University of Santiago de Compostela/J.Otero-Carmela Martínez Foundation - USC-Fundación J.Otero-Carmela Martínez Scholarships

USC-Fundación José Otero-Carmela Martínez scholarship

You will receive up to 6,000 EUR for one academic year to fund your PhD studies at the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC). Rather than a monthly stipend, the funding covers specific costs: your PhD fees, research stays in Spain or abroad, attendance at congresses, conferences or academic seminars, and the purchase of technical equipment (you must keep the receipts). The funding is jointly provided by the USC and the private Fundación José Otero-Carmela Martínez, a foundation based in Santiago de Compostela which supports students in financial need.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are enrolled as a full-time student on a PhD programme at the University of Santiago de Compostela.
• Progress: Your most recent annual PhD student assessment (your activity report and your research plan for the period 2024–25) received a positive evaluation.
• Financial need: Your family income falls within the second income threshold (Limiar 2), as set out in Spanish Royal Decree 163/2025. This scheme applies to students with limited financial means.
• Residence: You are officially registered (empadronado/a) in a municipality in Galicia.
• Field of study: Open to all disciplines.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online via the USC’s electronic platform (Sede Electrónica) using the form available on the Doctoral School’s website. The application window for 2025/26 runs from 10 to 31 December 2025. Selection is based on your application documents and an aptitude test; there is no interview.

How realistic are your chances?

The eligibility criteria for this scholarship are quite strict: you must be a full-time PhD student at a specific university registered in Galicia and must not exceed the specified income threshold. This means that the pool of eligible candidates is small. If you clearly meet these criteria and can demonstrate your financial need, your chances are good. Make sure to apply within the application window in December, as it is very short.