The MultiLAwa 2026 Fully Funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Double Degree PhD Fellowships offer a unique chance for researchers interested in the intersection of language, digital technology, and artificial intelligence. This program, funded by Horizon Europe, aims to train the next generation of experts in multilingualism and interdisciplinary research for the digital age. With 14 open positions, it provides a comprehensive doctoral experience that combines academic rigor with practical application across Europe.
The MultiLAwa initiative is designed to address the growing demand for professionals who can navigate the complexities of multilingual digital societies and AI-driven communication. It offers a structured pathway for early-career researchers to develop specialized skills in areas like computational linguistics, language technologies, and sociolinguistics, while also gaining exposure to fields such as finance, environmental science, and circular economy. This interdisciplinary approach ensures graduates are well-prepared for diverse career paths in academia, industry, and governmental organizations.
The MultiLAwa PhD Fellowship: A Distinctive Opportunity
What sets the MultiLAwa PhD fellowship apart is its emphasis on international collaboration, mobility, and a dual-degree structure. Unlike traditional PhD programs, MultiLAwa fosters a truly global research environment.
Double Degree Structure
Selected candidates will pursue a joint doctoral degree, often referred to as a “cotutelle.” This means they will earn two PhD diplomas from two different universities located in separate European countries. The program structure requires students to study and conduct research at multiple institutions, providing a broad academic and cultural experience.
Fully Funded Fellowship
All 14 positions are fully funded for a duration of 36 months, adhering to Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) regulations. The funding package is generous, covering a monthly living allowance, mobility allowance, and family allowance if applicable. Specific salary amounts are adjusted based on country correction coefficients, ensuring fair compensation across different European locations.
International Research Mobility
A core component of the MultiLAwa program is international research mobility. Doctoral candidates will spend significant time at their two host universities. They will also participate in international secondments, which are research stays at partner organizations or industries across Europe, ranging from a few days to six months. This exposure to different research settings and professional environments is invaluable for career development.
Multilingual and Interdisciplinary Environment
The program actively promotes plurilingualism and multicultural collaboration. Internal communications and training activities are conducted in both English and German, offering researchers opportunities to improve their proficiency in these languages. Furthermore, participants will be immersed in various European languages and cultures, fostering a rich and diverse research community.
Strong Career Development Support
MultiLAwa provides robust support for each doctoral candidate’s career progression. This includes the development of a Personal Career Development Plan (PCDP), professional mentoring, and transferable skills training. Participants will also have opportunities to present their work at conferences and workshops, engage with the public, and receive advanced research training.
Research Areas and Disciplines
The MultiLAwa Doctoral Network brings together expertise from a wide array of cutting-edge disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach is central to its mission of training researchers for the digital and AI era.
Linguistics and Language Studies
The program delves deeply into various aspects of linguistics and language studies. This includes applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, gender linguistics, interactional linguistics, lexicography, and terminology. It also covers language for specific purposes (LSP), didactics, and language policy, providing a comprehensive understanding of language in its social and practical contexts.
Digital and AI Fields
A significant focus is placed on the digital and AI aspects of language. Researchers will engage with digital linguistics, computational linguistics, natural language processing (NLP), artificial intelligence, and language technologies. This area prepares candidates to work at the forefront of technological advancements in language.
Interdisciplinary Connections
Beyond linguistics and AI, MultiLAwa integrates expertise from other crucial fields. These include multimedia and information science, finance and economics, environmental sciences, and circular economy. This broad interdisciplinary scope ensures that doctoral candidates are equipped to address complex, real-world challenges.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
To be considered for the MultiLAwa fellowship, applicants must meet specific academic and mobility criteria. These requirements are designed to identify candidates who will thrive in the program’s demanding and international environment.
Academic Background
Applicants must hold a relevant Master’s degree, such as a Master of Arts, Translation, Education, or 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 demonstrated by distinction-level grades according to specific country standards, is essential.
Mobility Rule
A key MSCA mobility rule requires that applicants have not lived, worked, or studied in the country of the recruiting university for more than 12 months within the last 36 months prior to recruitment. This rule ensures that fellows gain international experience.
Language Proficiency
Candidates must demonstrate strong language skills, with a minimum of B2 level proficiency in both German and English. While knowledge of additional languages is an advantage, these two are mandatory for participation in the program’s training and communication activities.
Interest in Collaboration
Beyond academic qualifications, applicants should show a genuine interest in international and interdisciplinary research. A willingness to engage in multicultural collaboration, travel internationally, and participate in research secondments is highly valued.
Training and Fellowship Details
The MultiLAwa fellowship offers a structured doctoral training program designed to equip researchers with advanced skills. The fellowship is a full-time employment contract lasting 36 months, with a planned start date of November 1, 2026.
Training Opportunities
Selected candidates will benefit from a range of training opportunities, including workshops on research methodology, specialized training in AI and language technology, and courses on academic writing and public speaking. Participation in international conferences, collaborative projects, and public engagement activities will further enhance their professional development.
Fellowship Duration and Start Date
The fellowship provides a 36-month full-time employment contract. 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.
The Importance of MultiLAwa in the Digital Era
The MultiLAwa fellowship is particularly relevant in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. The increasing prevalence of Artificial Intelligence, digital communication, and multilingual societies has created a significant need for experts who can bridge the gap between human language and digital systems.
This program directly addresses this demand by training researchers capable of advancing language technologies, supporting multilingual digital environments, and developing ethical AI communication systems. Graduates are well-positioned for careers in academia, the AI and NLP industries, European institutions, language policy, translation technologies, international organizations, and educational sectors.
The application deadline for the MultiLAwa 2026 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Double Degree PhD Fellowships is July 8, 2026, at 11:59 pm CEST. Interested candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications thoroughly and attend the online information session scheduled for June 16, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MultiLAwa 2026 PhD Fellowship?
It’s a fully funded doctoral program for researchers focused on language, digital technology, and AI, offering a double degree and international experience across Europe.
What does ‘double degree structure’ mean for fellows?
It means you will earn two PhD diplomas from two different universities in separate European countries, studying and researching at multiple institutions.
What are the main research areas covered by the fellowship?
The program covers linguistics, language studies, digital linguistics, computational linguistics, AI, and language technologies, with interdisciplinary links to finance and environmental science.
What are the eligibility requirements for the MultiLAwa fellowship?
You need a relevant Master’s degree, must meet MSCA mobility rules (not lived in the host country for over 12 months in the last 3 years), and have at least B2 proficiency in German and English.
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