Spain · Spain
Overview
FPI predoctoral contracts are linked to a specific research project funded by Spain’s State Research Agency (AEI) under the State Plan. Each call lists the projects with a predoctoral place; you apply for the project you want, and the contract lets you do your PhD within that team.
Example: Universidad Politécnica de Madrid’s FPI-UPM call offered 26 contracts for 4 years at €31,000 gross per year (including employer social security), plus €7,000 for research stays and doctoral fees. Calls open for about 15 working days, so watch the AEI site and the research offices of Spanish universities.
Who can apply
Holders of a degree giving access to doctoral studies (300 ECTS, or bachelor's + master's), admitted to a doctoral programme. No nationality requirement in the UPM call. Not for those with a doctorate or a previous predoctoral contract over 12 months.
- Eligible nationalities
- All nationalities
- Academic stage
- Master's, PhD
Mandatory conditions
- Each contract is tied to one listed research project — apply for a specific project.
- You must be admitted to the university's doctoral programme.
Funding package
≈€31,000 gross per year (UPM example)
Example UPM: €31,000 gross/year salary, €7,000 for research stays and tuition, €800/year end-of-contract compensation.
- Tuition covered
- Stipend or salary covered
- Travel not stated
- Accommodation not stated
- Health insurance not stated
Application dates
- Deadline
- To be confirmed Deadline to be confirmed
- Duration
- 4 years
Verification
- Status
- Verified against the official source
- Official source
- www.upm.es
- Last checked
- 18 Oct 2026
- Listing updated
- 18 Oct 2026
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