Spain
1 Fulbright Master's Program: Social Sciences at U Carlos III de Madrid-Juan March Institute (IC3JM)
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodAugust StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Fulbright Graduate Degree Grants
- Yes
Award Profile
One award is available to pursue a two-year full-time Master's degree in Social Sciences at the Juan March-Carlos III Institute, at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid.
The MA in Social Sciences program is designed with four unique features that distinguish it from similar programs:
- Excellent placements. Many of our previous graduate students have been admitted to prestigious university PhD programs such as those at Oxford, Yale, the European University Institute or New York University, as well as in professional programs in European institutions. Some testimonials from our alumni can be found here.
- Interdisciplinary approach and specialized pathways. It provides advanced and interdisciplinary training in Political Science, Sociology and Economic History, with a strong focus on methodological aspects and quantitative techniques. During the second year students can choose between three specialization pathways (Political Science, Sociology, Economic History).
- Outstanding teaching. Courses are taught by the Institute’s outstanding senior and junior researchers, who have obtained their PhD from some of the most prestigious universities around the world (Oxford University, New York University, European University Institute, among others).
- A thriving academic community. The MA in Social Sciences is hosted at the Carlos III-Juan March Institute (IC3JM), which for almost 30 years has funded postgraduate training and social science research. The Institute is currently recognized as one of the most important European social-science research hubs. Its Scientific Committee is formed by outstanding professors from top universities around the world (such as Oxford, Yale, Duke, or Stanford Universities). Students will have the opportunity to participate in the intellectual life of the IC3JM, including weekly seminars, international academic meetings, and specialized methodological courses.
ACADEMICS
The MA in Social Sciences is a two-year interdisciplinary program taught entirely in English. The Master is equivalent to 120 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System).
The objective is to provide rigorous training, both substantive and methodological, which allows the student to perform comparative, historical, and quantitative research in key areas of Political Science, Sociology, and Economic History.
The MA program is organized around 4 semesters (2 semesters each year).
In the first year, students take 60 credits organized around two blocks. One block comprises substantive courses in sociological analysis, social stratification, comparative politics, economic history, and political economy; while the other block focuses on methodological courses (statistics, game theory, and research design).
In the second year, students take 60 credits that comprise methodological courses and they can also choose between three specialization pathways: Political Science, Sociology, or Economic History.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY AND THE INSTITUTE
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid has the 35th spot worldwide and is ranked 10th in Europe, according to QS Top 50 Under 50 2020 Ranking. It is also among the 50 best European universities in teaching excellence according to the 2019 THE Teaching ranking. The Carlos III-Juan March Institute (IC3JM) is currently recognized as one of the most important European social-science institutions of its kind. More information about the Institute can be found here.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grantees may only join in the Fall 2025 intake.
Grants will begin at the end of August 2025 and end at the end of May 2026.
The second year of the grant and master’s program will begin in mid-September 2026 and end in mid-July 2027 for a total of 10 months.
Orientation
All Fulbright Spain student grantees are required to attend the Orientation Seminar scheduled for the first half of September 2025. This orientation is designed to cover a wide array of topics essential for starting the grant year successfully and thriving during the time in Spain, such as grant benefits and obligations, cultural adaptation and navigating research in Spain, and more.
Candidate Profile
The Master’s applicant profile consists of students with a university degree (BA or BS). Applicants with a master’s degree will also be considered. This degree is for students who are passionate about developing their research skills on key topics in the Social Sciences. The Master in Social Sciences gives students the necessary skills to develop an original research design, formulate hypotheses, and analyze data using quantitative techniques.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Fulbright Master’s Candidates in Madrid enjoy access to a bustling metropolis and diverse student body. As programs attract students from all over the world, Fulbright Master’s Candidates at UC3M reflect the positive effect of being able to learn in a multicultural environment from their international peers. However, they have had to actively seek out spaces, hobbies, or routines in order to fully meet and engage with Spanish communities. Fulbright Master’s Candidates at UC3M have found that the first year of the program is designed to be especially challenging, preparing students’ base of knowledge across disciplines ranging from Research Methods to Political Economy; students utilize both institutional support (office hours) and peer support (study groups) to manage rigorous coursework.
Eligibility
3 Months
Candidates may not reside in Spain at the time of application or during the academic year prior to the grant. Study abroad in Spain as part of undergraduate studies is not considered residency in Spain. However, other full-time studies at an institution based in Spain or participation in an auxiliar de conversación program are considered residency in Spain.
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
Special Application Instructions
In your Fulbright online application, for Award Name, please select Fulbright-Master's Program in Social Sciences at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid from the drop-down menu.
Foreign Language Proficiency
Classes will be taught in English, and the students must complete all written and oral assignments in English.
Some proficiency in Spanish is recommended for daily life.
Fulbright Proposal Types
No
Yes
Affiliation
Letter of acceptance required prior to grant start
To be considered for this Award, two separate applications are required:
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Applicants must apply for the Fulbright Award through the Fulbright online application system
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Applicants must also apply for admission to the Master’s program directly at the IC3JM. More information on the admissions process can be found at: https://ic3jm.es/en/postgraduates/master-degree-social-sciences/cs-matricula/
Applicants are not required to have a letter of acceptance (sometimes referred to as a letter of admission) at the time of the Fulbright application, but awards are made conditional upon acceptance to IC3JM no later than February 15, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to apply to the Master's degree in Social Sciences at the IC3JM as soon as possible.
The IC3JM will notify Fulbright directly of all semifinalists who have been accepted to the Master’s in Social Sciences program by the February 15th deadline.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
The Universidad Carlos III de Madrid provides full tuition waivers for Fulbright grantees.
This Award is co-sponsored by the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid and the Carlos III-Juan March Institute (IC3JM).
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
Stipend amounts vary depending on the cost of living in the placement region, and are calculated based on factors such as rent prices, transportation, and food costs. The stipend is calculated to cover these basic expenses and to allow grantees to live comfortably on a budget.
Grants are disbursed to grant recipients’ Spanish bank accounts in two-month installments. Grant recipients have the option to request their round-trip travel stipend to their US bank account or receive it upon their arrival in Spain.
One-Time Allowances
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
- Language training allowance
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
Master's Candidates may receive a project allowance of up to €500, subject to Commission's approval. This allowance can be used to cover pre-approved expenses. Eligible expenses encompass a range of Fulbright-related activities, such as language classes (Spanish) or conference attendance fees.
Additional Grant Benefits
- Health insurance (in addition to ASPE)
- Mid-year seminar
Grant recipients will be in contact with the member of the Commission that manages their program or region. Grant recipients will receive access to comprehensive information in the summer prior to their grant, including, but not limited to: instructions for applying for a visa; information on the housing search; guidance on first steps in the host country; and developing one’s health plan in concert with provided health coverage in-country.
Grant recipients will also receive access to an Online Guide, a comprehensive resource with specific information ranging from finance and budgeting, cultural adjustment, health care, and documentation. The Online Guide is updated every year with the most current information about specific regions, cultural events, and volunteer opportunities.
Furthermore, for programs already established in the host region, grantees will have access to the support of a mentor. Mentors are second-year grantees that are renewing in the same region and host institution, and offer support for grantees in their transition to their host region or program.
The Mid-Year Seminar is an annual gathering of all Fulbright U.S. Student grantees in Spain in which grantees come together to share information about their grants and reflect on their Fulbright experiences at the midway point of their grant period.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Cost of Living also varies greatly from region to region and between rural and urban areas in Spain. All stipends are set in accordance with local estimated cost of living and cover the cost of living for a modest lifestyle in the Host Region or Country: renting a room in a shared flat, purchasing meals and groceries, as well as commuting using public transportation. The grant stipend is not intended to cover costs associated with living alone, frequent travel within or outside of the Host Region, or covering expenses like dry cleaning, media subscriptions, or accrued student loan debts. Grantees from varied socioeconomic backgrounds have found the stipend sufficient with the deferment of student loans and sensible budgeting for personal expenses outside the standard costs of living.
This website provides helpful information related to the cost of living in Spain:
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
All Fulbright Spain grantees are required to arrange their own housing. The Commission provides ample resources to aid in the housing search in Spain.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Additional Online Resources
IC3JM Master in Social Sciences: https://player.vimeo.com/video/261852310?h=ff0dc585b2
Alumni testimonials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9a8nZnWWLk