CRG Research Training Program 2026 in Spain (Fully Funded)

Spain blends cutting-edge science with Mediterranean life. The Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona excels in genomics and biomedicine. CRG Research Training Program welcomes international Bachelor’s and Master’s students year-round for research placements in its labs.

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Students contact group leaders directly for positions. Limited fellowships cover travel and living costs for top matches. Duration flexible, often 3-6 months. No formal IELTS needed; English suffices.

From my support for European research stays, strong motivation letters and CV alignment secure spots. One student from Mexico joined a gene editing lab after targeted emails. Another from Turkey got rejected for generic messages. Tools like Numbeo show Barcelona costs €1,000-1,500/month. Fellowships help significantly.

What Is the Program?

CRG hosts undergrad and Master students in research groups. No central call; direct contact with PIs.

Key facts:

  • Flexible duration (months, often 3-6).
  • All year, agreed with lab.
  • Hands-on in genomics, systems biology, cell biology.
  • Limited fellowships (travel up to €800 non-EU, monthly support some cases).
  • Learning agreement for credit.

Barcelona vibrant, beaches, culture. PRBB campus seafront.

Eligibility Criteria

You qualify if:

  • Enrolled Bachelor (advanced) or Master (any year), or recent grad.
  • Relevant background (life sciences, bioinformatics, physics).
  • Motivated, good record.
  • From any country.

Labs decide fit. English main.

Opinion: Open access great for proactive students. Direct approach builds networks early.

Program Benefits

Variable, but funded options:

  • Travel reimbursement (up to €800 non-EU, €300 EU).
  • Monthly fellowship some (e.g., €600 past Master).
  • Access facilities, seminars, training.
  • International environment.
  • Career boost, PhD prep.

Table: Typical Support

ItemCovered?Details
TravelPartialReturn ticket limit
StipendSome€600/month past examples
HousingNoSelf-arrange
InsuranceNoOwn needed
TrainingYesSeminars, courses

Full for select; most unfunded but valuable experience.

Research Areas

Interdisciplinary:

  • Genome Biology
  • Systems/Synthetic Biology
  • Computational/Health Genomics
  • Quantitative Cell Biology

Specific units: Gene Regulation, Cell/Tissue Dynamics, Design (AI proteins), etc.

Projects on crg.eu/research.

Required Documents

For PI:

  • CV.
  • Motivation letter.
  • Transcripts.
  • Recommendation (optional).
  • Passport/ID.

Learning agreement later.

How to Apply for CRG Research Training Program?

  1. Browse crg.eu/research/units or faculty.
  2. Email PI (tailor, attach CV/letter).
  3. Agree terms if interested.
  4. Formalize with training@crg.eu.

Open all year. Fellowships limited 2025/2026 academic.

Official Link

Why Join CRG Research Training?

  • Excellence institute. Interdisciplinary. Core facilities top.
  • Barcelona dynamic, food, events. Safe, transport good.
  • Contrarian: Self-initiative needed. But direct PI access rare. Reddit: “Amazing science, supportive.”
  • Strong PhD pathway.

Other Opportunities

Useful Links

  • crg.eu/en/content/training/undergraduates-and-masters – Official info.
  • crg.eu/research – Units/faculty.
  • training@crg.eu – Contact.
  • numbeo.com Barcelona – Costs €1,200 single.
  • studyineurope.eu – General.
  • fastweb.com – Lists.
  • goingmerry.com – Clean.

Application Checklist

  • Select 2-3 PIs.
  • Tailor CV/letter.
  • Cite papers.
  • Ask rec if needed.
  • Health/visa plan.
  • Housing search (PRBB options).
  • Budget estimate.
  • Email now.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Generic emails (no read papers). No fit show. Apply too many without research. Forget learning agreement. Assume full funding always.

PAA: Funded? Limited. Deadline? Rolling. Duration 5 months? Flexible.

Living Costs in Barcelona

Single €1,000-1,500/month (Numbeo Jan 2026). Rent €500-800 shared. Food €300. Fellowship aids.

Numbeo honest: Higher than smaller cities.

Strong opinion: CRG elite for genomics. Direct lab entry powerful for career. Go if self-starter.

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