COCOSO Marie Curie PhD Scholarships 2025
The COCOSO Industrial Doctoral Network is offering 15 fully funded PhD positions under the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). This program runs from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2028, and is ideal for researchers seeking an interdisciplinary, international, and collaborative environment in social welfare and policy research.
Why Apply for COCOSO PhD Scholarships?
The COCOSO PhD Network brings together six leading universities and 16 non-governmental and public sector organizations across Europe. This industrial doctorate program emphasizes the integration of academic research and practical applications in social welfare, democracy, and innovation.
Host Countries
Denmark, Romania, Austria, Portugal, Poland, Spain, Greece
Degree Level
PhD
Eligible Applicants
International Students
Scholarship Deadline
March 3, 2025
Key Features of the Program
- Interdisciplinary Research – Covering fields like social policy, education, sociology, communication sciences, and history.
- Industrial Doctorate Structure – PhD candidates split their time equally between academic institutions and social sector organizations.
- Dual Supervision – Each researcher benefits from mentorship from both academic and industry experts.
- International Training – Participants attend biannual study sessions across different European countries.
- No IELTS Required – Candidates must be proficient in English but do not need IELTS certification.
Available PhD Positions
The 15 fully funded PhD positions focus on various topics, including:
- Co-Construction for People with Disabilities (Denmark)
- Power, Gender, and Participation in Social Work History (Austria/Romania)
- Youth Perspectives on Co-Construction (Portugal/Spain)
- Leadership in NGO Social Services (Poland/Portugal)
- Community Engagement in Mental Health (Greece)
- Digital Tools for Crisis Management in Organizations (Portugal)
For a full list of research projects, visit the COCOSO PhD Pre-Announcement.
Financial Benefits
- Fully Funded PhD Program under Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
- Competitive Salary – Monthly stipend according to MSCA rates
- Mobility Allowance – Financial support for relocation and travel
- Family Allowance – Additional funding for candidates with dependents
- International Research Exposure – Regular study blocks across Europe
- Industry Experience – At least 50% of research conducted in non-academic settings (NGOs, think tanks, public institutions)
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the COCOSO Marie Curie PhD Scholarships, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Early-Stage Researcher Status – Candidates must not have a PhD at the time of application.
- MSCA Mobility Rule – Applicants must not have lived or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the past 36 months.
- Academic Background – A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in social sciences, political science, law, public policy, or related fields.
- Commitment to Industry Collaboration – Willingness to spend 50% of the PhD working in non-academic settings.
- English Proficiency – Strong English communication skills are required (IELTS is NOT mandatory).
- Passion for Social Welfare & Democracy – Interest in participatory governance, policy innovation, and co-construction models.
How to Apply?
- Application Opens: January 2025
- Application Deadline: March 3, 2025
- Program Start Date: September 1, 2025
- Program End Date: August 31, 2028
Application Process
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Prepare Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter
- Academic Transcripts
- Reference Letters
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Submit Your Application:
- Applications will be accepted through the Euraxess portal (link available on the official recruitment page).
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Wait for Selection Results:
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further evaluation.
Why Choose COCOSO PhD Scholarships?
- Fully Funded PhD (No Tuition Fees)
- High Stipend & Financial Support
- Hands-on Industry Training & Career Development
- Work with Top Researchers & Social Welfare Experts
- International Travel & Study Opportunities
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for aspiring researchers to make a real impact in social welfare, while gaining invaluable international experience in both academia and industry.
For More Information & Application Details: Visit the COCOSO PhD Recruitment Page.