Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas - Research Introduction Scholarships for University Students

What you get

You will receive a monthly training grant of up to 10 months, which you can use to carry out practical research work at one of the Spanish CSIC institutes. You will work on a specific project under the supervision of a researcher. The CSIC is Spain’s national research council, whose centres cover all scientific fields, from the life sciences through to materials science and the social sciences. The grant amounts to approximately 1,000 EUR per month. Each institute specifies the exact amount and the number of monthly payments in its project sheet (‘ficha descriptiva’), so you can view the figures for your chosen project before you apply. This is a training grant, not a salary. For the 2026 round, the CSIC awards up to 441 of these grants.

Who can apply

• Study level: You are enrolled in 2025/2026 in an official Spanish bachelor's or double-degree programme and have passed at least 50% of your credits (ECTS). Or you are enrolled in an official master's programme in 2025/2026 or 2026/2027.
• Field of study: Any academic field. The project you choose will determine your topic.
• Grades: You will need a good average mark. Each institution sets its own minimum mark on a scale from 0 to 10 in its project description. Marks are the most important selection criterion.
• Nationality: Spanish nationals, EU/EEA citizens and other foreign nationals who meet the legal requirements for residence in Spain are eligible to participate.
• Age: You are of legal age.
• Disability quota: 5% of places are reserved for applicants with a recognised disability.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online via the CSIC’s electronic office. There are two application periods for the 2026 call for applications: from 9 February to 10 March 2026, and from 1 to 30 September 2026. You may submit only one application, which must be linked to a single institution, and specify up to three research projects from that institution’s list. Selection is made on a competitive basis and is based primarily on your academic achievements, your CV and your letter of motivation.

How realistic are your chances?

With up to 441 study places available at numerous institutes and across many departments, the range of options here is truly extensive. However, the programme is well known amongst Spanish students, and selection is heavily based on academic grades. If your average mark comfortably meets the minimum requirements for your chosen project and you can demonstrate relevant additional qualifications, such as an Erasmus placement or a partnership scholarship, your chances are good. As you can only apply to one institution, it is more important to choose a project where you can easily meet the grade threshold than to apply to a wide range of options.