Deadline: 28-Jan-2026
The “la Caixa” Foundation Doctoral INPhINIT Fellowships Programme funds international PhD candidates to pursue doctoral research in Spain or Portugal across health, life sciences, STEM, and engineering fields. The programme combines competitive financial support with advanced transversal skills training, targeting early-career researchers who have not yet started a PhD.
Overview
The “la Caixa” Foundation Doctoral INPhINIT Fellowships Programme supports outstanding young researchers of any nationality to undertake a full-time doctorate at accredited universities or research institutions in Spain or Portugal. The programme focuses on developing both scientific excellence and professional skills, positioning fellows for impactful academic, industry, or innovation-driven careers.
The fellowship targets research in health and life sciences, technology, physics, chemistry, engineering, and mathematics, aligning with Europe’s strategic priorities in research, innovation, and knowledge transfer.
Key Objectives of the Programme
Academic and Research Excellence
The programme aims to attract global research talent and strengthen doctoral training ecosystems in Spain and Portugal by funding high-quality PhD projects.
Professional and Transversal Skills Development
Beyond funding, fellows participate in an advanced training programme designed by leading international institutions, covering non-academic competencies essential for modern research careers.
Fellowship Benefits and Financial Support
Annual Financial Package
Each fellow receives a comprehensive funding package that ensures financial stability throughout the doctorate.
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€35,800 per year to cover labour costs
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Minimum annual gross salary of €25,000
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Includes Social Security contributions and mandatory fees
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Same financial conditions apply to Portuguese host institutions, regardless of employment structure
Research and Training Allowance
In addition to salary support, fellows receive €3,500 per year for research-related expenses, including:
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Conference attendance and scientific courses
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Research stays at other institutions
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Consumables and small equipment
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Intellectual property and patent-related costs
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Doctoral programme tuition fees
Mandatory Training Programme
Fellows must attend three compulsory training sessions during the fellowship.
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Each session lasts 3–5 days
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All travel, accommodation, and participation costs are fully covered
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Training topics include technology transfer, entrepreneurship, innovation commercialisation, intellectual property, leadership, creativity, communication, teamwork, planning, assertiveness, networking, and personal development
Who Is Eligible?
The programme is open to a broad international applicant pool, with clear eligibility criteria.
Academic and Career Requirements
Applicants must:
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Be of any nationality
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Hold a higher education degree that allows enrolment in a doctoral programme
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Not have previously started a doctoral programme
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Be within the first four years of their research career
Language Requirements
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Demonstrated English proficiency is required
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Exemptions apply for certain nationalities or prior studies conducted in English-speaking countries
Mobility Rule
Applicants must comply with the mobility requirement:
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Must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Spain or Portugal for more than 12 months in the three years prior to the application deadline
Why This Fellowship Matters
The INPhINIT Doctoral Fellowships are designed to:
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Promote international research mobility
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Strengthen doctoral training quality in Spain and Portugal
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Bridge academic research with innovation, industry, and entrepreneurship
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Equip researchers with transferable skills beyond traditional PhD training
This makes the programme particularly attractive for candidates seeking long-term academic or innovation-driven careers in Europe.
How the Fellowship Works
Host Institution and Employment
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Selected candidates must reach an agreement with a Spanish or Portuguese host institution
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The host institution formally hires the fellow using funds provided by the Foundation
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Fellows must enrol in a doctoral programme at a recognized university
Fellowship Start Dates
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Standard start period: September to November 2026
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Exceptional extensions allowed until January 31, 2027, if duly justified
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Doctoral enrolment must occur no later than November 30, 2026, or January 31, 2027 in approved cases
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following in English:
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Completed online application form
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Academic transcripts
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At least three reference letters
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Certified English translations for documents not originally in English
Step 2: Submit Online Application
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Applications must be submitted through the official online platform
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Deadline: January 28, 2026, at 14:00 (mainland Spain time)
Step 3: English Certificate (If Applicable)
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English proficiency certificates can be submitted separately
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Final deadline for certificates: February 11, 2026
Selection and Evaluation Process
Phase 1: Eligibility Screening
Applications are checked for compliance with formal eligibility requirements.
Phase 2: Expert Evaluation and Shortlisting
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Remote evaluation by international expert panels
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Shortlisted candidates are invited to interviews
Phase 3: Interviews
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Conducted remotely in English
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Interview dates: May 20, 21, and 22, 2026
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Candidates must present original ID or passport during the interview
Final Decision and Results
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Final outcomes communicated on May 29, 2026
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Results, including reserve candidates, published on the Foundation’s website
Appeals Process
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Rejected candidates may submit an appeal within three calendar days
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Appeals are reviewed, with resolutions issued within ten calendar days
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying after having already started a PhD programme
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Violating the mobility rule for Spain or Portugal
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Missing reference letters or submitting incomplete documentation
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Uploading documents in languages other than English without translation
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Missing the strict application deadline and time zone
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can applicants of any nationality apply?
Yes. The programme is open to candidates of all nationalities, provided they meet the academic, career-stage, and mobility requirements.
2. Can I apply if I already started a PhD?
No. Applicants must not have previously begun a doctoral programme.
3. Is the fellowship valid in both Spain and Portugal?
Yes. Fellows can carry out their doctorate at eligible institutions in either Spain or Portugal under the same financial conditions.
4. Is English proficiency mandatory?
Yes, unless the applicant qualifies for an exemption based on nationality or previous English-medium education.
5. When will the interviews take place?
Interviews will be conducted remotely on May 20, 21, and 22, 2026.
6. When will the final results be announced?
The final list of selected fellows and reserve candidates will be published on May 29, 2026.
7. What is the latest possible PhD start date?
In standard cases, November 30, 2026. In justified cases, extensions until January 31, 2027 may be approved.
Conclusion
The “la Caixa” Foundation Doctoral INPhINIT Fellowships Programme offers a highly competitive, structured, and internationally focused pathway for early-career researchers to pursue a fully funded PhD in Spain or Portugal. By combining strong financial support with advanced transversal skills training, the programme prepares fellows not only to excel in research but also to thrive in innovation-driven and global professional environments.
For more information, visit ”la Caixa” Foundation.
