Banco Sabadell Group - Banco Sabadell Foundation Research Grants

Banco Sabadell Foundation Research Grants

You will receive 5,000 EUR for up to one year to work on your doctoral thesis. These funds can be used to finance your research, research stays at Spanish or foreign universities and institutions, and other activities related to your doctoral studies. The Banco Sabadell Foundation, a private Spanish foundation, awards 15 of these scholarships each year. The focus is on the fields of economics, business administration and social sciences; in recent rounds of applications, projects in the humanities were also eligible. The exact amount may vary slightly depending on the budget and your research project.

Who can apply

• Level: You are a PhD student and are already working on your thesis; you have completed at least the first year of your PhD programme.
• Field of study: The focus is on economics, business studies and social sciences. In recent funding rounds, projects in the humanities have also been considered. Projects that have already received funding have included those in law, anthropology, philosophy, archaeology, urban development and psychology.
• Where you study: You are studying for a PhD at a Spanish university or research centre.
• Where you are from: You are resident in Spain.
• Supervisor: A professor with a PhD from a recognised Spanish university will act as your supervisor and support you with your application.
• No repeat funding: You have not yet received this or a similar grant from the foundation.

How to apply

Applications are made online via the Foundation’s website. You will need to submit a CV, your academic transcripts, a research proposal and a letter of recommendation from your supervisor. The research proposal should set out your objective, methodology, hypotheses, expected results and a brief summary. The application deadline is usually in the spring, around 31 March. The Foundation’s board will make the decision and, if appropriate, invite you to a short interview.

How realistic are your chances?

Only 15 scholarships are awarded each year. You must be enrolled as a PhD student in Spain at a Spanish institution and have a supervisor who is willing to support you; the pool of eligible applicants is therefore quite small. If you clearly meet these requirements, particularly with a compelling research project in the fields of economics, business or social sciences, your prospects are good. A compelling research plan and the support of your supervisor are more important than the size of the academic discipline.