Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics - Summer Scholarships for Training in Astrophysical Research

What you get

You will receive 850 EUR per month for a two-month summer placement at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) in La Laguna, Tenerife. In addition, you will receive a flat-rate travel allowance based on your place of residence: 60 EUR within the Canary Islands, 200 EUR from mainland Spain and 300 EUR for EU citizens living outside Spain. Six of these scholarships are awarded each year. You will be integrated into one of the IAC’s research groups and gain your first practical experience in astrophysical research. You will work alongside IAC scientists on topics such as solar physics, planetary systems, stars, galaxies, cosmology or astroparticle physics. The IAC is a state-recognised Spanish research centre and operates the 10.4-metre GTC, one of the largest telescopes in the world. You will also be covered by the Spanish social security system or private health insurance, as well as accident insurance.

Who can apply

• Degree level: At the time of your application, you are enrolled on a Master’s degree programme (MSc).
• Field of study: You hold a Master’s degree in astrophysics or a closely related subject, preferably in physics or mathematics.
• Grades: You should state your marks on a scale from 0 to 10. If your university uses a different scale, you should convert your marks and explain how you did so.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. The amount of your travel allowance depends on where you live.
• Where you go: They spend the two months on site at the IAC in Tenerife, Spain.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online via the IAC application system. You will need to upload your application form, a copy of your passport, your full academic transcript and your CV. The call for applications opens in early April, and the deadline for applications is approximately two weeks later (17 April for the final round). A panel comprising IAC researchers and professors from the University of La Laguna will select the successful candidates based on their application documents and academic achievements.

How realistic are your chances?

With just six scholarships per year and a clear focus on Master’s students in astrophysics, the subject area is specialised, but the overall pool of candidates is not particularly large. If your Master’s degree is clearly in the fields of astrophysics, physics or mathematics and you have good grades, you’ll be a strong candidate and your prospects are promising. Make sure you prepare your academic transcript well in advance, as the application deadline is only around two weeks after the call for applications is published.