Dreaming of studying in Spain? Spain is a top destination for international students, offering high-quality education, vibrant culture, and surprisingly affordable living costs compared to other European nations. Spain is home to 10 universities ranked among the world’s top 300, including the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the Complutense University of Madrid. International enrollment has increased by 15% over the past five years, reflecting the global appeal of Spanish degrees. Securing funding, however, is crucial for non-EU students who face higher tuition fees and living expenses (housing, visa costs, and travel).
The actual cost of studying in Spain can be substantial for non-EU residents. Public university master’s fees can range from €1,500 to over €5,000 per year, depending on the region and program. To overcome these financial obstacles (lack of funding, resistance from leadership, time constraints), students must actively seek external aid. This guide identifies three main categories of competitive scholarships: government grants, European Union programs, and university-specific awards. These scholarships secure funding for students at the bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels.
This detailed guide focuses on four premier scholarships that offer the most comprehensive financial support: Fundación Carolina, MAEC-AECID, and Erasmus Mundus. We provide numeric values on coverage, list three key eligibility requirements, and outline the specific application steps. A successful application requires a strategic approach focused on timing, preparation, and academic excellence. Reading this post will help you strengthen your application and fund your education in Spain
Government & Bilateral Scholarships
These are major national programs funded directly by the Spanish government or through collaborative international agreements. These scholarships typically offer comprehensive financial packages.
1. Fundación Carolina Scholarships
The Fundación Carolina is a public-private institution dedicated to fostering cultural and scientific cooperation between Spain and the Ibero-American Community of Nations. This foundation offers one of the most prestigious scholarship programs for Latin American students.
- Coverage: The awards are highly generous, typically covering:
- Full or partial tuition fees for the program.
- A monthly living allowance (stipend) for the duration of the studies.
- Round-trip economy class travel from the student’s country of residence.
- Medical insurance coverage.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be citizens of a country belonging to the Ibero-American Community of Nations (Latin American countries, Portugal). Applicants must have a university degree that meets the requirements of the postgraduate program. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria related to academic merit.
- Programs: The scholarships fund studies in three main areas: master’s programs, PhD programs, and postdoctoral short stays. The foundation prioritizes research fields related to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- Deadline: The application period is generally open from January to March each year, depending on the program modality.
2. MAEC-AECID Scholarships (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
The MAEC-AECID (Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation) scholarships are designed to assist foreign students, particularly those from Latin America and Africa. These government grants contribute directly to development goals.
- Coverage: These competitive scholarships provide support for tuition fees, accommodation, and travel expenses. Some programs offer up to €1,200 per month in stipend and up to €4,000 for tuition assistance. They offer financial support for travel expenses.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be non-Spanish citizens. You must be accepted to a Spanish university or institution before applying for the scholarship. You must meet eligibility criteria specific to the master’s or PhD program.
- Programs: MAEC-AECID supports master’s and doctoral degrees for public employees and personnel integrated into the public systems of specific Latin American countries and the Philippines. The agency provides funding for postgraduate degrees.
Also exploare our guide to List of Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students.
European Union Scholarships
These grants are part of the European Union’s initiatives to promote mobility and collaborative education. These programs secure funding for students worldwide to pursue joint degrees.
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)
The Erasmus Mundus program is a premier option for international students seeking a fully funded master’s education in Europe. These are integrated study programs developed and delivered by a consortium of at least three universities across Europe, often including a Spanish institution.
- Coverage: This is a full scholarship covering all costs:
- Full tuition fees and participation costs.
- A monthly living allowance of €1,000 for the 24-month duration.
- A contribution to travel and installation costs (up to €7,000, depending on country of origin).
- Eligibility: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or be in the final year of undergraduate studies. You must meet eligibility criteria specified by the joint program, such as language proficiency (Spanish, English, or both) and academic excellence. Students can apply for a maximum of three different EMJMD programs in any given academic year.
- Programs: The scholarships fund joint master’s degrees (120 ECTS) in highly specialized fields, often resulting in a joint degree certificate from two or more European universities.
- Process: You submit one unified application for the master’s program, and this application automatically serves as your scholarship application. The program directors review application essays and academic transcripts.
2. Erasmus+ Mobility Grants
The Erasmus+ program provides funding primarily for shorter-term study mobility, not full degrees.
- Coverage: These grants offer financial support for travel, accommodation, and living expenses for a duration of one semester or a full academic year. They secure funding for exchange periods.
- Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in an eligible university in your home country. Your home university must have a valid Erasmus+ agreement with the Spanish host university. You must meet eligibility criteria set by your home institution.
- Process: Students must submit an application through the international relations office of their home institution, not directly to Spain.
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University-Specific Scholarships
Many Spanish universities offer internal merit-based scholarships to attract top global talent. These awards often target students from specific regions or academic fields.
1. University of Granada (UGR) Scholarships
The University of Granada is highly active in international cooperation and offers a wide range of scholarships.
- Programs: UGR provides scholarships for mobility programs, master’s studies, and Spanish language immersion courses. They offer specialized aid for students from specific regions, particularly the Mediterranean and Latin America. The university provides funding for diverse programs (master’s, mobility, language).
- Tip: UGR often co-funds grants with the European Union or other foundations, so students should check the international office website after receiving an admission offer.
2. Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (UPV)
UPV is a leading technological university in Spain. It offers departmental grants and specific program scholarships for international students pursuing STEM fields.
- Programs: UPV provides funding that often covers partial tuition or offers specific grants to doctoral candidates to pursue research stays. These are highly focused awards.
- Focus: These scholarships aim to recruit high-achieving master’s and PhD students to strengthen an application for competitive research projects.
3. Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) & Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM)
Major metropolitan universities like UCM and UAM offer scholarships aimed at top international master’s students.
- Coverage: Awards typically cover tuition fees or provide a partial stipend. They secure funding for postgraduate coursework.
- Goal: These programs aim to foster academic excellence and global diversity within their graduate schools. The universities demonstrate leadership in international student recruitment.
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Private & Non-Profit Organization Scholarships
Several non-profit and private foundations provide financial aid to specific groups of international students, often based on nationality or field of study.
1. La Caixa Foundation Scholarships
The La Caixa Foundation offers one of the most prestigious postgraduate scholarship programs in Spain.
- Eligibility: The scholarships target students from outside Spain who wish to pursue Master’s and PhD degrees at top Spanish universities. Candidates must demonstrate leadership potential and a stellar academic record. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria related to nationality and academic background.
- Coverage: These awards are typically fully funded, providing a generous stipend for living and travel expenses in addition to tuition. The foundation secures funding for the student’s entire course of study.
2. ICEX Scholarships
ICEX Spain Trade and Investment offers grants for international students pursuing postgraduate studies in business, international relations, and economics. These scholarships secure funding for students who want to enhance global trade relations with Spain.
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How to Secure Funding: Application Process
A successful scholarship application requires a strategic approach focused on timing, preparation, and academic excellence. To secure funding, follow these three critical steps:
1. Meet Eligibility Criteria Early
You must submit academic documents, such as language proficiency certificates (TOEFL, IELTS, DELE) and transcripts. You must meet eligibility criteria for a minimum academic grade, often requiring a 5-point grade average or higher. Language proficiency strengthens an application considerably.
2. Craft a Strong Personal Statement
The most important part of a scholarship application is the personal statement, as it allows you to showcase your unique story, ambition, and suitability for the award beyond your grades. To craft a personal statement, research the specific goals of the scholarship (e.g., development for Fundación Carolina, research excellence for EMJMD). You must highlight achievements and link your academic and career goals directly to the Spanish institution’s mission.
3. Do not Delay the Answer
Scholarship application deadlines vary significantly by program type:
- Government/EMJMD: Deadlines are generally fixed between October and March.
- University-Specific: Deadlines are often tied to the university’s admission cycle and can range from April to June.
You must submit an application before the deadline, if you want to be considered for the award. Do not delay the answer by waiting for the admission decision; many scholarships run parallel to or close before the main admission deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Spanish Government Scholarships (MEC) Available for Non-EU Students?
The general Becas MEC program primarily targets Spanish nationals and EU residents. Non-EU citizens may be entitled to a grant, if they are under 18 years of age or have already obtained a permanent residence permit in Spain. Non-EU students must focus on MAEC-AECID and Fundación Carolina programs instead.
Can I Apply for Both EMJMD and Fundación Carolina?
Yes, you can apply for both awards simultaneously. However, you cannot hold both scholarships simultaneously, if they are both funded by the European Union or public Spanish sources. You must choose one award if you are offered multiple.
Do I Need to Speak Spanish to Study in Spain?
It depends on the program. Many master’s programs, particularly in business or engineering at universities like UPV or Esade, are taught entirely in English. You must check the program’s language requirement before applying. You must submit academic documents that prove your proficiency.
