Applications opened on 1 October 2026, and the deadline is 10 December 2026. Successful candidates are expected to begin their doctoral studies in autumn 2027. The programme involves institutions in Cyprus and several other European countries. Therefore, applicants should examine each project carefully before selecting their preferences.
This guide explains the research areas, eligibility requirements, funding benefits, application procedure, and practical steps for preparing a competitive application.
MSCA ELEVATE European Joint Doctorate Programme: Overview
ELEVATE is a European doctoral training network designed to develop expertise in high-performance computing, machine learning, quantum computing, and scientific simulation. Its objective is to prepare researchers for complex scientific and engineering challenges.
The programme brings together universities, research organisations, supercomputing centres, and industry partners. Consequently, doctoral candidates can gain experience across different research environments rather than working exclusively within one academic department.
According to the official ELEVATE programme announcement, the recruitment round offers 12 Marie Skłodowska-Curie doctoral fellowships.
An important distinction is that these are European joint-doctorate opportunities, not 12 positions based exclusively in Cyprus. The consortium includes the University of Cyprus and The Cyprus Institute, alongside partner institutions in other European countries.
Successful candidates will study at two participating degree-awarding institutions and can receive a joint PhD degree after meeting the programme requirements.
Research Areas and Available PhD Projects
The ELEVATE programme covers several areas where advanced computing can help researchers solve challenging scientific problems. Applicants should review the official list of doctoral projects to identify suitable supervisors and research topics.
1. Computational physics and lattice quantum chromodynamics
These projects investigate fundamental questions in particle physics and quantum field theory. Researchers also develop computational techniques that use modern processors and accelerators more efficiently.
For example, candidates may work on improving simulations of particle interactions or optimising scientific codes for large-scale computing systems.
2. Quantum computing and quantum-inspired methods
This research area explores methods for solving computational problems through quantum computing and related approaches. Depending on the project, research may involve quantum algorithms, tensor networks, or simulations of complex physical systems.
Applicants with relevant physics, mathematics, or computer science backgrounds may find these projects particularly suitable.
3. Computational biology and biomolecular modelling
Computational biology connects biological questions with mathematical models, simulations, and machine learning. Research projects in this area can involve protein behaviour, molecular interactions, and the prediction of biological processes.
Candidates interested in computational biophysics, bioinformatics, or scientific machine learning should examine the individual project descriptions closely.
4. Computational fluid dynamics and mathematical modelling
These projects explore numerical simulations of fluid motion and the development of data-driven methods for scientific applications. Potential research themes include turbulence, machine learning for fluid simulations, and interpretable computational models.
The best project choice depends on your previous training, programming experience, and research interests.
Funding, Benefits, and Programme Structure
ELEVATE offers Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowships with a remuneration package and mobility and family allowances, as applicable. The programme also combines research with structured training and collaboration across institutions.
The exact salary amount, applicable deductions, and individual employment conditions should be checked in the official project information or confirmed with the relevant host institution. The current programme announcement does not state one fixed take-home salary for all candidates.
Key benefits include:
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Financial support: Fellowship remuneration, with mobility and family allowances under the applicable conditions.
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Joint doctoral training: Enrolment at two participating European degree-awarding institutions.
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International experience: Opportunities to work with supervisors and colleagues across different research environments.
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Industry and computing-centre exposure: All candidates undertake secondments in industry and/or at a supercomputing centre.
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Interdisciplinary training: Opportunities to develop technical expertise alongside transferable research and professional skills.
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The ELEVATE announcement identifies autumn 2027 as the expected starting period. However, it does not specify one confirmed fellowship duration for all 12 positions. Applicants should therefore check the relevant project and employment information before making plans.
Eligibility Criteria for ELEVATE PhD Positions
The programme welcomes applications from candidates worldwide who meet its academic requirements. However, applicants must satisfy the following conditions.
Academic qualifications
Candidates must hold a degree that permits entry into a PhD programme, such as a relevant master’s degree or equivalent qualification. Those expecting to complete their qualifying degree by autumn 2027 may also apply.
The programme expects applicants to demonstrate a strong academic record in a discipline related to their preferred project.
Relevant backgrounds include:
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Physics and quantum science
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Mathematics and applied mathematics
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Biological sciences and computational biology
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Computer science and machine learning
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Engineering and related scientific disciplines
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Previous doctoral qualifications
Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree. The official application page also states that candidates who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but have not yet formally received the degree are ineligible.
Mobility requirements
MSCA fellowships generally include a mobility rule. Candidates must ordinarily not have spent more than 12 months living or carrying out their main activity in the recruiting organisation’s country during the 36 months before recruitment.
Because ELEVATE involves multiple institutions and countries, applicants should verify the applicable requirements for their chosen project and recruiting institution.
The official ELEVATE application page provides the programme’s eligibility instructions.
How to Apply for the 12 ELEVATE PhD Fellowships
Applications must be submitted through the online application system. Follow these steps to prepare a complete application.
Step 1: Review the available research projects
Visit the official project list and read the research objectives, supervisory arrangements, degree-awarding institutions, and secondment details.
Next, shortlist projects that align with your academic preparation. Avoid selecting a topic solely because its host institution is located in a preferred country.
Step 2: Prepare the required documents
The online application requests the following documents:
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Academic CV
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Degree certificates and academic transcripts
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Cover letter or statement of motivation
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Optional additional supporting documents
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All uploaded files must be PDF documents, with a maximum size of 30 MB per file.
Make sure your CV clearly presents your education, research experience, technical skills, publications, and relevant projects.
Step 3: Rank your project preferences
Applicants can select up to five projects in order of preference. You must select at least one project.
Explain your research fit clearly in your motivation statement. For example, a candidate applying for computational biology positions should describe relevant biological knowledge, programming skills, and experience with quantitative analysis.
Step 4: Provide three referees
The application form requests the names and email addresses of three referees. These referees will receive instructions to submit recommendation letters.
Ask your referees for permission before entering their details. Also, inform them of the deadline and remind them to check their spam folders.
Step 5: Submit before the deadline
The application deadline is 10 December 2026. Recommendation letters must arrive by 15 December 2026.
Submit your application early rather than waiting for the reference-letter deadline. The official form states that your application is not saved until you submit all required information.
Use the official ELEVATE application portal to complete the process.
Expert Tips for Preparing a Strong Application
Competition for international doctoral fellowships can be demanding. Therefore, applicants should focus on demonstrating research fit instead of relying on general statements about their enthusiasm for science.
Connect your background to the project. Explain how your master’s research, dissertation, programming experience, or laboratory work prepares you for the proposed topic. Where possible, include specific examples.
Demonstrate relevant computational skills. Depending on the project, experience with Python, numerical methods, scientific computing, machine learning, or high-performance computing may strengthen your application. Present only the skills you genuinely possess.
Write a project-specific motivation statement. Explain why the research question interests you and how the project fits your long-term goals. Avoid submitting the same generic statement for every preference.
Choose referees strategically. Select people who can discuss your research ability, academic performance, independence, and suitability for doctoral training.
Check practical details early. International applicants should review degree recognition, relocation arrangements, visa requirements, and the financial terms provided by the recruiting institution.
For Indian applicants, it is particularly useful to explain how previous coursework or research projects compare with the requirements of the selected European doctoral project. A clear connection between past experience and future research plans helps reviewers understand your suitability.
Conclusion
The 12 ELEVATE doctoral fellowships offer an opportunity to pursue research at the intersection of scientific computing, machine learning, quantum methods, and mathematical modelling. The programme combines international collaboration, joint doctoral training, and industry or supercomputing-centre experience. However, applicants should distinguish between projects connected to Cyprus and opportunities hosted elsewhere in the European consortium. Start by reviewing the available research projects, checking the eligibility requirements, and preparing a focused application with strong academic references. Visit the official ELEVATE website and submit your application before 10 December 2026.
Final Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
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| Program Name | ELEVATE European Joint Doctorate Programme |
| Host Country | European consortium, including Cyprus |
| Funded By | European Union, through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks |
| Duration | Not specified on the ELEVATE announcement; MSCA joint-doctorate fellowships may run for up to 48 months |
| Study Mode | Joint doctoral programme with research and international secondments; exact employment arrangement depends on the project |
| Eligibility | Candidates with a qualifying degree or equivalent by autumn 2027; applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree |
| Financial Support | Fellowship remuneration, mobility allowance, and family allowance where applicable; exact salary not specified in the announcement |
| Fields of Study | Lattice QCD, quantum computing, computational biology, computational fluid dynamics, mathematical modelling and algorithms |
| Deadline | 10/12/2026; recommendation letters due 15/12/2026 |
| Official Website | Click here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
ELEVATE offers 12 EU-funded doctoral fellowships across European institutions, with research opportunities in computational science, quantum computing, and mathematical modelling. Candidates are expected to start in autumn 2027.
No. The consortium includes institutions in Cyprus and other European countries. Therefore, check each doctoral project’s host institution before applying.
Applicants need a relevant degree that qualifies them for doctoral study by autumn 2027, a strong academic record, and no existing doctoral degree.
Yes. ELEVATE welcomes applicants worldwide. However, candidates must meet the applicable MSCA mobility rule for their recruiting institution’s country.
The programme covers lattice quantum chromodynamics, quantum computing, computational biology, computational fluid dynamics, mathematical modelling, and algorithms.
Fellows receive a remuneration package and mobility allowance, plus a family allowance where applicable. However, exact pay and deductions depend on the applicable employment conditions.
Prepare your academic CV, degree certificates and transcripts, a cover letter or motivation statement, and the names and email addresses of three referees.
No. ELEVATE excludes applicants who already hold a doctoral degree, including candidates who have defended their thesis but have not formally received their degree.
