EMPHASIS 2026
About this scholarship
EMPHASIS is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie doctoral training programme offering funded early-stage researcher positions in Europe through a structured, interdisciplinary PhD network.
EMPHASIS appears to be a European doctoral training programme linked to the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions framework, typically offering funded PhD or Early-Stage Researcher positions through a consortium of universities and partner organisations. These programmes are designed to train researchers in an international, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral environment, combining doctoral research with transferable-skills development, collaboration, and mobility.
In practice, EMPHASIS-style doctoral networks usually fund PhD-level research training rather than taught undergraduate or master's study. Selected candidates are commonly employed or funded as doctoral researchers by one of the participating host institutions in Europe, where they complete an individual research project while also taking part in shared network training, workshops, secondments, and collaborative activities with academic and non-academic partners.
Funding under this type of programme is generally well funded and may include a living allowance or salary, mobility-related support, and in some cases research, training, or travel support, depending on the host institution and the specific project call. Exact financial terms, duration, and benefits can vary by position.
Eligibility is usually aimed at early-stage researchers applying for doctoral study. Applicants are typically expected to hold a relevant degree that qualifies them for PhD admission at the host university, meet the project's academic background requirements, and satisfy MSCA mobility rules, which often limit recent long-term residence in the host country before recruitment. English-language proficiency is commonly required, though the exact standard depends on the recruiting university.
To apply, candidates generally need to select an advertised research project within the EMPHASIS network and submit an application through the relevant project or host institution vacancy page. Because conditions can differ across hosts, applicants should carefully review the official call for project-specific eligibility, required documents, and deadlines.
Eligibility
Who can apply for this scholarship
Typically open to early-stage researchers applying for doctoral training. Applicants are generally expected to meet PhD admission requirements at the host institution, have a relevant prior degree, and satisfy any mobility rules and project-specific academic criteria set by the network and recruiting university.
Requirements
Documents typically needed to apply
Language requirements
English proficiency is typically required; exact requirements depend on the host institution.
Where you can use this
Open positions accepting EMPHASIS.
