Do I need to possess a master's degree at the moment of applying?  No, but you certainly will need to complete your master before enrolling (in October).

Do I need a support letter from a DTIC researcher to apply? No. If you fail to obtain a support letter you can still apply. In this case, make sure that your application contains a list of the DTIC research areas in which you would like to work.

How do I get a support letter? You should contact one or several DTIC researchers with whom you would like to work and ask for it. This will be also a very good opportunity to discuss potential PhD topics and funding opportunities

How can I prove my level of English? Accreditation of English competence is a compulsory document. Here you have a list of the different types of English certificates that UPF accepts. However, if you have a passport from a English-speaking country or provide us a document proving that your previous university studies were in English, then you do not need to submit an English certificate.

How much time do I have to finish my PhD? 3 years (5 years if you are part-time student). There is the possibility to ask for 2 extensions of one year each (the second one very well justified). 

Can I change tutor and/or supervisor? Yes. Ask the ICT Secretariat about the procedure. 

How do I enroll to the PhD program? Enrollment is usually done during the first half of October at the ICT Secretariat (Office 55.205, Tanger's building). Our staff will contact all students admitted to program to provide specific information on dates, time, and required documentation for enrollment. 

If my previous studies are from outside the European Education Area, what kind documents do I have to submit for the enrolment? If your qualification and your academic certificate have not been issued by a member state of the European Union (or Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland), your university degree and your academic certificate must be legalized with the Apostille of The Hague. This process must take place in the country where the qualification was issued, and before leaving the country, as it is not possible to perform this procedure in Barcelona.

When do I have to arrive to Barcelona? The enrolment will be the the first half of October, but we really encourage students to arrive to Barcelona some weeks before to settle in the city and campus. In October, will be held the Welcome Session, where specific information about the PhD program will be given. 

Where is ETIC ?  ETIC is located in Tanger Building (Tanger Street, 122-140) in the UPF Communication Campus (Poblenou).

Which is the language for teaching and learning? English is the vehicular language for teaching and learning in the ETIC's programs.

When does my (fellowship) Predoctorate Research Contract start? Predoctoral Research Contract starts the first of October. Exceptionally it can start later, but not longer than February, and only in case there was a visa problem and was not possible to arrive on time. If that happens, the student must inform the secretariat and his/her director.

Does the fellowship (Predoctorate Research Contract)  involve teaching? 

There are 3 possible types of predoctoral contracts with established minimum gross monthly salary of 1.470,98€ for the 1st and 2nd year. This amount can vary according to the research group:

Teaching PRC includes a teaching assistance load of 45 hours per academic year.

Teaching-Project PRC includes a teaching assistance load of 45 hours per academic year plus some tasks related to the funded project the PhD candidate joins.

Project PRC includes tasks linked to the funded project the PhD candidate joins.

• Teaching hours will be carried out at UPF undergraduate engineering degrees according to the PhD student background. A knowledge of Spanish or Catalan will be required after the first year of fellowships for those teaching in 1st or 2nd year.

• Non-EU students will have a reduction of 24% the three first months (till December, if the contract starts in October). The corresponding taxes will be deducted from January when the new fiscal year starts.

• Only EU students can reduce this tax to 19% presenting a certificate of fiscal resident from their country.

What kind of Visa should I apply? Where to stay? Are there language courses?  In our International DTIC website, you can find a lot of useful information for planning your stay in Barcelona. You can contact us for advice regarding your Visa or your Residence Permit at Spain.mation for planning your stay in Barcelona. You can contact us for advice regarding your Visa or your Residence Permit at Spain.