part of the world-renowned Horizon Europe framework, MSCA funding signals academic excellence and institutional credibility.

✅ Global Collaboration
Engage in cutting-edge research alongside leading universities, companies, and research centers across Europe and beyond.

✅ Interdisciplinary Innovation
Programs emphasize innovative, cross-sectoral research that tackles real-world challenges with societal impact.

✅ Career-Ready Training
Gain transferable skills, industrial experience, and academic credentials to enhance employability across sectors.

Start Your Research Journey in Europe

The MSCA Doctoral Networks 2025 are more than scholarships—they’re gateways to becoming a globally connected, impact-driven researcher. If you’re ready to take your academic ambitions global, this opportunity offers the training, resources, and network to get you there.

APPLY HERE