Marine Sciences at the Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

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.