Study PhD in Spain: Universities & Funding Options

Spain is a country located in Southwestern Europe. Spain is known for its exceptional towns, unique food, and wine, learning atmosphere for its students and various educational opportunities, etc. Spanish Universities are slowly but steadily improving their already superb quality of education. Spain has some very good Universities known for overall learning and always competing with other famous Universities. Spain is one of the renowned countries where you can study abroad while also receiving modern practical education. It is home to some very prestigious Universities such as the University of Barcelona, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Complutense University of Madrid, University of Navarra, etc. All these factors contributed to Spain becoming a much anticipated upcoming study abroad destination.

A Ph.D. is a postgraduate doctoral degree, awarded to a student who completes his/her original thesis offering a significant new contribution to the knowledge in their respective subject. Ph.D. qualifications are available in all subjects and this doctoral degree is normally one of the highest levels of academic achievement a person can be awarded. This doctoral degree is a very popular choice for further studies among postgraduates all over the world. The doctoral degree in Spain enjoys an outstanding reputation for said degree and offers a variety of subjects to pick from for one’s Ph.D. Some of the best courses offered here are Gastronomy, Culinary Science, Law, Music, Business Research, etc. One is introduced to the Spanish customs and culture making them fall in love with this country and its people.

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Spain is focussing on its education sector tremendously. Educational institutions in Spain focus mainly on vocabulary, deep understanding of the subject, overall personality, physical health, etc. Universities make sure that their students also have good social skills which help them in the future. To be awarded a Ph.D., one is encouraged to have a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree relevant to the candidate’s research field, other equivalent degrees can also be accepted provided they correspond to at least 300 ECTS credits overall. Other qualifications will need to be recognized by the Spanish National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) or at the Spanish Embassy or Consulate. Most doctoral programs in Spain charge traditional tuition fees to students pursuing a Ph.D., the structure of these fees can differ if one opts for a private University but on average a regular fee is of 1,500 to 2,500 pounds per year. The fees remain the same for the national as well as international students, students can also apply for different grants such as The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation(AECID) which offers grants and assistantships in the fields of Development Cooperation, Arts, Education and Culture, Fundacion Carolina which provides doctorate scholarships at Spanish and Latin American universities, The Spanish Ministry and the Santander bank. The cost of living, even though minimal can be an issue and hence one should try to plan everything in advance and should check with the University of their choice for further options for accommodation and food. In Spain, a full-time Ph.D. lasts for a maximum of three years but it is also possible to enroll for a doctoral program extended for an additional two years, the main part is that this must be specially approved by your university’s Academic Commission. Part-time Ph.D. programs last for five years. Although the main activity during a Ph.D. is research, you may also need to attend training courses, seminars, and partake in other academic activities. These are coordinated by your Academic Commission. Often, Spanish doctorates are formed from two stages, the first stage during the first-year which focusses on the training courses to the value of 60 ECTS credits and the second stage which focusses on research and writing of the thesis. Mostly, students return to their respective Universities at a later time again in the future as the majority of the students prefer to take a break in between the two degrees and take a vacation. It is also advisable to have a clear understanding of what subject you are interested in and speak to your seniors or an experienced advisor who will guide you so as to give you vital information that will help you while studying for your Ph.D. When applying for an individual Ph.D., you will first need to find a suitable professor who is willing to be your supervisor. In addition to the Academic Commission, each doctoral program has two supervisors, with different responsibilities. The first one is a Mentor who is distinguished in his/her field of study and is well versed with the subject. A Mentor’s job is to guide you along the way of your study, help you form your dissertation, and is also responsible for monitoring your interaction with the Academic Commission. The second supervisor is a Thesis director, he/she is responsible for planning your training activities and ensuring the thesis has sufficient impact and novelty. This maybe your mentor and the Academic Commission can change this individual at any point.

At the beginning of your doctoral degree, you will have to face a significant learning curve, expand your knowledge in research presentation, improve your research skills and also enhance your knowledge of the subject you have chosen as your field of study. During this, you will also be preparing for your ultimate accomplishment as a doctoral student, your dissertation.

A doctoral dissertation is a written document focused on the subject you chose and spent your time updating your knowledge through academic research in the first half of your Ph.D. In the final few years of doctoral study, you will be focused on the preparation of your dissertation or thesis. For your dissertation, you may focus on an original theory, a developed theory that contributes to the work of another theory/thesis or practical application of the research you have conducted. You will be presented before a Doctoral Committee consisting of experts in your field. Your dissertation will then be examined during the Defence ceremony where you will also be cross-questioned by said Doctoral Committee who will determine whether your thesis is worthy enough for you to be awarded a Ph.D. Once you have successfully defended your thesis in front of this Committee, then you will be awarded the esteemed Ph.D. that you have worked so hard for.