MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026

Overview

Funding for international, interdisciplinary doctoral training networks that equip researchers with research and transferable skills for careers in academia and beyond. Targets partnerships of universities, research institutions, businesses, and other socio-economic actors.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of universities, research institutions, research infrastructures, businesses (including SMEs), and other socio-economic actors from eligible countries. Participation of third-country organisations is permitted to foster international partnerships.

Funding Details

Funding covers doctoral candidate salaries, research costs, training, and networking activities. Specific funding rates and budget allocations are detailed in the MSCA Work Programme. Co-funding is not explicitly required but may depend on the consortium structure.

What Is Funded

Doctoral programmes addressing well-identified research and innovation needs, with a focus on:

• Interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral collaboration.
• Transferable skills (e.g., entrepreneurship, IPR, communication, digital tools).
• Open science, knowledge valorisation, and societal engagement.
• Industrial or Joint Doctorates, where applicable.
• Training activities, workshops, conferences, and secondments.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects must target Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 to 6.

Key Dates

• Call Information Event: 2026-06-03 (recording, slides, and FAQs available afterward).
• Application Deadline: 2026-11-23T23:00:00Z.

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must include a detailed description of the doctoral programme, training activities, and consortium structure. Evaluation follows MSCA-specific criteria outlined in the Work Programme.

Post-Award Obligations

• Establishment of a Supervisory Board to coordinate training and supervision.
• Development of a Career Development Plan for each doctoral candidate, revised within 18 months.
• Open, transparent, and merit-based recruitment of doctoral candidates, with vacancies advertised internationally (e.g., EURAXESS).
• Reporting on training activities, research progress, and dissemination of results.
• Compliance with MSCA supervision guidelines and EU Principles for Innovative Doctoral Training.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland. Application language: English.

Notes

• Industrial Doctorates require joint supervision by academic and non-academic organisations.
• Joint Doctorates must lead to joint, double, or multiple doctoral degrees recognised in at least one EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country.
• Proposals must align with the EU Principles for Innovative Doctoral Training and MSCA Green Charter.
• Specific conditions and exceptions are detailed in the MSCA part of the Work Programme.