Top fully-funded scholarships like Becas MAC, Santander Scholarships for International Students, and La Caixa Foundation Scholarship make it financially possible for international students to stay and study in the country.
These fully funded scholarships usually cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. Spain has relatively lower tuition fees and living costs than other European countries. However, living and studying here can still turn out to be costly for most international students. Qualifying for the top scholarships, as such, lets you live stress-free in the country.
In this article, we will walk you through the top fully funded scholarships in Spain, the organizations/institutions offering them, eligibility, application process, and a lot more. Read on to discover.
Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in Spain in 2025
International students looking forward to studying in Spain can access a host of fully funded scholarships. Some of the popular ones include Santander Scholarships, La Caixa Foundation Scholarships for Master's Studies, and Erasmus Mundus Scholarships for European and International Cooperation. Most of these scholarships are backed by a lot of flexibility in terms of aligning with the start date of the programs.
Here’s a look at the top fully-funded scholarships available for international students in Spain:
Scholarship
Offering Institution
Coverage
Santander Scholarships for International Students
Santander Bank
Tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses (monthly allowance)
La Caixa Foundation Scholarships for Master's Studies
La Caixa Foundation
Tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses (monthly allowance)
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships for European and International Cooperation
European Union
Tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses (monthly allowance)
Becas MEC
Spanish Government (Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sports)
Tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses
Fundación Celgene-AECC Scholarships for Oncology Studies in Spain
Celgene-AECC Foundation
Tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses (monthly allowance)
Fundación Ramón Areces Scholarships for Scientific Research in Spain
Ramon Areces Foundation
Tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses (monthly allowance)
Fundación Iberdrola Scholarships for Energy Studies in Spain
Iberdrola Foundation
Tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses (monthly allowance)
University of Granada Erasmus Mundus Women and Gender Studies Scholarship
European Commission
Tuition fees, travel expenses, and a monthly stipend worth EUR 1,000 (INR 96,701) (approx.)
Fundación Banco Santander Scholarships for Business Studies in Spain
Banco Santander Foundation
Tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses (monthly allowance)
Fundación Botin Scholarships for Postgraduate Studies in Spain
Botin Foundation
Tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses (monthly allowance)
Besides the Spanish Government, there are a number of private organizations in the country that offer fully-funded scholarships to international students.
Here’s a look at the types of fully-funded scholarships offered in Spain:
Spanish Government scholarships are offered by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sports through various programs like the Becas de Colaboración scholarships and the MAEC-AECID scholarships.
Erasmus+ scholarships are offered by the European Union to international students to study in Spanish universities for a fixed period.
Scholarships offered by Spanish universities to international students are based on strong academic and extracurricular achievements.
Public and private organization scholarships.
Top Universities Offering Fully Funded Scholarships in Spain
The top universities in Spain continue to attract students from across the globe thanks to the quality of education offered by them.
Other factors like industry-aligned curricula, unparalleled campus facilities, program diversity, and flexible post-study work rights have also contributed to the country’s rise as one of the top academic destinations for international students.
Here’s a quick look at the top universities offering fully-funded scholarships to international students in Spain:
Universities
QS World Rankings
Level of Study
Complutense University of Madrid
#164
Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctor's
University of Barcelona (Universitat de Barcelona)
Eligibility Criteria for Fully Funded Scholarships in Spain
The specific eligibility requirements for fully-funded scholarships in Spain may vary significantly across universities and the organizations offering them. However, we can still offer you a rundown of general requirements:
Passport
Curriculum Vitae
Study Application Form
Valid proof of your academic achievements and certificates
Application Process for Fully Funded Scholarships in Spain
The application process for fully-funded scholarships in Spain requires time and meticulousness. Make sure you’re starting your research at least 6/7 months before the usual intake times.
Follow the steps to make an informed decision:
Research and shortlist universities
Apply for admission
Research scholarships (eligibility and suitability in terms of coverage)
Apply separately (or simultaneously) for the scholarship
Prepare documents (Motivation Letter, Academic Transcripts, CV, Letter of Recommendation)
Tips for a Strong Scholarship Application
A strong scholarship application remains one of the crucial factors governing your chances of getting a scholarship. Follow these tips to strengthen your application:
Research the scholarships (i.e., those offered by the government, public and private organizations, and universities)
Start early since these scholarships can take months to be processed - make sure you’ve enough time on hand.
The Letters of Recommendation should have attestation from your teachers, professors, or even employers (in certain cases)
Check for institution-specific norms governing scholarship applications and adhere to them
Make sure all the documents you’re submitting are error-free (grammar, spelling, typos, etc)
Make sure there are no incomplete submissions
Living in Spain on a Scholarship
You can significantly reduce your overall living expenses with the help of a fully funded scholarship in Spain. Since most of these scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and accommodation costs, living in a foreign country literally becomes a breeze for students.
Without the burden, the students are able to:
Focus better on studies
Maximize their learning experience
Optimize career opportunities ahead
Why Study in Spain
International students are increasingly drawn towards Spain, and that’s not without reason. Top universities like the Complutense University of Madrid and the University of Barcelona have consistently ranked among the top 200 universities in the world.
Getting an opportunity to study in the country is one of the best ways to access world-class education and experience the cultural vitality of the country.
Let’s take a look at the top reasons why international students prefer studying in Spain:
Top-notch universities
Industry-driven curricula
EU-wide recognition of degrees acquired
Wide availability of scholarships catering to diverse academic disciplines
Affordable costs of living and studying compared to other leading European countries
For international students seeking fully-funded scholarships in Spain, the entire application process involving so many steps might turn out to be a tad overwhelming at times.
Get in touch with experts at upGrad who can help with:
The application process by finding the right scholarships that align with your eligibility and needs
Mentorship
Take off to Spain
FAQs
Can I apply for scholarships before getting admission to a university in Spain?
You may not be able to apply for a scholarship before getting admission to a university in Spain, since most of the organizations offering scholarships require you to furnish your study program.
Do you need to know Spanish to apply for these scholarships?
The general eligibility requirements for the scholarships do not include proficiency in Spanish. However, knowing Spanish might be a prerequisite for certain specific scholarships. Please make sure you’re checking eligibility thoroughly while shortlisting fully funded scholarships in Spain.
Can you apply for more than one scholarship in Spain?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships in Spain. Targeting around 10/15 scholarships is a wise idea since it increases your odds of getting one. However, make sure you’re considering your needs and goals thoroughly before applying for the scholarships.
How competitive are the fully-funded scholarships in Spain?
The fully-funded scholarships in Spain are quite competitive since the country attracts
lacs of international students every year. If you’re vying for a full funding option too, make sure you’re starting your research early and are presenting accurate documents.
What are the deadlines for applying for a few of the major scholarships in Spain?
The application deadlines may differ widely across organizations, colleges, and universities.
The government-funded scholarships usually fall around March
The Erasmus+ Scholarships have an October to January deadline
ICEX Spain Scholarships have a December deadline
University of Barcelona scholarships have April to July deadlines
Is prior work experience required for a fully-funded scholarship in Spain?
No, usually you need not furnish proof of relevant work experience to apply for fully-funded scholarships in Spain. However, do look up specific requirements spelled out for niche programs. The fully funded scholarships are primarily merit-based.
Are scholarships in Spain renewable every year during my program?
Yes, you can renew some scholarships, provided you’re maintaining the academic standing (mostly in the form of GPA scores) outlined by the institution/s offering these scholarships. For instance, the UIC Barcelona Scholarship can be renewed if the student maintains a minimum GPA score of 7 out of 10.
What happens if I fail a course while on a fully funded scholarship?
The scholarship will either be discontinued, or you will have to retake a course, and the retake fees will also apply. Please make sure that you’re getting in touch with the institution (from where you’ll be receiving the scholarship) personally for details.
Will you need a health insurance policy to obtain a scholarship in Spain?
You will need a health insurance policy to study in Spain since that’s an important part of the student visa application process. The universities or other institutions offering scholarships may or may not need to see your health insurance, but purchasing a policy is important.
Are scholarships in Spain only given on merit?
No, not all the scholarships in Spain are based on merit. Many of them are offered based on the financial needs of students, while others take specific fields of study into view.
Are there scholarships available for those involved in social work?
Yes, there are scholarships available for those involved in social work. Make sure you’re looking up individual universities and public and private organizations offering scholarships for those involved in social work to acquaint yourself with the eligibility requirements.
With over a decade of expertise in international education, Jyotsna has held impactful roles at the British Council, Unilodgers, a prominent UK university, and IDP Education, empowering countless stud...
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