On Tuesday 25 August 2026, Luxembourg's Chamber of Employees (Chambre des Salariés - CSL) published an overview of recent changes to the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) and financial support for doctoral candidates, following the entry into force of a new law on 1 August 2026.
According to the CSL, the law of 6 July 2026 updates the FNR's missions, organisation and functioning, while aligning its legal framework more closely with those governing Luxembourg's public research centres and the University of Luxembourg (Uni.lu).
One of the main changes concerns support for researchers in training. “Doctoral training aid” will become the general scheme for individual support granted to candidates enrolled in programmes leading to a doctorate. Doctoral studies covered by this system will consequently no longer fall under the existing State financial aid scheme for higher education.
Furthermore, under the revised system, there will be one form of individual doctoral training aid: a grant provided by the FNR to finance an employment contract, generally a fixed-term contract, between the doctoral candidate and their host institution. The previous possibility of receiving this support as a scholarship when an employment contract could not be concluded has been abolished.
The authorities have also revised eligibility. Applicants must demonstrate a connection with Luxembourg, either through at least five cumulative years of education at specified institutions in the country or at least five cumulative years of residence. They must also be enrolled in a recognised doctoral programme and not already hold a doctorate.
The CSL noted that the Luxembourg connection requirement could exclude children of cross-border workers who may meet neither the education nor residence criteria.
The reform also broadens the types of organisations eligible for FNR funding, expressly including economic interest groups (GIE), alongside public research institutions and certain non-profit organisations and foundations.
The legislation replaces the 1999 law establishing the FNR, with transitional provisions intended to ensure continuity for existing bodies and researchers already receiving support.
