Yes. On Global Scholarships, MSCA-DN recipients consistently describe these positions as fully funded, usually with salary or living support plus mobility and research or training funding. According to Sakshi Barhai, “It is fully funded through a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions doctoral network, which covers my salary, which is around €39,000 per annum, travel expenses, and research-related expenses.”

Often, no. In many MSCA-DN cases, the funded doctoral position and the scholarship are effectively part of the same application. As Khent Ivan Duerme explained, “For both my master’s and PhD degrees, applying to the program means you are already applying for the scholarship as well.” Applicants should still read each call carefully, because procedures can vary by network.

For many recipients, it functions much more like a funded doctoral research position tied to a specific project. Rahool Dembani puts it clearly: “You are applying for a specific, pre-defined research project that is advertised as a job.” That is why project fit, research alignment, and professional presentation matter so much in these applications.

Yes. Many MSCA-DN positions are network-based and can involve a host institution, a degree-awarding university, and partner institutions in different countries. Rahool Dembani says, “Being part of an MSCA Doctoral Network means I have a ‘dual home.’” In his case, he works at Singular Logic in Athens while pursuing his PhD through the University of Messina. Likewise, Théliau Rage describes having a host institution in Switzerland and a degree-awarding university in France.

EURAXESS comes up repeatedly, but it is not the only source. According to Vuk Dinić, “I found information about this PhD on the EURAXESS website.” Other Global Scholarships recipients also mention FindAPhD, university and project-specific websites, lab webpages, LinkedIn, and direct searches within their research area.

No. Requirements vary by project, host, and enrollment rules. Vuk Dinić answered “No,” while Darina said, “My English proficiency was evaluated directly at the interview.” By contrast, Michela Prestianni submitted English proof during the process and later took the Duolingo English Test for official enrollment, and Rahool Dembani took IELTS. So applicants need to check the exact call instead of assuming one fixed rule.

A strong application is tailored, specific, and closely matched to the advertised project. Darina advises applicants to “Make your motivation letter specific: ‘what problem,’ ‘why it matters,’ ‘what you can contribute.’” Similarly, Rahool Dembani emphasizes a tailored CV, a focused motivation letter, and a clear narrative showing why the project is the logical next step in your research path.

Recipients often describe the experience as highly international, collaborative, and training-heavy. Michela Prestianni says the AFRODITA network’s training activities are “fundamental for acquiring new skills, exchanging ideas with other PhD students and supervisors, and building a strong professional network.” Darina likewise says that “the possibilities for international collaboration and networking are almost endless.”

It is competitive, but recipients strongly encourage persistence. Khent Ivan Duerme writes, “my scholarships were attained through second chances,” and explains that he was not selected the first time he applied for his MSCA position but succeeded after applying again. His conclusion is especially helpful: “You do not need to be the best among the applicants; you just need to do your very best to succeed.”