INPhINIT 'la Caixa' Doctoral Fellowships Programme

What you get

You get a full PhD salary of 35,800 EUR per year for up to 4 years, paid through a proper employment contract at your research centre in Spain or Portugal. On top of the salary you receive 3,500 EUR per year for project costs such as conferences, courses, research stays, consumables and equipment. Your doctoral tuition fees are also covered. You join a training programme with in-person sessions on scientific communication, wellbeing and career development. You can be assigned a mentor (an experienced researcher who helps you settle in), and you gain access to the global 'la Caixa' fellows network. The 'la Caixa' Foundation awards 30 of these Incoming fellowships each year.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are starting your first PhD. You must not have begun any doctoral studies yet, and you cannot use this for a second doctorate.
• Field of study: STEM subjects only: technology, engineering, physics, chemistry, mathematics, and health and life sciences.
• Where you study: You do your PhD at an accredited top research centre in Spain or Portugal. Examples: centres with the Severo Ochoa or Maria de Maeztu seal, the Carlos III Health Institute, or Portuguese units rated 'excellent'.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• Where you have lived: In the 3 years before the deadline, you must not have lived or worked in the destination country (Spain or Portugal) for more than 12 months.
• Research experience: You have no more than 4 years of full-time research experience, counted from when you finished the degree that lets you start a doctorate.
• English: You can prove your English level with a recognised certificate.
• No other funding: You cannot combine this with another salary, scholarship or grant. You also cannot apply to more than one 'la Caixa' programme at the same time.

How to apply

You apply through the 'la Caixa' Foundation fellowships online platform. You do not need to be accepted by a research centre first. External experts review your CV, research plan and reference letters. Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview before a selection committee. The 2026 Incoming round closed on 28 January 2026. On the platform you can ask to be notified when the next call opens.

How realistic are your chances?

This is one of Europe's best-known doctoral programmes, with only 30 Incoming places a year and strong international competition. The residence rule and STEM-only focus narrow the field. If you clearly fit those conditions and can present an excellent CV and research plan, you have a real shot. Selection weighs your academic record, motivation and interview heavily, so a well-prepared, original application makes the difference.