IBEC-VHIR International PhD Programme
Funding
Fully Funded
Covers
stipend + research costs
Stipend
€19,500 gross per year at the start of the predoctoral contract
Deadline
Usually in March

IBEC-VHIR International PhD Programme 2026

About this scholarship

The IBEC-VHIR International PhD Programme is a 4-year doctoral fellowship in Barcelona that trains researchers in translational biomedical and bioengineering research across IBEC and VHIR.

The IBEC-VHIR International PhD Programme is a joint doctoral training initiative run by the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) and the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) in Barcelona, Spain. It is designed to prepare the next generation of researchers through interdisciplinary, translational projects that connect bioengineering, biological sciences, and clinical research.

Selected fellows receive a 4-year predoctoral contract and typically divide their time between the two partner institutions, spending roughly half of the fellowship at VHIR and the remainder at IBEC. The programme offers access to advanced research infrastructure, international supervision, and collaborative training in a highly active biomedical research environment.

This opportunity is aimed at students applying for PhD-level study. According to the programme requirements, applicants should hold a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, or an equivalent qualification from a European Higher Education Area institution totaling at least 300 ECTS, including at least 60 ECTS at Master’s level. Candidates who expect to complete the required qualification by October 2026 may also be eligible. The programme also applies recency-of-degree conditions for applicants.

Funding is offered through an employment-style predoctoral contract, with a competitive annual gross salary reported in programme postings. Because the scheme is research-employment based, applicants should carefully review the call details for contract terms, required documents, project options, and institutional procedures. Applications are generally submitted through the programme’s online recruitment page.

The programme is especially suitable for candidates interested in biomedical engineering, biology, and translational health research in Spain within a partnership linking academic and hospital-based research.

Eligibility

Who can apply for this scholarship

Applicants must have a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, or an official qualification from a European Higher Education Area institution with at least 300 ECTS, including 60 ECTS at Master’s level. Candidates expecting to obtain the required qualification by October 2026 are eligible. Applicants must also meet the programme’s recency-of-degree conditions, including being within 2 years of completion of their Master’s degree or within 5 years of completion of their Bachelor’s degree.

Study levelPhD
Host countrySPAIN
Eligible subjectsBiology, Biomedical_Eng, Medical
Open toInternational applicants

Requirements

Documents typically needed to apply

01Applicants are expected to submit an application through the programme’s online portal and demonstrate that they meet the academic entry requirements for doctoral study. The call should be checked for the exact list of required documents
02which typically includes academic records
03degree certificates or proof of expected completion
04and other supporting materials requested by the host institutions.
Fully FundedPhD
Applications close
Usually in March
2026
Last updated: Jun 2026
What’s covered
Tuition fees
Maintenance stipend
Travel allowance
Accommodation
Duration
4 years
Currency
EUR