University of Castilla-La Mancha allocates €5.5 million for 39 predoctoral contracts

The University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM) has launched a call for 39 new pre‑doctoral contracts with a total budget of €5,557,800. The contracts are full‑time positions lasting up to four years, each offering an annual stipend of €31,523.65. The programme also includes an international mobility component that provides a monthly allowance of €1,000 and a travel grant for three‑month research stays at prestigious institutions.

The funding comes from an agreement between the regional government of Castilla‑La Mancha and the EU’s European Social Fund Plus 2021‑2027, channelled through the university’s own R&D&I plan. Rector Julián Garde said the initiative is a strategic investment to attract and retain scientific talent in the region, while vice‑rector for Economy and Planning Francisco Sáez highlighted the partnership’s role in turning European resources into real opportunities for young researchers.

Application periods differ by contract type: the university‑professor‑training track (FPU) is open from 1 September to 14 September 2026, with other tracks (FPI and talent‑incorporation support) opening on later dates.