ICIQ Fully Funded PhD Programme 2026 in Spain

Looking for a fully funded PhD in Spain with a paid employment contract, annual salary, and tuition support? The ICIQ Fully-Funded PhD Programme 2026 (Second Call) offers international graduates a four-year doctoral position at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), combining funded research, professional training, and full social security benefits. Delivered in partnership with Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), the programme allows selected candidates to complete a PhD under internationally recognized researchers while gaining advanced laboratory experience, technical training, and opportunities for international research collaborations.

If your background is in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, pharmacy, physics, catalysis, energy, or related disciplines, this fully funded PhD opportunity in Spain offers a direct pathway to an international research career.

ICIQ Fully Funded PhD Programme 2026-Overview

Category	Details
Host Country	Spain
Host Institution	Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)
Partner University	Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV)
Programme	ICIQ Fully-Funded PhD Programme 2026 – Second Call
Degree Level	PhD
Funding	Fully funded employment contract with annual salary, tuition reimbursement and social security
Duration	Up to 4 years
Application Deadline	28 June 2026
Notification	From 13 July 2026
Start Date	Fall 2026
Eligible Nationalities	All nationalities
Application Method	Online via ICIQ

About the ICIQ PhD Programme in Spain

The ICIQ Fully-Funded PhD Programme offers outstanding graduate students the opportunity to complete a fully funded doctoral degree in Spain while conducting advanced research in chemistry and related disciplines. Successful applicants join one research group, work under a selected PhD supervisor, and complete an individual doctoral research project within ICIQ’s internationally recognized research environment.

Alongside laboratory research, participants receive structured technical and professional training through scientific seminars, workshops, research integrity courses, entrepreneurship, project management, grant application training, communication skills, and ICIQ’s annual SHARP doctoral training programme. The programme also offers opportunities for short research stays at distinguished international research institutions.

Key programme highlights from the official call include:

ICIQ delivers the doctoral programme in partnership with Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV).
ICIQ offers paid pre-doctoral employment contracts to selected PhD candidates.
ICIQ reimburses PhD enrolment costs after students pay the university.
ICIQ provides opportunities for international research stays and professional development.

Available Research Projects for ICIQ PhD in Spain

The 2026 Second Call includes projects in several cutting-edge research areas, including:

Artificial Intelligence for catalyst development
Machine learning for mechanophore discovery
Sustainable catalysis
Chemical biology
Drug discovery
Biomedical applications
Materials for energy
Photochemical pollutant upgrading
Flow chemistry
Molecular sensors and diagnostics
Catalytic C-H functionalization
Hybrid synthetic-biological systems

Applicants must select only one PhD supervisor when submitting their application.

Who Can Apply for ICIQ International PhD Shcolarship in Spain?

The programme welcomes applicants from all nationalities who satisfy the official eligibility requirements.

You should have:

A Master’s degree or equivalent completed before PhD enrolment
A background in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy, Physics, or a related discipline
An excellent academic record
Strong motivation for scientific research
Good written and spoken English

The official call states that an English certificate such as B2, IELTS 6.0, First Certificate, or equivalent is desirable but not mandatory. Shortlisted candidates may instead demonstrate their English ability during the interview. Applicants from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are exempt from providing an English certificate.

How to Apply for Fully funded ICIQ Paid PhD in Spain?

Follow these steps to complete your application successfully for International PhD opportunities in Europe 2026:

Step 1: Review the available PhD projects and choose one supervisor.

Review the ICIQ Spain PhD Available Positions in Europe with Salary

Step 2: Prepare all required application documents in PDF format to be considered for PhD Research jobs in Spain.

Curriculum Vitae (PDF)
Personal Statement (maximum two A4 pages)
Official Bachelor’s transcripts
Official Master’s transcripts (or current enrolment details if still studying)
Two academic referees
English language evidence (desirable)
Certified English translations for academic records not issued in English, Spanish, or Catalan

Step 3: Write a focused personal statement explaining your research experience, career goals, preferred research group, and reasons for selecting that supervisor.

Step 4: Submit your application through the ICIQ Career Portal before 28 June 2026.

Apply Now for ICIQ Fully Funded PhD in Spain for International Students 2026

Careers Help Desk Application Strategy

Competition for ICIQ PhD positions is high because applicants compete directly for individual research groups rather than a general admission pool.
Your personal statement carries significant weight. Instead of describing your interests broadly, explain how your previous research experience matches the selected supervisor’s current project. Demonstrating clear alignment between your skills and the advertised research topic can strengthen your application considerably.
Since only one supervisor may be selected, invest time in understanding that group’s recent publications and research direction before applying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

Applying to more than one supervisor
Submitting incomplete documentation
Uploading transcripts without certified English translations when required
Writing a generic personal statement
Waiting until the final day to submit your application
Forgetting to notify your referees that they may be contacted

PhD Funding and Benefits

Selected PhD researchers receive a full-time pre-doctoral employment contract regulated under Spanish law.

The official funding includes:

Year 1: €19,007.22 gross
Year 2: €19,007.22 gross
Year 3: €20,364.88 gross
Year 4: €25,456.10 gross

Additional benefits include:

Full social security coverage
Access to the Spanish public healthcare system
Pension and unemployment benefits
Tuition reimbursement for PhD enrolment
Annual contract renewal based on satisfactory progress
Opportunities for international research visits
Professional development and career training
Flexible working hours to support work-life balance

Apply Now- Study in Spain with Salary

The ICIQ Fully-Funded PhD Programme 2026 offers more than financial support. It provides paid doctoral employment, internationally recognized supervision, structured professional training, and access to one of Spain’s leading chemical research institutes. If your academic background aligns with chemistry or related disciplines and you aim to build a research career in academia or industry, submit your application before 28 June 2026 and ensure every required document is complete. According to the official call, incomplete applications will not enter the evaluation process.

Official Source: ICIQ FULLY-FUNDED PhD PROGRAMME 2026 – SECOND CALL

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international students apply?

Yes. The programme accepts applicants from all nationalities who satisfy the academic eligibility requirements.

Is the PhD fully funded?

Yes. Selected candidates receive a paid employment contract, tuition reimbursement, annual salary, and full social security benefits.

Is IELTS mandatory?

No. The official call states that an English certificate is desirable but not mandatory. Shortlisted candidates may demonstrate their English proficiency during the interview.