If you’ve been waiting for a high-impact PhD opportunity that blends China’s national scholarship power with Spain’s top technical research ecosystem, this is your moment. The CSC–UPM Cooperative PhD Programme 2026 is now open, offering a prestigious pathway for outstanding scholars to complete a full PhD at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) under a fully funded package from the China Scholarship Council (CSC).
With up to 20 scholarships available across dozens of cutting-edge research fields, this program is a major gateway to international research careers.
What This Programme Offers?
This joint CSC–UPM initiative provides strong financial backing and institutional support to ensure you complete your PhD in Madrid with confidence and stability.
Here’s what selected applicants receive:
- Full PhD tuition fee waiver from UPM
- Research fee waiver for the entire 48-month program
- Monthly living stipend provided by CSC
- Round-trip international airfare sponsored by CSC
- Academic supervision under leading UPM faculty across 18+ research fields
- Support with registration, enrollment, and visa procedures
- Full-time PhD placement for 48 months at UPM.
Who Can Apply?
The CSC–UPM PhD programme has clear entry standards to ensure only well-prepared research candidates join.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) qualifying them for PhD admission in the country where it was issued
- Meet UPM’s general PhD entry requirements in their selected research field
- Demonstrate English proficiency: IELTS (Academic) 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90 (Waived if prior degree was fully taught in English).
- Provide academic transcripts, CV, and—ideally—a publication list
- Submit a research proposal signed by a UPM supervisor
- Secure acceptance from a UPM supervisor before the CSC application.
Research domains available for 2026 include:
Applied Mathematics, Earth Science, Mechatronics, Sports Science, Materials Engineering, Architecture, Physics, Operations Research, Agricultural Engineering, ICTs, Biomedical Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and more.
If you cannot locate a suitable supervisor, UPM will assist in finding one in your research area.
Application Steps (How to Apply)
Follow these streamlined steps to maximize your chances:
- Identify and contact a UPM supervisor in your field to discuss your PhD research plan.
- Prepare your PhD admission file, including transcripts, CV, English certificate (or waiver request), publication list (optional but encouraged), and a research proposal signed by your supervisor.
- Submit your complete UPM PhD Scholarship application by the relevant 2026 deadline.
- After evaluation, UPM will issue an official acceptance letter, which you must include in your CSC application.
- Apply for the CSC scholarship via the CSC portal (www.csc.edu.cn).
- Once CSC selects candidates, notify UPM and your supervisor to receive registration, enrollment, and visa assistance.
Deadline Information
The last date to apply for the CSC–UPM Cooperative PhD Programme 2026 is 15 February 2026.
For applicants to the PhD in Physical Activity and Sport Science, the deadline is 2 February 2026.