Universidad Pontificia Comillas PhD Scholarships 2026 in Spain | Fully Funded

Universidad Pontificia Comillas PhD Scholarships 2026 offer an exceptional fully funded opportunity for international students aiming to pursue advanced doctoral studies in Spain. These competitive scholarships, provided by the School of Economics and Business, support four years of intensive research in high-impact areas such as economics, digital transformation, sustainability, and social development. Designed to nurture innovative thinkers, the program helps scholars contribute to global academic progress while gaining experience in a dynamic research environment.

Located in the heart of Madrid, Universidad Pontificia Comillas is a renowned private institution recognized for academic excellence, international collaboration, and strong ethical values. Founded in 1890 and operated by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), Comillas maintains prestigious accreditations—including AACSB—and partners with leading universities like Georgetown University, Boston College, and Fordham University. With its commitment to cutting-edge research, global outreach, and high-quality education across disciplines such as business, engineering, economics, and social sciences, Comillas provides an outstanding platform for doctoral students seeking a world-class academic experience in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.

Benefits

The PhD Scholarships at Comillas University provide extensive financial and academic support:

• Annual salary: €23,463.30 gross per year
• Tuition fee waiver: 90% exemption
• Health insurance via the Spanish health system
• Laptop and office space provided
• Subsidized canteen and gym access
• Funding for conferences, data collection, and research stays abroad
• Full-time employment contract (37.5 hours/week) for 4 years

In addition, scholars gain access to top-tier academic networks, including University of Deusto and Ramon Llull University, and collaborations with Georgetown University, Boston College, and Fordham University.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Comillas PhD Scholarships 2026 candidates must meet the following requirements:

Academic Qualifications:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree (BA/BSc) and a Master’s degree (MA/MSc or MRes).
• Must have completed at least 300 ECTS credits in total.

Language Proficiency:

• Demonstrate English proficiency at C1 level (Effective Operational Proficiency).
• Spanish language is optional but beneficial.

Academic Excellence:

• Provide excellent undergraduate and postgraduate transcripts.

Research Proposal:

• Submit an independently written research proposal relevant to one of the listed research lines.
• Proposals generated using AI tools are not accepted.

Available Subjects

Applicants can apply for one of the following research lines:

• Continuous Improvement in Human Resources
• Finance and Commodity Markets (co-supervised by University of Strathclyde)
• Digital Economy
• Circular Economy and Energy
• Banking Regulation
• Spirituality, Human–Animal Relations, and Social Change (co-supervised by Manchester Metropolitan University)

Each research area encourages the development of advanced academic and professional research skills in collaboration with international experts.

How to Apply?

• First, visit the official Comillas website and read the full scholarship details to confirm that your academic background and research goals fit the program.
• Prepare all required documents, including your updated CV, academic transcripts, a motivation letter, and any research materials requested in the guidelines.
• Go to the online application portal provided on the official scholarship page.
• Fill out the application form carefully, making sure all information is accurate and complete.
• Upload all required documents in the correct format.
• Review your entire application one more time before submitting it.
• Submit your application before the deadline and check your email regularly for any updates or further instructions from the university.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Universidad Pontificia Comillas PhD Scholarships 2026 provide fully-funded doctoral research opportunities in Madrid, open to international candidates with Master’s degrees. The programme emphasises fields such as innovation, competitiveness and engineering modelling, offers salary contracts, extensive training resources and access to top-tier research infrastructure.