How to apply

NEXT CALL  - information available 1 June 2011

AgTraIn only issues one annual call for applications covering both EU and third-country applicants. The annual call announces selected research topics relevant for the application round. As an example, you can assess the 2010 topics above.

 

Application Form and Guidelines

When the call is opened you can access the Application Form here. For directions on how to complete the application, you will also be able to download the Guidelines to completing the AgTraIn doctoral candidate application form.

 

As an example, you can access the Application Form 2010  and the Guidelines to completing the AgTraIn doctoral candidate application form. The 2011 documents will be available 1 June 2011.

 

Main contents of the application form:

• Indication of selected research topic from the AgTraIn PhD Topic Catalogue
• Project synopsis of max 1500 words
• A sample of own scientific text
• Certified copy of second university degree(s) certificate
• Brief Curriculum Vitae
• English proficiency (min score IELTS 7.0 , TOEFL: Paper-based 600/IBT 100)
• Two academic references

Evaluation criteria

Eligible applications are evaluated by the AgTraIn Assessment Committee according to three main criteria:

• Academic potential as indicated by (i) a very good second university degree; (ii) a research synopsis that closely relates to one of the research subjects announced in the call, and demonstrate insight and interest in the subject, (iii) documented research achievements, e.g. publications in international journals with peer review. This is the most important criterion 
• English proficiency
• Academic references

Short-listing

Based on this, the best applicants are short-listed and invited to develop a full project proposal. Short-listed applicants will be informed by email. They are put in direct contact with the potential supervisors, who will assist the applicant in developing the full project proposal. Within a deadline of 5-6 weeks, the applicant submits the full proposal on a standard format to the AgTraIn Secretariat.

 

Interview

Each shortlisted applicant is invited, if recommended by their principal supervisor, to present their proposal before a Scientific Committee, consisting of at least two members of the AgTraIn Consortium Commission.  Applicant costs are covered by the Consortium.

 

Start date

Selected doctoral candidates should expect to start their doctoral studies around 1 September 2012.