How to Apply for a Marie Curie PhD and Postdoc Fellowship in 2024

Many students struggle to find a detailed step-by-step process about How to Apply for a Marie Curie PhD Fellowship. Getting a research fellowship is more than just securing financial support. A good fellowship program helps you grow professionally by giving you exposure, facilitating cross-border knowledge exchange, and providing networking opportunities. By participating in such a program, you can develop valuable skills and make significant contributions to your field.

If you’re looking for a PhD grant that supports your ambitious goals, the Marie Curie PhD Fellowship could be the perfect opportunity. This guide will provide you with essential information about the fellowship’s funding, eligibility criteria, and application process to help you submit a successful application. If you are looking for a master’s scholarship you may apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, also funded by the European Union.

Details about the Marie Curie PhD Fellowship

What is the Marie Curie PhD Fellowship?

The Marie Curie Fellowship, offered by Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) under the European Union (EU), provides well-paid opportunities at top research facilities across Europe. It offers excellent exposure to both academic and non-academic sectors.

In addition to funding, the fellowship promotes communication, dissemination, and public engagement to foster independent thinking and leadership. Researchers participate in various training sessions, seminars, and workshops to enhance their research skills.

Objectives of the Marie Curie PhD Fellowship

• Employ multidisciplinary approaches to research and innovation.
• Empower researchers to tackle current and future challenges in their fields.
• Provide exposure to both academic and non-academic environments.
• Translate theoretical knowledge into practical applications.
• Develop transferable research skills across industries and sectors.

Benefits of the Fellowship Activities & Training

Career Development Plan

Each researcher collaborates with a supervisor to create a career development plan outlining research objectives and training programs. This plan also schedules the production of research publications and participation in conferences.

Networking

Researchers have multiple networking opportunities, including:

• Attending workshops and network meetings.
• Collaborating with other researchers.
• Engaging with participating organizations and beneficiaries.

At the end of the training period, researchers organize a networking event to share research outcomes and build partnerships.

Public Engagement

The fellowship encourages researchers to promote their work to the public through various forums, such as conferences, school presentations, and research festivals. A notable event is the European Researchers’ Night, held in September across Europe, which inspires young minds to pursue academic careers.

Eligibility Criteria for Marie Curie PhD Fellowship

The Marie Curie Fellowship accepts PhD applications across all disciplines, regardless of nationality. Projects are assigned by beneficiaries and partner organizations, and prospective students must submit applications for projects that interest them.

General Eligibility Criteria

• Relevant Master’s degree or equivalent qualification.
• Transcript of grades.
• CV showcasing work experience and publications.
• Cover letter explaining suitability for the project.
• Letters of recommendation or contact references.
• Language proficiency certificate, if required.

Funding for Marie Curie PhD Fellowship

Most expenses are covered during the project, including accommodation, travel, and a monthly living allowance. Additional allowances are available based on financial needs.

Stipend for Marie Curie PhD Fellowship

• Monthly Living Allowance: Up to €4,880 per month, depending on the host country.
• Mobility Allowance: Up to €600 per month for travel and related expenses.
• Family Allowance: €500 per month for applicants with a family.

How to Apply for a Marie Curie PhD Fellowship

The application process for a Marie Curie Fellowship is competitive. A well-structured and thoroughly written proposal is crucial. Understanding the European Commission’s priorities and the evaluators’ perspectives is essential.

Structure of the Application

Visit the Euraxess portal to check the latest open Ph.D. positions in Europe. The proposal consists of two parts: the Administrative Form (Part A) and the Research Proposal (Part B).

Part A: Administrative and Summary Forms (Completed Online)

1. General Information: Include the title, project acronym, keywords, and a 2000-character abstract.
2. Administrative Data: Provide contact information for the host department and supervisor, as well as your own information and Researcher ID.
3. Budget: The budget is calculated automatically based on project duration and costs.
4. Ethics: Complete the ethics issue table for self-declaration.

Part B: Proposal Forms (Download Template from Portal and Upload)

1. Excellence: Detail the quality, originality, and credibility of your research. Include an introduction, research aims, methodology, and expected advancements in your field.
2. Impact: Explain the impact of your project on your research career and the European economy and society. Demonstrate how your project will advance research and popularize the research profession.
3. Implementation: Outline the allocation of tasks and resources, project deliverables, and milestones.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)