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.
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
| Item | Covered? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | Partial | Return ticket limit |
| Stipend | Some | €600/month past examples |
| Housing | No | Self-arrange |
| Insurance | No | Own needed |
| Training | Yes | Seminars, 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?
- Browse crg.eu/research/units or faculty.
- Email PI (tailor, attach CV/letter).
- Agree terms if interested.
- Formalize with training@crg.eu.
Open all year. Fellowships limited 2025/2026 academic.
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
- KMU University Scholarships 2026 in Taiwan
- National Chiao Tung University ScholarshipsÂ
- Islamic University Madinah Scholarship
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.

