Start your study and research adventure in Spain. Great news for international students and early-career researchers applications for the ICFO Fellowship 2025–2026 are now open. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the ICFO Fellowship, its benefits, eligibility criteria, research fields, and step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
About the ICFO Fellowship
The ICFO Fellowship Program is a prestigious, fully funded research opportunity offered by ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences in Spain. This program supports undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral students from around the world.
ICFO's mission is to train the next generation of scientists by offering early access to cutting-edge research in photonics, quantum optics, biophysics, nanophotonics, and other emerging fields.
The program was created under the “Severo Ochoa Centres of Excellence” initiative, awarded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness to promote top-tier scientific research in Spain.
Why Choose the ICFO Fellowship?
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Fully funded opportunity in a world-renowned research institute
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Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and mentorship
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Located in Barcelona, Spain—a global hub for science and innovation
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Designed for top-performing students and researchers worldwide
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Early hands-on exposure to frontline scientific research
ICFO Fellowship 2025–2026 Overview
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Host Institution: ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences
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Location: Barcelona, Spain
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Level of Study: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, and Postdoctoral
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Funding Type: Fully Funded
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Application Deadline: Varies (check ICFO official website for updates)
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Eligible Nationalities: Open to all international applicants
Research Areas Covered by the ICFO Fellowship
Participants can engage in research across multiple interdisciplinary fields, including:
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Biophysics and Biomedical Optics
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Optical Sensing, Optoelectronics, and Photovoltaics
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Nonlinear Optics, Ultrafast Optics, and Atto-Physics
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Nanophotonics, Optomechanics, and Nanomechanics
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Experimental Quantum Optics and Quantum Information
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Theoretical Nanophotonics, Quantum Optics, and Quantum Information
ICFO Fellowship Benefits
The ICFO Fellowship provides comprehensive financial support depending on the applicant’s academic level and location.
For Undergraduate and Master’s Students:
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Monthly stipend of €300 (for students residing in Catalunya)
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Monthly stipend of €600 (for students from outside Catalunya)
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Coverage of eligible travel expenses
For PhD and Postdoctoral Researchers:
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Fully funded research contracts and competitive salaries, details available on the ICFO careers page.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Language Requirement: Proficiency in English
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Nationality: Open to all countries
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Academic Status: Candidates must be enrolled in an undergraduate or master’s program at the time of the internship. Fields of study may include physics, engineering, chemistry, mathematics, biology, and related disciplines.
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Merit-Based Selection: Selection is based on academic excellence, personal achievements, motivation, and potential for future research.
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Equal Opportunity: ICFO is an inclusive institution and encourages applications from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, nationality, or disability.
How to Apply for the ICFO Fellowship
Follow these steps to complete your application:
1. Online Registration
Go to the ICFO careers page and click on “Apply To This Opening.” Submit your basic information to initiate the application. You will receive an email with a personal application link.
2. Complete Application Form
Follow the link provided in your email and fill in all required details. Upload your academic records, curriculum vitae, a statement of purpose, and any other required documents in PDF format. You will also be asked to list referees.
3. Submit Your Application
Once your application is complete and all documents are uploaded, submit your application. You will receive a confirmation email along with a reference number for tracking purposes.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed based on academic merit, motivation, research potential, and alignment with ICFO’s research goals. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for virtual interviews or additional assessments. Final selection is highly competitive.
About ICFO: The Institute of Photonic Sciences
ICFO is a globally recognized research center located in Barcelona, Spain. It is dedicated to advancing the science of light and its applications across disciplines such as medicine, energy, security, and telecommunications. ICFO hosts researchers from over 60 nationalities and fosters a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment.
Official Website
For the most up-to-date information and to start your application, please visit the official ICFO Fellowship webpage:
Visit ICFO Fellowship Official Website
Conclusion
The ICFO Fellowship 2025–2026 is an excellent opportunity for international students and researchers to gain valuable experience at one of the leading scientific institutions in Europe. Whether you’re looking to complete your undergraduate thesis, advance your master’s research, or engage in postdoctoral projects, ICFO offers the resources, mentorship, and environment to accelerate your scientific career.
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