”la Caixa” Foundation’s call for doctoral INPhINIT fellowships is now open

ID 132 2025-11-11 / 2026-02-18

Description

"laCaixa" Foundation grant 60 doctoral fellowships for talented young researchers of any nationality who wish to pursue doctoral studies in Spain or Portugal

1. Incoming fellowships up to 28 January 2026

• 30 fellowships to pursue PhD studies in research centres accredited with the Spanish Seal of Excellence Severo Ochoa, María de Maeztu or Health Institute Carlos III and Portuguese units accredited as “excellent” according to the evaluation of the Fundação de Ciência e Tecnologia.
• STEM disciplines (technology, engineering, physics, chemistry, mathematics, health and life sciences).
• Maximum duration: 4 years.
• Funding to cover labour costs, research costs and doctoral tuition fees.
• On-site training programme in multidisciplinary skills.

Requirements of the call

• Experience: candidates must not have carried out more than four years of research activity before the closing date of the call.
• Studies pursued: at the time of recruitment, candidates must have completed the studies that allow them to enrol in an official PhD programme in Spain/Portugal. The verification of the required level of studies will be carried out by the host university when the admission procedure begins. Candidates can not have started doctoral studies prior to the start of the fellowship.
• Mobility: candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain/Portugal for more than twelve months in the three years immediately preceding the closing date of the call.
• Level of English: candidates must accredit the required level of English by submitting one of the certificates specified in the rules for participation.

Centres of Excellence

Those receiving an Incoming Doctoral INPhINIT fellowship must carry out their doctorate at one of the Spanish research centres that have obtained a Severo Ochoa or María de Maeztu accreditation of excellence from the Ministry of Science and Innovation, a Carlos III Health Research Institute or a Portuguese R&D centre classified as "excellent" by the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia. Logically, these are centres and units that stand out for their impact and scientific leadership at an international level and that actively collaborate with their social and business environment.

2. Retaining fellowships up to 18 February 2026

• 30 fellowships to carry out a doctorate at any university or research centre in Spain or Portugal.
• All areas of knowledge.
• Maximum duration: 4 years.
• Funding to cover labour costs, research costs and doctoral tuition fees.
• On-site training programme in multidisciplinary skills.

Requirements of the call

In addition, candidates who are awarded the fellowship must complete their doctoral studies at a university other than the university where they completed their undergraduate studies.

• Experience: candidates must not have carried out more than four years of research activity before the closing date of the call.
• Studies pursued: at the time of recruitment, candidates must have completed the studies that allow them to enrol in an official PhD programme in Spain/Portugal. The verification of the required level of studies will be carried out by the host university when the admission procedure begins. Candidates can not have started doctoral studies prior to the start of the fellowship.
• Mobility: candidates must have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain/Portugal for more than twelve months in the three years immediately preceding the closing date of the call.
• Level of English: candidates must accredit the required level of English by submitting one of the certificates specified in the rules for participation.

Find out more and apply for your fellowship here.