University of Alcalá - María de Guzmán Grant Programme for Jointly Supervised Doctoral Dissertations

What the María de Guzmán grant covers

You will receive free accommodation for up to 6 months in a shared twin room at the CRUSA student hall of residence at the University of Alcalá, near Madrid. The University of Alcalá funds the programme in partnership with Banco Santander and offers up to 5 places per intake, with the total budget capped at 14,000 EUR. This covers accommodation only. Living costs, travel expenses or a monthly stipend are not covered. If you prefer a single room and one is available, you can arrange this directly with the hall of residence and pay the difference yourself.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are a PhD student.
• Joint supervision: Your doctoral thesis will be undertaken as part of a ‘cotutela’ arrangement, meaning that your home university and the University of Alcalá will supervise you jointly, and you will be awarded two doctoral degrees. The cotutela agreement must already have been signed or be on the verge of being signed.
• Enrolment: You are enrolled on a PhD programme at both your home university and the University of Alcalá.
• Field of study: Anyone interested is welcome to apply.
• Nationality and residence: You are a student from a university abroad. You cannot apply if you are a Spanish national or are already living in Spain at the time of application.
• Bonus: It is regarded as a positive factor, but is not a prerequisite, if your university is a member of the Ibero-American Association for Postgraduate Studies (AUIP) or if you are already teaching at university level or plan to do so after completing your PhD.

How to apply

First, register on Banco Santander’s ‘Open Academy’ platform and then submit your application documents to the Graduate School at the University of Alcalá. The application deadline is 31 December. The selection committee meets every two months during the application period and will inform you of the result after each meeting.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is very narrowly defined. You must already have agreed on a doctoral thesis supervised jointly with the University of Alcalá, meaning that only a few people meet the criteria and competition is low. If you clearly meet these conditions – particularly if you already have a signed cotutela agreement – your prospects are good. As there are only 5 places available, it is advisable to apply early in the application period, and a background as a university lecturer or as a member of an AUIP university will strengthen your chances.