Candidates for the PhD positions have to meet a number of criteria set by the European Commission to be eligable to take part in Marie Sklodowska-Curie Training Networks like PERFORM:
Early-Stage Researcher (ESR) Rule: ESRs are those who are, at the time of recruitment by the host in October 2018, in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research career. This is measured from the date when they obtained the degree which formally entitles them to pursue a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the research training is provided, irrespective of whether or not a doctorate was envisaged. Candidates can apply even if they have not yet finished their Master, but they need to graduate latest September 2018.
Mobility Rule: Researchers can be of any nationality, but are required to undertake transnational mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) when taking up the appointment. At the time of recruitment by the host organization, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host organization for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account.
English Language: Network fellows (ESRs) must demonstrate that their ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English is sufficiently high for them to derive the full benefit from the network training.
Host specific Criteria: Every ESR has to qualify for admittance as a PhD student at the university the position is assigned to. Consequently there may be additional criteria for every position that are layed out in the detailed describtion of every ESR position.