Who can apply?
SPIN is mainly aimed at students in the 3rd and 4th year of the Bachelor’s Degree in Physics or the Double Bachelor’s Degree in Physics and Mathematics.
Applications from students in Mathematics and other related degree programmes may also be considered, provided their academic background is suitable for the project.
Students enrolled in the Bachelor’s Degree in Physics or the Double Bachelor’s Degree in Physics and Mathematics will be given priority when places are allocated.
For extracurricular internships, you must have completed at least 40% of the ECTS credits in your Bachelor’s degree.
If you are studying at another Spanish or international university, you are also welcome to apply. The feasibility of the internship will be assessed individually, taking into account your degree programme and any applicable administrative requirements.
SPIN internships are separate from and independent of your Bachelor’s Thesis (TFG).
If you are a Master’s student
Internships may also be considered for Master’s students.
For students enrolled in the UAM Master’s Degree in Theoretical Physics, SPIN internships are only available to students studying part-time.
SPIN internships are separate from and independent of the Master’s Thesis (TFM).
What type of internship can you do?
- Curricular internships: These internships are part of your degree programme and carry academic credit.
- Extracurricular internships: These are voluntary internships undertaken during your studies but are not part of your degree programme. Which option is available to you will depend on your degree programme, university and academic situation.
Not sure which type applies to you?
 Get in touch and we’ll help you work it out: practicas@ift.csic.es or carolina.saggiomo@inv.uam.es
What are the internships like?
150–180 hours
This is the usual duration of a university internship. The minimum commitment is 4 hours per day or 20 hours per week, so internships typically last around 8–9 weeks, depending on the schedule agreed with your supervisor.
Mostly on site
Being physically present is an important part of the experience, although some projects may allow part of the work to be carried out remotely.
Funding
Internships are usually unpaid, although funding may be available in some specific cases.
Social Security
Before the internship begins, the necessary arrangements will be made to register you with the Spanish Social Security system.
When can you apply?
First semester
Application deadline: 15 September
Applications will be reviewed and placements will be confirmed during October.
Second semester
Application deadline: 15 December — applications are already open.
The date when placements will be confirmed will be announced soon.
Please note that deadlines may vary depending on where your internship takes place. Internships at the DFT and CIAFF follow UAM procedures and deadlines, while the IFT may offer more flexible application periods in some cases. If you are unsure, get in touch with us.
We recommend applying early. Internships are arranged individually and depend on the availability of researchers and suitable projects.
How does SPIN work?
- Submit your application
Complete the application form and attach:
- An up-to-date CV
- Your academic transcript
- A motivation letter
- We look for the right internship for you
We share your profile with researchers at the DFT, IFT and CIAFF and explore possible projects that match your academic background and interests.
If we find a suitable opportunity, an internship work plan will be agreed with the supervisor.
- We contact you
If we find an opportunity that could be a good fit, we will get in touch to explain the proposed internship and the next steps.
- We formalise the internship
Before you start, we take care of the necessary administrative arrangements to formalise the internship.
- You start your internship
Internships usually involve a total of 150–180 hours and are mainly carried out on site, although some projects may allow part of the work to be done remotely.
Already have a supervisor?
SPIN can also help if you have already found someone to supervise your internship.
If you have already contacted a researcher at the DFT, IFT or CIAFF and discussed the possibility of doing an internship with them, let us know so we can help you with the necessary arrangements.
FAQs
Do I need to find my own supervisor?
No. SPIN will normally look for a researcher whose project is a good match for your academic background and interests. If you already have a potential supervisor at the DFT, IFT or CIAFF, let us know when you contact us.
Can I apply if I am not studying Physics?
Priority is given to students in Physics and Physics and Mathematics. Applications from students in Mathematics and other related degree programmes may also be considered, depending on their academic background and the projects available.
I study at another university. Can I still apply?
Yes. Applications from students at other Spanish or international universities can also be considered. Each case is assessed individually, as the administrative arrangements may depend on your home university.
Can I do a SPIN internship as part of the Master’s Degree in Theoretical Physics?
For students enrolled in the UAM Master’s Degree in Theoretical Physics, SPIN internships are only available to students studying part-time and are separate from and independent of the Master’s Thesis (TFM).
Are the internships paid?
Internships are usually unpaid, although there may be some exceptions.
Can I do the internship entirely remotely?
This is not the usual format. SPIN internships are designed primarily as an on-site research experience, although some projects may allow part of the work to be carried out remotely.
Can I choose between the DFT, IFT and CIAFF?
The placement will mainly depend on the project and supervisor we are able to find for you.
Are summer internships available?
Get in touch with us and we’ll let you know what options may be available.
