The Spanish State Research Agency (AEI) has opened the 2026 call for Training of University Academic Staff (FPU) grants, one of Spain’s flagship programmes for doctoral training and the development of future academic talent.
A new stage for doctoral research training in Spain
The FPU programme supports early-stage researchers through predoctoral employment contracts that combine doctoral research with university teaching training. The 2026 call marks a significant milestone, as responsibility for the programme has been transferred to the AEI, bringing updated application procedures and evaluation criteria.
The programme aims to train future doctors and university lecturers by funding predoctoral contracts that enable researchers to undertake a doctoral thesis while developing teaching competences for a career in higher education.
What is funded
FPU grants finance:
- Predoctoral employment contracts.
- Doctoral research leading to the completion of a PhD thesis.
- University teaching training activities.
- Doctoral enrolment fees.
- Research stays in other research organisations.
- A postdoctoral orientation period of up to 12 months within the four-year funding period, once the PhD has been awarded.
Each grant provides funding for up to four years, with a total value of approximately €143,350 per award. This amount covers salary costs, employer social security contributions, doctoral enrolment fees, research stays, and end-of-contract compensation.
Beneficiaries receive a gross annual salary of approximately €23,000–25,000, providing stable employment conditions while they develop their doctoral research and academic careers.
New application model
Under the new procedure, the host research organisation submits the application. Prospective applicants must therefore identify a supervisor and host research group and coordinate closely with the institution before the submission deadline.
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Academic record and achievements (up to 75 points).
- Scientific and technical quality of the host research environment and thesis supervisor (up to 25 points).
This approach emphasises both the excellence of the candidate and the quality of the research environment in which the doctoral project will be developed.
Key dates
- 20 October 2026: Call opening.
- 12 November 2026, 14:00 CET: Deadline for candidates to complete and close their application form.
- 20 November 2026, 14:00 CET: Deadline for host institutions to submit the final application.
Candidates are encouraged to contact potential host institutions well in advance of the deadlines.
EURAXESS Spain: supporting international doctoral talent
For researchers considering Spain as a destination for doctoral training, access to practical information and support is essential.
Coordinated by FECYT (Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology), EURAXESS Spain brings together a network of 118 centres across the country, providing assistance to internationally mobile researchers and research organisations.
The network supports researchers with issues such as entry and residence procedures, working and living conditions, mobility, integration, and career development. It also assists universities and research organisations in attracting, welcoming, and retaining international talent.
Together, doctoral funding opportunities such as the FPU programme and the services provided by EURAXESS Spain contribute to creating an attractive and supportive environment for early-stage research careers in Spain.