PhD Scholarship: MSCA COFUND BEST Doctoral Programme 2026 – University of Toulouse, France

Summary

The Between Earth and Sky in Toulouse (BEST) Doctoral Programme is a prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) COFUND programme co-funded by the European Commission and the University of Toulouse. The programme will recruit up to 19 doctoral candidates in Call 1, with 37 PhD positions across two calls.

The programme offers a 36-month fully funded employment contract, an estimated net monthly salary of approximately €2,800–€3,000 before income-tax withholding, dedicated research/training funding, international mobility, interdisciplinary training, and international co-supervision.

Research opportunities span health and well-being, global change, sustainable transitions, mobility, energy, resources, industrial processes, aeronautics and space, as well as numerous related disciplines.

Summary Table

Designation

Doctoral Candidate / PhD Researcher – MSCA COFUND BEST

Research Areas

The programme covers a broad range of disciplines through 14 Doctoral Schools, including:

• Healthy Living, Health and Well-being
• Biology, Health and Biotechnology
• Global Change and Environmental Sciences
• Ecology, Agronomy and Bioengineering
• Energy and Sustainable Transitions
• Mobility and Industrial Processes
• Aeronautics and Space
• Physics, Chemistry and Materials Science
• Mathematics, Computer Science and Telecommunications
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies
• Mechanics and Civil Engineering
• Economics and Management
• Law and Political Sciences
• Humanities, Languages, Education and Social Sciences
• Geosciences, Astrophysics and Environmental Sciences

The three major BEST strategic pillars are:

1. Understanding and Promoting Healthy Living and Well-Being
2. Quantifying and Analysing the Societal Impact of Global Change
3. Accelerating Sustainable Transitions in Mobility, Energy, Resources and Industrial Processes while Driving Innovation in Aeronautics and Space

Location

Toulouse, France

The programme involves the University of Toulouse and partner institutions, including Université Toulouse Capitole, Université Toulouse Jean Jaurès, ISAE-SUPAERO, Toulouse INP, INSA Toulouse, IMT Mines Albi, ENAC, INSERM, IRD and INRAE.

Eligibility / Qualification

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Must not already hold a doctoral degree at the application deadline.
• Must not have successfully defended a doctoral thesis without yet formally receiving the degree.
• Must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification giving access to doctoral studies in France by 23 November 2026.
• Must satisfy the academic requirements of the relevant BEST Doctoral School.
• Must demonstrate at least B2 English proficiency according to CEFR.
• Must meet French legal requirements for employment at the time of recruitment.
• No nationality restrictions.
• No age restrictions.
• Must satisfy the MSCA mobility rule: applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in France for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding 23 November 2026.
• Applicants must provide the required academic documents, transcripts, identification document and English-language evidence.
• Two reference letters are mandatory.
• Applicants must complete the required BEST Ethics Self-Assessment.
• Applications must comply with all formatting, page-limit and document requirements.

Job Description / Fellowship Benefits

Selected doctoral candidates will undertake a 36-month PhD project within the Toulouse research ecosystem.

Key features include:

International co-supervision:
Each project will have a main supervisor from a Toulouse recruiting institution and an international co-supervisor. International mobility is a mandatory component of the programme.

International mobility:
Fellows will undertake a research mobility period with the international partner involved in their co-supervision. Total international mobility can be up to 12 months during the 36-month fellowship.

Salary:

• Approximately €2,800 net/month for fellows without family obligations.
• Approximately €3,000 net/month for fellows with family obligations.

The amounts are indicative and may vary according to individual circumstances, social contributions and taxation.

Additional funding:
Dedicated resources are available for research, training, networking and international mobility activities.

Training:
BEST provides training in:

• Research methodology and open science
• Career development
• Entrepreneurship and innovation
• Teaching and pedagogy
• Sustainable development
• Research ethics and scientific integrity
• Languages and intercultural skills
• Quality of life and working conditions

Fellows will also participate in activities such as the BEST Summer School, TIRIS-BEST seminars, networking events and academic/non-academic activities.

Career development:
The programme promotes interdisciplinary and intersectoral experience, international networking and career development for both academic and non-academic careers.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online only through the official BEST submission platform:

BEST Application Platform

Applications sent by email or post will not be considered.

Applicants should also regularly check the official BEST website for updated information and templates:

BEST Doctoral Programme – University of Toulouse

Mandatory documents include:

• Master’s degree or equivalent qualification
• Master’s transcript of records
• Proof of minimum B2 English proficiency
• Valid passport or national identity card
• Two reference letters
• BEST Ethics Self-Assessment
• Identification Form
• Project Form
• Additional Doctoral School letter for self-initiated projects, where applicable

All documents must be submitted in English and PDF format where required, using the official templates and file-naming conventions.

Applicants may apply to up to two established BEST projects. For a self-initiated research project, only one project may be submitted and the candidate must identify two supervisors by the deadline.

Selection Process

Applications will undergo:

1. Eligibility check
2. Scientific evaluation
3. Consolidation of shortlisted research projects
4. Online interview
5. Final selection

Evaluation is based on:

• Excellence – 50%
• Impact – 30%
• Implementation – 20%

The minimum overall score is 60%.

The interview consists of a 10-minute research presentation followed by 25 minutes of questions and answers.

Application Timeline

Last Date to Apply

23 November 2026 at 12:00 CET

Link