Fully funded scholarships in Spain make it possible for students from around the world to study at top universities without worrying about money. These scholarshipscome from the Spanish Government, Erasmus+, and well-known institutions like the Barcelona School of Economics. Most of them take care of tuition fees, offer a monthly living allowance, and sometimes even support travel costs.
Each scholarship has its own eligibility rules and timelines, but the overall opportunity is clear: strong applicants can build a solid academic path in Spain without carrying a financial burden.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Spain for International Students
Spain offers some of the most reliable fully funded scholarships for international students. Government bodies, universities, and private foundations all run programs that cover tuition, living expenses, and in some cases, travel costs. Whether it’s Erasmus, MAEC AECID, Fundación Carolina, or La Caixa, students have plenty of options to match their academic plans and financial needs.
1. Government Scholarships in Spain
Government scholarships are highly valued because they provide full financial support for international students. These programs are funded by Spain’s Ministry of Education and related agencies, making them accessible to talented students worldwide.
A. Spain Government Scholarships
Spain Government Scholarships are offered directly by the Ministry of Education. They support undergraduate and postgraduate students, covering tuition fees and living expenses. These scholarships are competitive and require strong academic performance.
Detail
Information
Coverage
Tuition fees, living costs, and research support
Eligibility
International students applying for bachelor’s or master’s programs
Application Route
Ministry of Education official portal
Duration
Typically, 1–2 years, renewable depending on program
B. Spanish Government Scholarships (MAECAECID)
The MAECAECID scholarships are managed by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation. They are designed for postgraduate and research students, especially from developing countries, and provide comprehensive support including tuition, stipends, and travel.
Detail
Information
Coverage
Tuition fees, monthly stipend, travel allowance
Eligibility
Postgraduate and research students from developing nations
Application Route
Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) portal
Duration
1–2 years, depending on program
C. Erasmus Scholarship
The Erasmus Scholarship program is funded by the European Union and supports both exchange and full degree programs in Spain. It is one of the most popular scholarships worldwide, offering tuition coverage, travel support, and monthly stipends.
Detail
Information
Coverage
Tuition, travel, monthly stipend
Eligibility
EU and non-EU students for exchange or full degree programs
Application Route
Erasmus+ official portal
Duration
6 months to 2 years, depending on the program
2. University Scholarships in Spain
Spanish universities offer a wide range of fully funded scholarships to attract international students. These programs are often merit-based and cover tuition, living costs, and sometimes accommodation. They are designed to support talented students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
A. University of Barcelona Scholarships
The University of Barcelona provides scholarships for international students based on merit and need. These awards help cover tuition fees and may include monthly allowances.
Detail
Information
Coverage
Tuition fees, monthly allowance
Eligibility
Undergraduate and postgraduate international students
Application Route
University of Barcelona official website
Duration
1–2 years, renewable depending on program
B. University of Granada Scholarship
The University of Granada offers fully funded scholarships for master’s and PhD students. These scholarships include tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.
Detail
Information
Coverage
Tuition, accommodation, and living costs
Eligibility
Master’s and PhD students
Application Route
University of Granada scholarship portal
Duration
Program duration (typically 1–3 years)
C. Autonomous University of Madrid Scholarships
The Autonomous University of Madrid provides scholarships to international students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These awards cover tuition and offer living support.
Detail
Information
Coverage
Tuition waivers, living support
Eligibility
Undergraduate and postgraduate international students
Application Route
Autonomous University of Madrid official portal
Duration
1–2 years, depending on program
D. UIC Barcelona Scholarship
UIC Barcelona offers merit-based scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. These scholarships cover tuition and partial living costs.
Detail
Information
Coverage
Full tuition, partial living support
Eligibility
Merit-based for undergraduate and postgraduate students
Application Route
UIC Barcelona official website
Duration
Depends on Program duration
E. Barcelona School of Economics Scholarships
The Barcelona School of Economics provides fully funded scholarships for master’s students in economics and related fields. These scholarships include tuition and living stipends.
Detail
Information
Coverage
Full tuition, living stipend
Eligibility
Master’s students with strong academic background
Application Route
Barcelona School of Economics official portal
Duration
1–2 years
3. Foundation and Other Scholarships in Spain
Apart from government and university programs, several foundations and organizations in Spain provide fully funded scholarships. These are often prestigious awards that cover tuition, living costs, and sometimes airfare. They are designed to support international students across different fields of study.
A. Fundación Carolina Scholarships
Fundación Carolina is one of the most recognized scholarship providers in Spain. It supports students from Latin America, Asia, and Africa, offering full coverage including tuition, airfare, and monthly stipends.
Detail
Information
Coverage
Tuition, airfare, and monthly stipend
Eligibility
Students from Latin America, Asia, and Africa
Application Route
Fundación Carolina official portal
Duration
1–2 years, depending on the program
B. La Caixa Foundation Scholarships
La Caixa Foundation offers scholarships for graduate students in science, economics, and social sciences. These awards are highly competitive and provide full financial support, including research funding.
Detail
Information
Coverage
Tuition, monthly allowance, research funding
Eligibility
Graduate students in science, economics, and social sciences
Application Route
La Caixa Foundation official website
Duration
1–2 years
C. European University of the Atlantic Scholarships
The European University of the Atlantic provides scholarships for undergraduate students. These awards cover full tuition fees and are aimed at students with strong academic records.
Detail
Information
Coverage
Full tuition coverage
Eligibility
Undergraduate students with strong academic records
Application Route
European University of the Atlantic official portal
Duration
Program duration
D. Spanish Studies Abroad
Spanish Studies Abroad offers scholarships for international students participating in exchange programs. These scholarships cover tuition, housing, and cultural immersion activities.
Applying for scholarships in Spain requires careful preparation and attention to deadlines. Most programs are managed through government portals, university websites, or foundation platforms. Students should prepare academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and proof of language proficiency well in advance. Deadlines are strict, so early preparation is key to success.
Step 1: Choose the Application Route
Decide whether you’re applying through a government portal, a university website, or a foundation platform. Each has its own process and deadlines.
Route
Platform
Notes
Government
Ministry of Education / AECID portals
For Becas MEC, MAECAECID
University
University scholarship pages
Admission is often required first
Foundation
Fundación Carolina / La Caixa portals
Highly competitive, early deadlines
Step 2: Check Eligibility Criteria
Before preparing documents, confirm you meet the academic, language, and nationality requirements. Each scholarship has specific rules.
Upload documents and complete the application form on the chosen portal. Double-check details before submission.
Government scholarships → Ministry/AECID portals
University scholarships → University websites
Foundation scholarships → Fundación Carolina / La Caixa portals
Step 5: Track Deadlines and Timeline
The Spanish Government and foundation scholarships follow specific cycles each year. Based on the 2026–2027 schedule:
Stage
Period
Notes
Becas MEC (General Scholarships)
March – May 2026
For undergraduate, Master’s, and vocational training students
Special Education Support Scholarships
April – September 2026
For students with disabilities or special needs
Juan de la Cierva Research Contracts
Dec 2026 – Jan 2027
Early postdoctoral contracts
Ramón y Cajal Fellowships
Early 2027
Advanced research fellowships for experienced researchers
Foundation Programs (e.g., La Caixa)
February – April 2026
For postgraduate and doctoral studies
Step 6: Prepare for Interviews (if required)
Some scholarships include interviews or presentations. Be ready to discuss your academic goals, motivation, and plans.
Step 7: Accept the Offer and Apply for a Visa
Once selected, confirm your scholarship acceptance and begin the student visa process. Scholarships often require proof of acceptance for student visaapproval.
To qualify for fully funded scholarships in Spain, international students must meet specific academic, language, and residency requirements. While each program has its own rules, most scholarships share common criteria such as strong academic performance, language proficiency, and proof of admission to a Spanish institution.
1. Academic Requirements
Most scholarships require a strong academic record. Undergraduate scholarships often demand high school completion with excellent grades, while postgraduate scholarships require a bachelor’s degree.
Detail
Information
Undergraduate
High school completion with strong grades
Postgraduate
Bachelor’s degree with minimum GPA (varies by program)
Doctoral/Research
Master’s degree or equivalent
2. Language Proficiency
Depending on the program, students must demonstrate proficiency in English or Spanish.
Spain offers a wealth of opportunities for international students through its Fully Funded Scholarships in Spain. From government programs like MAEC, AECID, and Becas MEC, to prestigious foundation awards such as Fundación Carolina and La Caixa, and university-specific scholarships at institutions like the University of Barcelona, University of Granada, and Autonomous University of Madrid, students can find financial support that matches their academic ambitions.
Still overwhelmed about the application process or choosing the right scholarship? upGrad experts can guide you at every step. Book your free 1:1 counselling session today and get personalized support for your journey to study in Spain.
FAQs
Can I get a full scholarship in Spain?
Yes, Spain offers several fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, living costs, and sometimes travel. These are highly competitive, but international students with strong academic records and clear motivation have a good chance. Preparing documents early and applying before deadlines increases success.
What are the Spanish government scholarships 2026–2027?
For 2026–2027, Spain’s government scholarships include programs like Becas MEC and MAECAECID. They support undergraduate, postgraduate, and research students with financial aid. Applications usually open in the first half of the year, so keeping track of official portals is essential.
Which country gives 100% scholarships?
Several countries offer fully funded scholarships, including Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands. These programs often cover tuition, living expenses, and sometimes airfare. The availability depends on the student’s field of study and eligibility criteria set by each country.
What is the easiest fully funded scholarship in spain?
There’s no “easy” scholarship, but some programs have simpler requirements. Erasmus+ is popular because it accepts students from many countries and offers broad coverage. Scholarships with fewer eligibility restrictions are generally more accessible, though competition remains high.
Do I need Spanish language skills to apply?
Not always. Many scholarships in Spain accept English proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL. However, programs taught in Spanish may require DELE or SIELE certification. Knowing Spanish can also improve your cultural experience and daily life in Spain.
Are scholarships in Spain open to all nationalities?
Yes, most scholarships welcome students worldwide. Some, like Fundación Carolina, focus on Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Others, such as Erasmus+, include both EU and nonEU applicants. Always check the eligibility criteria for your specific program.
How competitive are scholarships in Spain?
They are competitive because Spain attracts thousands of international applicants each year. Strong academic records, clear motivation, and wellprepared documents make a difference. Applying early and tailoring your application to each scholarship improves your chances.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once in Spain?
Yes, students can apply for several scholarships simultaneously. It’s common to submit applications to government, university, and foundation programs. Just make sure you meet each program’s requirements and manage deadlines carefully.
Do scholarships in Spain cover living expenses?
Many fully funded scholarships include living stipends in addition to tuition. The amount varies depending on the program and city. Larger cities like Madrid or Barcelona may require careful budgeting, even with a stipend.
What documents are most important for scholarship applications?
Academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a strong Statement of Purpose are key. Language proficiency certificates are often required, too. Submitting complete and well-organized documents helps your application stand out.
Can I work while studying on a scholarship in Spain?
Yes, international students are usually allowed to work parttime while studying. Scholarships may already cover living costs, but parttime work can provide extra income and experience. Always check visa regulations before starting employment.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4128 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
Refer Your Friend & Earn upto ₹15000
Help your friend upgrade to a Global Career and earn rewards together.
