Fully Funded PhD Opportunities in Europe under Erasmus and MSCA

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Fully Funded PhD Opportunities in Europe under Erasmus and MSCA


Introduction

Europe offers some of the world’s most prestigious and fully funded PhD opportunities through the European Union’s education and research programs. Two of the most important schemes for doctoral candidates are:

  1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorates (EMJD) – structured PhD programs under Erasmus+.

  2. MSCA Doctoral Networks (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions) – the EU’s flagship PhD and research funding scheme.

Both pathways are designed to train global researchers, provide financial stability, and ensure international exposure, but they operate differently. Below is a complete breakdown.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorates (EMJD)

What It Is

Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorates are international PhD programs run by a consortium of European universities. Candidates are jointly enrolled in multiple institutions and awarded a joint, double, or multiple PhD degree.

Key Features & Benefits

  • Fully Funded: Tuition, travel, research costs, and a monthly stipend (€1,500–2,000).

  • Multi-Country Training: Students must study and conduct research in at least two different European universities.

  • High-Quality Supervision: International professors jointly guide research.

  • Joint/Double Degree: Prestigious and globally recognized doctoral diploma.

  • Networking: Access to European research networks and global collaborations.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Master’s degree in a relevant field.

  • Strong research background (thesis, publications, or academic projects).

  • Good academic record (generally 2.7–3.0/4 CGPA minimum).

  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or MOI certificate).

Application Process

  1. Find Programs: Search Erasmus+ Catalogue for active PhD calls.

  2. Prepare Documents: Europass CV, motivation letter, research proposal, academic transcripts, recommendation letters, language certificate.

  3. Apply Online: Submit applications to the coordinating university.

  4. Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews.

MSCA Doctoral Networks (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions)

What It Is

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) are the EU’s most prestigious research fellowships. Under the Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN), international candidates are hired as research employees for a PhD program.

Key Features & Benefits

  • Full Salary & Allowances:

    • Living allowance: €2,200–3,300/month (country-dependent).

    • Mobility allowance.

    • Family allowance (if applicable).

  • Employment Contract: You are hired as a researcher with social security and employee benefits.

  • Research Excellence: Work in top labs with academic and industry collaboration.

  • Mobility Rule: Candidates must move to a new country for their PhD.

  • Career Growth: MSCA alumni are highly employable in academia and industry.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Master’s degree in a relevant subject.

  • Must be an early-stage researcher (not already holding a PhD).

  • Mobility Rule: Cannot have resided in the host country for more than 12 months in the last 3 years.

  • Strong academic profile and English proficiency.

Application Process

  1. Check Positions: Browse MSCA PhD openings on the EURAXESS Portal.

  2. Apply Directly: Submit applications to the host institution’s portal.

  3. Submit Documents: CV, motivation letter, academic records, references, research plan (if required).

  4. Selection Process: Evaluation of documents followed by interviews.

Erasmus vs. MSCA: Key Differences

AspectErasmus Mundus PhD (EMJD)MSCA Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN)
FundingTuition + stipend + travel + researchSalary + mobility & family allowances
StatusStudent enrolled in multiple universitiesResearch employee with contract
DegreeJoint/Double/Multiple PhD degreePhD degree from host institution
MobilityStudy across different European universitiesMust move to a different host country
Duration3–4 years3–4 years
FocusAcademic doctorate with structured courseworkResearch-intensive with industry exposure

Is IELTS Mandatory for Erasmus and MSCA PhDs?

Erasmus Mundus PhD

  • English proficiency proof is required, but IELTS is not always mandatory.

  • Most programs accept IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English.

  • Some universities may accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate if your previous degree was taught in English.

  • Still, because Erasmus is highly competitive, having IELTS (6.5–7.0 overall) makes your application stronger.

MSCA Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN)

  • IELTS is generally not mandatory.

  • Since MSCA is an employment contract, institutions mainly require proof of English communication skills.

  • Accepted proofs include IELTS, TOEFL, or MOI certificate.

  • Some positions may waive official tests if your background shows strong English proficiency.

  • However, having IELTS (6.5 or higher) can improve competitiveness.

Example Universities & Programs

Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorates

  • SMART Joint Doctorate – Consortium including:

    • University of Trento (Italy)

    • Queen Mary University of London (UK)

    • Freie Universität Berlin (Germany)
      Focus: Natural & engineering sciences related to sustainable river and floodplain ecosystems.

MSCA Doctoral Networks

  • Heidelberg University (Germany) – Active in MSCA Doctoral Networks in multiple disciplines.

  • CIVIS Alliance – A European network of universities offering joint MSCA-DN opportunities.

  • Digital Finance MSCA Industrial Doctoral Network – A consortium offering PhDs in digital finance, AI, and data science.

  • RWTH Aachen University (Germany) – Frequently hosts MSCA-DN positions in engineering and applied sciences.

(Note: Erasmus Joint Doctorates are fewer today compared to MSCA, as many programs shifted into MSCA funding. Always check the EURAXESS Portal and the Erasmus+ Catalogue for open calls.)

Why Choose Erasmus or MSCA?

  • Erasmus Mundus PhD → Best if you want a structured program across multiple universities with a joint or double PhD degree.

  • MSCA PhD → Best if you want higher financial benefits, employee status, and industry-linked research experience.

Both are fully funded, internationally recognized, and offer life-changing opportunities for researchers worldwide.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorates or MSCA Doctoral Networks, both pathways guarantee a world-class research environment, financial security, and global exposure. For ambitious researchers from Asia, Africa, and beyond, these programs are an excellent gateway to an international academic career.

Need Professional Help?

Applying for Erasmus Mundus or MSCA PhDs is highly competitive and requires perfectly prepared documents (CV, Motivation Letter, SOP, Research Proposal, and Recommendation Letters).

As MP CONSULTANT, I provide:

  • Professional guidance on choosing the right program.

  • Document preparation (SOPs, CVs, Research Proposals).

  • Admission & scholarship consultation.

  • One-on-one support until successful application submission.

📱 WhatsApp now: https://wa.me/923007519970
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