Study in Spain: Top Scholarships for International Students

Pursuing education in Spain provides a great cultural experience and quality education. The government of Spain and its universities provide various scholarships to support international students in paying their tuition fees, living expenses, and other charges. As an international student intending to study in Spain, it’s important to be aware of the numerous scholarships that you can apply for. Here’s an overview of some of the finest scholarships that you can apply for:
Spanish Government Scholarships (MAEC-AECID)
The Spanish government provides the MAEC-AECID scholarships, which are designed to assist foreign students who wish to study for their undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral degrees in Spain.. These scholarships are funded by Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must not be Spanish citizens.
- You must have been accepted to a Spanish university or institution.
- The applicant should meet the specific requirements of the program they are applying to.
- You should not be over a certain age limit (usually 35 for master’s programs, 40 for doctoral programs).
Deadline & Coverage
- Application deadline falls around March. 1200 € per month, up to 4000 € as tuition help, up to 340 € for travel expenses and 37 € per month for insurance expenses.
Erasmus+ Scholarships
Erasmus+ is one of the most recognized European Union programs, which funds international students by granting exchange as well as full-degree scholarships.Many Spanish universities participate in this program, providing students with financial aid.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be enrolled in an eligible institution in their home country.
- The student must have a valid Erasmus+ agreement between their home university and the Spanish university.
- The scholarship is available for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students.
Deadline & Coverage
- Applications are submitted between October to January . €1,400 per month
Universities in Spain Scholarships
Several universities in Spain grant scholarships to international students. Every university has its own set of eligibility conditions, so it’s essential to refer to the individual scholarships provided by the university where you intend to pursue your studies.
Eligibility Criteria:
- You must be a non-Spanish student.
- Requirements vary depending on the university, so it’s essential to visit their official website for details.
- Most scholarships are for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs.
Deadline & Coverage
- The deadline for each university varies and can be checked on the website
La Caixa Foundation Scholarships
The La Caixa Foundation offers scholarships for international students to pursue master’s and doctoral studies in Spain. These scholarships are highly competitive and provide a generous stipend for living and travel expenses.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be from outside of Spain.
- You need to have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent if applying for a master’s scholarship.
- You should have a solid academic record.
- The applicant must meet the specific requirements outlined by La Caixa Foundation.
Deadline & Coverage
| Bachelors Fellowship | May | €305,100 for three years |
| Postgraduate Fellowship | February | – |
| Doctoral Fellowship | January | €2,590 per month |
ICEX Spain Scholarships
ICEX provides scholarships to international students who wish to pursue business, economics, and management studies in Spain. The scholarship supports students from non-European Union countries.
Eligibility Criteria:
- You must be a citizen of a country outside the European Union.
- Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- Applicants must have an excellent command of the Spanish language.
- You need to have professional experience (preferred but not mandatory).
Deadline & Coverage
- Deadline around December and offers up to €24,000.
University of Barcelona International Student Scholarships
The University of Barcelona provides several scholarships to international students who wish to pursue studies at this university. Scholarships include tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses
Eligibility Criteria:
- You must be a non-Spanish student.
- Applicants should have already received an offer to study at the University of Barcelona.
- Some scholarships may require a strong academic performance or financial need.
Deadline & Coverage
- Some scholarships cover tuition fees, while others provide monthly stipends, and some have deadlines in April or May, while others have deadlines in June or July
Complutense University of Madrid Scholarships
The Complutense University of Madrid offers scholarships for international students interested in studying undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. These scholarships provide partial or full coverage of tuition fees and living expenses.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be from outside Spain.
- You must have a valid admission letter from Complutense University.
- You may need to provide proof of financial need or academic excellence.
Deadline & Coverage
| Erasmus+ Mobility Scholarship | Travel and living expenses | Varies |
| Santander Scholarships | Tuition fee waiver or stipend | May |
| Complutense Excellence Scholarship | Full tuition waiver | June |
| Spanish Government Scholarships | Tuition fees + monthly stipend | Varies |
| Research Grants for Ph.D. Students | Tuition + stipend for research | Rolling Basis |
Fundación Carolina Scholarships
Fundación Carolina offers scholarships to students from Latin America, Africa, and other regions to study in Spain. These scholarships are available for master’s, doctoral, and post-doctoral programs.
Eligibility Criteria:
- You must be from a country in Latin America, Africa, or other approved regions.
- You must have a university degree that meets the requirements of the program you are applying to.
- Some scholarships may require professional experience.
Deadline & Coverage
- Deadline is usually in March. Tuition fees, round-trip ticket from the student’s place of residence, a monthly stipend, and medical insurance.
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Conclusion
Spain is a great place for international students with its rich heritage, top-quality education, and low cost of living. Students can access many different scholarships to cover the expenses of studying. Please make sure you thoroughly verify each scholarship’s requirements and meet the qualifications before submitting an application.





