MSCA Doctoral Networks

MSCA Doctoral Networks sits under the European Commission's Horizon Europe framework and is managed by the Research Executive Agency under the oversight of DG EAC and DG RTD. It funds multi-sector doctoral consortia across the EU and associated countries, usually linking universities, research institutes, and companies into a shared training structure. The 2026 call carries a budget of €593.03 million, which makes it one of the larger doctoral training routes in Europe. The instrument is a grant. Networks can take the form of standard Doctoral Networks, Industrial Doctorates with academic-industry co-supervision, or Joint Doctorates that lead to a jointly awarded degree. Consortia must include at least three independent legal entities from three different eligible countries, with at least one based in an EU Member State. Doctoral candidates can be any nationality, but they must satisfy the mobility rule, and fellowship periods run from 3 to 36 months, or up to 48 months for Joint Doctorates. The programme suits research organisations that can coordinate cross-border doctoral training while meeting the Funding and Tenders Portal process. Proposals tend to be strongest when they combine clear supervision, a workable training plan, and a real industry or international collaboration dimension, because the model is built around capacity-building as much as research output. The annual deadline rhythm also rewards teams that can assemble a consortium well before the call closes.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.