A fully funded PhD programme for those ready to publish from day one.
Pursue a doctoral degree with European Research University (ERUNI) within an individualised, research-intensive environment designed for candidates who aim to produce internationally competitive work from the very beginning.
Work with international supervisors, access a European research network, and follow a structured path towards publication — with full financial support up to EUR 250,000 in total for three years.
Funding & financial conditions.
- Monthly stipend: EUR 4,000 (≈ CZK 100,000)
- Doctoral research grant (Foundation FOR THE FUTURE): funding for your dissertation (up to EUR 80,000 for 3 years)
- Full support for international conferences, summer schools, workshops, etc. (up to EUR 8,000 per year)
- Performance-based rewards for high-quality publications
The financial structure is designed to remove barriers and allow full concentration on research, academic development, and publication.
Supervision & research environment.
Doctoral fellows work under the guidance of ERUNI faculty and international co-supervisors affiliated with leading academic institutions.
From the outset, fellows are integrated into active research projects, ensuring early exposure to real academic work.
The programme is embedded within the European Research College (ERC) — a decentralised research network across major European academic centres, offering collaboration and research mobility.
Unlike large doctoral programmes, supervision is based on close, research-focused collaboration rather than large cohorts.
Publication strategy.
A clearly defined publication trajectory is an integral part of the fellowship.
Doctoral fellows:
- co-author research outputs with senior researchers,
- develop independent research under close supervision,
- receive continuous mentoring in academic writing and journal submission,
- participate in internal research seminars, peer review, and regular progress evaluations.
The programme is designed to support the production of publishable, internationally competitive research during the doctoral study.
Research focus & teaching.
The fellowship prioritises research.
Doctoral fellows are not required to undertake teaching duties, allowing sustained focus on research and publication — particularly in the early stages of the programme.
Teaching is available as an optional pathway for those who wish to develop academic teaching experience.
Students who choose to teach first complete an intensive pedagogical training programme, ensuring high-quality, research-informed teaching.
We actively protect your research time.
Future opportunities.
The fellowship is conceived as the beginning of a longer-term academic pathway.
Outstanding doctoral fellows may continue their collaboration with European Research University (ERUNI) through:
- participation in internal research calls and grant competitions,
- continued involvement in European Research College (ERC) projects,
- opportunities for postdoctoral or research positions,
- support in developing independent research proposals and grant applications.
Supervisors and doctoral fellows are encouraged to develop joint research agendas that extend beyond the doctoral project.
Admission Process.
Selective, research-based evaluation
Admission is competitive and centred on academic excellence and research potential.
Stage 1
- CV
- Motivation letter or video
- Research proposal (required)
Stage 2
- Academic interview
- Discussion and critical evaluation of the research proposal
Only a limited number of candidates will be admitted.
Ideal candidate profile
We are seeking candidates ready to engage in serious research from the outset.
This fellowship is intended for candidates who aim to pursue an academic or research career at an international level.
The ideal candidate:
- demonstrates strong academic performance and research orientation,
- is able to formulate and defend a well-developed research proposal,
- shows intellectual independence, analytical rigour, and critical thinking,
- is motivated to contribute to internationally relevant academic work,
- is prepared to actively engage in collaboration and academic exchange.
For academic supervisors
The fellowship is also designed to attract and support academically active supervisors.
Supervisors retain a high degree of flexibility in shaping research directions and developing long-term research agendas.
Supervisors at European Research University (ERUNI) benefit from:
- collaboration with a small number of carefully selected, highly motivated doctoral fellows,
- early involvement in candidate selection,
- integration of doctoral fellows into ongoing research projects,
- a structure that prioritises research output over administrative burden,
- access to an international research network through the European Research College (ERC).
Apply and build your international research career
Study locations & facilities.
A focused environment for serious research
Doctoral fellows are provided with an individual workspace, ensuring suitable conditions for sustained research and academic work.
The programme is delivered across ERUNI locations, with a limited number of fellows based in Prague (typically 2–3) and in Ostrava (typically 1–2).
Entrance examinations and core academic requirements, including key elements of doctoral training, are conducted in Ostrava.
This structure allows for a small, selective cohort while maintaining a consistent academic framework.
Important information
This fellowship offer applies exclusively to the extraordinary (second) round of the admission procedure for the academic year 2026/2027.
Applicants from previous admission rounds are assessed under the conditions applicable at the time of their application.
These conditions apply to applications submitted from 1 May 2026 onwards.