Explore the MultiLAwa 2026 PhD Fellowships: A Gateway to Multilingual AI Research
The MultiLAwa Doctoral Network is offering an exciting opportunity for aspiring researchers with its 2026 Fully Funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Double Degree PhD Fellowships in Europe. This program, part of the Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Networks, aims to train 14 international researchers in the critical fields of multilingualism and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the digital age. If you are passionate about linguistics, AI, digital communication, or related areas, this fellowship could be your path to advanced interdisciplinary training and a joint doctoral degree from two European universities. Applications are open until July 8, 2026.
Understanding the MultiLAwa Doctoral Network
MultiLAwa is a specialized Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Joint Doctorate program. It is designed to equip doctoral candidates with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of digital transformation, multilingual communication, and the rapidly advancing field of Generative AI. The program focuses on developing experts in areas such as language awareness, computational linguistics, sociolinguistics, and language technologies. Beyond these core areas, MultiLAwa also integrates knowledge from fields like finance, engineering, AI, environmental sciences, and the circular economy. This broad approach ensures graduates are well-prepared for diverse careers in academia, government, technology, education, and industry.
Key Features of the MultiLAwa PhD Fellowship
What sets the MultiLAwa program apart is its unique structure, which emphasizes international collaboration, mobility, and interdisciplinary learning.
Double Degree PhD Structure
Selected fellows will not earn a single PhD but will instead pursue a joint doctoral degree, often referred to as a “cotutelle.” This means they will receive two PhD diplomas from two different universities located in separate European countries. The program requires candidates to study and conduct research at multiple institutions across Europe, offering a rich and varied academic experience.
Fully Funded Fellowship
All 14 positions are fully funded for a period of 36 months, adhering to MSCA regulations. The funding package is generous and designed to support fellows throughout their doctoral studies. It 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 are also available. It is important to note that the exact salary amounts will be adjusted based on country-specific correction coefficients.
International Research Mobility
A core component of the MultiLAwa fellowship is international research mobility. Doctoral candidates will spend time at two different host universities, participate in international secondments, and undertake research stays that can range from a few days to six months. This extensive collaboration extends to partner organizations and industries across Europe, providing valuable real-world experience.
Multilingual and Interdisciplinary Environment
The program actively promotes plurilingualism and multicultural collaboration. All internal communications and training activities will be conducted in both English and German. Fellows will also have the opportunity to engage with and learn from various European languages and cultures, fostering a truly international research environment.
Strong Career Development Support
MultiLAwa is committed to the professional growth of its fellows. Each doctoral candidate will benefit from a Personal Career Development Plan (PCDP), professional mentoring, and comprehensive transferable skills training. They will also have opportunities to participate in conferences, workshops, and public engagement activities, alongside advanced research training.
Research Areas Covered by MultiLAwa
The MultiLAwa consortium brings together expertise from several cutting-edge disciplines, ensuring a comprehensive approach to research.
Linguistics and Language Studies
This includes advanced work in applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, gender linguistics, interactional linguistics, lexicography, terminology, Language for Specific Purposes (LSP), didactics, and language policy.
Digital and AI Fields
Research in this domain covers digital linguistics, computational linguistics, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Artificial Intelligence, and language technologies.
Interdisciplinary Areas
The program also bridges these fields with multimedia and information science, finance and economics, environmental sciences, and the circular economy, offering unique research perspectives.
Host Countries and Salary Correction Coefficients
The fellowship involves research placements across various European countries. The monthly living allowance is subject to country correction coefficients, which adjust for the cost of living in each location. For 2025, these coefficients range from 74.1% in Poland to 163.8% in Switzerland, with other countries like Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, and Portugal falling in between.
Eligibility Criteria for the MultiLAwa Fellowship
To be considered for the MultiLAwa fellowship, applicants must meet specific criteria.
Not Holding a Doctoral Degree
Candidates must not possess a PhD at the time of recruitment. This also applies to those who have successfully defended their thesis but have not yet officially received their degree.
Holding 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, with a strong academic record, typically at a distinction level. Minimum academic standards vary by country, for example, above 70% in the UK or above 14/20 in France.
Meeting 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 preceding their recruitment.
Demonstrating Strong Language Skills
Proficiency in both English and German is required, with a minimum of B2 level in each. Evidence of language proficiency, such as certificates, must be provided. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an advantage.
Interest in International and Interdisciplinary Research
Candidates should demonstrate a genuine interest in multicultural collaboration, international travel, research secondments, and working within interdisciplinary environments.
Training and Development for Fellows
Selected doctoral candidates will engage in a structured training program. This includes workshops on research methodology, specialized training in AI and language technologies, academic writing development, and public speaking. Transferable skills courses, participation in international conferences, collaborative projects, and public engagement activities are also integral parts of the training.
Fellowship Duration and Start Date
The fellowship is a full-time employment contract lasting 36 months. The anticipated start date for the 2026 cohort is November 1, 2026.
The Importance of MultiLAwa in the AI and Digital Era
The increasing prevalence of Artificial Intelligence, digital communication, and multilingual societies has created a significant demand for experts who can bridge the gap between human language and digital systems. The MultiLAwa program directly addresses this need by training researchers capable of advancing language technologies, supporting multilingual digital societies, and developing ethical AI communication systems. This fellowship is particularly valuable for those aspiring to careers in academia, the AI and NLP industries, European institutions, language policy, translation technologies, international organizations, education, and research institutes.
Application Deadline
The deadline to submit applications for the MultiLAwa 2026 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Double Degree PhD Fellowships is July 8, 2026, at 11:59 pm (CEST). Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their applications well in advance and to attend the online information session scheduled for June 16, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MultiLAwa Doctoral Network?
MultiLAwa is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Joint Doctorate program training researchers in multilingualism and Artificial Intelligence for the digital age.
What does a fully funded fellowship include?
The fellowship covers living, mobility, and family allowances for 36 months, with specific amounts adjusted by country correction coefficients.
What are the main eligibility requirements?
Applicants must not hold a PhD, possess a relevant Master’s degree, meet MSCA mobility rules, and demonstrate B2 proficiency in English and German.
When is the application deadline for the 2026 fellowships?
The deadline to apply for the MultiLAwa 2026 PhD Fellowships is July 8, 2026.
