All Disciplines (Postdoctoral Research)
Spain
Number of recipients
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.
Immerse yourself in Spain’s vibrant academic and research landscape by conducting groundbreaking research and collaborating with colleagues at leading Spanish universities and research institutions.
As a Fulbright scholar, you’ll have the chance to make a meaningful impact through a range of activities, such as delivering lectures, hosting seminars, and facilitating workshops. These events should be coordinated by your host institution or the U.S.-Spain Fulbright Commission, ensuring a rewarding and enriching experience.
This is your opportunity to contribute to global academic exchange and innovation, gain invaluable international research experience, and build lasting connections in one of Europe’s most dynamic and culturally rich countries.
Discover a diverse array of research centers and universities throughout Spain by exploring the following links:
These lists are not exhaustive. Other institutions which are not listed may also be considered as potential hosts.
Spanish universities, institutions of higher education, and research centers.
- RUCT (Register of Universities, Centres and Qualifications) – official database of Spanish universities.
- CSIC (National Research Council) – Spain’s leading public research institution.
- Innovation Centers Map – overview of regional research and innovation hubs.
- Ministry of Culture – Film and Audiovisual Directory – including academies and institutions.
Four to nine months
Grants may begin any time after August 2027, and they should conclude by the end of July 2028. Justified requests for different grant dates will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Applicants must arrange affiliation in Spain and submit letters of invitation indicating the name and position of the research adviser with whom the scholar will collaborate and the availability of research resources. The letter is required to be signed by the research adviser.
The U.S.-Spain Fulbright Commission provides wide support to selected candidates regarding administrative issues such as the visa process, and ample pre-departure and arrival information. However, it cannot assist in establishing contacts at prospective host institutions.
Spanish language proficiency (or proficiency in one of the other three co-official languages: Catalan, Euskera, or Galician) is not required unless necessary to complete the research or teaching project. Applicants must discuss this point with their host institution beforehand. Applicants for whose project language proficiency is necessary must address this in the project statement.
Researchers and faculty are usually fluent in English, although there are wide differences in the students' English proficiency. For day-to-day life, some knowledge of Spanish and/or the other co-official languages is useful, especially in smaller cities and towns.
Intended for scholars who have received their Ph.D. or terminal degree within the last seven years or who have comparable professional qualifications. Ph.D. candidates must receive the terminal degree no later than June 30, 2027 and should include a letter from their thesis adviser confirming their status.
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.
You may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the in-country selection process.
€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, 2027. View conversion rates).
Travel and relocation allowance for scholars: €1,300.
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, 2027. View conversion rates).
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.
Authorized dependents' travel allowance: €750 per person, for up to two dependents.
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.
Living costs vary considerably according to the geographical region. For more information about the estimated cost of living in each region of Spain, see this link.
Depending on their grant dates, scholars in Spain will have the opportunity to benefit from a variety of additional opportunities provided by the Commission, such as a three-day Fulbright Orientation program that takes place in Madrid in mid-September; as well as three-day research seminars held in November and April. For reference, please check out the Mediterranean Research Seminar celebrated in November 2023 and the Crossing the Straight Seminar, held in Córdoba.
Scholars are provided with a small travel allowance and accommodation to attend these events. Fulbright Scholars can join the Spanish Fulbright Alumni Network, the Spanish Fulbright Association, and the Fulbrighter networking platform, which enable grantees to connect, network, engage, and collaborate with Fulbright alumni and grantees around the world.
During their grant period, Fulbright Scholars in Europe have the opportunity to apply for a travel grant to support short-term (up to one week) travel to other countries in the EUR region for activities such as lectures, workshops, graduate or faculty seminars, master classes or recitals, curricular advising or panel presentations. Scholars may pursue invitations for short-term activities in other European countries once notified that they have been selected for a Fulbright grant. However, Scholars may only apply for the European inter-country travel grant funds when in Spain and during their Fulbright grant period.
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.
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
To learn more about Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards in Spain, please view our archived webinar and slides, where you can hear directly from the Fulbright Commission, IIE staff, and U.S. Scholar alumni about 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 offered each year. Each co-sponsored award has a unique scope and features, and detailed information is available within each individual award description.
The U.S.–Spain Fulbright Commission provides extensive support to selected candidates on administrative matters, including visa and documentation processes, as well as comprehensive pre-departure and arrival information. However, the Commission cannot assist with establishing contacts at prospective host institutions.
Please note that candidates with dual U.S./Spanish citizenship, or those residing in Spain at the time of application or at any point thereafter, are not eligible for the Fulbright Program in Spain.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in Spain?
Spain is known not only for its pleasant climate and beautiful beaches but also for many other qualities that make it one of the most attractive destinations for Fulbright grantees. Its higher education and research institutions, technological advancement, cultural richness, and modern infrastructure all contribute to its appeal. 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 among EU member states—just above 80 years—and ranks as the 8th safest country among all OECD members. Notably, 82% of Spanish citizens report feeling safe walking alone at night (World Gallup Poll).
Spain boasts an extensive public transportation network, including metro systems, buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate its cities, towns, and regions.
For those arriving with families, Spain offers a child-friendly environment and a wide range of high-quality educational options. While the Commission cannot assist with school placement, families will find public schools, private religious and international schools, and semi-private (concertado) institutions, many of which offer bilingual education.
For more detailed information about Spain, please see the OECD's Spain profile.
General Information about Spanish Universities and Research
Spain has 76 universities, including 20 private institutions, and is increasingly focused on internationalization. Many universities now offer degree programs taught partially or entirely in English, attracting students from diverse backgrounds and enriching the academic environment for U.S. Scholars. Depending on the award, Scholars may teach undergraduate and/or graduate students, conduct research, and collaborate with faculty on curriculum development. Research groups tend to be multicultural, and English is commonly used in laboratory settings.
The academic year typically runs from September to June, with breaks during the winter and spring holidays (approximately December 22–January 6 and around Easter). Research activity continues in July, while August is generally a very quiet month when many academic and research institutions close fully or partially.
Spain’s public research infrastructure includes a number of national research institutions that complement its universities. 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 in Spain are generally fluent in English, though student proficiency may vary. For daily life, a working knowledge of Spanish is helpful, especially outside large cities. Language proficiency should align with your project’s needs, and this should be discussed with your host institution.
The friendly and open nature of most Spaniards makes it easy to integrate into multidisciplinary research groups and collaborate effectively with host institutions. Many former Fulbright Scholars continue to maintain professional connections and joint research initiatives with their Spanish hosts long after their grants conclude.
Prospective applicants may contact the Spanish Fulbright Commission for further information at informacion@fulbright.es or by visiting https://fulbright.es.
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.