The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks 2026 call offers an important opportunity for universities, research institutions, businesses, public organisations, NGOs and other eligible organisations to establish international doctoral training programmes and recruit doctoral candidates from around the world.

Funded under Horizon Europe, MSCA Doctoral Networks are designed to develop the next generation of researchers through international, interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral research and training. The programme places strong emphasis on research excellence, transferable skills, innovation, entrepreneurship, career development, international mobility and collaboration between academic and non-academic sectors.

The 2026 call opens on 28 May 2026 and closes on 24 November 2026 at 17:00 CET.

Importantly, this is not a conventional individual PhD scholarship application in which a student applies directly to the European Commission. The Doctoral Networks call is primarily submitted by international consortia of eligible organisations that propose a doctoral training programme. Successful networks subsequently recruit doctoral candidates through open and merit-based vacancies.

MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026 at a Glance

• Programme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks
• Call: MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026
• Category: Doctoral research and fellowship funding
• Funding framework: Horizon Europe
• Application opening date: 28 May 2026
• Application deadline: 24 November 2026 at 17:00 CET
• Applicants: International consortia of eligible organisations
• Doctoral candidates: Researchers from all nationalities, subject to the programme’s eligibility requirements
• Fields: Various scientific and research disciplines
• Training models: Standard Doctoral Networks, Industrial Doctoral Networks and Joint Doctoral Networks
• Geographical scope: International, with participation rules depending on the status of participating countries under Horizon Europe
• Application platform: European Commission Funding & Tenders Opportunities Portal

What Are MSCA Doctoral Networks?

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks are part of the European Union’s MSCA programme, which focuses on developing research talent and strengthening research and innovation capacity.

Doctoral Networks bring together organisations from different sectors and countries to create structured doctoral programmes.

Rather than simply funding individual research projects, the programme supports networks that can provide doctoral researchers with:

• High-quality research training.
• International research experience.
• Interdisciplinary training.
• Exposure to different sectors.
• Transferable skills development.
• Entrepreneurial skills.
• Professional networking opportunities.
• Supervision and mentoring.
• Career development support.
• Opportunities to work with organisations outside academia.
• International mobility and secondments.
• Preparation for long-term careers inside and outside academia.

The programme therefore seeks to produce researchers who are not only technically strong in their particular research fields but are also equipped with the broader skills required to succeed in today’s research, innovation and professional environments.

The Three Types of MSCA Doctoral Networks

The 2026 call provides different models of Doctoral Networks. Applicants should determine which model best matches the objectives, structure and partnerships of their proposed doctoral programme.

1. Standard Doctoral Networks

Standard Doctoral Networks promote international, interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral cooperation for the training of PhD candidates across different scientific areas.

The model is designed to help researchers develop:

• Research expertise.
• Transferable skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindsets.
• Research-related competencies.
• International experience.
• Interdisciplinary perspectives.
• Long-term career prospects.

Standard Doctoral Networks can be particularly valuable where several institutions and sectors need to work together to provide doctoral researchers with a broad training environment.

2. Industrial Doctoral Networks

Industrial Doctoral Networks are designed to strengthen the connection between academia and industry.

Doctoral candidates receive training that includes exposure to skills and environments outside academia. The programme also supports collaboration between academic and non-academic organisations.

A major feature of Industrial Doctorates is joint supervision between industry and academia.

This approach allows doctoral researchers to:

• Conduct advanced research.
• Gain experience outside traditional academic environments.
• Develop industry-relevant skills.
• Understand how research can be translated into practical applications.
• Build professional networks.
• Improve their employability beyond academia.
• Develop an innovation-oriented mindset.

Industrial Doctoral Networks can therefore be particularly relevant to research areas where collaboration between universities, companies, businesses and other non-academic organisations can generate practical impact.

3. Joint Doctoral Networks

Joint Doctoral Networks support integrated doctoral programmes that lead to joint or multiple doctoral degrees.

These networks require deeper institutional collaboration and a joint governance structure.

The participating institutions must establish joint procedures covering areas such as:

• Recruitment.
• Admission.
• Supervision.
• Evaluation.
• Doctoral training.
• Governance.
• Degree arrangements.

For Joint Doctorates, at least three independent legal entities within the consortium must be entitled to award doctoral degrees.

At least one institution conferring the joint, double or multiple doctoral degree must be established in an EU Member State and/or a Horizon Europe Associated Country.

Learn More HERE

Who Can Apply for MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026?

The main applicants are organisations rather than individual doctoral students.

Doctoral Networks are open to international consortia involving organisations from different socioeconomic sectors.

Eligible types of organisations can include:

• Higher education institutions.
• Universities.
• Research institutions.
• Research infrastructures.
• Private-sector organisations.
• Industry.
• Businesses.
• Small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Public-sector organisations.
• National governments.
• Regional governments.
• Local governments.
• Government agencies.
• Museums.
• Non-governmental organisations.
• Think tanks.
• Charities.
• Other socioeconomic actors.

This broad eligibility structure allows doctoral programmes to bring together different perspectives and expertise.

Consortium Requirements

A consortium applying for a Doctoral Network must meet specific requirements.

The minimum consortium must include at least three independent legal entities.

These entities must:

1. Be established in different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries.
2. Include at least one organisation established in an EU Member State.

Beyond this minimum requirement, organisations from other countries around the world may also participate as beneficiaries or associated partners, depending on the applicable country-status rules.

This international structure is fundamental to the programme because MSCA Doctoral Networks are designed to promote cross-border research collaboration.

Special Requirements for Joint Doctorates

Joint Doctoral Networks have additional requirements.

At least three independent legal entities in the consortium must be entitled to award doctoral degrees.

Furthermore, at least one institution responsible for conferring a joint, double or multiple doctoral degree must be established in:

• An EU Member State; and/or
• A Horizon Europe Associated Country.

These requirements are intended to ensure that Joint Doctoral Networks have the appropriate institutional capacity and degree-awarding arrangements.

What Responsibilities Do Beneficiaries Have?

All beneficiaries participating in the network must recruit at least one doctoral candidate.

They must also provide appropriate arrangements for:

• Hosting recruited researchers at their premises.
• Supervising doctoral candidates.
• Providing research training.
• Supporting career development.
• Participating in network activities.

Where appropriate, beneficiaries may use associated partners linked to them to host and supervise researchers.

This means organisations should not join a consortium simply as passive partners. They need to have a meaningful role in implementing the doctoral programme.

Can Organisations from Developing Countries Apply?

Yes.

Organisations based in low- and middle-income countries can also participate and may receive EU funding, subject to the specific conditions established under the MSCA Work Programme.

Organisations should therefore carefully check the applicable country participation rules before assuming that their location automatically makes them eligible or ineligible.

The Horizon Europe participating-country documentation should be consulted to determine the precise status of a country.

Organisations participating in an EU-funded programme for the first time will also need to register and obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC).

Who Can Be Recruited as a Doctoral Candidate?

Doctoral candidates funded through MSCA Doctoral Networks must meet specific eligibility conditions.

They:

• Must not already hold a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.
• Can be of any nationality.
• Should be enrolled in a doctoral programme leading to a doctoral degree in at least one EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country.
• May, under the programme’s rules, be recruited through a beneficiary based in a non-EU, non-Associated third country in certain degree-awarding arrangements.
• Are normally employed for a period of at least 3 months and up to 36 months.
• May be employed for up to 48 months in the case of Joint Doctorates.
• Must comply with the applicable MSCA mobility rule.

The programme therefore provides an international pathway for researchers who are beginning their doctoral careers and have not yet obtained a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree.

The MSCA Mobility Rule

One of the most important eligibility requirements for doctoral candidates is the mobility rule.

In general, a researcher must not have:

• Resided in the country of the recruiting organisation; or
• Carried out their main activity there, such as work or studies,

for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date.

This requirement is important because international mobility is a central component of MSCA programmes.

Prospective doctoral candidates should therefore carefully examine their residence, study and employment history before applying for a specific doctoral vacancy.

Additional Requirement for Industrial Doctorates

Researchers recruited under Industrial Doctorates must spend at least 50% of their time outside academia.

This requirement reflects the purpose of Industrial Doctoral Networks, which is to expose researchers to both academic and non-academic environments.

The arrangement enables researchers to gain practical experience and develop skills relevant to careers in industry, business and other non-academic settings.

How Long Can Researchers Be Employed?

The standard employment period for researchers in Doctoral Networks is:

• Minimum: 3 months.
• Maximum: 36 months.
• Joint Doctorates: Up to 48 months.

Researchers may also undertake secondments as part of their research training.

In general, secondments can take place for up to half of the duration of their MSCA fellowship. However, this limitation does not apply in the same way to Industrial Doctorates and Joint Doctorates.

What Are the Benefits of MSCA Doctoral Networks?

MSCA Doctoral Networks offer extensive academic, professional and international development opportunities.

International Research Experience

Researchers become part of international networks involving organisations from multiple countries.

This can provide valuable exposure to different research cultures, methodologies and professional environments.

Interdisciplinary Training

Doctoral candidates can work across disciplinary boundaries and learn how different research fields contribute to solving complex problems.

Research Skills Development

The programme supports researchers in developing advanced research competencies relevant to their doctoral projects.

Transferable Skills

Training extends beyond technical research skills.

Researchers can develop competencies that may include:

• Communication.
• Project management.
• Entrepreneurship.
• Innovation.
• Collaboration.
• Networking.
• Research dissemination.
• Career planning.

Exposure to Non-Academic Careers

The programme places considerable emphasis on employability and career development.

Researchers can gain exposure to:

• Industry.
• Businesses.
• SMEs.
• Public-sector organisations.
• NGOs.
• Other non-academic environments.

This can help researchers understand career opportunities beyond traditional academic positions.

International Mobility

The programme encourages researchers to work and train across different countries and institutions.

This international experience can strengthen both academic and professional development.

Supervision and Mentoring

Doctoral Networks place particular attention on the quality of supervision and mentoring.

Industrial and Joint Doctorates also require joint supervision arrangements.

Career Development

Every recruited doctoral candidate should have a career development plan prepared jointly with their supervisor.

The plan considers the researcher’s:

• Research objectives.
• Training needs.
• Career needs.
• Teaching opportunities.
• Publication planning.
• Conference participation.
• Other relevant professional development activities.

Research and Training Activities

Successful Doctoral Networks are expected to provide comprehensive training environments.

Researchers should have opportunities to:

• Acquire new research skills.
• Develop transferable competencies.
• Develop entrepreneurial abilities.
• Participate in interdisciplinary research.
• Work with academic and non-academic organisations where appropriate.
• Build professional networks.
• Exchange knowledge.
• Develop good scientific practices.
• Strengthen research integrity.
• Explore innovation and entrepreneurship.

The network should make use of the complementary strengths of its participating organisations.

Supervisory Board

Each MSCA Doctoral Network should have a clearly identified Supervisory Board.

The board plays an important role in coordinating network-wide:

• Training.
• Research activities.
• Supervision.
• Communication.
• Exchange of good practices.

A strong supervisory structure can help ensure consistency and quality across the participating organisations.

Recruitment of Doctoral Researchers

MSCA Doctoral Networks are expected to recruit researchers through an open, transparent and merit-based process.

Selected projects must advertise doctoral vacancies as widely as possible.

This includes publication through the EURAXESS Jobs Portal, alongside other relevant networks and communication channels.

Doctoral candidates can therefore be recruited from around the world, subject to the programme’s eligibility requirements.

Career Development and Employability

Career development is a central element of the programme.

Doctoral training is not limited to completing a research thesis.

Networks are expected to help researchers prepare for their longer-term careers by providing opportunities for:

• Training.
• Teaching.
• Research dissemination.
• Conferences.
• Networking.
• Publication planning.
• Professional development.
• Exposure to potential employers.
• Engagement with society and citizens.

The overall objective is to improve researchers’ employability and career prospects both within and beyond academia.

Green Research and Sustainability

MSCA Doctoral Networks also incorporate sustainability considerations.

Projects are strongly encouraged to adopt environmentally sustainable practices in line with the MSCA Green Charter.

Networks should report on their sustainability efforts.

Sustainability may also be considered when distinguishing between otherwise equally ranked proposals.

Applicants should therefore consider how sustainable research and project-management practices can be incorporated into their proposed network.

Learn More HERE

How to Prepare a Strong MSCA Doctoral Networks Application

The European Commission outlines six key steps for organisations preparing a Doctoral Networks proposal.

Step 1: Understand How the Funding Works

Before developing a proposal, applicants should become familiar with:

• The Doctoral Networks scheme.
• The MSCA Work Programme.
• The relevant annexes.
• Funding rules.
• Eligibility requirements.
• Evaluation criteria.
• Different Doctoral Network modalities.

The Funding and Tenders Opportunities Portal is a central resource for prospective applicants.

The official Guide for Applicants, FAQs, proposal templates, application forms and evaluation documents should be reviewed carefully.

Applicants can also participate in information sessions and workshops.

Step 2: Confirm Consortium Eligibility

Before investing significant time in proposal development, organisations should confirm that their consortium satisfies the minimum eligibility requirements.

This includes checking:

• Number of participating legal entities.
• Independence of organisations.
• Countries where organisations are established.
• EU Member State participation.
• Degree-awarding requirements for Joint Doctorates.
• Recruitment responsibilities.
• Funding eligibility of participating organisations.

Organisations uncertain about their eligibility can seek guidance from their MSCA National Contact Point.

Step 3: Find the Right Partners

A successful proposal requires a strong international and diverse consortium.

Potential coordinators and partners can begin by examining existing institutional relationships.

They can also use the opportunity to establish new partnerships with organisations in Europe and elsewhere.

Useful partner-search resources include:

• MSCA Matchmaking.
• Funding and Tenders Opportunities Portal.
• European Enterprise Network.
• MSCA National Contact Points.

For Industrial Doctoral Networks, organisations seeking stronger research-business collaboration can particularly benefit from contacting the European Enterprise Network.

Step 4: Start Drafting the Proposal

Once the consortium and project concept are established, applicants should begin drafting the proposal around the official award criteria and requirements.

Applicants should carefully review:

• Award criteria.
• Budget structure.
• MSCA Financial Guide.
• Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
• Gender dimension and inclusiveness.
• Dissemination and exploitation.
• Open science.
• Research integrity.
• Intellectual property management.
• Communication and dissemination.

The proposal should demonstrate not only strong research ideas but also the quality of the training environment, supervision, career development and collaboration arrangements.

Step 5: Ask Others to Review the Proposal

Applicants should not wait until the final days before asking for feedback.

Draft proposals can be reviewed by:

• Colleagues.
• Institutional research-support teams.
• MSCA National Contact Points.
• Experienced researchers.
• Previous applicants.

Peer review can help identify weaknesses, unclear sections, missing information and inconsistencies before submission

Step 6: Submit the Application

The MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026 call opens on 28 May 2026.

The application deadline is:

24 November 2026 at 17:00 CET.

Applications must be submitted through the European Commission’s Funding and Tenders Opportunities Portal.

Applicants should become familiar with the Electronic Submission Service before the deadline.

The European Commission strongly recommends submitting proposals well before the closing time to avoid last-minute technical or administrative problems.

Proposals can be updated, downloaded or withdrawn up until the deadline.

Learn more and apply HERE

Important Resources for Applicants

Prospective applicants should use official resources when preparing their proposals.

These include:

• MSCA Doctoral Networks programme information.
• MSCA Work Programme 2026–2027.
• General annexes.
• Guide for Applicants.
• Funding and Tenders Opportunities Portal.
• MSCA Financial Guide.
• Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
• Evaluation forms.
• MSCA National Contact Points.
• EURAXESS Worldwide.
• EURAXESS Jobs Portal.
• MSCA Matchmaking platform.
• European Enterprise Network.
• CORDIS database of previously funded projects.

The European Commission also provides information sessions and other support opportunities for applicants.

Where Can Applicants Find Examples of Previous Doctoral Networks?

The CORDIS database, the European Commission’s official database of EU-funded research projects, can be used to explore previously funded Doctoral Networks.

Studying previously funded projects can help prospective applicants understand:

• The types of research areas supported.
• How international consortia are structured.
• How academic and non-academic organisations collaborate.
• How training programmes are designed.
• How networks integrate career development.
• How research and innovation objectives are presented.

Applicants should use previous projects for understanding and inspiration while ensuring that their own proposal responds directly to the current call requirements.

Application Deadline

The MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026 application deadline is 24 November 2026 at 17:00 CET.

The call opens on 28 May 2026.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin preparations early because building an international consortium, developing the research programme, preparing training plans and completing the proposal can require significant coordination.

How to Apply for MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026

The MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026 call is submitted through the European Commission’s Funding and Tenders Opportunities Portal.

Apply through the Funding & Tenders Opportunities Portal

Prospective applicants should also consult the official MSCA Doctoral Networks guidance before beginning the submission process.

MSCA Doctoral Networks official page

The official MSCA page should be used to confirm the latest requirements, eligibility rules, programme conditions and supporting documents.

Pro Tip for Applicants

Start early and build the consortium before drafting the full proposal. A strong MSCA Doctoral Networks application requires more than an excellent research idea. Applicants should carefully match partners to the scientific objectives, training programme, supervision structure, international mobility, non-academic engagement and career-development goals. Reviewing the official Work Programme and Guide for Applicants early can help prevent eligibility and proposal-design problems later.

Conclusion

The MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026 call provides a major opportunity to develop international doctoral training programmes and strengthen research collaboration across Europe and the wider global research community.

Its distinctive strength lies in combining doctoral research with international mobility, interdisciplinary training, transferable skills, industry and non-academic exposure, supervision, career development and networking.

The programme supports three major models: Standard Doctoral Networks, Industrial Doctoral Networks and Joint Doctoral Networks, allowing consortia to select an approach that best fits their research and training objectives.

For organisations, success begins with establishing an eligible and complementary international consortium, identifying a strong research and training concept, understanding the funding and evaluation requirements, and developing a proposal that demonstrates high-quality research, supervision, training and career development.

For prospective doctoral researchers, the opportunity is particularly relevant because successful networks recruit doctoral candidates from around the world through open and merit-based processes. However, individual researchers do not submit the main Doctoral Networks proposal themselves; they normally apply for doctoral vacancies advertised by successful networks.

With the 24 November 2026 at 17:00 CET deadline approaching, organisations interested in establishing a Doctoral Network should begin consortium building, partner identification, proposal development and internal review as early as possible.

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