Understanding the MultiLAwa PhD Fellowship: A Deep Dive into European Doctoral Training
The MultiLAwa Doctoral Network is offering 14 fully funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Double Degree PhD Fellowships in Europe for international researchers. This program, part of the Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Networks, aims to train experts in multilingualism and interdisciplinary research for the digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) era. The fellowships provide a unique opportunity for early-career researchers interested in linguistics, AI, digital communication, and related fields. Successful candidates will receive full funding, competitive salaries, international mobility, and joint doctoral degrees from two European universities. Applications are open until July 8, 2026.
About the MultiLAwa Doctoral Network
MultiLAwa is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Joint Doctorate program funded by Horizon Europe. Its main goal is to prepare doctoral researchers for the evolving professional landscape shaped by digital transformation, multilingual communication, and generative AI technologies. The program focuses on developing specialists in areas such as language awareness, multilingual communication, AI-driven language technologies, computational linguistics, digital linguistics, sociolinguistics, gender linguistics, lexicography, terminology, language policy, and language teaching. The network also includes expertise from fields like finance, economics, information science, engineering, artificial intelligence, multimedia, environmental sciences, and the circular economy. This broad approach equips doctoral candidates with skills needed for careers in academia, government, technology, education, and industry.
Key Features of the MultiLAwa PhD Fellowship
The MultiLAwa program stands out from traditional PhD programs due to its international and interdisciplinary focus, emphasizing multilingualism, mobility, and collaboration.
Double Degree PhD Structure
Selected doctoral candidates will earn a joint doctoral degree, often called a “cotutelle.” This means they will receive two PhD diplomas from two different universities located in separate European countries. Throughout their studies, candidates will conduct research and study at multiple institutions across Europe, gaining diverse academic experiences.
Fully Funded Fellowship
All 14 positions are fully funded for a period of 36 months, adhering to MSCA regulations. The funding package includes a monthly living allowance of EUR 4010 (gross), a mobility allowance of EUR 710, and a family allowance of EUR 660 if applicable. Additional allowances for long-term leave and special needs may also be provided. The exact salary amounts will be adjusted based on country-specific correction coefficients.
International Research Mobility
Doctoral candidates will spend time at two different host universities and participate in international secondments. These research stays can range from a few days to six months, allowing fellows to collaborate with partner organizations and industries across Europe. This mobility component is designed to foster a global perspective and build an international network.
Multilingual and Interdisciplinary Environment
The program actively promotes plurilingualism and multicultural collaboration. All internal communication and training activities will be conducted in both English and German. Fellows will also have opportunities to engage with additional European languages and cultures, enriching their academic and personal development.
Strong Career Development Support
Each doctoral candidate will benefit from a Personal Career Development Plan (PCDP). This includes professional mentoring, transferable skills training, and opportunities to participate in conferences and workshops. Fellows will also gain experience in public engagement and receive advanced research training, preparing them for diverse career paths.
Research Areas Covered by MultiLAwa
The MultiLAwa consortium brings together expertise from several advanced disciplines, creating a rich research environment.
Linguistics and Language Studies
This includes applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, gender linguistics, interactional linguistics, lexicography, terminology, language for specific purposes (LSP), didactics, and language policy. Researchers will explore the complexities of human language in various contexts.
Digital and AI Fields
The program delves into digital linguistics, computational linguistics, natural language processing (NLP), artificial intelligence, and language technologies. This focus addresses the growing intersection of language and digital innovation.
Interdisciplinary Areas
MultiLAwa also integrates knowledge from multimedia and information science, finance and economics, environmental sciences, and the circular economy. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that research is relevant to contemporary global challenges.
Host Countries and Salary Correction Coefficients
The fellowship involves placements in various European countries, and the living allowance is adjusted by country correction coefficients. For 2025, these coefficients are: Austria (109.7%), Denmark (132.8%), France (118.1%), Germany (101.2%), Italy (95.3%), Poland (74.1%), Portugal (93.7%), and Switzerland (163.8%). These figures help ensure a comparable standard of living across different locations.
Eligibility Criteria for the MultiLAwa Fellowship
To be considered for the MultiLAwa program, applicants must meet specific requirements.
Applicants Must:
Not Hold a Doctoral Degree
Candidates must not have already obtained a PhD at the time of recruitment. This includes individuals who have successfully defended their thesis but have not yet officially received their degree.
Hold a Relevant Master’s Degree
Applicants need a Master of Arts, Master of Translation, Master of Education, Master of Science (MSc), or an equivalent qualification. The degree should be in linguistics, translation studies, language studies, or a closely related field. Strong academic performance, typically with distinction-level grades (e.g., above 70% in the UK, 14/20 in France, or better than 2 in Germany/Austria), is required.
Meet the MSCA Mobility Rule
A key requirement is adherence to the MSCA mobility rule. Applicants must not have lived, worked, or studied in the country of the recruiting university for more than 12 months within the 36 months prior to their recruitment date. This rule encourages international mobility and fresh perspectives.
Demonstrate Strong Language Skills
Proficiency in both English and German is necessary, with a minimum level of B2 required for both. Applicants must provide evidence of their language skills, such as certificates. Knowledge of additional European languages is considered an advantage and can strengthen an application.
Be Interested in International and Interdisciplinary Research
Candidates should demonstrate a genuine interest in multicultural collaboration, international travel, research secondments, and working within interdisciplinary environments. A willingness to embrace diverse perspectives and research approaches is essential.
Training and Development for Fellows
Selected doctoral candidates will participate in a structured doctoral training program designed to foster their research and professional growth. Training opportunities include workshops on research methodology, specialized courses in AI and language technology, and sessions on academic writing and public speaking. Fellows will also attend international conferences, engage in collaborative projects, and participate in public engagement activities, alongside receiving comprehensive transferable skills training.
Fellowship Duration and Start Date
The MultiLAwa fellowship is offered as a full-time employment contract lasting 36 months. The anticipated start date for the program is November 1, 2026. This duration allows for in-depth research and completion of the double degree requirements.
Significance in the AI and Digital Era
The MultiLAwa fellowship is particularly relevant in today’s world, marked by the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence, digital communication, and increasingly multilingual societies. There is a growing demand for experts who can bridge the gap between linguistic understanding and digital systems. This program directly addresses this need by training researchers capable of developing ethical AI communication systems, advancing language technologies, and supporting multilingual digital societies. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, the AI and NLP industries, European institutions, language policy, translation technologies, international organizations, and educational sectors.
Application Deadline
The final deadline to submit applications for the MultiLAwa 2026 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Double Degree PhD Fellowships is July 8, 2026, at 11:59 pm Central European Summer Time (CEST). Prospective applicants are strongly advised to prepare their applications well in advance and to attend the online information session for further guidance.
