University of Deusto - Deusto Research Training Grants

Deusto Research Training Grants

You will be offered a paid employment contract as a PhD student at the University of Deusto in Bilbao, Spain, for up to four years. The salary starts at around 1,331 EUR gross per month and increases over time. In the first and second years, you will earn around 19,007 EUR gross per year; in the third year, around 20,365 EUR; and in the fourth year, around 25,456 EUR. Payment is made monthly and includes social security contributions and tax. The contract is initially for a term of 12 months and is renewed annually for a total of up to 48 months. It ends upon completion of your PhD. The University of Deusto funds this programme to train new researchers within its own research teams. Up to 10 scholarships are awarded per round.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You have been admitted to a PhD programme at the University of Deusto or are enrolled there.
• Enrolment: You study full time.
• Field of study: Any subject area, provided that your dissertation relates to a field of research undertaken by a team recognised by the Basque Government or the University of Deusto.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.
• Backing: The lead researcher on the team you have chosen has approved your project, and your faculty has endorsed it.
• Thesis type: You can choose between an ‘international PhD’ or a joint international supervision arrangement. In both cases, part of your research will take place at a foreign institution.
• No double funding: You may not receive this scholarship whilst in receipt of any other salary, and you must not have previously received an FPI research scholarship (a research training scholarship funded by the Spanish government).

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the online form, which is linked on the programme page, between 1 October and 15. November 2026 (23:59 Spanish time, GMT+1). Internal assessment panels will review your CV, your chosen programme and your research project. The results will be announced by 21 December 2026. Particular consideration will be given to a final dissertation carried out in collaboration with a company or an external organisation.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a very limited scholarship: only 10 scholarships are awarded per round, and you must already be a member of a specific research team at the University of Deusto and have the support of your supervisor before applying. The pool of applicants is therefore small and largely self-selective. If you have a strong CV and can present a project that clearly fits within the research area of a recognised team, your chances are good. A final-year dissertation carried out in collaboration with an external company or organisation may give you an advantage.