How to apply

Application Requirements

RAMP-UP doctoral student fellowship applications are submitted online via the official RAMP-UP Application Portal. The deadline to submit applications is 30 March 2026.

Only applications that fully meet all mandatory requirements at the time of submission will be considered eligible. Incomplete / non-compliant and late applications will not be evaluated.

Please note that the application and all documents submitted via the portal must be in English; any documents issued in another language must be accompanied by an officially certified translation into English.

The Required Documents to be submitted at the time of application include the following:

• Online Application Form (mandatory)

  • The form includes personal details and an eligibility declaration.
  • Applications must be submitted via the RAMP-UP Application Portal

• Motivation Letter and Curriculum Vitae (CV) (mandatory)

  • Motivation Letter: Max. 1 page.
  • CV: Max 2 pages.
  • Applicants must use the mandatory template available for download: RAMP-UP Motivation Letter and CV Template (in English, Word 3.1MB)
  • Upload the Motivation Letter and CV as a single PDF under the filename:
    RampUp_Call1_2026_MotivationLetter_CV_LastName in the application system.

• Selection of Research Projects (mandatory)

  • Applicants must select and rank four (4) preferred research projects from those advertised in the call.

• Academic Diplomas and Transcripts (mandatory)

  • Copies of your bachelor’s and master’s degree diplomas, along with full academic transcripts and their translations, must be combined into single PDF file. 
  • The file must be uploaded under the filename: RampUp_Call1_2026_DiplomasTranscripts_LastName in the application system.
  • Documents not issued in English should be accompanied by an officially certified English translation.
  • Important: Master’s degree must be completed before the start of PhD.

• References

  • Contact information for two referees (academic supervisors or mentors). 
  • At least one referee must be academic supervisor/mentor with direct knowledge of the applicant’s research abilities (e.g. master’s thesis supervisor).
  • References must be submitted directly by referees to the RAMP‑UP Management Team using the designated reference submission link.
    • It is your responsibility to ensure that all references are received by 6 April 2026. Applications with incomplete references after this deadline will be deemed ineligible.
    • Please share the following link with your referees, enabling them to submit their references directly to us: Link to Referees' Reference Submission Portal

The Optional Documents include the following:

• English Language Proficiency

  • Candidates must have a very good command of English. 
  • Proof of English proficiency (such as TOEFL or IELTS) is not required at the time of application but may be requested later by the host department or node if necessary. 
  • You may upload proof of English proficiency with your application if available; this is optional. Please ensure that your last name is included in the file name.