Mosaic 3.0 PhD Scholarship Programme in the Netherlands: €420,000 Funding Available for Researchers from Under-Represented Backgrounds
Join Our WhatsApp Channel for Latest UpdatesMosaic 3.0 PhD Scholarship Programme in the Netherlands: €420,000 Funding Available for Researchers from Under-Represented Backgrounds
Dutch Research Council (NWO) – Mosaic 3.0 PhD Scholarship Programme – Netherlands
Complete guide to eligibility, benefits, responsibilities, and application process
Quick Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Dutch Research Council (NWO) |
| Programme | Mosaic 3.0 PhD Scholarship Programme |
| Location | Netherlands |
| Total Budget | €7.4 million (€5M for Group 1, €2.4M for Group 2) |
| Maximum per Project | €420,000 |
| Expected Awards | Maximum of 18 proposals |
| Eligibility | Researchers with non-European migration backgrounds (Group 1) or recent asylum backgrounds (Group 2) |
| Focus | Any academic discipline (no subject restrictions) |
| Pre-Application Deadline | 3 November 2026 at 14:00:00 CEST |
| Full Application Deadline | 4 May 2027 at 14:00:00 CET |
| Official Website |
Opportunity Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Organisation | Dutch Research Council (NWO) |
| Opportunity Category | PhD Scholarship |
| Location | Netherlands |
| Application Mode | Online (ISAAC system) |
| Official Language | English / Dutch |
About Mosaic 3.0
Mosaic 3.0 is a PhD scholarship programme of the Dutch Research Council (NWO) aimed at encouraging the recruitment and development of researchers from under-represented groups within Dutch academia .
The programme recognises that diversity within research institutions can contribute to a broader range of perspectives, new ideas and deeper approaches to academic research. The updated programme builds on the previous Mosaic 2.0 and Hestia programmes and introduces an expanded target group .
Importantly, the programme does not restrict applicants to particular academic disciplines. Any PhD research topic may be proposed, provided the research proposal meets the programme's assessment requirements and demonstrates the necessary research quality .
Two Groups are Eligible under Mosaic 3.0
Group 1: Researchers with a non-European Migration Background
Group 1 focuses on researchers with a non-European migration background. The programme specifically identifies migration backgrounds from :
| Region | Details |
|---|---|
| Africa | Eligible |
| Asia | Eligible |
| The Caribbean | Eligible |
| Central America | Eligible |
| South America | Eligible |
| Turkey | Eligible |
| Indigenous peoples of North America | Eligible |
| Indigenous peoples of Oceania | Eligible |
Important: A stricter requirement has been introduced: the bachelor's degree must have been obtained in the Kingdom of the Netherlands .
Group 2: Researchers with a Recent Asylum Background
The second target group consists of researchers with a recent asylum background. This group specifically focuses on junior refugee researchers at Master's level, including researchers from Ukraine .
This group forms part of the target population previously supported under the Hestia programme, which has now been incorporated into Mosaic 3.0 .
Funding Available
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Budget | €7.4 million |
| Group 1 Allocation | €5 million (researchers with a migration background from outside Europe) |
| Group 2 Allocation | €2.4 million (researchers with a recent asylum background) |
| Maximum per Project | €420,000 |
| Expected Awards | Maximum of 18 proposals |
| Maximum Duration | 4 years (1.0 FTE) or equivalent up to 8 years (0.5 FTE) |
The funding is intended to support a PhD position rather than simply provide a one-time scholarship payment to an individual student .
Eligibility Requirements
| Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Nationality/Residency | Dutch nationality or valid residence permit (Type II or IV) for Group 1 |
| Education | Master's degree (obtained or expected) and bachelor's degree obtained in the Kingdom of the Netherlands |
| Group Eligibility | Must meet the target group definition of Group 1 or Group 2 |
| Supervisor | Application must be prepared in consultation with an intended supervisor (promotor) and daily supervisor |
| Statement | Application must include a statement from the intended supervisor |
Application Process
The application process takes place in two stages :
| Stage | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Application | 3 November 2026 at 14:00:00 CEST | Submit initial pre-proposal |
| Full Application | 4 May 2027 at 14:00:00 CET | Submit full proposal if invited |
Applications must be submitted via ISAAC, NWO's digital application and reporting system .
How to Prepare
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Determine which target group applies to you |
| 2 | Develop a PhD research idea |
| 3 | Identify a suitable Dutch research environment |
| 4 | Find an intended supervisor (promotor) |
| 5 | Work with the daily supervisor |
| 6 | Prepare the required supervisor statement |
| 7 | Prepare the pre-application before 3 November 2026 |
| 8 | Prepare for the full application by 4 May 2027 |
Starting early is particularly important because the application cannot simply be treated as an individual scholarship form. The programme requires applicants to work with an intended supervisor and daily supervisor when preparing their application .
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Programme Opening | 14 September 2026 |
| Pre-Application Deadline | 3 November 2026 at 14:00:00 CEST |
| Full Application Deadline | 4 May 2027 at 14:00:00 CET |
Important Links
| Description | URL |
|---|---|
| NWO Mosaic 3.0 Official Page | |
| NWO Official Website | |
| CareerFlora |
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Q1. What is Mosaic 3.0? | PhD scholarship programme by NWO for under-represented groups in Dutch academia. |
| Q2. How much is the grant? | Up to €420,000 per project (maximum of 18 awards). |
| Q3. Who can apply? | Researchers with non-European migration backgrounds (Group 1) or recent asylum backgrounds (Group 2). |
| Q4. Is it fully funded? | Yes, funding supports a PhD position for up to 4 years full-time. |
| Q5. What are the research fields? | No specific subject restrictions — any academic discipline. |
| Q6. What is the pre-application deadline? | 3 November 2026 at 14:00:00 CEST. |
| Q7. What is the full application deadline? | 4 May 2027 at 14:00:00 CET. |
| Q8. How to apply? | Via ISAAC, NWO's digital application system. |
| Q9. Is a supervisor required? | Yes, application must be prepared with an intended supervisor and include their statement. |
| Q10. When are results announced? | As per NWO timeline. |
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The Mosaic 3.0 PhD Scholarship Programme offers a significant opportunity for researchers from under-represented backgrounds to pursue PhD research in the Netherlands. The programme's emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and academic excellence provides candidates with meaningful support to advance their research careers.
With a total budget of €7.4 million and up to €420,000 per project, Mosaic 3.0 is one of the most substantial funding initiatives for under-represented researchers in Dutch academia . The expanded eligibility to include researchers with recent asylum backgrounds demonstrates NWO's commitment to broadening access to academic careers .
The programme's no subject restrictions policy allows applicants to propose research in any discipline, provided the proposal meets academic quality standards. The requirement to work with an intended supervisor and daily supervisor ensures that successful applicants receive proper academic mentorship throughout their PhD journey .
Best Opportunity For
| Category | Suitable |
|---|---|
| Researchers with Non-European Migration Backgrounds | Yes |
| Researchers with Recent Asylum Backgrounds | Yes |
| Junior Refugee Researchers | Yes |
| Master's Degree Holders | Yes |
| PhD Aspirants | Yes |
| Researchers from Under-Represented Groups | Yes |
Competition Level
| Category | Level |
|---|---|
| Overall Competition | High |
| Selection Difficulty | Very Competitive |
| Application Complexity | Medium |
CareerFlora Recommendation
| Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Value | Excellent |
| Career Growth | Very High |
| Application Difficulty | Medium |
| Apply Early | Strongly Recommended |
Final Call-to-Action
Apply for Mosaic 3.0 PhD Scholarship Programme before 3 November 2026 at 14:00:00 CEST.
Visit the NWO Mosaic 3.0 official page: https://www.nwo.nl/en/researchprogrammes/mosaic-30
Review the complete eligibility criteria for your target group
Identify a Dutch research institution and potential supervisor
Prepare your pre-application via ISAAC
Submit before 3 November 2026
Follow CareerFlora for the latest updates.
