Eligibility, Duration and Mobility Period

Minimum length of stay 4 weeks (mobility is not restricted to semesters, but may also take place during the holidays) between 1 May 2026- 31 March 2027.

 

Grant Amount and Selection Results

The grant consists of a lump-sum contribution of €1,200.

All applicants will be informed of the selection results by e-mail by 20 March 2026.

Application deadline

All application documents must be handed in to the Utrecht Network representative at your home university by 20th February 2026 (or any earlier deadline set by home institution – check it with home university coordinator).

Overview and Objectives

The Utrecht Network Young Researcher’s Grant aims to strengthen support for students and academic staff and to promote international mobility among the universities of the Utrecht Network. The programme provides funding for self-organised short-term mobility at one of the Utrecht Network partner universities.

Up to 20 grants of €1,200 each will be awarded. The grant is open to both Master’s and PhD students, with priority given to PhD candidates, especially those who are not eligible for other mobility schemes such as Erasmus+. The host institution must be located in a different country from the applicant’s home institution. Mobility may include research activities and course attendance, although research-only projects will be prioritised.

Organisation of the Mobility and Institutional Support

The mobility period and the application process are fully self-organised. Applicants are expected to identify a suitable research area and contact an academic staff member at the host institution willing to act as supervisor. While International Relations Offices may provide general guidance, identifying and contacting a supervisor is considered an integral part of the applicant’s project.

Each Utrecht Network member university has an Institutional Representative who collects applications from its PhD candidates and submits them to the Utrecht Network.

If applicants encounter difficulties in identifying a suitable academic supervisor at a partner university, they remain responsible for continuing their own search. As an additional form of support, they may contact the Utrecht Network Institutional Representative of the university they intend to visit. While this support is not part of a formal service, the Institutional Representative may assist where possible, depending on availability and existing academic contacts.

Each university should nominate no more than three applicants. If more than one applicant is nominated, they should be ranked.

Application Procedure and Required Documents

Candidates must first contact their home university supervisor or programme coordinator to obtain a Letter of Recommendation. They must then contact an academic staff member at a Utrecht Network partner university to confirm the feasibility of the proposed mobility and obtain a Letter of Acceptance.

Applications must include the following documents:

  • Application Form
  • Letter of Recommendation (home institution)
  • Letter of Acceptance (host institution)

All application documents must be submitted to the Utrecht Network Institutional Representative at the home university by 20 February 2026, or by any earlier deadline set by the home institution.

Eligibility, Duration and Mobility Period

The minimum length of stay is 4 weeks. The mobility period does not need to coincide with an academic semester and may also take place during holiday periods.

The maximun length of stay is 12 months.

The mobility must start between 1 May 2026 and 31 March 2027.

Grant Amount and Selection Results

The grant consists of a lump-sum contribution of €1,200.

All applicants will be informed of the selection results by e-mail by 20 March 2026.

Instructions for Universities

Each university should nominate no more than three applicants. If more than one applicant is nominated, they should be ranked.

The nomination should be submitted by completing the online form no later than 2 March. The application documents (application form, letter of acceptance, and letter of recommendation) should be emailed to rita.vienazindiene@cr.vu.lt.

After the Mobility and Privacy

After completing the mobility period, selected participants must submit a Host University Confirmation and a Final Report via the designated online platform.

Participation in the programme is subject to the applicable Privacy Notice.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

1Is there an age limit for applying?
No. There is no age limit for the Young Researcher Grants.
2Do both my home and host university have to be members of the Utrecht Network?
Yes. Both the home and the host university must be members of the Utrecht Network in order to be eligible.
3If I received the YRG in the past, can I apply again?
No. The departments do not have to be the same. Many applicants find their best academic match in a different department at the host university. This choice is entirely up to you.
4Can I graduate before my mobility ends?
No, graduation must not take place before the end of the mobility.

Supervision & Academic Support

1How can I find a supervisor at the host university?
You should contact departments or individual academics directly at the host university to identify the supervisor that best fits your research interests.

Funding & Financial Conditions

1How much is the Young Researcher Grant?
The grant is a one-time payment of €1,200, regardless of the length of your stay, or the destination. It is not a monthly scholarship.
2Are any other expenses covered?
No. The Young Researcher Grant consists solely of the one-time payment of €1,200. No additional costs (such as travel, accommodation, or insurance) are covered.
3If I received the YRG in the past, can I apply again?
Yes, you may apply again. However, priority will be given to applicants who have not received the grant before.

Application Process

1 Where do I have to submit my application?
You must submit your application through your home university’s Utrecht Network representative. You can find the relevant contact details here: Member Contact Information – Utrecht Network

Mobility Period & Changes

1Can I change my mobility period after receiving the grant?
Yes, changes are possible if both your home and host university academic advisors approve. Please note: The mobility must still take place within the official funding period (1 May – 31 March) as defined by the Utrecht Network.
2Does the minimum period of four consecutive weeks have to be completed as one continuous stay, or can it be split into several shorter periods (for example, two periods of two weeks)?
The grant scheme does not require the mobility period to be uninterrupted. Therefore, it is acceptable to split it, for example, into two parts, as long as the total duration is four weeks. No additional costs (such as travel, accommodation, or insurance) are covered.
3Is there a maximum length of stay?
Yes, the maximum length of stay is 12 months.

Need more information?

If you still have questions after reading the FAQ, please contact your home university’s Utrecht Network representative.