Marie Curie PhD Scholarship – Inspiring & Motivating Stories

The Marie Curie PhD Scholarship is one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships for international students in Europe. It goes to talented PhD applicants around the world. A research support group initiated by the European Union (EU), i.e., Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), offers the Marie Curie PhD Scholarship. The support provides well-remunerated scholarship opportunities at leading European research facilities. It also offers excellent exposure to working in both academia and industry. Please be aware that applicants must contact research supervisors at some point to discuss a potential research project they should perform at a European university.

Marie Curie PhD Scholarship Eligibility and Requirements

Researchers funded by the Marie Curie PhD Scholarship can be of any nationality and background and should:

• not hold a doctoral degree at the date of their recruitment.
• be enrolled in a doctoral program during their research project.
• spend at least 50% of their time outside academia, for Industrial Doctorates.
• comply with the mobility rules: in general, they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting organization for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date.

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Marie Curie PhD Stipend and Benefits

The Marie Curie PhD stipend varies from country to country, but as a rule of thumb, it ranges from 3,000 to 5,000 Euros monthly. It consists of three parts (i) living allowance, (ii) mobility allowance, and (iii) family allowance. The first two parts go to every Marie Curie PhD Scholarship winner, but the third goes to those with accompanying families. PhD positions are the most popular higher education vacancies, as the chance of getting financial support for them is high.

This article shares real stories of some applicants’ journeys throughout the Marie Curie PhD Scholarship application process from the beginning until they won the scholarship. Keep in mind that the Marie Curie PhD Scholarship is also known by students around the world with other names: Marie Curie Scholarship PhD, Marie Curie PhD Fellowship, Marie Curie Fellowship PhD, and Marie Curie Scholarship.

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1) M. Bagherabadi, Winner of Marie Curie PhD Scholarship, 2020-25 Journey

After finishing my master’s degree, I began to search for overseas PhD positions with great motivation. I was seeking PhD positions on websites like EURAXESS and FindAPhD. Simultaneously, I contacted professors whose expertise was smart polymers, i.e., my primary research interest. After a while, my motivation for applying to PhD positions started fading due to receiving disappointing emails from supervisors, the unsuccessful experience of my classmates/friends in their application process, and the COVID-19 pandemic. My friends with CVs much stronger than mine couldn’t receive any fully funded PhD position. How can I? Moreover, as a working single mom, I did not have enough time and money to efficiently plan for taking an English proficiency test (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.).

Acquaintance with Marie Curie PhD Scholarship in 2020 – The Beginning

However, sometimes a person has no other choice but success and must fight to achieve it. I began to prepare my academic CV and search for someone to revise it for me. While I could not find anyone, you can trust Applyindex to write your CV. A light came from nowhere when I heard that MSCA considers female researchers a priority for getting the Marie Curie PhD Scholarship. I started writing a cover letter describing my motivations, goals, and life challenges. In particular, I wrote about the difficulties of continuing my academic journey with a 10-year-old child. In November 2020, I applied for the Marie Curie PhD Scholarship with opportunities in 15 research positions in the wound infection treatment field.

Those 15 PhD students should collaborate at several universities in different countries of the EU, such as BOKU, the University of Bath, KOÇ University, etc. Although I could nominate a maximum of two positions, I only chose a position at TU Darmstadt in Germany that aligns best with my research interests. The employment of smart polymers in health-related applications is my principal research interest. After sending my documents and resume to my current supervisor, Prof. Dr. Annette Brunsen, my motivation to continue my academic journey increased in the last step.

Journey to my 2-hour interview for Marie Curie Scholarship in March 2021

(i) From disappointment to an interview invitation

I was not receiving any feedback for a while. Therefore, I started applying for other funding opportunities. There were 160 positions that I applied for back then. It was the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and they were not hiring new students due to the lockdowns everywhere. Everyone kept saying that the situation would remain the same until it was practically impossible to get a funded position at the end of the pandemic. It is always true that the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise. In mid-February 2021, I received an email inviting me to an interview on March 25, 2021.

(ii) Stresses before Marie Curie PhD Scholarship interview

My Marie Curie PhD Scholarship interview was the first interview I experienced. I needed to prepare a 20-minute presentation outlining my research background, skills, and life goals. Since it was during the last days of the solar calendar, i.e., the busiest days in Iran, I could not take any time off to prepare for the interview. All the work was overdue, and I had to finish it before the Persian New Year, Nowruz. However, a powerful feeling in my heart said that I would attend the interview in the best possible way. I had only 5 days to prepare for the interview. During the talk, I focused on Dr. Brunsen’s group’s alignment with my research experience and lab skills.

Since I used to live in the countryside in Iran, I had a weak internet connection. So, I had to go to my friend’s home for the interview. On the way, I was periodically thinking about the following:

• I should not disappoint my mother as my biggest supporter.
• I must do something for my son’s future.
• What if this is the first and last chance of my life?

(iii) What happened during the interview

The Marie Curie Scholarship PhD interview, which was initially supposed to be 45 minutes, took 2 hours. I tried my best to answer their questions properly. I talked about what motivated me to step into this pathway. Five professors participated in the interview, and each of them asked different types of questions. After the interview, I felt strangely tired and received an email that they would let me know the result within two weeks, as they were going to interview other candidates. I used to check my e-mail inbox several times per day. Even if they reject my application, I will try again somewhere else to finally reach my goal. I kept repeating this sentence to myself.

My application outcome in April 2021

It was early morning on the 1^st of April 2021, a day before Nature Day (Sizdah Be-dar in Farsi) in Iran, and I was getting ready to go for a picnic with my family. My son was sleeping next to me. I picked up the phone with my eyes half open and checked my e-mail as usual, when my son suddenly woke up from my scream. My mother walked into the room and asked what had happened. I will never forget that moment! Unexpectedly, I was the first-ranked candidate selected for the Marie Curie PhD Scholarship.

The excitement of that moment is indescribable. I had taken the biggest step in my life, and I could do research away from the stresses of being a woman in Iran. The scholarship pays off all my living expenses plus the family allowances so that I can study with a relieved mind. Away from all financial and gender concerns, I could continue my dream of helping human beings by working on a wound dressing project. I kept repeating these sentences in my mind.

And once again, I believe in this sentence that we should never give up our goals and dreams in life because the impossible is not impossible. My next goal is to win a Marie Curie Fellowship as a postdoc researcher. ‘Says Mohadeseh in September 2022’

Happy to Talk to Applyindex Again in September 2025 – The End

I recently completed my doctoral studies through the Marie Curie Doctoral Network, having my PhD viva in June 2025. The development of multipurpose mesoporous silica materials for wound dressings with integrated recognition and release capabilities was the main goal of my project. I focused on designing responsive infection systems and synthesizing and functionalizing mesoporous materials with photocleavable linkers for controlled release of antimicrobial peptides during my PhD, working with academic and industrial partners. I am currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, working on developing biomaterials as a bioink for tissue regeneration applications. Through the following Q&As, she has shared her experience with the opportunities the Marie Curie PhD Scholarship provided for her:

(Q1) Out of 10, how would you rate your PhD experience supported by the Marie Curie PhD Scholarship?

I’d give it a nine out of ten. The program provided outstanding chances for career advancement, international mobility, and interdisciplinary collaboration. I would only give it a ten because, like many others, I had some difficulties with the PhD contract extension, which was only allowed for three years, and with the secondment, which limits travel time. Other than that, though, it was a very fulfilling experience that influenced my professional and scientific development.

(Q2) What types of opportunities did the Marie Curie Doctoral Network program provide for you?

I was able to engage with researchers from both academia and industry in a highly collaborative and international setting thanks to the Marie Curie PhD Scholarship program. It offered chances for workshops, specialized summer schools, and secondments. My network grew, my technical proficiency increased, and I was better equipped for an applied and multidisciplinary research career thanks to these opportunities.

(Q3) What workshops, summer schools, or winter schools did you attend during your PhD? Were they really useful?

In Hirschegg, Austria, I went to a number of summer schools that concentrated on professional development and materials science in wound healing and infection. Additionally, I took part in project-wide workshops on career planning in Hirschegg, scientific communication, and entrepreneurship in Turkey. These gatherings were very beneficial for developing skills and networking with colleagues from various fields.

(Q4) What secondments did you undertake during your PhD? Were they useful?

I completed two major secondments. During my first secondment at Nanostone Water GmbH, I used my understanding of ceramic nanopores to investigate surface properties, analyze coatings, and characterize membranes. The other was at the University of Bath, where I worked with hydrogels and mesoporous silica films for bacterial sensing. Both were extremely beneficial: the academic secondment increased my knowledge of biological testing and sensing, while the industrial secondment provided me with insight into applied research and product development.

(Q5) Which one of the opportunities did you learn the most from? And which one did you like the most?

My secondment at Nanostone Water GmbH taught me the most because it forced me to apply my foundational knowledge to problems that were important to industry and exposed me to advanced characterization techniques. Additionally, my favorite opportunity was a collaboration with the University of Bath, which brought together my primary knowledge of mesoporous silica and hydrogels in bacterial sensing applications. It led to the publication of a high-quality original research paper in ACS Applied Bio Materials.

(Q6) Did you have any challenges and obstacles during your PhD journey?

Oh, Yes! Lots of them! My doctoral journey at TU Darmstadt was marked by profound personal challenges that tested my strength and determination. As a single mother raising my son alone, I never saw this as a barrier to my ambitions. I simply had a harder path compared to many others, one that ultimately made me stronger. Throughout my journey, I wanted to set an example for my son: to show him that difficulties should never stop you from following your goals and dreams; instead, they can be a source of motivation.

My Challenges and Obstacles as a Mother

When we moved to Germany in October 2021, he was 10 years old and faced the challenge of learning a completely new language and adapting to a new school system. Supporting him through this transition, while managing the demanding responsibilities of my research, often required personal sacrifices, long hours, and constant adjustments to my plans. I learned to make use of every available moment, even while traveling by bus, to ensure my success.

My Challenges and Obstacles as a Daughter

During this already challenging time, my parents in Iran were diagnosed with cancer. In the second year of my PhD, during my secondment at Nanostone company, I suffered the devastating loss of my mother, who was not only my parent but also my closest friend and role model. She always encouraged me to follow my goals and never give up on helping others. Only one month later, I also lost my father. Being far away, unable to care for them or be present during their final days, was an incredibly heavy burden.

Why I Stood Up Despite All Difficulties?

Despite these hardships, I persevered. I continued both my research and my responsibilities as a mother. I was the only person my son had in the world, so I had to remain strong, positive, and provide stability for him despite the many difficulties he faced in his childhood. I presented at international conferences, collaborated with research groups abroad, and fulfilled the requirements of the Marie Curie PhD Scholarship and TU Darmstadt while caring for my son. As a Marie Curie PhD researcher, I had numerous meetings and training sessions to attend.

Thus, I had to schedule most of my conferences and trainings during holiday periods so I could take my son with me, even though it often required extra time and financial effort. I was unable to take my full annual leave during my PhD; instead, I worked hard to complete my research on time. These experiences not only tested my resilience but also strengthened my determination to succeed, proving that scientific excellence is possible even in the face of deep personal and emotional challenges. Life was certainly not easy for me as a single mother without external support, but it was never impossible to succeed.

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2) K. N. Manzoor, Winner of Marie Curie PhD Scholarship in 2021

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

I had an interest in biology from my school life, and I find it endlessly fascinating because of the numerous prospects. Biology is unique because of the complexity of living organisms. I have always wondered how nature has created such things. Meanwhile, when I was in my bachelor’s studies, I became more interested in microbiology. Because I further learned how it plays a vital role in human life.

I was impressed by how much the unseen organisms are responsible for the complexities of life. That inspired me to step into a pathway to contribute to solving problems and improving our quality. My passion for becoming an independent woman motivated me to work hard in my field. Such a motive led me to win an HEC scholarship for the entire 4 years of my BSc degree. Eventually, I won the gold medal award for being a top first-ranked student, class of 2017.

Master of Science (MSc) and COVID-19

Upon completing my BSc in microbiology, I received the Pakistan Scottish Scholarship Scheme for Women 2018 to pursue my studies, which helped me do my MSc in Microbiology and Immunology. During the last semester of my MSc degree, I began to search for PhD positions. I used different platforms to search for overseas PhD positions like LinkedIn, EURAXESS, and DAAD, as well as university websites.

By writing a research proposal and finding a host professor at Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, I initially applied for a DAAD PhD Scholarship, and my application was rejected. At one point I was very disappointed by the multiple rejections from the different positions I had applied for. With COVID-19 conditions, the situation worsened and made me unhappy because it was impossible to travel abroad when the entire world was at risk.

I used to ask myself the following questions: What would I do, and how would I pursue my life and career? Would this be the end of everything and all the sacrifices I made in my life to reach that point? How can I find an overseas PhD position to become an independent researcher? I never thought that one day I would win a Marie Curie PhD Scholarship. My master’s professor, Dr. Abid Ali Khan, used to tell me that you should never give up, and one day it will pay off. I had two choices at that time:

(1) one was to quit and become a woman with no ambition. (2) the other was to continue fighting. I chose the second option because gaining the value I deserve in society as a woman was only possible by fighting for my dreams.

My journey to get the Marie Curie PhD Scholarship

Application for Marie Curie PhD Scholarship

While digging for various open PhD positions, I finally got my first interview for a position at Nexbiome Therapeutics. However, they rejected me at the end of a three-step interview process. On the other hand, being interviewed for several positions helped me build up my confidence. I was also writing applications to several professors to apply for DAAD once again by revising my application packages and cover letters over and over for every position.

One day while I was searching on the internet, I found a PhD position covered by the Marie Curie PhD Scholarship matching my research interest and hiring students from all over the world. I immediately prepared my application for that with a cover letter explaining all my obstacles, fights, challenges, values, and goals in my life. I spent a few days applying for that position on the Trac portal, i.e., the online portal system of UKHSA. After a few weeks, I received an email inviting me for an interview on 8^th June 2021. The email also asked me to prepare a 10-minute presentation about a project I had recently worked on.

Interview meeting

I prepared myself for the Marie Curie PhD Scholarship interview as best as I could. I presented the project I worked on during my master’s degree. The interview panel asked different questions regarding my project, research experience, and lab skills, as well as some general questions. I was living in a hostel at that time with improper living facilities. I remember that day of the interview, I was sitting inside the room, and it was so hot probably more than 35 °C, and switched off the fan so that there would be no noise.

The internet connection was not too strong, so I borrowed internet from my friend for the interview hour. The interview took a bit longer than one hour, and I tried my best to answer every question properly. After the interview, I did not feel positive about the outcome because of been rejected from a lot of interviews before.

My application outcome

It was the next day, while I was applying for more positions. I received an email on 9^th June 2021 in the afternoon. I will never forget the moment I read the email, screaming and having tears in my eyes. It was an email from my current line manager (Charlotte Hind) and supervisor (Mark Sutton) offering me the Marie Curie PhD Fellowship. I cannot explain what I felt at that very moment. That was a huge jump my life was going to take. The amount of funding in the position was quite good, and I would be able to live independently while continuing my career as a researcher. My life took a major turn from there. Such a relief!

I am currently on track to gain more experience and knowledge under the supervision of Mark Sutton and Charlotte Hind. The group “Antimicrobial Discovery, Development, and Diagnostics” at UKHSA is my primary workplace. I am working independently with the support of the Marie Curie PhD Scholarship, along with many talented, experienced scientists. My group members are very encouraging and helpful. My supervisors’ guidance and shared experiences are invaluable. While I am halfway through my PhD journey in 2023, I got married on 27^th May 2023. Now I have another huge supporter (my husband) who motivates me a lot.

Now I can say this with a firm belief that our hard work pays off eventually. We can learn from life challenges which makes us grow stronger. No one gets the same version of life so learn from your challenges, fight for yourself, and have faith. You will get the reward in the end. ‘Says Khanzadi’

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Conclusion

The journey to winning a Marie Curie PhD Scholarship is undeniably challenging, yet deeply rewarding. As the stories of Mohadeseh and Khanzadi reveal, perseverance, clarity of purpose, and strategic preparation play pivotal roles in securing this prestigious opportunity. Applicants must be aware that academic excellence alone is not enough. A strong academic CV and a well-structured motivation letter are essential components of a competitive application. These documents should effectively communicate your research background, skills, motivations, and alignment with the chosen project. Remember: the road may be tough, but for those who prepare thoroughly and never give up, the Marie Curie PhD Scholarship can be a life-changing milestone.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)