ICIQ Master Projects Fellowship Programme 2nd Call 2026 | Research-Based Master’s Opportunity in Spain with Monthly Stipend

If you are a recent graduate in chemistry or a closely related field and looking to combine a Master’s degree with hands-on research in a world-class laboratory — the applications are now open for the ICIQ Master Projects Fellowship Programme (2nd Call 2026). Offered by the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) , this programme gives talented students the opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree while working on cutting-edge research projects in Spain.

Hosted in collaboration with Universitat Rovira i Virgili, the fellowship is designed for students who want to develop advanced research skills in synthesis, catalysis, and molecular design within an international scientific environment.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Location: Spain

• Host Institution: Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia & Universitat Rovira i Virgili

• Study Level: Master’s

• Target Group: International students

• Fields of Study: Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, and related disciplines

• Programme Focus: Synthesis, Catalysis, Molecular Design, and advanced chemical research

• Value & Coverage: €750/month stipend (living support)

• Award Duration: Duration of the Master’s research project (typically one academic year)

• Application Deadline: 17 May 2026

• Start Date: October 2026

• Eligible To: Applicants of all nationalities with a relevant scientific background

📘 Programme Overview

The ICIQ Master Projects Fellowship Programme is a research-integrated Master’s pathway that combines academic coursework with direct involvement in scientific research.

Participants will:

• Enrol in a Master’s programme (primarily the URV/ICIQ Master in Synthesis, Catalysis and Molecular Design or related programmes)

• Join an ICIQ research group

• Work under the supervision of internationally recognized scientists

• Conduct an individual research project leading to a Master’s thesis

The programme is fully conducted in English and gives access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and a highly collaborative research environment.

✍🏻 Available Research Projects (Examples)

• Materials for Energy (Supervisor: Emilio Palomares)

• Triplet State Reactivity & Molecular Scaffolds (Supervisor: Ruben Martin)

• Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery via Single-Atom Skeletal Surgery (Supervisor: Marcos García Suero)

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

The programme offers several advantages for selected candidates:

• Monthly stipend of €750 to support living expenses

• Opportunity to work in a top-tier European research institute

• Supervision by internationally recognized scientists

• Access to advanced research infrastructure and laboratories

• Integration into a global scientific community

• Hands-on research experience that strengthens academic and career prospects

ℹ️ Note:

• Tuition fees for the Master’s programme are not covered

• The fellowship cannot be combined with other grants of the same purpose

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold (or be about to obtain) a Bachelor’s degree in:

  • Chemistry

  • Physics

  • Biochemistry

  • Chemical Engineering

  • Or closely related fields

• Demonstrate strong academic performance

• Provide proof of English proficiency:

  • Typically B2 level, IELTS 6, or equivalent

  • Native speakers or applicants from English-speaking countries may be exempt

• Show motivation and interest in chemistry research

Applications from unrelated academic backgrounds will not be considered.

💡Selection Criteria

Candidates will be evaluated based on:

• Academic performance and transcripts

• Curriculum Vitae and relevant experience

• English language proficiency

• Performance in the interview (for shortlisted candidates)

The selection process is merit-based and includes a final interview stage.

📝 Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted online through the official ICIQ application portal.

📁 Required Documents:

• Bachelor’s degree certificate

• Academic transcripts (including grading scale)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Proof of English proficiency

Additional requirements:

• Documents must be submitted in PDF format

• Translations are required if documents are not in English, Spanish, or Catalan

• Only one application per candidate is allowed

• Incomplete applications will not be considered

After submission, applicants will receive a confirmation email.

⏰ Selection Timeline

• Call Opens: 13 April 2026

• Application Deadline: 17 May 2026

• Results Announcement: June 2026

• Programme Start: October 2026

ℹ️ Additional Information

• Selected candidates must provide proof of enrolment in a Master’s programme

• A formal scholarship agreement will be signed with ICIQ

• The institute follows strict equal opportunity and non-discrimination policies

🔗 Details & Apply

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