CQA Masters Scholarships 2025

Students must be admitted into one of the following eligible master’s programs with a quantum track. 

 The CQA offers up to 15 scholarships for the following master’s programs: 

• Master in Quantum Science and Technologies (UB, UAB UPC) 
• Master in Photonics (UPC, UB, UAB) 

Students should follow the elective courses in Quantum Optics (QUANTOP) and do their master’s thesis on a topic related to QST. 

• Master in Engineering Physics (UPC) 

Students should follow relevant elective courses in Quantum Track and do their master’s thesis on a topic related to QST. 

Candidates are independently responsible for applying for entry into the corresponding master’s program. 

We aim for a gender balance in awarding these fellowships, defined as a maximum of 60% of any one gender. 

The scholarships are open to local, EU and international students, with no restriction on nationality. 

The scholarship will cover matriculation fees for study in the corresponding master’s program for 1 year of study / 60 ECTS. This will be formalized by an agreement with the host university such that the matriculation fees will be paid to the university by ICFO on behalf of the CQA. 

Candidates must be newly enrolled in an eligible master’s program to accept the scholarship and begin their studies in September 2025. Students who are already enrolled in the master’s program are not eligible.

Candidates are independently responsible for applying for entry into the corresponding master’s program, and for fulfilling any relevant entry requirements, including necessary processes academic eligibility, student visas, etc.

Selection of candidates is based on merit and potential, measured in terms of academic records and personal achievements.

There is no restriction of nationality or citizenship.

Candidates must have a high working knowledge of English.

The CQA abides by the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the European Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

Applicants must have applied for admission to an eligible master’s program. We will check that admission is confirmed with the corresponding academic coordinators as part of the evaluation process.

Candidates must submit:

• A motivation letter stating the master’s program(s) that you have applied to join and the planned courses, internships and/or research projects related to quantum sciences & technologies that you will undertake.
• A Curriculum Vitae, including contact details, in English.
• Scanned copies of university academic transcripts in English or Spanish.
• The contact e-mail of 1 referee.

It is the candidate’s responsibility to make sure all required application material is complete.

Candidates are also responsible for: a) applying for admission into a relevant master’s program, and b) informing their referee that their contact details will be included in the application form.

Apply Now: The first 7 fellowships will be awarded to candidates applying before April 30.

The final deadline for submission of applications is 30 June 2025.

Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis, and scholarships allocated to outstanding candidates.

The selection committee will confirm that candidates have been accepted into an eligible master’s program with the corresponding program coordinator before offering any scholarship.

Applicants will be notified of each rolling evaluation stage’s results before the end of the following month.

Scholarships will be awarded by a selection committee appointed by the CQA Coordination Board, which will be chaired by the CQA program coordinator and include representatives from the institutions participating in the CQA.

Additional members may be appointed to ensure there is adequate expertise and diversity on the committee.

The selection of the fellows will be based on merit according to the candidates’ academic qualifications, demonstrated background & experience, motivation & fit to the chosen program and field of study, and leadership potential.

As part of the evaluation process, the selection committee may contact the candidates’ referee and/or the coordinator of the master’s program to which the candidate has applied, request clarifying information from a candidate, and/or arrange a short online interview with the candidate.

Candidates will be informed of the offer on the condition they confirm their enrolment in an eligible master’s program. The academic coordinator of the master’s program that the candidate has applied to will be informed of the outcome.

Reserve candidates will be informed and may be considered for scholarships available in subsequent rounds.

Candidates not shortlisted or on the reserve list will be informed of their rejection.

At all stages of the process, candidates may contact the CQA cqa@icfo.eu.

In accordance with the provisions of the Spanish Law 3/2018, of December 5, on the Protection of Personal Data and the guarantee of digital rights (LOPDGDD) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we hereby inform you that personal data you provided as part of the selection process in the programs carried out by the Catalonia Quantum Academy (CQA) in which you are participating, or may participate in the future, will be processed by ICFO, which manages the CQA aiming at accomplishing the selection process. Said information will be handled with due confidentiality and solely for the purpose mentioned and may be provided to those entities or persons associated to CQA in the context of the selection process, and only as far as strictly necessary for the management of the process. For any inquiries, you can refer to the CQA Privacy Policy and reach out via email to the address dataprotection@icfo.eu.