Spain ICFO DigiQ Student Research Fellowships Program 2026
The DigiQ Student Research Fellowships Program 2026 offers outstanding master’s students the opportunity to undertake a research stay or master’s thesis project at ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences in Barcelona, Spain. As part of the Digitally Enhanced Quantum Technology Master (DigiQ) initiative, this fellowship supports Europe’s largest quantum education program and fosters the growth of future leaders in Quantum Science and Technologies (QST).
Degree Level
The fellowship is available for students currently enrolled in a Master’s degree program at a DigiQ partner or affiliated institution.
Available Subjects
The DigiQ Student Research Fellowships at ICFO are linked to Quantum Science and Technologies (QST). Since ICFO (Institute of Photonic Sciences) hosts multiple research groups, the subjects covered under this fellowship include:
- Quantum Optics and Quantum Information
- Quantum Communications and Cryptography
- Quantum Sensing and Metrology
- Quantum Simulation and Computation
- Nanophotonics and Quantum Nanotechnology
- Ultrafast Optics and Atto-Science
- Light-Matter Interaction
- Condensed Matter and Quantum Materials
- Biophotonics and Biomedical Optics
- Theoretical Quantum Physics
In short, the fellowship is for Master’s students in Physics, Quantum Engineering, Photonics, Nanotechnology, or related fields who want to do research in quantum science, photonics, and cutting-edge technology applications.
Benefits
- Fellowship duration: Up to 12 months.
- Monthly stipend:
- €300 gross/month if the home institution is in Catalonia.
- €600 gross/month if the home institution is outside Catalonia.
- Travel expenses to Catalonia covered.
- Compatibility with Erasmus+ and CQA Student Mobility Fellowships.
- Access to ICFO’s cutting-edge facilities, interdisciplinary environment, and training.
- Opportunity to collaborate with world-class Quantum Technology research groups.
Eligible Nationalities
The program is open to all nationalities, provided candidates are enrolled in a DigiQ partner university or affiliated institution. ICFO promotes diversity and inclusion, with no restrictions on gender, citizenship, or disability.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be enrolled in a Master’s program at a DigiQ partner or affiliated institution.
- Must be a participant or committed to joining the DigiQ network.
- High working proficiency in English.
- Selection is based on academic merit, achievements, motivation, teamwork, and proactive involvement in academic or community activities.
Application Procedure
The application involves two main steps:
1. Submission of Documents
Applicants must submit the following (in English):
- Cover/presentation letter specifying: preferred ICFO QST research group, intended duration (start & end dates), description of participation in DigiQ, and career benefits of the stay.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Academic transcripts (undergraduate and postgraduate, if applicable).
- Contact details of one referee.
2. Review and Selection
- Applications reviewed for eligibility.
- Eligible candidates evaluated and ranked by a selection committee.
- Shortlisted candidates interviewed (online or in person) with ICFO group leaders.
- Official fellowship offer sent upon successful match.
Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis until positions are filled. Results are communicated within 2 months of submission.
The DigiQ Student Research Fellowships Program 2025 at ICFO is a prestigious opportunity for master’s students in quantum sciences to gain hands-on research experience in one of Europe’s leading quantum institutes. With financial support, international exposure, and access to cutting-edge research groups, this fellowship opens pathways for careers in Quantum Technology and beyond.
