University of Málaga - Grants to support the achievement of International Mention for doctorates

What you get

You will receive a lump-sum grant of 1,105 EUR to fund a research stay abroad in connection with your doctoral thesis. The stay must last at least 3 months (approximately 90 days). You may split this into periods of at least 30 days each. The University of Málaga (UMA) awards the grant through its Doctoral School, which is jointly funded with Banco Santander. It covers part of your travel, accommodation and living costs for the period you require to obtain the ‘International Mention’ – a supplement to your doctoral degree that recognises an international research stay.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are enrolled as a PhD student at the University of Málaga and have active student status at the time of your application.
• Field of study: Open to all PhD programmes.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. Students from non-EU countries require a valid Spanish residence permit for the duration of their stay.
• Where you go: A university or research centre in any country other than Spain and your own country of residence. Stays in countries not covered by the ‘Erasmus+ Prácticas’ programme (KA131) will be given priority.
• No double funding: You will not receive any further funding for the same costs. You have not yet undertaken any research stays abroad that would qualify you for the ‘International Mention’.
• Predoctoral contract holders: If you have a public doctoral contract or a scholarship, you may only apply if it does not fund stays abroad or if such funding has been refused.

How to apply

You apply online through the UMA petition manager (Gestor de Peticiones). You submit the International Mention form, signed by your thesis tutor and supervisor. For this Santander-funded round you also register and apply on the Santander Open Academy platform. The deadline is 24 September 2026. A commission then ranks applicants by the standing of the host institution, the scientific merit of your work plan and your CV.

How realistic are your chances?

Only 4 scholarships will be awarded in this round, so competition is fierce, even though applications are restricted to UMA PhD students who require a period of study abroad for the ‘International Mention’. Your chances will improve if you can demonstrate a high-ranking host institution and a convincing work plan tailored to your doctoral thesis. Choosing a country outside the Erasmus+ ‘Prácticas’ programme will give you an advantage. Make sure you obtain your supervisors’ signatures well in advance, as the application deadline is tight.