ICIQ Fully-Funded PhD Programme 2026
About this scholarship
The ICIQ Fully-Funded PhD Programme supports doctoral research in chemistry and related fields in Spain, offering salaried pre-doctoral contracts, social security coverage, and advanced research training.
The ICIQ Fully-Funded PhD Programme is a doctoral training programme run by the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) in Spain. It is designed for outstanding graduate students from around the world who want to pursue research-based PhD training in chemistry and closely related areas. Doctoral studies are carried out in partnership with Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) and lead to a doctoral thesis.
The programme typically supports PhD-level study and places researchers within an individual project supervised by an internationally recognised group leader. Based on reference postings, funded projects may span areas such as supramolecular chemistry, chemical biology, catalysis, simulation, and machine learning applied to chemistry. Participants also benefit from a stimulating scientific environment, access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, and complementary training in both technical and transferable skills.
This is a fully funded programme delivered through a pre-doctoral employment contract of up to four years, usually renewed annually subject to satisfactory progress. Funding includes a salary and full social security coverage, with access to Spanish public health care and related employee benefits. The programme may also include short stays at international research institutions as part of doctoral training.
Applicants are generally expected to hold a master’s degree or equivalent by the time of enrolment in chemistry or a related discipline such as pharmacy, physics, or chemical engineering. A strong academic record, clear motivation for scientific research, and a good working knowledge of English are typically required. Specific projects may ask for additional technical experience relevant to the research topic.
Applications are usually submitted through ICIQ calls for open PhD positions. Candidates should review the available projects carefully, identify a suitable research area, and prepare academic and supporting documents in line with the requirements of the relevant call.
Eligibility
Who can apply for this scholarship
Open to exceptional graduate students from around the world. Applicants are generally expected to have a Master’s degree or equivalent completed by enrolment in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline. Candidates should have an excellent academic record, a strong commitment to scientific research, and suitable preparation for the proposed project.
Requirements
Documents typically needed to apply
Language requirements
Solid working knowledge of English. A B2 certificate, Cambridge First, IELTS 6 or equivalent may be preferred but is not always mandatory.
Where you can use this
Open positions accepting ICIQ Fully-Funded PhD Programme.
