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

What you get

You will receive financial support for a research placement abroad whilst undertaking your PhD at the University of Córdoba in Spain. This will enable you to obtain the ‘International Mention’ (a note on your PhD certificate acknowledging the research period spent abroad) or to complete your thesis under joint supervision with a foreign university. There are two funding streams. The Santander stream pays a lump sum of 1,100 EUR per stay, with 62 funding places available. The Erasmus+ scheme pays a variable amount depending on the destination country and the duration of the stay, with up to 46 funding places and a total budget of approximately 109,000 EUR. Stays last between 2 and 12 months. For the ‘International Mention’, you must spend at least three months abroad. Joint supervision requires a stay of at least six months at each institution.

Who can apply

• Level: You are enrolled on an official PhD programme at the University of Córdoba.
• Where you go: Under the Santander programme, you can study at any university or research centre worldwide. The Erasmus+ programme applies to participating Erasmus+ countries.
• Field of study: Open to all disciplines.
• Nationality: Applicants of any nationality may apply, provided they are legally resident in Spain.
• Host confirmation: You have a confirmation of admission from the host institution and a study plan approved by your supervisor.
• Language: You must demonstrate a level of at least B1 in English or the language of the destination country.
• Research plan: The academic committee for your degree programme has approved your research project for the international award or joint supervision.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online via the university’s ‘Sede Electrónica’ (online administration portal) using a digital certificate, or by post with a confirmation email. The application deadline for the Santander Programme is 16. February and for the Erasmus+ programme on 6 March. The selection process will assess your grades, language skills, study plan and research achievements. For a general stay without a specific objective, only your grade point average will be taken into account.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding is available exclusively to PhD students who are already enrolled at the University of Córdoba, meaning that the pool of applicants is small from the outset. With over 100 scholarships available across the two funding areas, and priority given to cases involving joint supervision and an international focus, a well-prepared applicant has a strong chance of success. Make sure you secure a letter of acceptance from your host institution, an approved research plan and proof of language proficiency at an early stage, as the selection processes are highly competitive and places are limited.