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.

Application Procedure and Required Documents

PhD 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 mobility must start between 1 May 2026 and 30 April 2027.

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.

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.

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.

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