ERC Grant Eligibility Calculator (Starting/Consolidator)
Use our ERC starting grant template calculator to determine your eligibility window for ERC Starting Grant, ERC Consolidator Grant, and Advanced Grant schemes under Horizon Europe with automatic career break tracking and grant deadline planning
18 months extension per child
Maximum 4 years (1460 days)
Extended maternity, paternity, illness, national service, etc.
Medical Degree Extension
For Medical Doctors only: automatic 2-year shift of eligibility window (StG: 4-9 years, CoG: 9-14 years post-MD).
Maternity Leave
18 months extension per child, applicable for children born before or after PhD defense.
Clinical Training
Documented clinical training after PhD defense, maximum 4 years extension.
Other Career Breaks
Extended maternity leave, paternity leave, long-term illness, national service, disability, major disasters, seeking asylum, or violence-related breaks.
Understanding ERC Grant Eligibility
The European Research Council (ERC) provides frontier research funding through Horizon Europe across all scientific disciplines. This ERC starting grant template calculator serves as an essential planning tool for researchers preparing ERC eligibility assessments. It helps you determine your precise eligibility window for ERC Starting Grant (2-7 years post-PhD), ERC Consolidator Grant (7-12 years post-PhD), and ERC Advanced Grant (established principal investigators with exceptional research track records), ensuring you meet critical grant deadlines for European Research Council submissions.
How the ERC Calculator Works
Our ERC grant eligibility calculator automatically computes your eligibility window based on your PhD defense date and accounts for qualifying career breaks. The European Research Council recognizes several types of career interruptions that extend your eligibility period:
- Parental leave: 18 months per child (automatically added)
- Clinical training: Medical specialists can claim additional years
- National service: Military or civilian service obligations
- Career breaks: Long-term illness, caring responsibilities, other qualifying interruptions
Why ERC Eligibility Timing Matters
Strategic timing is crucial for ERC applications. Applying too early or too late can significantly reduce your success probability. The ERC Starting Grant targets researchers establishing independent careers, while the ERC Consolidator Grant supports those consolidating their research teams and programs. Use this calculator to identify your optimal application window and maximize your chances of securing Horizon Europe funding.
ERC Grant Schemes Explained
ERC Starting Grant
The ERC Starting Grant supports early-career researchers (2-7 years post-PhD) establishing their first independent research team. Grants provide up to 1.5 million euros over 5 years for groundbreaking projects across any research field. This scheme is ideal for researchers transitioning from postdoctoral positions to independent principal investigator roles. For detailed eligibility rules and recent changes, see our guide on ERC Starting Grant eligibility requirements.
ERC Consolidator Grant
The ERC Consolidator Grant targets mid-career researchers (7-12 years post-PhD) consolidating their independent research teams. With funding up to 2 million euros over 5 years, this grant supports researchers with promising track records to establish themselves as independent research leaders in their fields.
ERC Advanced Grant
The ERC Advanced Grant supports established research leaders with exceptional track records over the past 10 years. This scheme has no time-since-PhD restrictions and provides up to 2.5 million euros over 5 years for frontier research projects that push the boundaries of scientific knowledge.
Start Your ERC Application with Proposia.ai
Once you've confirmed your ERC grant eligibility, Proposia.ai can help you draft a competitive proposal. Our AI-powered platform streamlines the Horizon Europe application process, from literature review to budget planning, helping researchers craft compelling narratives that meet ERC evaluation criteria.
Related Grant Calculators and Tools
Maximize your research funding strategy with our complementary tools:
- NIH K Award Calculator - For US-based researchers exploring career development awards
- Budget Calculator - Plan your ERC grant budget with Horizon Europe templates
- ERC Starting Grant Playbook - Strategic guide to panel expectations and application strategy
- Horizon Europe 2026 Guide - Complete overview of Horizon Europe funding opportunities
- ERC Consolidator Grant Guide - Framing scientific independence for mid-career researchers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to multiple ERC schemes?
Researchers can only hold one ERC grant at a time, but you can apply to the scheme matching your career stage. If you're in the overlap period between ERC Starting Grant and Consolidator Grant eligibility (exactly 7 years post-PhD), you must choose one scheme based on your career trajectory and research independence.
How do career breaks affect ERC eligibility?
The European Research Council allows extensions for documented career breaks. Parental leave automatically grants 18 months per child. Other breaks (clinical training, national service, illness) require documentation. Our calculator helps you compute these extensions accurately according to official ERC eligibility criteria.
What if I'm between two ERC grant schemes?
If you're at the boundary between schemes (e.g., exactly 7 years post-PhD for Starting vs Consolidator), consider your research independence level, team size, and publication record. Generally, more established researchers benefit from the higher funding ceiling and prestige of Consolidator Grants, while those still building independence may fare better with Starting Grants. Our article on ERC Starting vs Consolidator Grant timing provides strategic guidance for this decision.
Ready to Apply for an ERC Grant?
Transform your research ideas into funded Horizon Europe projects with Proposia.ai. Our platform helps researchers navigate complex ERC application requirements, from eligibility verification to final submission. Start your ERC Starting Grant, Consolidator Grant, or Advanced Grant application today.
Official ERC Resources
For authoritative information on European Research Council grants and Horizon Europe funding, and to understand the broader context of ERC's role in European frontier research:
- Official ERC Portal - European Research Council homepage
- ERC Eligibility Criteria - Official eligibility requirements and career break policies
- Funding & Tenders Portal - Submit your Horizon Europe applications
Disclaimer: This ERC calculator is an unofficial tool designed to help researchers estimate their eligibility for European Research Council grants. Always verify your eligibility status through the official ERC eligibility criteria and consult with your institution's research office before submitting applications.