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ERC Starting Grants | Up to €1.5 Million for Early-Career Researchers to Lead Research in Europe
PhD
2 min readSkip to how to apply
Next deadline expected around Oct 14, 2027, based on the last confirmed round (closed October 14, 2026). Most scholarships open again at a similar time each year, but dates can change, so confirm on the official page before you apply.
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The European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant is one of the most prestigious research grants in the world. It gives talented early-career researchers of any nationality up to €1.5 million for five years to lead their own research team at a university or research centre in Europe.
Quick summary
- Funder: European Research Council (EU Horizon Europe)
- Amount: up to €1.5 million for up to 5 years, plus up to €1 million extra for justified costs (for example relocating from outside Europe or major equipment)
- Who:researchers of any nationality early in their careers (for the call: PhD awarded between 1 January and 31 December )
- Where: a host institution in an EU country or Horizon Europe associated country
- call deadline:14 October, 17:00 Brussels time
- Next call: usually opens in July and closes in October each year
About the grant
ERC grants fund frontier research in any field, from physics and medicine to economics and the humanities. The only selection criterion is scientific excellence. For the call, the total budget is about €594 million for roughly 373 grants.
Eligibility
- Your PhD must fall inside the call’s eligibility window (for the call, 1 January to 31 December ), which can be extended for parental leave, illness, military service or clinical training
- You must spend at least 50% of your working time on the project and at least 50% in an EU or associated country
- A host institution must commit to hosting you if you are funded (you do not need to be employed there when applying)
- You can apply to only one ERC Starting or Consolidator call per year
How to apply
- Find a host institution in Europe and agree the project with them.
- Write your proposal (extended synopsis, CV, track record and full scientific proposal).
- Submit through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal before the deadline.
- Shortlisted applicants are invited to an interview in Brussels.
Many universities and national contact points offer free help with ERC proposals; ask your future host institution early.
Not ready this year? The ERC Starting Grant call runs every year. Bookmark this page; we update it when the next call opens.
Official website
Details checked on 13 October against the official sources linked below. Dates and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply.
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How to apply
- Read the eligibility, benefits and required documents above.
- Prepare your documents — transcripts, CV, motivation letter and any tests required.
- Apply through the official website before the deadline.
- Track your progress on GrabScholarships so you never miss a step.
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