PhD Scholarships at Polytechnic University of Catalonia

The Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), located in Barcelona, Spain, offers a range of PhD scholarships designed to attract talented international students. With a strong emphasis on engineering, technology, and applied sciences, UPC provides opportunities in fields like agri-food technology, biotechnology, and environmental sciences. These scholarships support foreign students by covering tuition, living expenses, and research costs, fostering global collaboration. International applicants benefit from dedicated support services, including visa assistance and orientation programs. UPC’s PhD programs are research-oriented, allowing students to work on innovative projects with world-class faculty. Scholarships such as FI and FPU grants are available, often providing monthly stipends around 1,200-1,500 EUR (approximately 1,300-1,600 USD). The university welcomes applications from all countries, with streamlined processes for non-EU students to ensure accessibility and diversity in its doctoral community.

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Monthly Stipend	Eligibility Criteria	Application Process
Deadlines	Contacts	Official Website

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Introduction to PhD Scholarships at UPC

The Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) provides excellent opportunities for international students pursuing PhD degrees. With a focus on global accessibility, UPC offers scholarships that support foreign applicants through simplified admission processes, funding options, and dedicated international offices. Programs emphasize interdisciplinary research in areas like agri-food technology and sustainability, welcoming students from all countries to contribute to innovative projects.

Fields of Study

UPC offers PhD programs in various fields aligned with agricultural and environmental sciences, tailored for international students. These programs emphasize practical research and global collaboration, providing opportunities for foreign scholars to engage in cutting-edge studies.

Agricultural Sciences

UPC's PhD in Agricultural Sciences focuses on sustainable farming practices, soil management, and crop improvement. International students can participate in research at the School of Agri-Food and Biosystems Engineering, collaborating on projects that address global food security challenges.

Biotechnology

The Biotechnology PhD program at UPC explores genetic engineering, biofuels, and bioprocesses. Foreign students benefit from labs equipped for molecular biology research, with opportunities to work on international biotech initiatives.

Environmental Sciences

This field covers climate change mitigation, ecosystem management, and environmental modeling. UPC encourages international applicants to join research groups studying Mediterranean environments and global sustainability issues.

Food Sciences

PhD studies in Food Sciences at UPC delve into food processing, quality control, and nutrition. Global students can engage in projects enhancing food safety and innovation, supported by industry partnerships.

Plant Sciences

Focusing on plant physiology, genetics, and pathology, this program supports research in crop resilience. International PhD candidates contribute to studies on Mediterranean flora and sustainable agriculture.

Sustainable Development

UPC's Sustainable Development PhD integrates engineering with environmental policy. Foreign students explore urban sustainability, renewable resources, and global development strategies through interdisciplinary approaches.

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These fields are designed to accommodate international students, with English-taught options and support for non-EU applicants. UPC's research centers provide resources for global scholars to thrive in these areas.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for PhD scholarships at UPC requires meeting specific academic and administrative criteria. International students must hold a relevant master's degree and demonstrate research potential. Non-EU applicants need to comply with Spanish visa regulations.

Academic Qualifications

Applicants must possess a master's degree or equivalent in a related field, with a minimum GPA equivalent to 6.5/10 in the Spanish system. International degrees require homologation or declaration of equivalence from the Spanish Ministry of Education.

Admission to Doctoral Program

Candidates need acceptance into one of UPC's doctoral programs. This involves submitting academic transcripts, CV, and a letter of motivation. International students should verify program-specific entry requirements on the official site.

Supervisor Agreement

Prior to enrollment, applicants must secure agreement from a UPC faculty member to supervise their thesis. This is arranged through direct contact with potential supervisors via the university's research group directories.

Visa and Residency for Non-EU Students

Non-EU international applicants must obtain a student visa. This requires proof of admission, financial means, and health insurance. UPC's International Office assists with documentation.

Monthly Grant for PhD Students

UPC offers monthly stipends through scholarships like FI grants, typically around 1,200 EUR (about 1,300 USD) for the first two years, increasing to 1,500 EUR in later years. These are available to international students in funded positions, covering living expenses during research.

Annual Research Funding

Additional annual funding of up to 1,600 EUR is provided for conference travel, materials, and equipment in many PhD programs. International students can apply for project-specific budgets through UPC's research grants.

Application Process for PhD Scholarships

Applying for PhD scholarships involves a structured process emphasizing international accessibility. Foreign students receive guidance through UPC's online portal and international support services.

Choose a Doctoral Program: Select a suitable PhD program from the available options. Review details and requirements on the official admissions page here.
Contact Potential Supervisors: Identify and reach out to faculty members for supervision agreement. Use the research group directory available on the university website to find contacts.
Prepare Documentation: Gather academic transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and degree certificates. Non-EU applicants should prepare for degree equivalence declaration.
Submit Online Application: Complete the application via the online portal. Upload all required documents and pay any fees. Access the portal here.
Await Admission Decision: Applications are reviewed by the academic committee. Successful candidates receive an admission letter for visa purposes.

For assistance, contact the Doctoral School at [email protected]. Deadlines vary by program, typically September for fall intake. Check the official site for updates.

Application Deadlines

Current deadlines for PhD applications are typically from February to May for the September intake, and September to October for February intake. For 2025, the main deadline is May 31, 2025. International students should apply early for visa processing. Verify on the official website.

Official Website

For more information, please visit the official website: PhD Scholarships at Polytechnic University of Catalonia

Contact Information for PhD Admissions and Inquiries

For inquiries about PhD scholarships, reach out via email at [email protected] or call +34 93 401 62 00.

Physical Address:
Jordi Girona, 31
08034 Barcelona
Spain

Additional Information

International Student Services

UPC offers comprehensive support for foreign students, including welcome sessions, Spanish language courses, and housing assistance. The International Mobility Office helps with visas and integration. Visit International Services for details.

Career Prospects

Graduates secure positions in academia, industry, and research institutions globally. UPC's network provides internships and job placements in agri-food and tech sectors. Explore career services at Career Portal.

Resource Links

Access PhD regulations here. For funding, check Research Funding. International scholarships info available here.

PhD scholarship programs and External Funding Opportunities for PhD Scholarships in Agriculture Polytechnic University of Catalonia

FI Scholarships

These are UPC-specific grants for PhD students in agriculture-related fields. Eligibility: Open to all nationalities with a master's degree. Funding: Monthly stipend of 1,200 EUR plus tuition. Deadline: June 2025. Apply via FI Application.

Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions

External EU funding for international PhD researchers in biotech and sustainability. Eligibility: Non-EU students welcome. Funding: Up to 3,000 EUR/month plus mobility allowance. Deadline: September 2025. Details at MSCA Site, with UPC partnerships.

Contact: [email protected]

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