The ICFO Student Research Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded research opportunity hosted by the Institute of Photonic Sciences in Barcelona, Spain. ICFO is one of the world’s leading research institutes in photonics, quantum technologies, and optical science, holding the prestigious Severo Ochoa Centres of Excellence accreditation from Spain’s Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. This fellowship gives outstanding students the chance to conduct real, hands-on research alongside some of the best scientists in the world, all in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.
This fellowship is designed for undergraduate and master’s students from any country who are currently enrolled in a relevant scientific or technological programme. Whether you want to complete a research project, a Bachelor’s thesis, or a Master’s thesis, ICFO offers a structured, mentored environment to help you do that at the highest level. Applications are accepted from students of all nationalities, making this a genuinely global opportunity.
This post covers everything you need to know before applying: eligibility requirements, eligible fields, financial benefits, required documents, how to apply step by step, and tips to strengthen your application. Read through every section so you are fully prepared when the next call opens.
Fellowship Overview
| Field | Information |
| Host Country | Spain (Barcelona) |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate and Master’s |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded Research Fellowship |
| Deadline | Varies by call (February and October each year) |
| Who Can Apply | Current undergraduate and master’s students of all nationalities |
| Benefits Summary | Monthly stipend, travel costs, lab access, mentorship |
ELIGIBILITY
To qualify for the ICFO Student Research Fellowship 2026, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Enrolment Status: You must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or master’s degree programme at a recognised university. You cannot apply if you have already graduated and are no longer a registered student.
- Field of Study: You must be studying in a relevant scientific or technological field. This includes physics, engineering, chemistry, mathematics, biology, and related disciplines. See the Eligible Fields of Study section for a full list.
- English Language: English is the working language at ICFO. You must have strong English communication skills to participate fully in research activities, meetings, and training programmes. No specific language test score is listed, but you should be comfortable working, reading, and presenting in English daily.
- Full-Time Commitment: You must be available to commit to your research stay on a full-time basis for the agreed duration. Part-time participation is not accepted.
- Fellowship Combination Restriction: You cannot hold another full fellowship simultaneously with this one. The only exception to this rule is an Erasmus grant, which is permitted alongside the ICFO fellowship.
- Nationality: There are no nationality restrictions. The fellowship is open to students from all countries worldwide.
- Work Experience: No specific work experience requirement is listed, but relevant research experience would strengthen your application.
ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES
The ICFO Student Research Fellowship is open to students of all nationalities from every country in the world. There are no country restrictions or bilateral agreement requirements.
Africa: All countries
Asia: All countries
Americas: All countries
Europe: All countries
Middle East: All countries
Oceania: All countries
ELIGIBLE FIELDS OF STUDY
The following disciplines are specifically listed as eligible for this fellowship:
- Physics
- Engineering (all branches relevant to photonics and optical science)
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Other related scientific and technological fields
If your discipline is not listed above but you believe it is relevant to photonics, quantum technologies, or optical science,
BENEFITS
The ICFO Student Research Fellowship provides a well-rounded support package that covers your finances, travel, and research environment. Here is what you receive:
- Monthly Stipend (Outside Catalonia): Students who do not currently reside in Catalonia receive EUR 600 per month for the duration of their fellowship.
- Monthly Stipend (Within Catalonia): Students already living in Catalonia receive EUR 300 per month. The lower amount reflects the fact that you are not relocating.
- Travel Cost Coverage: If you are coming from outside Barcelona, your travel costs to and from Barcelona are covered. This applies to non-local fellows who need to travel to reach the institute.
- Access to Advanced Laboratories: Fellows get full access to ICFO’s world-class research infrastructure and cutting-edge laboratory facilities throughout their stay.
- Mentorship from Research Group Leaders: Each fellow is supervised directly by a senior scientist or research group leader at ICFO, providing structured guidance throughout the project.
- Training Programmes: Fellows participate in training sessions and workshops focused on photonics research, helping you build both technical and professional skills during your stay.
- Flexible Duration and Start Date: The fellowship duration is up to 12 months, with a flexible start date depending on your research project and availability. A dedicated summer programme runs from June to September (3 months).
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Prepare the following documents before you begin your application. All submissions are made through the official ICFO online portal.
- Academic transcripts (official records from your current and previous institutions showing your grades and courses)
- CV or resume (up to date, showing your academic background, any research experience, and relevant skills)
- Motivation letter (explaining why you want to join ICFO, what you hope to achieve, and why you are a strong candidate)
- Research interests statement (describing your specific research interests and which ICFO research group or area you are interested in)
HOW TO APPLY
Follow these steps carefully to complete your application for the ICFO Student Research Fellowship 2026.
Step 1: Research ICFO and Its Research Groups Before applying, spend time on the ICFO website reading about the different research groups and their current projects. Identify which group or area aligns best with your academic background and research interests. Knowing this will make your application significantly stronger.
Step 2: Confirm the Current Application Call is Open ICFO accepts applications in two annual calls: one opening in February and one in October. Visit the official ICFO website to confirm whether a call is currently open or when the next one begins. Do not submit outside of an active call period.
Step 3: Check Your Eligibility Confirm that you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or master’s programme in a relevant field. Make sure you are available for a full-time research stay and that you do not hold another full fellowship (other than Erasmus) that would conflict with this one.
Step 4: Prepare Your Academic Transcripts Request official academic transcripts from your university registrar. These should show your grades, completed courses, and your current enrolment status. Allow time for your institution to process this request.
Step 5: Write Your Motivation Letter Draft a focused and specific Motivation Letter explaining why you want to work at ICFO, what draws you to photonics or the related field, and what you hope to contribute and take away. Be specific. Mention the ICFO research group you are most interested in joining.
Step 6: Write Your Research Interests Statement Prepare a clear Research Interests Statement describing your academic interests, any research you have already done, and the type of project you are hoping to work on at ICFO. This is separate from your Motivation Letter and should focus on your scientific direction.
Step 7: Update Your CV Make sure your CV is current. Include your academic qualifications, any research experience, laboratory skills, publications (if applicable), and any other relevant achievements. Highlight anything that demonstrates research potential and teamwork.
Step 8: Gather All Supporting Documents Collect every document listed in the Required Documents section above. Make sure everything is ready before you start the online application form. Incomplete submissions may not be considered.
Step 9: Submit Your Application Through the Official Portal Go to the official ICFO fellowship application portal and complete the online application form. Upload all required documents. Double-check every section before submitting.
Step 10: Monitor Your Email After Submission After submitting, watch your email closely for any communication from ICFO. If shortlisted, you may be invited to an interview or discussion with a research group leader. Respond promptly to any correspondence.
Step 11: Prepare for the Interview or Research Group Discussion If selected for the next stage, be ready to speak in depth about your research interests, your academic background, and why you want to work with a specific group at ICFO. Review your application materials and practise speaking about your work confidently in English.
KEY DATES AND TIMELINE
| Milestone | Date |
| Application Call 1 Opens | February (each year) |
| Application Call 2 Opens | October (each year) |
| Application Deadline | Varies by call |
| Administrative Eligibility Review | To be Determined |
| Shortlisting | To be Determined |
| Interview or Research Group Discussion | To be Determined |
| Final Fellowship Offer | To be Determined |
| Summer Programme Dates | June to September (3 months) |
| General Fellowship Duration | Up to 12 months (flexible start) |
APPLICATION DEADLINE
The ICFO Student Research Fellowship does not have a single fixed annual deadline. Applications are accepted during two annual calls: one in February and one in October. The exact closing date for each call is not publicly stated in advance and may vary.
Applications submitted outside of an active call period will NOT be accepted.
Check the official ICFO website regularly to catch the moment a new call opens. Do not wait until the final days of an open call to begin preparing your documents.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The ICFO Selection Committee evaluates all applications on the basis of merit and research potential. Here is what they look for:
Academic Performance: Your grades and academic record are the first thing reviewers assess. Strong performance in your current degree programme is essential.
Research Potential: Beyond grades, ICFO looks for evidence that you can think like a researcher. Relevant laboratory experience, research projects, or coursework in research methods will help demonstrate this.
Teamwork and Attitude: ICFO specifically lists teamwork and a proactive attitude as key criteria. Research at this level is collaborative. Reviewers want to see that you can work well with others and take initiative without being told what to do.
Alignment with ICFO Research Groups: Your research interests must align with the active work of at least one ICFO research group. Generic applications that do not demonstrate awareness of ICFO’s specific research areas are less competitive.
Quality of Application Documents: Your Motivation Letter and Research Interests Statement need to be well-written, specific, and focused. Vague or poorly organised documents reduce your chances significantly.
Interview Performance: If shortlisted, your conversation with a research group leader is a major factor in the final decision. How well you communicate your ideas and engage with the research topic matters.
IMPORTANT TIPS
- Research the ICFO groups before writing a single word. Go to the ICFO website and read about the research groups. Name the specific group you want to work with in your Motivation Letter and explain why. Generic applications do not stand out.
- Apply as early as possible within an open call. The call duration is not published in advance. Applying early gives you a buffer in case you need to correct or resubmit any documents.
- Treat the Motivation Letter and Research Interests Statement as two different documents. They serve different purposes. The Motivation Letter is about you and why ICFO. The Research Interests Statement is about your scientific direction and what you want to explore. Keep them distinct and focused.
- Highlight any hands-on research or laboratory experience in your CV, even if it was a small undergraduate project. ICFO values research potential, and concrete experience is one of the clearest ways to show it.
- Practise speaking about your research interests in English before any interview. ICFO works entirely in English. A confident, clear explanation of your work and interests will make a strong impression on the research group leader during the evaluation stage.
- If you are based in Catalonia, know that your stipend will be EUR 300 per month rather than EUR 600. Plan your budget accordingly before accepting any offer.
- Do not wait for travel costs to be an obstacle. For non-local fellows, travel to and from Barcelona is covered. However, confirm the reimbursement process and timing with ICFO so you are not left out of pocket at any point during your travel.
- Check whether you need a Spanish student or short-stay research visa well before your start date. Visa processing times vary by country and can take several weeks. Start that process as soon as you receive your fellowship offer.
- Subscribe to ICFO’s official website or follow their channels so you are notified when a new application call opens. Missing the announcement of an open call is the most common reason eligible students do not apply in time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I apply if I have already graduated and am no longer a student?
Is there an age limit for this fellowship?
Can I hold this fellowship at the same time as an Erasmus grant?
Do I need to speak Spanish to participate?
How long is the fellowship and when can it start?
What is the difference in stipend for students inside and outside Catalonia?
Can students from any country apply?
How often can I apply, and what if I miss a call?
OFFICIAL LINK
Apply through the official ICFO fellowship portal: https://www.icfo.eu
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