Winning funded doctoral study in Europe is absolutely possible—and in many countries, PhD candidates are paid employees rather than fee‑paying students. The key is knowing where to look, which programs actually fund you, and how to navigate each portal’s online application. This guide shows you exactly how to apply online for PhD scholarships in Europe, from building a shortlist and contacting supervisors to uploading documents, hitting deadlines, and getting your visa.
What you’ll learn:
- Where to find fully funded PhD positions and scholarships (MSCA Doctoral Networks, DAAD, FCT, la Caixa INPhINIT, Irish Research Council, Swiss Excellence, ERC‑funded positions)
- How to apply online for PhD scholarships in Europe step‑by‑step
- Eligibility, documents, and templates that win interviews
- Country‑specific quirks (UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, Nordics, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Ireland, Portugal)
- A 12‑month timeline, deadlines calendar, and email scripts
- FAQs, checklists, and CTAs to get alerts and templates
Note on terminology: In much of Europe, “funding” for PhD study is delivered as salaried positions (employment contracts) or studentships tied to projects and grants—rather than classic scholarship stipends. This is great news: it often includes a monthly salary/stipend, tuition waiver, social insurance, and paid leave.
Quick map: where the money is (fully funded PhD routes)
These are the most reliable, highly competitive routes to funding. Many require applying online via university or program portals.
| Funding Route | What It Is | Where to Apply Online | Typical Benefits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSCA Doctoral Networks (Marie Skłodowska‑Curie) | EU‑funded doctoral positions across a consortium | EURAXESS + project site | Salary (country-adjusted), mobility allowance, tuition | Apply to specific positions; strong mobility rules |
| ERC‑funded PhDs | Positions funded by a PI’s ERC grant | EURAXESS + university jobs portal | Salary/stipend, tuition waiver | Contact PI early; research‑driven |
| DAAD (Germany) | Research Grants & GSSP (Graduate School Scholarships) | DAAD portal + host uni | Monthly stipend, insurance, travel, tuition | Some require prior host acceptance |
| Irish Research Council (GOI) | Government of Ireland Postgrad Scholarship | SmartSimple portal (IRC) | Stipend, fees, research expenses | Requires host supervisor and uni endorsement |
| FCT (Portugal) | National PhD Studentships | FCT portal (myFCT) | Stipend, tuition, research costs | Open calls; host acceptance needed |
| la Caixa INPhINIT (Spain) | Prestigious STEM PhD fellowships | la Caixa portal | Salary, mobility, research budget | Two streams; mobility and host list rules |
| Swiss Government Excellence | Scholarships for PhD | SwissEmbassy portal per country | Stipend, insurance, tuition support | Pre‑admission from Swiss host required |
| ISTA, IMPRS, EUI, EMBL | Structured doctoral programs | Program portals | Salary/stipend, tuition waiver | Cohort model; fixed deadlines |
| National PhD employment | Salaried PhD jobs | University job portals, EURAXESS | Salary, social insurance | Common in NL, SE, DK, NO, DE, FI |
Pro tip: Start your search on EURAXESS (the EU’s official research jobs portal). Most funded PhD positions and many scholarships are advertised there with direct links to the online application.
How to apply online for PhD scholarships in Europe: step‑by‑step
Follow this online‑first workflow and you’ll have a clean, compliant application for each portal.
Step 1: Build a focused shortlist (2–3 fields, 10–20 targets)
- Use EURAXESS filters (Researcher profiles → First Stage Researcher/PhD; Funding → MSCA DN)
- Search program‑specific portals (DAAD, Irish Research Council, la Caixa, FCT, Swiss Excellence)
- Check university doctoral school pages and job boards (e.g., jobs.ac.uk for UK, Academic Positions for EU)
- Track in a spreadsheet: program, link, deadline, eligibility, required docs, supervisor/PI, status
Step 2: Pre‑screen eligibility fast
- Degree: Master’s or equivalent (some countries admit strong Bachelor’s into 4‑year PhD)
- Grades: Country‑specific thresholds (e.g., 2:1/First in UK terms; GPA ≥ 3.3–3.7 US scale)
- Language: IELTS/TOEFL (if needed) or proof of instruction in English; country languages for some programs
- Mobility: MSCA and la Caixa require mobility (not having resided in the host country for >12 months in past 3 years)
- Field fit: Align publications, thesis work, and skills to the call
Step 3: Contact supervisors/PIs where appropriate (brief + value‑driven)
- Not all scholarships require prior contact, but for PI‑funded roles (ERC, lab‑based PhDs) it helps a lot
- Send a concise email (see template below) with CV, a one‑page research pitch tailored to the project, and your availability
- Ask if they are accepting PhD candidates and if they can endorse your application (for schemes needing host support like IRC, FCT, Swiss Excellence)
Template: initial supervisor email
- Subject: Prospective PhD applicant for [Project/Group] – [Your Name], [Topic]
- Body (3 short paragraphs):
- Who you are + fit (degree, thesis, 1–2 relevant achievements)
- Why their group (tie to specific papers/projects) + your proposed angle
- Ask (30‑min call or confirmation you may list them as supervisor)
- Attach: 2‑page CV (academic), transcript, 1‑page research summary
Step 4: Draft core documents once—then tailor per call
- Academic CV (2–3 pages): education, publications/preprints, conferences, methods/skills, awards, funding
- Research proposal (2–5 pages if required): problem, literature, questions/hypotheses, methodology/plan, feasibility, training/impact
- Statement of Purpose/Motivation (1–2 pages): trajectory, why this topic + program, fit with supervisor, long‑term goals
- References: 2–3 referees who can submit online letters quickly
- Publications: links (ORCID, Google Scholar), DOIs, or preprints
- Proof of English (IELTS/TOEFL) where needed; sample writing if requested
Pro tip: Create a version‑controlled folder (e.g., cloud drive) and name files cleanly: Lastname_Firstname_CV.pdf, ResearchProposal_Title.pdf.
Step 5: Register on the portal(s) and complete profiles early
- EURAXESS links you to host/university e‑recruitment portals (create accounts there)
- Scholarship portals (DAAD, IRC, la Caixa, FCT, Swiss Excellence) have their own logins; verify email and two‑factor authentication
- Complete personal profile, academic history, uploads, and keywords (skills, methods, fields) to match searches
Step 6: Upload documents and fill structured forms carefully
- Copy/paste text fields from your master docs (avoid typos; preserve formatting)
- Check file limits and types (PDF only, max MB)
- Convert scanned transcripts/diplomas to compact, legible PDFs
- For MSCA DN roles: carefully answer mobility/eligibility questions; misreporting leads to rejection
Step 7: Arrange online references well before deadline
- Portals send automated reference requests. Brief your referees on:
- Deadline and portal process
- Program focus points (originality, independence, perseverance, team fit)
- Your highlights (attach CV + proposal)
- Send polite reminders at T‑10 and T‑3 days; confirm submission
Step 8: Submit early and verify receipt
- Submit 48–72 hours before the deadline to avoid portal traffic jams
- Save the confirmation email/PDF with application ID
- If allowed, export your full submission as PDF for your records
Step 9: Prepare for online interviews and tasks
- Common: Zoom panel interviews, short research presentation (5–10 minutes), methods quiz, coding or data task (STEM)
- Rehearse: 90‑second pitch (problem, fit, why you), 5‑slide deck (state of the art, your idea, methods, impact, fit with lab)
- Tech check: camera, mic, time zones, backup internet, professional backdrop
Step 10: Funding decision, admin, and visa
- If selected, you’ll receive an offer or nomination (for scholarship schemes) via portal email
- Next steps:
- Upload certified copies, passport, signed acceptance forms
- Receive funding letter or contract (salary/stipend, tuition waiver)
- Apply for visa/residence (proof of funding and health insurance often required)
- Arrange accommodation and enroll
Top online portals and program links (bookmark these)
| Portal / Program | URL | What You’ll Find |
|---|---|---|
| EURAXESS Jobs | euraxess.ec.europa.eu | EU‑wide funded PhD/doctoral positions (MSCA, ERC, university posts) |
| MSCA Doctoral Networks | marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu | Active DN calls/consortia and position links |
| DAAD Scholarships | daad.de/en / daad‑de.search | Germany PhD grants, GSSP, research stays |
| Irish Research Council | research.ie | Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarships |
| la Caixa INPhINIT | fundacionlacaixa.org | STEM PhD fellowships in Spain/Portugal |
| FCT Studentships | fct.pt | National PhD calls in Portugal |
| Swiss Govt Excellence | sbfi.admin.ch + embassies | PhD scholarships for internationals |
| jobs.ac.uk (UK) | jobs.ac.uk | UK PhD studentships/CDTs and funded positions |
| Academic Positions (EU) | academicpositions.com | EU research jobs and PhDs |
| FindAPhD | findaphd.com | Listings for PhD projects/funding (UK/EU heavy) |
Always apply via the official program or university portal linked from these sites.
Eligibility, documents, and evaluation criteria (what panels look for)
- Academic track: Solid grades, relevant master’s thesis, methods competency
- Research potential: Originality, critical thinking, independence, perseverance
- Fit: Alignment with lab/project call; ability to contribute to group goals
- Communication: Clear writing, structured proposal, coherent SOP
- Mobility & collaboration: For MSCA and multinational labs, willingness to relocate and work across sectors
- Language: English proficiency; local language helpful in some fields (humanities, fieldwork)
Required uploads (typical):
- CV, degree certificates, transcripts (with grading scale)
- ID/passport, proof of English, publications
- Proposal/SOP, research sample (humanities/social sciences often request)
- Reference contacts (portal triggers)
- For scholarships (IRC/FCT/Swiss): Host supervisor endorsement letter or acceptance
Formatting pro tips:
- Keep CV to 2–3 pages; emphasize research outputs and skills relevant to the project
- Use consistent headings and clear sectioning (Education, Research Experience, Publications, Skills, Awards)
- Proposal: include a brief timeline (Gantt) and risk mitigation plan
Country cheat‑sheet: how to apply online for PhD scholarships in Europe (by destination)
Germany
- Most PhDs are paid research positions (TV‑L salary) or funded via DAAD programs
- Apply via university job portals/EURAXESS and DAAD portal for scholarships
- Many programs accept English; no tuition at public universities
Netherlands
- PhD candidates are employees (salaried); few “student” PhDs
- Apply online via university vacancies + EURAXESS; no separate scholarship needed
Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland
- PhDs are employment positions (salaried with benefits)
- Apply via university job portals; portal‑based applications with CV, SOP, proposal
Switzerland
- Combination of employed PhD assistants and scholarships (Swiss Gov Excellence)
- Apply via university HR portals; Swiss Excellence needs host acceptance, apply through embassy portal
France
- Doctoral contracts (employed) via lab/university; Eiffel Doctorate supports cotutelle mobility
- Apply via lab/university sites; for Eiffel Doctorate, the institution nominates you
Spain & Portugal
- Mix of funded positions and competitive national fellowships (la Caixa, FCT)
- Apply via program portals; often need host acceptance for national scholarships
Ireland
- IRC GOI Postgrad Scholarship (portal application with host + referees)
- Many structured doctoral programs with online portals (TCD, UCD, NUIG, UCC)
Italy
- National calls per university with online submissions; funded PhD scholarships common (including PNRR)
- Apply via each university portal; admission plus scholarship ranking
UK
- Funded studentships (EPSRC/BBSRC/MRC/ESRC DTP/CDT), Wellcome PhD, Clarendon (Oxford)
- Apply via university portal; some schemes require a separate college funding application
Deadlines and timelines (plan 12–15 months ahead)
| Scheme / Route | Typical Call Window | Result Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSCA Doctoral Networks (individual positions) | Rolling as consortia advertise (Sep–May peak) | 1–4 months after deadline | Apply to each position separately |
| DAAD Research Grants (PhD) | Aug–Nov (varies), plus program‑specific | ~3–5 months | Some require host confirmation |
| Irish Research Council (GOI) | Sep–Oct (EOI), Oct–Nov (full) | Mar–Apr | Host endorsement mandatory |
| la Caixa INPhINIT | Nov–Jan | May–Jun | Mobility rules apply |
| FCT (Portugal) | Spring (varies) | ~3–4 months | Host support and plan required |
| Swiss Excellence | Aug–Nov (country‑specific) | Mar–Apr | Embassy submission route |
| UK DTP/CDT cohorts | Oct–Jan | Feb–Apr | Interviews Jan–Mar |
| University job portals (EU/Nordics/NL/DE) | Year‑round | 1–3 months | Standard HR cycles |
General timeline (example for a fall start):
- 12–15 months: shortlist, supervisor calls, draft proposal/CV
- 9–12 months: language test (if needed), request references, pre‑apps
- 6–9 months: submit online applications; interview prep
- 3–6 months: offers, acceptances, scholarship outcomes
- 2–3 months: visa + insurance + housing
A winning online application: checklist
- Profile completed to 100% on the portal (keywords, methods, links)
- CV (PDF), transcripts, certificates uploaded with clear file names
- Proposal aligned to the call’s scope; includes timeline and feasibility
- SOP shows fit with supervisor/lab and your long‑term goals
- References requested early; status confirmed in portal
- Eligibility questions (mobility, degree equivalence) answered accurately
- Submission done ≥48 hours before deadline; confirmation saved
Emails you can copy/paste
Request for reference letter
- Subject: Reference request for PhD scholarship application – [Your Name]
- Body:
- One‑line summary of the program and deadline
- 3 bullet points to highlight (thesis topic, methods, achievements)
- Link to upload portal + due date
- Attach CV + proposal; thank them and offer a draft if helpful
Ask a program admin about eligibility
- Subject: Eligibility confirmation – [Program Name], [Call Year]
- Body:
- Your degree background and citizenship
- Specific rule to confirm (e.g., MSCA mobility, degree equivalence, IELTS waiver)
- Ask for confirmation in writing; include your intended host if relevant
Application mistakes to avoid (easy fixes)
- Uploading wrong or blurry PDFs (scan properly; verify readability)
- Missing mobility criteria (MSCA/la Caixa) due to residence history
- Reusing the same SOP without tailoring to the call/supervisor
- Waiting on references—submit requests the day you open your portal account
- Ignoring “host endorsement” rules (IRC, FCT, Swiss Excellence)
- Submitting minutes before deadline (portals can lag)
- Not linking publications (ORCID/Scholar) or including DOIs
Budgeting and visas (what funding covers)
- Stipend/salary: Country‑adjusted monthly payments (e.g., MSCA ~€2,000–€3,500 gross before corrections; national salaries vary)
- Tuition: Often waived or nominal at public universities
- Insurance: Social insurance for employees; private/student health for scholarship holders (visa requirement)
- Research & travel: Many schemes include bench fees, conference travel
- Visa/residence: Proof of funding required; university issues support letters
Tip: If your award doesn’t include insurance, buy a compliant student medical plan that meets your host’s visa/university requirements (evacuation/repatriation where needed).
FAQs: How to Apply Online for PhD Scholarships in Europe
Q: Are PhD scholarships in Europe really fully funded?
A: Often, yes. In many countries (Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Germany, Finland), PhD candidates are employees with salaries and benefits. Other routes—MSCA DN, la Caixa, IRC, FCT, Swiss Excellence—provide stipends that cover living costs and waive tuition.Q: Do I need to contact a supervisor before applying online?
A: For PI‑funded roles (ERC, lab‑based positions) and national scholarships requiring host endorsement (IRC, FCT, Swiss Excellence), contacting a potential supervisor is recommended or required. For structured cohorts (CDTs/IMPRS/ISTA/EMBL), you often apply directly without prior contact.Q: Is GRE required for PhD applications in Europe?
A: Generally no, except in a few UK programs or specific fields. English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) may be required unless you qualify for a waiver.Q: What GPA/grade do I need?
A: Competitive applicants typically have strong upper‑second/first‑class (UK), ≥3.3–3.7 (US scale), or equivalent. Panels consider research fit and potential alongside grades.Q: How do MSCA Doctoral Networks applications work?
A: You apply to individual positions advertised by DN consortia (via EURAXESS/host portals). You must meet mobility rules (not lived in host country >12 months in last 36 months). Funding includes salary, mobility allowance, and tuition coverage.Q: Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?
A: Yes. Apply broadly but tailor each application. Some programs restrict simultaneous submissions (check rules). If you win multiple offers, you’ll choose one.Q: How long does the online process take?
A: From drafting documents to submission, expect 2–6 weeks per application. Decisions typically arrive 1–4 months after deadlines; national schemes can take longer.Q: Do I need knowledge of the local language?
A: Many European PhDs are conducted in English, especially in STEM. For humanities/social sciences or fieldwork, local language skills may be necessary or beneficial.Q: What if my references don’t submit on time?
A: Remind them early and provide all info. Some portals allow late letters; others don’t. Have backup referees ready and monitor the portal status.Q: Are there application fees?
A: Most PhD job portals are free. Some university admissions portals charge fees; funded positions advertised via HR portals usually do not.Click, apply, and win your funded PhD
To apply online for PhD scholarships in Europe successfully, treat your search like a research project: identify the right portals (EURAXESS, MSCA, DAAD, IRC, la Caixa, FCT, Swiss Excellence), tailor your proposal and CV, line up referees, and submit early. Combine supervisor outreach where needed with spotless portal submissions, and you’ll maximize interviews and offers—often for fully funded or salaried roles.