Spain is a popular destination for international students who want to pursue their higher education in a country that offers a rich culture, a pleasant climate, and a high-quality academic system. Spain has around 80 universities, among which the vast majority are public universities funded by the state, and the others are private universities. Many Spanish universities are ranked among the top worldwide universities. Although Spain offers relatively affordable tuition rates, the living costs and other expenses can be steep. Fortunately, there are many scholarships for international students in Spain that can help them achieve their academic goals and enjoy their stay in the beautiful country.
As per statistics, the total number of international students in higher education institutions in Spain is 208,366 which represents 12.8% of the total student population. This number has been on the increase during the last few years, reflecting the growing appeal of studying in Spain among foreign students. This is mainly due to its diverse culture and generous scholarships offered by the Spanish government and Spanish universities.
In this article, we will explore the variety of scholarships available for international students in Spain, along with their benefits, eligibility, and more.
Overview of Scholarships for International Students in Spain
| No. of Scholarships | 10+ |
| Types of Scholarships | Government, Organization, Private, Erasmus. |
| Most Popular Scholarships | Erasmus Joint Masters Program, AECID scholarships, Fundación Carolina scholarships, EADA scholarships, etc. |
| Benefits | Partial to Full tuition waiver, living cost coverage, medical insurance, etc. |
Types of Scholarships for International Students in Spain
Spain offers various scholarships and financial aid options for international students looking to pursue their education in the country. These scholarships are usually sponsored by the Spanish government, universities, or private organizations. Here are some common types of scholarships available for international students in Spain:
Erasmus+ Scholarships: This European Union program supports mobility for students and staff members across participating European countries. It offers grants for international students to study at Spanish universities for a specific period.
Spanish Government Scholarships: The Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sports offers scholarships to foreign students through various programs like the MAEC-AECID scholarships and the Becas de Colaboración scholarships.
University-specific Scholarships: Many Spanish universities offer scholarships and tuition waivers for outstanding international students based on academic merit, extracurricular achievements, and other criteria.
Bilateral Agreements: Spain has bilateral agreements with certain countries that allow students to study in Spain on exchange programs or with reduced tuition fees.
Scholarships from Organizations: Various public and private organizations in Spain provide scholarships to international students. Examples include the Fundación Carolina Scholarships and the Fundación Universia Scholarships.
Research Grants: For students pursuing research-based programs or Ph.D. studies, there might be research grants and fellowships available through universities or research institutions.
Scholarships for Specific Fields: Some scholarships are tailored to students pursuing specific fields of study, such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), or arts and humanities.
Popular Scholarship Programs in Spain
Spanish Government Scholarships
The Spanish Government through its Ministry of Education offers a variety of scholarship programs to local and international students throughout the year. These scholarships offered by the Spanish Ministry of Education are for schooling, college, and university students; especially for undergrad, master, and doctoral degree programs. These scholarship programs aim to support students in various fields of study and help enhance the quality of education and research in the country.
The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) scholarships, which support students from developing countries to study master’s or doctoral degrees, or conduct research projects, in Spanish universities or research centers. The AECID scholarships provide a first monthly payment of 2,500 EUR which shall be settled once the beneficiary has begun attending their classes in Spain, and subsequent monthly payments of 1,300 EUR. Additionally, the scholarship provides insurance coverage for the duration of the stay.
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Fundación Carolina Scholarships
The Fundación Carolina scholarships, promote academic cooperation and cultural exchange between Spain and Latin America. The scholarship program is run by the Fundación Carolina (Carolina Foundation), a non-profit institution established in 2000 in Spain. Over the years, the Fundación Carolina Scholarship program has supported thousands of students in their academic pursuits, contributing to the advancement of education and research in Spain and the participating countries.
The Fundación Carolina scholarship offers full or partial funding for students from Latin American countries to study master’s or doctoral degrees, or conduct research projects, in Spanish universities or institutions. The scholarships typically cover full or partial tuition fees for the selected academic program at Spanish universities and institutions. Recipients also receive a monthly stipend to cover living expenses during their stay in Spain. There are more than 600 scholarships offered every year as part of the program at various levels of study.
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Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship program that provides financial assistance to international students who wish to pursue a master’s degree in Europe. The program provides full scholarships for students from any country to study for a master’s degree in one of the participating universities in Europe, including Spain. The scholarship is open to students from all over the world, and the application process is highly competitive. The duration of an Erasmus study period in Poland typically ranges from 3 to 12 months for each study cycle. To take part, students should contact their home institution’s international office. The program allows students to study at a Spanish university. The Spanish university should be in a bilateral agreement with their home institution. Benefits of the program include a full tuition fee waiver as well as a monthly stipend for covering living expenses.
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La Caixa Foundation Scholarships
The foundation grants 50 fellowships to pursue bachelor studies or higher artistic studies at public universities or public higher education centers in Spain, as well as 100 fellows for postgraduate studies. The scholarship provides substantial financial benefits for both bachelor’s and master’s students. For bachelor’s students, it includes a monthly allowance of €600 and a one-time payment of €600 for computer equipment and materials. Enrolment fees at public universities or higher education centers are also covered. Master’s students receive comprehensive funding, covering tuition fees and a varying monthly payment based on the host country. An initial one-time payment helps with settlement expenses, and additional support includes coverage for visa fees, travel costs, reimbursement for up to 5 admission applications, medical insurance, and final payment. Master’s recipients also join the prestigious “la Caixa” Foundation’s Fellows group, gaining access to a distinguished network of academic and professional talent, and participating in various activities aimed at fostering meetings and exchanges within the group.
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UIC Barcelona Scholarship
The UIC Barcelona Scholarship is a scholarship offered by the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC Barcelona) to international students. It is a merit-based scholarship that provides financial assistance to international students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree at the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC Barcelona). The scholarship covers 20% to 50% of the tuition fees, depending on the academic performance of the student. The scholarship is renewable every year if the student maintains a minimum GPA of 7 out of 10. The scholarship is open to students from any country who have a high school diploma or equivalent for bachelor’s programs and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent for master’s programs.
To be eligible, the student must achieve a minimum average grade of 8 or above in their penultimate year of secondary education (IB, GCSE, IGCSE, and foreign education systems), subject to conversion into the Spanish grading system. Additionally, they must have successfully passed the UIC Barcelona entrance exam specific to the degree they are applying for and obtained admission to the institute.
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EADA Scholarships
The EADA Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship that provides financial assistance to international students who wish to pursue a master’s degree at the Escuela de Alta Dirección y Administración (EADA) in Barcelona. Scholarships are merit-based and cover between 10% and 40% of the program fee, depending on the financial situation and academic merit of the student. The scholarship is open to students from any country who have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and at least two years of work experience. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must demonstrate excellent academic ability and future vision.
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Barcelona Graduate School of Economics Scholarships
The Barcelona Graduate School of Economics (Barcelona GSE) offers a variety of scholarships to international students. The scholarships are awarded to students who show academic excellence and financial need. The candidate will be granted a tuition fee waiver ranging from 25% to 100%. Additionally, they may have the chance to receive a limited fully-funded scholarship. International students from developing countries with a track record of academic excellence, strong quantitative skills, and a formal reference letter are eligible to apply. The candidate should hold an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance, Mathematics, Statistics, or Engineering. Additionally, they are required to demonstrate English language proficiency with a minimum TOEFL score of 90 or an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher.
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Tips While Applying for Scholarships in Spain
When applying for scholarships in Spain as an international student, consider these valuable tips to enhance your chances of success:
Research Thoroughly: Begin by researching available scholarship options thoroughly. Look into scholarships offered by the Spanish government, universities, private organizations, and international programs like Erasmus+. Understand the eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadlines for each scholarship.
Start Early: Many scholarship deadlines can be several months before the start of the academic year. Begin your scholarship search and application process as early as possible to ensure you have enough time to gather all necessary documents and meet the deadlines.
Seek Letters of Recommendation: Request well-written letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or employers who can attest to your academic abilities and personal qualities. These recommendations should highlight your strengths and potential as a scholarship recipient.
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Write a persuasive and uniquely personal statement explaining why you deserve the scholarship and how it aligns with your academic and career goals. Tailor your statement to each scholarship you apply for.
Prepare a Strong CV or Resume: Present a well-structured CV or resume highlighting your educational background, achievements, extracurricular activities, and relevant experiences. Showcase your leadership skills and community involvement.
Submit Complete and Error-Free Applications: Pay attention to detail and ensure all required documents are included in your application. Avoid errors, typos, and incomplete submissions. Submitting a polished and complete application demonstrates professionalism and commitment.
Follow Instructions: Adhere to the application guidelines provided by the scholarship provider. Failure to follow instructions may lead to disqualification, regardless of your qualifications.
Seek Professional Advice: If you have questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to seek advice from education counselors, scholarship advisors, or university officials. Their expertise can help you navigate the application process more effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Spain offers a diverse array of scholarships for international students, opening doors to world-class education and cultural experiences. These scholarships cater to students at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, covering various fields of study, including economics, finance, mathematics, statistics, and engineering. From partial tuition fee waivers to fully-funded scholarships, these opportunities aim to reward academic excellence and promote global diversity within the country’s educational institutions. Spain’s scholarship offerings underscore its dedication to creating an inclusive and globally interconnected academic landscape, making it an increasingly attractive destination for international students seeking excellence in education and a transformative experience abroad. For more information regarding scholarships for international students in Spain, please connect with us at Gyanberry, you can book a free video call appointment with us now.
