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Funded research scholarship, European Commission (Horizon Europe), through host universities, companies and research centres

Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks (MSCA DN)

Paid PhD positions of up to 36 months (48 for joint doctorates) in international research networks across Europe, open to candidates of any nationality.
Official page for the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks (MSCA DN) (opens in a new tab)

What it pays

A salaried doctoral position: the EU funds a monthly living allowance and a mobility allowance, plus family, long-term leave and special needs allowances where relevant. Amounts are gross and adjusted by host country; check the current figure on the MSCA site.

Fields: Any field

Who can apply

Open to most nationalities

  • Any nationality
  • You must not hold a doctoral degree on the date of recruitment
  • You must enrol in a doctoral programme during the project
  • Mobility rule: you must not have lived or had your main activity in the recruiting organisation's country for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment
  • Meet the specific academic requirements in each vacancy

Deadline

Rolling: each funded network advertises its own positions with its own deadline throughout the year. Watch EURAXESS and network websites regularly.

Deadlines move a little every year and some close early. Confirm the date on the official page before you plan around it.

Documents you will need

  • Whatever each vacancy requests; most ask for a CV and a motivation letter
  • Degree certificates and transcripts (bachelor's and master's)
  • Contact details or letters from academic referees
  • Proof of English level if the host requires it

How to apply, step by step

  1. Step 1: Search EURAXESS

    On euraxess.ec.europa.eu, search jobs and filter by Funding Programme 'Horizon Europe - MSCA' and Researcher Profile 'First Stage Researcher (R1)'.

  2. Step 2: Check the mobility rule

    Confirm you have not lived in the host country for more than 12 of the last 36 months.

  3. Step 3: Apply to the host

    Send your application directly to the institution or network named in the vacancy, following its instructions.

  4. Step 4: Prepare for interviews

    Shortlisted candidates are usually interviewed by the host; be ready to discuss your research fit.
Official page for the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks (MSCA DN) (opens in a new tab)

Conditions if you accept

  • You are employed full time on a research contract, with salary subject to tax and social deductions
  • Positions last 3 to 36 months (3 to 48 months for joint doctorates) and include training and secondments
  • Industrial doctorate fellows spend at least 50 percent of their time outside academia

Tips for a stronger application

  • Because you are an employee, visa processes for researchers usually apply; start early once you get an offer
  • Tailor each application to the specific project; generic letters rarely succeed
  • Many networks post several positions at once, so set EURAXESS alerts for your field
  • Ignore third-party sites charging to 'apply for MSCA'; applications go directly to host institutions

Common questions

Sources

Checked against these official pages on 16 Oct 2026.

What we can and cannot promise

Jandify Global gives guidance and prepares documents. We do not decide visas, admissions or scholarships, and we cannot promise an outcome. Those decisions belong to embassies, universities and funders. Read the no guarantee policy.

This result uses the general rules. Your own documents, finances and history can change it. Have an advisor check your exact case.

  • Funded researchLiving allowance

    Canada Graduate Research Scholarship, Doctoral (CGRS D)

    Government of Canada tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC)

    Canada's harmonised federal doctoral scholarship that replaced Vanier and the older CGS D awards; international students can apply once they are registered in a doctoral programme at a Canadian institution.

    Where
    Canada
    Level
    PhD
    Pays
    CAD 40,000 per year for 36 months. It is a personal award and does not include a separate tuition payment.
    Deadline
    Agency deadline is 17 October at 8:00 pm Eastern time (2026 competition), but if your university has a quota you must meet its internal deadline, often in September. Results are released by 30 April. Confirm your university's internal date with its graduate studies office.
    Full details on Canada Graduate Research Scholarship, Doctoral (CGRS D)
  • FoundationPartly funded

    Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP)

    Aga Khan Foundation (Aga Khan Development Network)

    Need-based postgraduate support, half grant and half loan, for outstanding students from selected countries including Egypt, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda.

    Where
    Several countries
    Level
    Master's, PhD
    Pays
    Tuition and student living expenses, awarded according to need as 50 percent grant and 50 percent loan that must be repaid with a service charge. Master's study is funded for the whole degree; PhD study for the first two years only.
    Deadline
    The 2026-2027 cycle is closed and the next cycle opens in early 2027. The current page does not state the closing date; earlier AKDN guidance set a 31 March deadline, with earlier internal dates in some countries. Confirm with your local office.
    Full details on Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP)
  • UniversityFully funded

    ANU University Research Scholarship and RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship

    Australian National University (ANU)

    ANU's merit research scholarships for domestic and international students, combining a living stipend with a full tuition fee offset.

    Where
    Australia
    Level
    Master's, PhD
    Pays
    Stipend of AUD 40,475 per year (2027 full-time base rate) for 3.5 years for PhD candidates, plus travel, removal and thesis allowances and a dependant child allowance for international students. International students can also receive the RTP International Fee Offset, covering tuition for up to four years (PhD) and Overseas Student Health Cover for the student and immediate family.
    Deadline
    International Round 1 closes 31 August each year for a start by the end of March the next year (the 2027 Round 1 date has passed). Round 2 closes 15 April for a start by 31 August the same year.
    Full details on ANU University Research Scholarship and RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship
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