Complutense University of Madrid - UCM Research Training Programme- Short term travel grants

UCM short-term research travel grant

You will receive up to 1,200 EUR for a short research stay of 1 to 3 months in a laboratory, library or archive in Spain or abroad. The stay must take place in a different city to the one in which you are writing your doctoral thesis. The grant will support you in carrying out experiments, consulting sources, learning new laboratory techniques or undertaking other work that advances your doctoral research. It is funded by the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) as part of its own research training programme. Longer stays are possible with special permission from the Vice-Rectorate for Research.

Who can apply

• Who you are: You have a PhD contract under the UCM’s training programme for research assistants (from the 2023, 2024 or 2025 call rounds).
• Contract still valid: Your contract must still be valid during your stay.
• Where you go: A research centre in Spain or abroad, located in a different city to the one where you are writing your dissertation. The stay must take place in a single block at one location and must fall entirely within the period 2026.
• Limit per person: You may claim this grant no more than twice and must not have previously taken advantage of more than one UCM short stay.
• Field of study: Open to all fields of research.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.

How to apply

First, register your application on the Banco Santander Open Academy platform. This step is compulsory. You must then submit your documents via the UCM’s online portal. You will need a description of your planned activities during your stay, a reference from your supervisor and a letter of invitation from the host institution. The application deadline for the 2026 round is 22 June.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding scheme is very narrowly defined: only individuals who currently hold a PhD contract at UCM are eligible to apply, meaning that the pool of applicants is small and limited to those already participating in the programme. The selection process is highly competitive, but if you clearly meet the requirements and submit a well-founded plan along with a reference from your supervisor, your chances are good. A well-drafted letter of invitation and a well-thought-out work plan are crucial to ensuring that your application stands out from the rest.