MSCA Europe PhD Scholarships 2025 (Fully Funded)
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Fully Funded -
PhD
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Agriculture
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AI & Data Science
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Architecture
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Aviation & Aerospace
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International Students -
Nov 25, 2026
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks 2025 is one of the European Union’s most prestigious doctoral training programs, funded under the Horizon Europe Programme. The initiative provides fully funded PhD opportunities for talented researchers from around the world through international collaboration, interdisciplinary research, and industry partnerships.
The 2025 call for proposals is now open, with applications closing on 25 November 2025. Successful candidates will join leading universities, research institutions, and industry partners across Europe while receiving financial support, advanced research training, and valuable international experience.
What Are MSCA Doctoral Networks?
MSCA Doctoral Networks are designed to train the next generation of highly skilled researchers by combining academic excellence with practical experience. The program connects universities, research organizations, businesses, and public institutions to deliver high-quality doctoral education that prepares researchers for careers in academia, industry, and the public sector.
Participants benefit from international mobility, interdisciplinary collaboration, and exposure to different research environments, helping them develop both technical expertise and transferable professional skills.
Types of MSCA Doctoral Networks
The program offers three different doctoral training models to meet diverse research and career goals.
Standard Doctoral Networks
These networks provide traditional research-based PhD training through collaboration between universities and research institutions across Europe and partner countries.
Industrial Doctorates
Industrial Doctorates combine academic research with practical industry experience. PhD candidates are jointly supervised by a university and a company or non-academic organization, allowing them to work on real-world research challenges.
Joint Doctorates
Joint Doctorates involve multiple universities working together to deliver a shared doctoral program. Graduates receive a joint, double, or multiple doctoral degree awarded by the participating institutions.
Available Fields of Study
MSCA Doctoral Networks support research across virtually every academic discipline, including:
- Engineering and Technology
- Natural Sciences
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Medical and Health Sciences
- Environmental and Climate Studies
- Agriculture
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Economics and Business
- Mathematics and Statistics
Researchers from all academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply for suitable projects.
Benefits of MSCA Doctoral Networks 2025
The program provides a competitive funding package that allows researchers to focus entirely on their doctoral studies.
Benefits include:
- Monthly living allowance
- Mobility allowance for relocation expenses
- Family allowance where applicable
- Long-term leave and special needs support
- Research, training, and networking funding
- Professional supervision from internationally recognized researchers
- Access to world-class laboratories and research facilities
- International research collaboration opportunities
- Career development and transferable skills training
These benefits help researchers gain valuable academic and professional experience while working in internationally recognized research environments.
Fellowship Duration
The duration depends on the individual research project and doctoral program.
- Individual researcher appointments: 3 to 36 months
- Joint Doctorates: Up to 48 months
- Project duration: Up to 4 years
- Joint Doctorate projects: Up to 5 years
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements before applying.
Academic Requirements
Candidates must:
- Not already hold a doctoral degree.
- Be eligible to enroll in a doctoral program at the recruiting institution.
- Meet the admission requirements of the host university.
Mobility Rule
Applicants must not have lived, worked, or carried out their main activity in the recruiting country for more than 12 months during the previous 36 months before recruitment.
This mobility requirement is one of the program’s most important eligibility conditions.
Consortium Requirements
Each MSCA Doctoral Network must include:
- At least three independent organizations.
- Organizations from at least three different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries.
- At least one participating organization established within an EU Member State.
- Additional international partners may also participate to strengthen the research network.
Eligible Nationalities
The MSCA Doctoral Networks are open to applicants from all countries. Researchers of any nationality can apply, provided they satisfy the academic and mobility requirements of the selected PhD project.
How to Apply
For Research Organizations
Universities and research institutions wishing to establish a Doctoral Network must submit project proposals through the European Commission’s Funding and Tenders Opportunities Portal before 25 November 2025.
Applicants should prepare the required documentation, including:
- MSCA Work Programme
- Guide for Applicants
- Official Application Forms
- Evaluation Templates
For PhD Candidates
Researchers interested in joining an approved MSCA project should:
- Search available PhD vacancies on the EURAXESS portal.
- Apply directly to the university or research institution advertising the position.
- Carefully review each vacancy’s eligibility criteria, required documents, employment conditions, and visa requirements before submitting an application.
Why Choose MSCA Doctoral Networks?
MSCA Doctoral Networks are recognized globally for producing highly qualified researchers with strong international experience.
Key advantages include:
- Fully funded doctoral training
- Research opportunities at leading European universities
- Collaboration with academic and industry experts
- International mobility and networking
- Advanced scientific and professional skills development
- Excellent career prospects in academia, research, industry, and government
Graduates of MSCA-funded projects are highly valued by employers worldwide due to their international research experience and interdisciplinary training.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Now Open |
| Application Deadline | 25 November 2025 |
| Fellowship Duration | 3–36 months |
| Project Duration | Up to 4 years (5 years for Joint Doctorates) |
Final Thoughts
The MSCA Doctoral Networks 2025 offer one of Europe’s most competitive fully funded PhD opportunities for international researchers. Supported by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe Programme, the initiative provides generous financial support, outstanding research facilities, international collaboration, and industry engagement.
If you plan to pursue a PhD in Europe while building a strong international research career, the MSCA Doctoral Networks represent an excellent opportunity to study, collaborate, and innovate with leading institutions across Europe.
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