Autonomous Community of Castile and Leon - Grants for predoctoral contracts

Grants for predoctoral contracts in Castile and Leon

You get a paid, full-time job contract to do your doctoral research, funded for up to 4 years. The salary starts at about 1,670 EUR per month and rises over the four years. These figures cover your gross salary plus social security. On top of the salary, you can claim up to 6,000 EUR for one research stay abroad of up to 3 months. The exact amount depends on distance: roughly 2,000 EUR for Portugal or Andorra, up to 4,000 EUR for the rest of Europe, Africa and most of the Americas, and up to 6,000 EUR for the USA, Canada, Asia and Oceania. The programme is run by the education ministry of the Junta de Castilla y Leon and co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus. The 2025 round funded 90 contracts.

Who can apply

• Doctoral studies: You are enrolled in, or admitted to, a doctoral programme at a university in Castile and Leon.
• Where you research: An institution based in Castile and Leon hosts your research, such as a public or non-profit university, a public research body, or a health-sector research foundation.
• No doctorate yet: You do not already hold a doctorate. You have not previously held a predoctoral contract (a fixed-term research job during a PhD) for more than 3 months.
• Grades: Your degree average is at least 6.50 on the Spanish 10-point scale.
• Recent graduate: You finished the degree that gives access to your doctorate on or after 1 January 2019. This moves to 1 January 2018 if you have a recognised disability of 33% or more.
• Active research project: Your work is part of a funded research project, contract or agreement worth at least 10,000 EUR, linked to a European or regional RIS3 science priority.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply. Non-EU applicants need a Spanish foreigner ID number (NIE).
• Field of study: All fields are open, as long as your topic fits a listed science priority area.

How to apply

You apply online through the electronic register of the Junta de Castilla y Leon. You need an electronic certificate or electronic ID. In the 2025 round applications closed on 16 April. The next call is expected in 2026 with new dates. Selection is competitive and scored mainly on your grade average, your research plan and your profile.

How realistic are your chances?

The award is narrowly cut. You must already be admitted to a doctoral programme in Castile and Leon, have a research director and be attached to a funded project. So the eligible group is limited and self-selecting. With 90 contracts on offer, prospects are solid for a well-matched applicant, since grades are the leading criterion and a strong degree average carries real weight. Six contracts are reserved for researchers with a recognised disability of 33% or more.