Candidates applying through externally funded doctoral positions (e.g., under NCN, European Research Council, ERC, grants) follow an open, merit-based recruitment process equivalent in rigor to standard GSSR admissions. Open competitions are conducted by a selection commission appointed by the Director of the relevant PAN institute, with members chosen for their substantive expertise and supervisory experience. The Principal Investigator (PI) of the project participates in the commission.

In addition to project-specific application requirements, all candidates must submit proof of English language proficiency and a Master’s degree diploma (or official confirmation of the expected graduation date). The recruitment process adheres to the same principles of transparency, fairness, and equal treatment as GSSR’s regular admissions procedures.