Are you looking for a prestigious, fully funded PhD opportunity in Europe? The COCOSO Marie Curie PhD Scholarship 2025 program is now open for applications! This exceptional program, funded by the European Union’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), offers 15 fully funded PhD positions across multiple European universities. If YOU are passionate about research in social policy, education, sociology, communication sciences, and history, this scholarship can be YOUR gateway to world-class academic training and international collaboration.
The program focuses on co-construction in social welfare (COCOSO) and aims to develop highly skilled researchers who can address social challenges through participatory and interdisciplinary approaches. It provides a unique academic and professional experience by combining research with practical social sector engagement.
Why Choose the COCOSO PhD Scholarship Program?
The COCOSO PhD scholarship positions are spread across six leading universities in Europe, offering research-driven education, mentorship from top experts, and strong professional networks. Here’s why YOU should apply:
- Globally Recognized Institutions – Universities hosting these positions are well-regarded for their research impact and strong connections with the social sector.
- Interdisciplinary Training – The program integrates multiple disciplines, including social sciences, law, digital studies, and governance.
- Fully Funded – Tuition, monthly stipend, mobility allowance, and research costs are fully covered.
- International Collaboration – Students will engage with researchers, policymakers, and social organizations across Europe.
- Real-World Impact – The program connects research with practical solutions to improve social welfare policies.
COCOSO PhD Program Overview
- Scholarship Name: Co-Construction in Social Welfare (COCOSO) PhD Program
- Offering Institutions: Six universities across Europe
- Number of Positions: 15 fully funded PhD positions
- Program Duration: Program is of 3 years starting on September 1, 2025, and ending on August 31, 2028
- Deadline: March 2, 2025
- Funding: Fully Funded (includes living allowance, mobility allowance, and additional benefits)
- Research Focus Areas: Social policy, education, sociology, communication sciences, and history
- Work Component: PhD candidates will spend at least 50% of their time working with a social sector organization
Eligibility Criteria
You must meet the following criteria to be eligible for COCOSO Marie Curie PhD Scholarship:
- Academic Qualification – A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, law, political science, or governance.
- International Mobility Rule – Candidates must not have resided or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the past 3 years.
- Research Experience – Early-stage researchers (those who have not obtained a PhD) are encouraged to apply.
- Language Requirements – Proficiency in English (some positions may require French or another European language).
- Other Requirements – Interest in co-construction, social policy, and interdisciplinary research.
Benefits of the COCOSO PhD Scholarship
Fully Funded – Monthly stipend covering tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs.
Travel Allowance – Funding for international research visits and conferences.
Housing Assistance – Support for accommodation in host countries.
World-Class Research Training – Access to top experts, interdisciplinary workshops, and practical training.
International Networking – Work with universities, NGOs, and government agencies across Europe.
Career Advancement – A strong foundation for academic and policy-related careers in social policy, governance, and public services.
Application Process – How to Apply?
1: Review Available Positions: Read the detailed descriptions of each PhD position and choose the one that best fits your research interests.
2: Prepare Required Documents
- Completed Application Form (available on the official website).
- Updated CV with academic achievements and research experience.
- Master’s Degree Transcript & Diploma (officially translated if required).
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining research interests and motivation.
- Research Proposal aligned with one of the PhD topics.
- Two Recommendation Letters from academic supervisors or professors.
- Proof of Language Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent, if applicable).
- Passport or National ID Copy.
3: Submit Application: Applications must be submitted via the official COCOSO online portal before March 2, 2025.
4: Selection Process
- Application Review – The selection committee evaluates applications based on academic merit and research potential.
- Interviews – If you get shortlisted, you’ll probably receive an invitation for an online interview.
- Final Decision – Selected candidates will receive official acceptance letters.
15 Research Topics and Host Universities
Each of the 15 PhD positions is hosted by a different university, focusing on key research themes in social welfare, governance, and policy-making:
- Compared Perspectives on Co-Construction for People with Disabilities – Aalborg University, Denmark
- Power, Gender, and Participation in the Global History of Social Work – Universität Innsbruck, Austria & Bucharest, Romania
- Cross-National Comparison of Young People’s Understandings of Co-Construction – University of Lisbon, Portugal & Valencia, Spain
- Multi-Actor Co-Construction in Local Welfare Policies – Post-COVID Challenges – University of Lisbon, Portugal
- Co-Constructive Leadership in NGO Social Service Sectors – University of Warsaw, Poland & Lisbon, Portugal
- Social Services and Service Users in Family Foster Care Planning – Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
- Effective Dissemination of Co-Construction Strategies – Université Paris Nanterre, France
- Community Involvement in Combatting Stigma of People with Mental Health Problems – Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
- Co-Constructing Evaluation of Services with Vulnerable Populations – Université Paris Nanterre, France
- Gender Factors in Co-Constructing Solutions for Homeless Citizens – Aalborg University, Denmark
- Lived Experience Advocacy in Child Protection – Université Paris Nanterre, France & East Sussex, UK
- Digital Volunteerism and New Forms of Social Inclusion/Exclusion – University of Warsaw, Poland
- Older Adults’ Participation in Co-Construction via Technology-Mediated Care – Aalborg University, Denmark & Carpi, Italy
- Universal Access and Diversity in Co-Constructed Digital Disability Communities – Universität Innsbruck, Austria
- Digital Tools for Co-Construction in Crisis Management within Organizations – Santa Casa da Misericórdia da Amadora, Portugal
If you are an ambitious researcher passionate about social policy, governance, and social welfare, this fully funded COCOSO Marie Curie PhD Scholarship is perfect for you! Don’t miss out—APPLY NOW! start preparing your application today and take the next step toward an exciting research career. Please visit their OFFICIAL WEBSITE for further details.