DN: Is it possible to recruit PhDs in country A for more than 36 months even though PhD programmes in that country are by rule 36 months?

Starting from the 2023 call employment contracts for doctoral candidates of up to 48 months are allowed for Joint Doctorates.

It depends on the national rules which may allow or not such an arrangement, and on the rules proper to the employer/ sector.

In France, for example, there are “doctoral contracts” in the academic organisations which last up to 36 months. At the end of such a contract it is still possible to offer an additional contract which will not be called a “doctoral contract” but just a standard public law limited duration contract. It is acceptable for PhD students, including MSCA fellows.