MSCA PhD Scholarships 2025 are among the most prestigious fully funded opportunities in Europe for ambitious researchers aiming to pursue doctoral studies. Offered under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks, this program provides world-class training and international research exposure.
Funded by the European Commission’s Horizon Europe Programme, the MSCA PhD Scholarships 2025 aim to strengthen global research collaboration and enhance scientific innovation. The application call is now open, offering exceptional support for talented scholars worldwide to develop their academic careers in top European institutions.
Benefits of MSCA PhD Scholarships 2025
- 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).
Eligibility Criteria for MSCA PhD Scholarships 2025
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
How to apply of MSCA PhD Scholarships 2025
- Click the “Apply Now” button to begin your online application.
- Carefully fill out the application form with accurate details.
- Attach all required documents as mentioned in the guidelines.
- Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements before submitting.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
- Application Portal: VU Amsterdam Admission Portal
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
MSCA PhD Scholarships 2025 are funded through the Doctoral Networks scheme, with €597.8 million available. The call opens 28 May 2025, closes 25 November 2025. Consortia must include 3 organizations from EU/associated states. Three modalities exist: standard, industrial, joint.
What are “MSCA PhD Scholarships 2025?
These refer to doctoral funding opportunities under the MSCA Doctoral Networks 2025 call, supporting PhD candidates in consortia of universities, research institutions, businesses and socio-economic actors to deliver excellent training programs.
Who is eligible to host or apply?
To host or lead applications, organisations must form consortia with at least 3 independent legal entities from different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and one must be situated in an EU Member State.
When does the 2025 call open and close?
The 2025 call launches on 28 May 2025 and the deadline for submitting proposals is 25 November 2025. Notification of results is expected in April 2026, with grant agreements in July 2026.
How many MSCA PhD positions will be funded?
The 2025 call allocates €597.8 million to support over 150 doctoral networks, recruiting more than 2,000 doctoral candidates across all scientific fields.
What types of doctoral networks exist?
There are three modalities: Standard Doctoral Networks, Industrial Doctoral Networks (with joint supervision and non-academic involvement), and Joint Doctoral Networks (leading to joint or multiple doctoral degrees).
What does the funding cover?
Funding supports the doctoral candidate’s salary, research, training, networking and project management costs. It also covers mobility, supervision, and consortium coordination expenses.
What is the maximum duration of funded projects?
Standard and Industrial Doctoral Networks may run up to 48 months, while Joint Doctoral Networks may run up to 60 months, depending on the complexity of joint degree arrangements.
Can organizations from outside Europe join?
Yes, organizations from third countries may join as associated partners. However, only those located in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries may be full beneficiaries receiving funding.
How to prepare a competitive proposal?
Follow the six preparation steps: understand funding rules, ensure eligibility, pick strong partners, draft thoroughly, peer-review your proposal, then submit via the electronic system before the deadline.
How and where to find open PhD vacancies?
Once doctoral networks are funded, they publish open vacancies widely — often via international portals such as EURAXESS — for candidates to apply to specific PhD positions within the networks.
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