Navarra announces 25,000 euro grant for doctoral theses in Basque

The Director General for Universities of the Government of Navarra has approved the call for a predoctoral grant of 25,000 euros to encourage the completion of doctoral theses in Basque at the Public University of Navarra (UPNA). Resolution 172E/2026, dated June 25, is published in the Official Gazette of Navarra number 171, dated August 31, 2026, with code BDNS 915876.

The call is framed within the budget item G10001 G1100 4800 322303, titled “Predoctoral grants for the completion of theses in Basque,” endowed with 25,000 euros in the General Budgets of Navarra for 2026 (Foral Law 16/2025, of December 22). The grant is awarded on a competitive basis and is structured as a predoctoral contract as provided for in Law 14/2011, of June 1, on Science, Technology and Innovation.

A one-year grant for research in Basque

The purpose is to promote doctoral research in Basque through the granting of aid for research lasting one year, within the framework of a doctoral program at UPNA, leading to an original research project (doctoral thesis in Basque). The research must generate activity that is disseminated in Basque.

The amount of 25,000 euros finances both salary payments and the employer’s Social Security contribution costs of the predoctoral contract. The minimum monthly payments will be 1,305.10 euros, accrued in 12 monthly payments and two extraordinary payments. UPNA assumes the role of collaborating entity for the management of the grant.

Requirements and evaluation criteria

Both individuals already conducting their doctoral thesis and those about to start it may apply. The requirements are:

• Accredit knowledge of Basque at level C1 or equivalent.
• Be enrolled or have applied for admission to a doctoral program at UPNA for the 2026/2027 academic year.
• Have a favorable report from UPNA for the granting of the aid.
• Not have previously enjoyed a predoctoral grant in the form of a contract for more than 3 years.
• Comply with the general requirements of Foral Law 11/2005, of November 9, on Subsidies.

Applications shall be submitted electronically within a period of 20 calendar days from the publication in the gazette. The evaluation is based on a maximum of 100 points: the academic record accounts for up to 70 points and research activity merits up to 30 points.

Obligations of the beneficiary

The beneficiary must obtain a favorable evaluation from the Academic Commission of the doctoral program and carry out at least two of the following activities within the framework of the thesis:

• Attend at least one conference in Basque.
• Publish at least one article in Basque, which may be of a popular science nature.
• Participate in conferences in Basque during Summer Courses or in University Chairs.
• Participate in the podcast “Zientzia puntu puntuan” of the UPNA.
• Participate, when required, in science promotion and encouragement events organized by the General Directorate of Universities.

Failure to comply with these obligations may lead to the reimbursement of up to 50% of the grant amount. The grant is incompatible with other public or private scholarships or grants and with any employment activity, unless express authorization is granted.

This call reinforces Navarra’s commitment to the normalization of Basque in the scientific field by ensuring that doctoral research can be developed and disseminated in this language. For doctoral students, it represents an opportunity for stable funding for one year, with a contract and Social Security coverage, in a context where science in Basque still requires specific support to consolidate.

Source: Official Gazette of Navarra, number 171, August 31, 2026, section 1.4 Subsidies, Grants and Scholarships, page 30976 (official reference: Resolution 172E/2026, BDNS code 915876).