Fulbright Scholar Award

All Discipline at Universidad Camilo José Cela in Madrid

Spain

Application Deadline
Monday, September 15, 2025
Award Code
261417-ES
Activity Type
Teaching/Research
A combination of teaching and research as described above. Refer to the award description for any specifications on percentages of time that should be devoted to teaching vs research.
Degree Requirements
Ph.D. (or other terminal degree) required
Career Profile
Early Career Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for no more than seven years.
Mid-Career Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for more than seven, and less than 13, years.
Senior Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for more than 13 years.

Number of recipients

Exactly
2
Award Start Period
September 2026 - October 2026 or February 2027 - March 2027
Award Length
4 months
Flex Option
No
Multi-Country/Area Award
No
Disciplines
Projects are sought in all disciplines
Scholars selected for this award will be required to
Conduct a research project designated by the host institution
Teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses designated by the host institution

In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities‎.

Award Activity

A) Teaching undergraduate-level courses (up to 70% of grant activity):

Teach courses already established at Universidad Camilo José Cela (UCJC). The Lecturer can choose to teach parts of courses within several UCJC Departments.

B) Research (30% of grant activity):

The Lecturer will have the opportunity to engage in research collaboration with UCJC professors. 

Locations Detail

Universidad Camilo José Cela (UCJC) is located in Madrid, where it operates across multiple campuses.

For reference, Degree programs are listed at the UCJC website, although academic departments will be able to provide ample information about the courses and research being conducted

Award Length and Period
  • The specific timing and duration of each award should be agreed upon between the candidate and the host research group, according to the necessities of both parties.
  • The award allows grant dates during Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 semesters.
Areas of Interest

Universidad Camilo José Cela is eager to host experts from a wide range of disciplines to contribute and enhance its academic offerings, particularly in the following two profiles; 

  1. Communication and creative design
  2. International Relations, Business and technological entrepreneurship

 1. Communication and creative design profile:

Instructors within this profile should possess:​

• Educational and professional background: Degrees in fields such as Communications, Animation, Game Arts, Interactive Media or related disciplines. Arobust teaching portfolio showcasing expertise in areas like 2D and 3D animation, digital illustration and multimedia storytelling, creative industries and audiovisual communication

  •  Coursework expertise: Capability to instruct subjects such as: 

    • Audiovisual and Photographic Language​

    • Artistic Design​

    • Fundamentals of Creativity and Marketing

    • Digital Illustration​

    • Audiovisual Narrative​

    • Oratory and Rhetoric

    • Analytics, Metrics and Social Networks

    • Design, Layout and Web Structure​

    • Creative Industries​

    • Design of Multiplatform Content​

    •  2D and 3D Computer Graphics​

    • Transmedia Storytelling​

    • Theory and Sociology of Communication

    • Emotional Team Management

    • Cybercommunication and Social Change

    • Public Opinion and Communication

2. International Relations, Business and technological entrepreneurship profile:

Faculty members in this category should have:​

  • Educational and professional background: Degrees in Business, Entrepreneurship, International Relations, Marketing or a closely related field. Preference for candidates holding an MBA or equivalent advanced degree

  • Coursework expertise: Ability to teach subjects such as:​

    • Economics and Entrepreneurship in Startups and Tech-Based Companies​​

    • Big Data and Open Data​

    • Fundamentals of Business Models​

    • Microeconomics, Macroeconomics​ and Political Economy

    • Globalization and the Internet in International Relations

    • Statistics​

    • Accounting and Programming​

    • Technological Innovation Projects​

    • Machine Learning​

    • Business Intelligence​

    • E-Business​

    • Design Thinking

    • Strategic Management and Digital Business​

    • Geopolitics and Geostrategy

    • Political Philosophy

    • Foreign Policy and Diplomacy

For further reference, please visit the related Department websites:

Special Features

Camilo José Cela University (UCJC)

Universidad Camilo José Cela is a private university founded in 2000 in Madrid, where it operates across multiple campuses. As part of the SEK Educational Institution, UCJC takes a multidisciplinary and innovative approach to higher education, with a strong emphasis on internationalization, research, and entrepreneurship. The university offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields such as social sciences, education, health, technology, and communications.

UCJC is a pioneering institution, the first university established in the 21st century in Spain. Its academic model is founded on innovation, internationality, and interdisciplinarity, fostering skills like entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and social commitment. UCJC offers a varied and dynamic learning community with over 51 nationalities and over 500 academics across its five schools: 

  • Communication and Design, Education, Health Sciences, Technology and Science, and Entrepreneurship, Business and Legal Sciences.

  • Department of Communication and Design: Focused on studies in communication and related humanistic disciplines

  • Department of Education: Dedicated to teacher training and educational sciences

  • Department of Health Sciences: Specializing in health-related programs and research

  • Higher Polytechnic School of Technology and Science: Offering programs in technological and scientific fields

  • Department of Entrepreneurship, Business, and Legal Sciences: Providing education in business administration, entrepreneurship, and legal studies

UCJC’s Madrid campuses (Certified B Corporation) and advanced learning environments, including the LearningLab and DesignLab, are complemented by our commitment to quality and internationalization, recognized by the QS Stars University Ranking.

SEK Education Group

SEK Education Group is a group of twelve international schools across Europe and the Middle East, and a university, Camilo José Cela University (UCJC), based in Madrid. The group also includes two foundations and is expanding.

SEK Education Group encompasses an educational community that fosters the development of skills that guarantee relevant, global, international and meaningful learning. The goal of this learning is to attain the full, all-round realisation of each of our students’ potential to tackle the challenges set by the 21st century.

Founded in 1892, SEK Education Group brings together leadership, teaching innovation and over 130 years of tradition and history. It has no religious or political affinity.

SEK International Schools cater to over 6000 students between the ages of 4 months to 18 years old from over 80 nationalities at their schools in Madrid, Barcelona, Almería, Pontevedra, Dublin (Ireland), Les Alpes (France), Doha (Qatar) and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia).

Camilo José Cela University was founded in the year 2000 as part of SEK Education Group, the hallmarks of its education model are innovation, interdisciplinarity and an international approach.

*Helpful links:

 

All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).

Citizenship/Residency Requirement
Applicants residing in the award country at the time of application or thereafter are not eligible to apply for this award.
Dual citizens of the award country are not eligible to apply for this award.
Permanent residents of the award country are not eligible to apply for this award.
Invitation Requirement
An invitation letter should not be sought.
Invitation Requirement Additional Information

Universidad Camilo José Cela welcomes scholars to seek more detailed information.

Eva Cano Fernández
Director 
International Relations and LanguageLab
ecano@ucjc.edu

Charlotte Canonne
Academic Coordinator
LanguageLab
charlotte.canonne@ucjc.edu 

Any additional link to Welcome/Incoming department:

LanguageLab: https://www.ucjc.edu/en/languagelab/ 

Academic Departments: 

Language Proficiency Requirements
None, English is sufficient
Additional Language Requirement
  • Classes will be taught in English and the Lecturer should expect students to complete all their written and oral assignments in that language.
  • Some proficiency in Spanish is recommended for daily life. Madrid, where the university is located, is a cosmopolitan city with a large international community. While many children and university students speak English, it is less commonly spoken among middle-aged and older individuals.
Additional Qualification Information
  • Associate or Full Professors and Assistant Professors with substantial teaching experience will be considered.
  • For professionals: candidates with wide and demonstrated experience in the discipline, and contact with teaching, education and/or outreach programs.

You may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the in-country selection process.

Award Allowances
  • €3,200 per month. This amount covers the monthly stipend, housing and living allowances.
  • The allowances will be paid by the Spanish Commission as a lump sum once the Grant is formalized (in Euros or in Dollars, at a conversion rate to be determined on April 15, 2026. View conversion rates).
Estimated Travel and Relocation Allowance for Grantee
  • Travel and relocation allowance for scholars: €1,300. Authorized dependents' travel allowance: €750 per person, for up to two dependents.

The allowances will be paid by the Spanish Commission as a lump sum once the Grant is formalized (in Euros or in Dollars, at a conversion rate to be determined on April 15, 2026. View conversion rates).

Estimated Book and Research Allowance

N/A

Do you offer additional dependent benefits
Yes
  • Scholars accompanied by dependents for at least 80 percent of the grant period will receive a monthly dependent allowance of €150 for one dependent or €300 for two or more dependents.
  • No tuition allowance will be provided. Both public and private schools in Spain have bilingual or English language instruction available. The Universidad Camilo José Cela offers logistical assistance in finding school(s) for dependent children, if necessary.

Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.

Estimated Cost of Living
Special Award Benefits

Universidad Camilo José Cela sponsors this award and, in addition to financial benefits, offers logistical assistance in finding housing and school(s) for dependent children, if necessary. A contact will be available to help the scholar adapt to the university.

The Scholar will be granted access to all digital resources available at UCJC. 

Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.

Spain

What is life like for Fulbrighters in your country?

To learn more about Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards in Spain, please view our archived webinar and slides to hear directly from the Fulbright Commission, IIE staff, and U.S. Scholar alums regarding award details, the scholar experience, and application guidance.

Summary

Contingent upon the availability of funds, up to 11 All Discipline awards for Postdoctoral Researchers and a variety of co-sponsored awards for Senior Research, Teaching, or Teaching/Research are available. The co-sponsored awards have unique scopes and features, and detailed information can be found in each individual award description.

The U.S.-Spain Fulbright Commission provides extensive support to selected candidates regarding administrative issues, such as the visa and documentation processes, and ample pre-departure and arrival information. However, assistance in establishing contacts at prospective host institutions cannot be provided.

Please note that candidates with dual U.S./Spanish citizenship or candidates who are residing in Spain at the time of application or anytime thereafter are not eligible for the Fulbright Program in Spain.

What is life like for Fulbrighters in Spain?

Although Spain may be known for its nice weather and beautiful beaches, there are many other reasons why Spain has long been held as one of the most desirable destinations for Fulbright grantees. Spain’s higher education and research institutions, technological advancement, cultural opportunities, and modern infrastructure add to the country’s appeal as one of the most popular tourist destinations. Additionally, Spain’s relatively low cost of living makes it very affordable when compared to most other countries in the EU.

According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Spain has the highest life expectancy out of all European Union member states, at just above 80 years, and it is the 8th safest country in which to live out of all OECD member states. In fact, 82% of Spanish citizens report that they feel safe walking alone at night (World Gallup Poll).

Spain is comprised of excellent public transportation networks throughout the country. With its metropolitan public transport systems, including metro networks, buses, and trains, it is very easy to get around cities, smaller towns, or even across the country.

If you plan to come to Spain with your family, you will love the child-friendly environment. Although the Commission cannot provide assistance with school placements, rest assured that there are many options for high-quality and bilingual education. In Spain, there are public schools, private schools (religious and international), and semi-private (concertados).

For more detailed information about Spain, please see the OECD's Spain profile.

General Information about Spanish Universities and Research in Spain

There are 76 universities in Spain, 20 of which are private. Spain's universities are increasingly focused on internationalization. By offering degree programs taught partially or entirely in English, they are attracting students from a wide variety of countries, providing viewpoints in studies and discussions that are often unique and enriching for U.S. Scholars. Depending on the award, Scholars will be afforded the opportunity to teach both undergraduate and/or graduate students and/or carry out research, and they are often invited to work with faculty on curriculum development. Research groups are usually multicultural, and English is the language predominantly used in lab settings.

The academic year in Spain broadly runs from September to June, with breaks during the Winter and Spring holidays (approximately December 22-January 6 and coinciding with the weeks surrounding and including Easter). Research activity continues in July, whereas August is a very quiet month, and many academic and research institutions are closed for all or part of the month.

Additionally, there are various national and public research institutions that, together with universities, form the basic core of the Spanish public system of scientific research and technological development in Spain. These include:

The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)

The Research Centre for Energy, Environment and Technology (CIEMAT)

The Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII)

The Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC)

The National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA).

Researchers are usually fluent in English, although there may be wide variation in students’ English proficiency. For day-to-day life, a working knowledge of Spanish is useful, especially in smaller cities and towns. Language proficiency should be commensurate with the project's scope. Please discuss this point with your host institution in advance.

The friendly and open nature of most Spaniards will help make it easy for you to engage in multidisciplinary research groups and collaborate with your host institution. Many former Fulbright Scholars to Spain maintain and nurture the mutual engagement and joint research they initiated with their Spanish hosts while they enjoyed their Fulbright grant.

Prospective applicants may contact the Spanish Fulbright Commission for further information at: informacion@fulbright.es or by visiting  https://fulbright.es/

Previous Fulbright Recipients

If you wish to hear from previous US Fulbright Scholars and Researchers about their experiences in Spain, check our Fulbright Spain- Alumni Voices reel here.

Enrichment activities: Depending on the grant dates, Scholars and Researchers are welcome to participate in enrichment activities. Research seminars are organized during the Fall and Spring semesters. For reference, please take a look at an overview of the 2023 Mediterranean Research Seminar organized in Alicante and watch the video testimonials from participants, as well as the recap video of the Crossing the Strait Seminar organized in Córdoba during the Spring of 2024. 

Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.