FranceUniversity of Toulouse BEST doctoral programme Scholarship 2027 supports fully funded PhD research in Toulouse under the MSCA COFUND scheme; 19 doctoral positions are offered in the first wave of a 37-position interdisciplinary programme. The BEST Scholarship targets candidates for the 2027 intake across three thematic pillars: Health & Well-being, Global changes and impacts, and Sustainable transitions.
The programme is led by the University of Toulouse and co-funded by the European Union through Horizon Europe (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND). It offers mandatory international co-supervision and integrated mobility with recruiting partner institutions in Toulouse.
BEST doctoral programme Scholarship Benefits
- 19 fully funded doctoral positions in the 1st wave of a 37-position programme, across 3 thematic pillars.
- Selected PhD candidates will benefit from international co-supervision (mandatory) and integrated mobility in a partner laboratory.
- 19 fully funded PhD positions as part of the BEST (Between Earth and Sky in Toulouse) project.
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BEST doctoral programme Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- By the call deadline, candidates must hold a master’s degree or equivalent diploma, and must not hold a doctoral degree.
- Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than 12 months in the 36 months preceding the call deadline. Periods spent as a tourist, as a refugee, or in national service are not counted as residence.
How to Apply for BEST doctoral programme Scholarship
- Application to an available thesis subject: list of thesis subjects.
- Application with a self-initiated thesis project.
- In both cases, the application must be submitted via the following link: APPLY HERE (https://edd-projets.utoulouse.fr/).
Don’t miss this deadline
Applications close on Monday, 23 November 2026. We’ll email you 7, 3 and 1 days before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the BEST doctoral programme Scholarship 2027. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, application procedure, and contact information to help prospective applicants.
Who can apply for the BEST doctoral programme Scholarship?
Candidates holding a master’s degree (or equivalent) by the call deadline who do not already hold a doctoral degree and who meet the mobility rule (no more than 12 months of residence or main activity in France in the 36 months before the deadline) can apply for the BEST doctoral programme Scholarship.
Can I propose my own thesis project?
Yes. You can either apply to a thesis subject from the list of available subjects or submit a self-initiated thesis project. In both cases, applications are made through the same application platform (EDD Projets).
Is international co-supervision mandatory?
Yes. Selected PhD candidates benefit from mandatory international co-supervision and integrated mobility in a partner laboratory as part of the BEST programme.
When will the 2nd wave of recruitment open?
The 2nd wave (18 PhD positions, 2028 intake) will begin from September 2027; detailed information will be published later on the programme website.
What is the application deadline?
The call for applications closes on 23 November 2026. The call opened on 21 September 2026 and selection runs from 23 November 2026 to mid-April 2027, with PhD start on 1 September 2027.
How many positions are offered in the first wave?
The first wave of the BEST programme offers 19 fully funded doctoral positions out of a total 37 doctoral candidates recruited across two cohorts.
What thematic areas does the programme cover?
The programme is organised around three thematic pillars: Health & Well-being; Global changes and impacts; and Sustainable transitions (with a focus on aeronautics and space).
What are the benefits for selected candidates?
Selected candidates receive fully funded PhD positions, mandatory international co-supervision, and integrated mobility in a partner laboratory as part of the BEST MSCA COFUND project led by the University of Toulouse.
How do I submit my application?
Applications must be submitted via the EDD Projets platform (APPLY HERE link on the programme page: https://edd-projets.utoulouse.fr/). You can apply to an available thesis subject or with a self-initiated project through the same platform.
Who can I contact for questions or support?
For any question or support, write to best-helpdesk@utoulouse.fr. The programme page also provides downloadable documents including the call for applications, list of available subjects, and a guide for applicants.
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