ERC Consolidator Grants 2027: New eligibility rules open opportunities for more researchers

The ERC Consolidator Grant 2027 call is now open, with a submission deadline of 12 January 2027. This year’s call introduces important changes to the eligibility criteria, allowing a wider group of researchers to apply for funding from the European Research Council (ERC).

With an indicative budget of €618.5 million and approximately 296 grants expected to be awarded, the call offers researchers the opportunity to consolidate their independent research careers and pursue ambitious, frontier research projects.

Extended eligibility window: Who can apply?

One of the most significant changes in the ERC Work Programme 2027 is the extension of the eligibility period for Consolidator Grants.

Previously, researchers were eligible to apply between 7 and 12 years after successfully defending their PhD. From 2027 onwards, the eligibility window has been extended to 5–15 years after PhD defence.

For the 2027 call, this means that researchers who successfully defended their PhD between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2021 are eligible to apply, subject to the other eligibility conditions. As before, extensions to the eligibility period are possible in duly documented circumstances, including parental leave, illness or clinical training.

The new rules reflect the diversity of academic career paths across different disciplines and countries. They also create new opportunities for researchers who would previously have fallen outside the eligibility window.

New application rules for 2027

The extended eligibility windows also create a significant overlap between the Starting and Consolidator Grant schemes. Researchers who defended their PhD between 5 and 10 years ago may now be eligible for both grants.

This provides greater flexibility, but also makes the choice of funding scheme more important. Researchers will need to consider which scheme best reflects their career stage, scientific track record and research ambitions.

This decision is particularly relevant in light of the new application rules for 2027. Under the ERC Work Programme 2027, researchers may submit only one proposal across the main ERC grant calls covered by the Work Programme, unless their initial proposal is declared ineligible. In addition, researchers may receive a maximum of one Starting Grant and one Consolidator Grant during their career.

Applicants should also check whether resubmission restrictions arising from previous ERC evaluations affect their eligibility.

ERC Consolidator Grant 2027: Key facts

• Call opening: 24 September 2026
• Submission deadline: 12 January 2027, 17:00 Brussels time
• Eligibility: 5–15 years after PhD defence, subject to possible extensions
• Funding: Up to €2 million for a period of five years, with additional funding available in justified cases
• Indicative call budget: €618.5 million

Planning an ERC Consolidator Grant application?

The extended eligibility window means that researchers who previously considered themselves ineligible may now have the opportunity to apply. At the same time, the new application rules make it important to assess eligibility and select the appropriate ERC funding scheme.

PNO Innovation supports researchers throughout the ERC application process, from eligibility assessments and concept development to proposal review and interview preparation.

If you are considering an application for the ERC Consolidator Grant 2027, contact our ERC Excellence Group to discuss your project and the support available.