ICFO DigiQ Student Research Fellowships Program 2025-2026

If you are a master’s student enrolled in a DigiQ partner or affiliated institution, passionate about quantum science and technology, this is your chance: the DigiQ Student Research Fellowships at ICFO offer you the opportunity to undertake a research stay (an internship or master's thesis project) in a leading quantum research environment in Spain. This fellowship provides not just funding, but access to high-level training, top-tier facilities, interdisciplinary exposure, and strong administrative and technical support—the ideal boost to your academic and professional journey.

📚 Fellowship Summary

• Location: ICFO ‒ The Institute of Photonic Sciences, Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain

• Host Institution: ICFO, working through its Research Groups in Quantum Science & Technologies and related fields; under the broader DigiQ initiative (“Digitally Enhanced Quantum Technology Master”)

• Level: Master’s students (for master’s thesis or internship research stays)

• Target Group: Students enrolled in DigiQ partner or affiliated institutions; outstanding academic merit; committed to the quantum technology field

• Fields of Focus: Quantum science & technology; any related branch within ICFO’s research groups (Quantum Optics, Quantum Information, Photonics, etc.)

• Award Value & Coverage:

  ‒ Monthly stipend: ~ €300/month (for students whose home institution is in Catalonia)

  ‒ Monthly stipend: ~ €600/month (for students whose home institution is outside Catalonia)

  ‒ Travel expenses eligible to and from Catalonia are covered in many calls.

• Duration: Flexible, depending on the project; research stays up to ~12 months, or matching the time needed for thesis/internship.

• Application Deadline & Timeline: Specific deadline varies with each fellowship call—check ICFO’s “jobs & fellowship openings” page; these calls tend to open ahead of academic semesters. (Exact 2025-26 DigiQ call deadline not clearly stated in sources I found.)

🌍 Fellowship Overview

The DigiQ Student Research Fellowships are part of a larger European education and mobility project aiming to strengthen quantum technology education by facilitating student mobility and hands-on research.

Selected fellows will:

• Join ICFO research groups and benefit from its scientific life—access labs, mentorship, collaboration with faculty and researchers.

• Work on industrial or academic projects aligned with their master’s thesis or as internships.

• Receive technical/administrative support from ICFO (e.g. help with logistics, matching with a group, etc.).

• Expand their network in Europe’s quantum ecosystem and gain credentials that strengthen future opportunities.

🎁 Benefits

• Financial support via a monthly stipend (€300 or €600 depending on domicile vs non-Catalonia) for full-time stay.

• Travel expenses to/from Catalonia, when eligible.

• Access to ICFO's cutting-edge labs and research groups.

• Supervision and mentorship by leading quantum science researchers.

• High-quality training environment, both in research and in transferable skills.

• Possible compatibility with Erasmus+ or other student mobility funding schemes.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants should typically satisfy:

• Be enrolled in a master’s program in a DigiQ partner or affiliated institution (or commit to joining the DigiQ network if required).

• Demonstrate strong academic record and potential; evidence of interest in quantum science & technology.

• Be able to commit to a full-time research stay / thesis / internship at ICFO for the duration agreed.

• English language proficiency (academic level).

• If their home institution is in Catalonia vs outside Catalonia, that affects stipend level; the student must declare the correct status.

• Be eligible for travel and meet any visa or residency requirements relevant for Spain.

📝 Application Procedure

• Online Application: Apply by filling the online application form

• Application Materials Typically Include:

  ‒ CV (academic, including prior research experience)

  ‒ Academic transcripts and proof of enrolment in master’s program

  ‒ Research proposal or description of the thesis/internship topic, or choices of ICFO Research Groups of interest

  ‒ Motivation / cover letter (why this opportunity; how it fits your academic & career goals)

  ‒ Possibly letters of recommendation (depending on call)

  ‒ Proof of English proficiency (if required)

• Matching with ICFO Research Group: Once shortlisted, applicants often discuss directly with one or more ICFO Group Leaders to find a suitable project.

• Formal Agreements: A training or internship agreement, or equivalent document, needs to be in place between home institution and ICFO before the stay begins.

ℹ️ Extra Useful Information

• The stipend amounts cited are “gross” amounts; taxes or deductions may apply depending on Spanish laws and individual status.

• The duration and terms of research stay are flexible but dependent on both the student’s thesis requirements and ICFO group availability.

• Students from Catalonia get lower stipend compared to those from outside (due to living cost / regional differences).

• ICFO offers several overlapping programs — make sure to check compatibility and any overlaps (some fellowships are not combinable).

🚀 Final Thoughts

The ICFO DigiQ Student Research Fellowships 2025-2026 represent an outstanding opportunity for master’s students in the quantum field to gain hands-on research experience in one of Europe’s top institutes. If you’ve been looking for that chance to work in a world-class lab, network, and grow your skills in quantum technologies, this fellowship could be transformative.

Make sure to watch for the call opening, prepare your documents early, contact potential group leaders, and apply as soon as the call is live.

Details & Apply

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