MSCA PhD Funding – A Guide

The MSCA PhD funding under Horizon Europe funds researchers, covering salaries, research costs, and travel. While separate from Erasmus+, both programmes promote international mobility and career development, often within the same universities. Erasmus+ supports exchanges, while MSCA funds long-term research. MSCA-funded researchers may also collaborate with Erasmus+ projects. To apply, submit a proposal during specific funding rounds.

Thinking about doing a PhD in Europe but not sure how to fund it? Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) might just save you from a life of unpaid academic labour. This programme funds PhD students to study and research across Europe while actually getting paid (yes, really). In the past, this funding came through Innovative Training Networks (ITN) under Horizon 2020. Now, under Horizon Europe (2021–2027), they’re called Doctoral Networks—same great funding, just a new name.

In this guide, I’ll explain what MSCA PhD funding covers, who can apply, and how to get through the application process without losing your sanity. I’ll also answer common FAQs and share tips to help you submit a strong application—because a little extra help never hurts in academia.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) do more than just fund PhDs – they also provide specialised training and extra benefits.

The programme brings together universities, SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), research centres, and other organisations to train early-stage researchers. At the PhD level, MSCA funds projects within groups called Doctoral Networks. These are partnerships between universities and other organisations that offer training and research in a specific area. There are three types of Doctoral Networks, each giving PhD students the chance to work with academic and industry partners in an international environment.

Types of Doctoral Networks

MSCA PhDs aren’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on your research interests and career goals, you can apply for one of three types of Doctoral Networks:

1. Standard Doctoral Networks

These are research partnerships between academic and non-academic institutions that offer a mix of research training, networking, and career development.

• Funded by at least three organisations from different EU or Horizon Europe countries (with at least one in an EU member state).
• Open to researchers in all fields.
• Focuses on skills development, public engagement, and international collaboration.

2. Industrial Doctorates

Ideal if you want a mix of academic and industry training (or you just like the idea of working outside academia).

• At least 50% of your PhD must be spent in the non-academic sector (e.g., a company or research institute).
• You’ll have two supervisors—one from academia, one from industry.
• Great for building industry connections while getting a PhD.

3. Joint Doctorates

These are the Erasmus Mundus of PhDs—offering training across multiple universities, with a degree recognised in several countries.

• Leads to a joint, double, or multiple PhD degree.
• Requires studying at multiple universities, often across different countries.
• Varies in structure depending on the institutions involved.

Studying within a Doctoral Network

While each Doctoral Network has its own focus, all MSCA PhD students go through structured training and development. Here are some of the activities you can expect to do:

Career Development Plan

At the beginning of your PhD, you’ll work with your supervisors to create a Career Development Plan (CDP). This plan will set out your research goals, training, skill development, and plans for publications and conferences.

Networking

As well as attending conferences, there are many other forms of networking activities which you can expect to undergo during your Doctoral Network programme. These may include:

• Attending network meetings
• Visiting participating organisations in order to exchange knowledge
• Meeting with external experts to gain specialist input
• Attending workshops
• Collaborating with other Doctoral Networks or research groups

Public engagement

Public engagement is sharing research with the public to raise awareness and help people understand its impact on society.

Because research doesn’t exist in a vacuum, you’ll be encouraged to share your work through conferences, academic events. public talks and research festivals. You can visualise events like the European Researchers’ Night (held every September).

Who Can Apply?

• Open to PhD students of any nationality and any discipline.
• Must be an early-stage researcher (i.e., you don’t already have a PhD).
• Mobility rule: You can’t have lived in your host country for more than 12 months in the last three years before your PhD starts.

What’s Covered?

• Living stipend (AKA, a salary)
• Mobility allowance (to help cover relocation costs)
• Family & special needs support (if applicable)
• Research funding (for project costs, conferences, etc.)

Your exact funding depends on where you study, but MSCA provides a competitive salary comparable to many full-time jobs.

MSCA doesn’t call its funding ‘studentships’ or ‘scholarships,’ but it is still a good way to fund your PhD and covers similar costs.

Participating countries

Each Doctoral Network must include at least three organisations from different EU or Horizon Europe countries, with at least one in an EU member state. Other institutions worldwide can join too.

The UK is still part of Horizon Europe, despite Brexit (though it’s excluded from European Innovation Council (EIC) funding).

View a full list of participating countries in Horizon Europe (PDF), as well as EU member states.

You can browse Doctoral Network PhD vacancies will be advertised on the EURAXESS job website, which is the EU's portal for researchers. Opportunities are updated daily.

Exact requirements will vary between projects, so be sure to check the full details of the position you are interested in. The application process will likely be similar to that of a traditional PhD, with candidates asked to provide:

• A Masters degree (or equivalent qualification)
• Academic transcripts
• A CV (highlighting research experience & publications)
• A personal statement (explaining why you’re a great fit)
• References/letter of recommendation(usually two or more)
• Language proficiency certificate (if required)

Finally, let me give you some gift-wrapped tips that I promised you at the start of this guide. Can’t see the wrapping? It’s because you’ll be thanking me later with these tips:

1. Have a look at our list of MSCA PhDs – Our site has plenty of PhD projects, programmes, and scholarships, including MSCA opportunities. Take a browse and see if anything catches your eye.

2. Tailor your application – Show your research experience, transferable skills, and explain why you’re excited about this specific project. Personalising it will make you stand out.

3. Don’t forget about public engagement – MSCA values outreach, so if you’ve done science communication, mentoring, or public talks (even if it was just to your neighbours), be sure to mention it.

4. If you're unsure, just ask! – Many MSCA positions have contact emails. If something’s unclear, don’t hesitate to reach out for a bit of help.

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