Making the decision to pursue higher education in another country is one of the most exhilarating choices you can make. The sun-drenched, culturally rich, and academically prestigious environment of the Iberian Peninsula is calling. However, for many prospective students, the first hurdle to cross is financial.
If you are dreaming of moving here but wondering how to fund it, at Bravo Students we are here to help you because we know that managing your budget is a huge part of your international journey. We believe that financial constraints should not stop you from finding a vibrant community, exploring new cities, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
If you are specifically searching for fully funded scholarships for international students in Spain, you need to focus on the schemes that genuinely cover most or all of the major costs: tuition, monthly support, and sometimes travel, visa or insurance. In Spain, the strongest routes usually come from European programmes, Spanish public institutions, research foundations and a smaller number of university or regional calls. The right scholarship for Spain depends on whether you want a master’s, a PhD, or a more specialised research path.
Another thing to keep in mind is timing. Scholarship calendars in Spain move at different speeds. As of April 2026, some programmes already have 2026/27 calls published, while others still show the latest official 2025/26 edition on their public pages. So, if you are wondering what scholarships are available in Spain, the best approach is to start with the main programmes below and then check each official call carefully before applying.
Are there scholarships to study in Spain?
This is usually the very first question we hear: are there scholarships to study in Spain? And following closely behind: can you get scholarships to study in Spain as an international applicant?
The answer to both is a resounding yes. Spain is highly committed to internationalising its education system. Universities, regional governments, private foundations, and the national government all offer substantial financial aid to attract top global talent. Whether you need a small grant to help with living costs or are searching for fully funded scholarships in Spain, the opportunities are vast.
So, what scholarships are available in Spain? They range from undergraduate tuition waivers to generous doctoral stipends. Depending on your nationality, academic background, and the level of study, there is likely an international scholarship Spain designed for someone with your exact profile.
Which scholarships can international students get in Spain?
If you want to know which scholarships can international students get in Spain, you need to look at three main categories: government-funded, foundation-backed, and university-specific. Let’s break down the spain scholarships for international students that offer the most comprehensive financial support for the upcoming academic year.
The best fully funded scholarships in Spain
When we talk about fully funded scholarships for international students in Spain, we mean programmes that cover your tuition fees, provide a monthly living allowance, and often cover your flights and health insurance. These are highly competitive but incredibly rewarding.
If you are aiming for doctoral study, the scholarship landscape changes. The strongest PhD scholarships in Spain are often tied to research institutes and excellence programmes rather than to broad undergraduate-style scholarship schemes. This is where students searching for a PhD Spain scholarship or fully funded scholarships in Spain for research should pay close attention.
A strong example is ICFO, the Institute of Photonic Sciences in Barcelona. According to its official PhD fellowship page, ICFO offers fellowships through several funding mechanisms, but regardless of the mechanism, PhD fellows are fully funded throughout the entire PhD programme. That makes ICFO one of the clearest doctoral examples of fully funded scholarships for international students in Spain, especially for science and engineering candidates.
Another major route is la Caixa Foundation Doctoral INPhINIT. The official page states that the foundation offers 60 doctoral fellowships for young researchers of any nationality who wish to undertake doctoral studies in Spain or Portugal. The programme is split into Incoming and Retaining calls, with the 2026 deadlines already published. This is especially relevant for students looking for prestigious PhD scholarships in Spain with international eligibility.
One important nuance: many people mention la Caixa when talking about master’s funding in Spain, but the clearest official international route currently visible is its doctoral INPhINIT programme. So, if your search is specifically about masters scholarships in Spain, you may find stronger current options in Erasmus Mundus, Fundación Carolina or university-led funding than in la Caixa’s open 2026 doctoral call.
If your goal is a master’s degree, the Erasmus scholarship Spain route is often one of the strongest options. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are open to students from all over the world and are delivered by international consortia of universities. Spain is part of many of these programmes, which makes Erasmus one of the most visible forms of study abroad scholarships in Spain for postgraduate students.
This is one of the clearest examples of fully funded scholarships in Spain for international applicants, although technically the scholarship is awarded to the programme, not to Spain alone. According to the official Erasmus+ page, full scholarships may be offered to the best-ranked students worldwide, and they can cover participation costs while also contributing to travel, visa and a living allowance. That makes Erasmus Mundus one of the best fully funded scholarships in Spain for students who want a recognised international master’s and are comfortable studying across more than one institution.
For students searching terms like masters scholarships in Spain, Spain masters programs, or study in Spain scholarships, Erasmus should be near the top of the list. The main limitation is that it is highly competitive and programme-specific, so you need to apply directly to the university consortium running the course.
They might offer up to 100% tuition coverage, a stipend of €1,000 to €1,400 per month, plus travel and insurance allowances. Many of these programmes include at least one or two semesters at a Spanish institution, making it a fantastic study in Spain scholarship.
If you come from Latin America, Fundación Carolina is one of the most important names to know. Its scholarships are specifically designed to strengthen academic links with Spain, and the programme includes postgraduate, doctoral, institutional and mobility options. For many students, these are the most practical Spain scholarships for international students because they are directly tied to Spanish higher education and have a long-established application process.
The official 2026/27 call includes 736 scholarships across several categories, including 228 postgraduate scholarships and 120 doctoral scholarships and postdoctoral short stays, along with institutional and mobility options. That makes Fundación Carolina one of the broadest answers to the question which scholarships can international students get in Spain.
It is worth saying clearly that not every Fundación Carolina award works in exactly the same way. Some are closer to full funding than others, depending on the specific programme and university agreement. Still, for students searching scholarships for international students in Spain, scholarship Spain international students or scholarships in Spain, Fundación Carolina is a key route, especially at postgraduate and doctoral level.
When people search for a Spanish government scholarship for international students or government scholarships Spain, they are often thinking of MAEC-AECID. This is one of the main public scholarship frameworks linked to Spain’s foreign affairs and international cooperation system. The latest official AECID pages show active scholarship procedures for 2025/26, including a Master Programme for citizens of Latin America and the Philippines, and an Escuela Diplomática programme for citizens of Latin America, Africa and the Philippines.
This matters because many students ask, can you get scholarships to study in Spain through the government rather than through a university. The answer is yes, but the eligibility is usually quite specific. MAEC-AECID is not a universal scheme for all nationalities and all degrees. It is best understood as a targeted international scholarship Spain route for certain regions, programmes and strategic academic areas.
For students who fit the eligibility profile, this is one of the most relevant scholarships in Spain for international students. If you are from Latin America, Africa or the Philippines and you are looking at a master’s or a public-sector academic route, MAEC-AECID should be on your shortlist.
- The Fulbright scholarship Spain The keyword Fulbright scholarship Spain comes up often, but it needs context. Fulbright Spain is real and active, but it is not a general funding route for every international student who wants to move to Spain. The official Fulbright Spain site shows that its 2026 calls include programmes for Spanish applicants and also separate grants for U.S. citizens. In other words, Fulbright is highly relevant for certain profiles, but not a universal answer to scholarships for international students in Spain.
So, if you are American and looking at Spain, Fulbright may be worth exploring. If you are from elsewhere, it is better to prioritise schemes such as Erasmus Mundus, Fundación Carolina, MAEC-AECID, university calls and doctoral research fellowships.
6. ICFO doctoral fellowships If your focus is on sciences, specifically photonic sciences, the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO) offers highly specialised, fully funded fellowships. As a premier PhD Spain scholarship, it provides excellent research facilities alongside a very comfortable stipend ranging from €2,100 to €2,200 per month.
Exploring university and regional funding
Beyond the national and international foundations, you should also look locally. University scholarships in Spain are a major source of funding. Almost every major institution offers a Spanish university scholarship for international students based on academic merit or financial need.
For example, specific funding is often available at the University of Barcelona or the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. These institutions want to attract the brightest minds, and they allocate funds specifically to help you secure a scholarship in Spain.
Additionally, regional governments—such as the Basque government or the regional government of Andalusia—frequently offer their own study abroad scholarships to encourage international talent to settle in their specific territories.
Focusing on postgraduate study: masters and PhDs
While there are undergraduate grants available, the majority of the scholarships in Spain for international students are heavily weighted towards postgraduate study.
If you are looking for masters scholarships in Spain, you will find that many business schools and technical universities offer substantial tuition discounts or full rides for candidates with exceptional academic records.
For researchers, the landscape is even more promising. Securing a PhD scholarship in Spain often feels more like applying for a job than a student grant. Because research is highly valued, these positions frequently come with full employment contracts, social security benefits, and comfortable monthly salaries. When looking for a scholarship for international students, researchers often find that Spain offers an unparalleled balance of rigorous academic work and excellent quality of life.
How to apply for scholarships in Spain
Understanding the landscape of scholarships in Spain is only the first step. The next is actually securing one.
If you are wondering how to apply for scholarships in Spain, start by being organised. First, identify the level of study: undergraduate, master’s or PhD. Second, check nationality restrictions. Third, confirm whether the scholarship is tied to a university admission offer, a subject area, or a particular institution. And fourth, watch the calendar closely, because deadlines can vary a lot between January, spring and summer.
Here is a step-by-step strategy to maximise your chances:
- Start early: The application cycle for a Spanish scholarship usually begins in the winter or early spring for the following September intake. You need to begin researching at least 9 to 12 months in advance.
- Translate and legalise your documents: Whether you are applying for fully funded scholarships for international students in Spain or a partial grant, you will need your transcripts, degree certificates, and letters of recommendation. Ensure these are officially translated into Spanish and apostilled if required.
- Tailor your motivation letter: Do not send a generic application. Whether applying to the MAEC-AECID or a specific university, explain exactly why studying in Spain aligns with your career goals and what you will bring to the academic community.
- Prepare your language certificates: Even if you are applying for an English-taught programme, some scholarships may require proof of Spanish proficiency (like the DELE or SIELE) as part of their cultural exchange mandate.
For most schemes, you will need academic transcripts, ID or passport, proof of language level where relevant, a CV, recommendation letters and a motivation statement. For research routes, you may also need a supervisor match or a research proposal. Erasmus Mundus applications go directly to the programme consortium. Fundación Carolina applications are submitted through its online system. ICFO runs a standardised admissions process, while AECID and many universities publish their own formal call procedures.
Budgeting and finding your new home
Securing a scholarship for international students in Spain is a massive achievement. However, even with a generous monthly stipend of €1,000 to €1,400, you still need to be smart about your budget. The biggest portion of your living allowance will go towards your accommodation.
This is where Bravo Students comes in. We understand that scholarship recipients need reliable, all-inclusive, and comfortable housing so they can focus entirely on maintaining the high grades required by their funding bodies.
When you book a room in one of our modern residences, you are not just getting a place to sleep. You are securing peace of mind. Our single monthly fee covers everything: your rent, high-speed Wi-Fi, electricity, water, and access to incredible amenities like gyms, study rooms, and common areas. This all-inclusive model means you will never be surprised by a sudden spike in utility bills, making it incredibly easy to manage your scholarship stipend.
Furthermore, living with us in cities like Madrid, Salamanca, Granada, Zaragoza or Murcia connects you instantly with a vibrant community. You will meet other international students, perhaps even some who have also secured an international scholarship. It is the perfect environment to practice your language skills, network, and form lasting friendships.
So, are there scholarships to study in Spain? Absolutely. And yes, there are genuine fully funded scholarships for international students in Spain, especially at master’s and PhD level. The strongest options usually include Erasmus Mundus, Fundación Carolina, MAEC-AECID, ICFO doctoral fellowships, la Caixa INPhINIT, and selected university scholarships or regional talent calls.
The main thing is to match the scholarship to your profile. If you do that well, Spain can become a much more accessible study destination than many students first assume. And if you are preparing for that move, combining scholarship research with a realistic plan for student accommodation is one of the smartest ways to approach the whole process
Take the next step towards your Spanish adventure
Spain offers an incredible mix of world-class education, vibrant culture, and financial support for those willing to look for it. Do not let the fear of costs hold you back. Dedicate time to researching every scholarship for Spain, prepare your applications meticulously, and apply broadly.
Once your funding is secured, the real fun begins. You can start planning your arrival, mapping out your classes, and choosing your new home. Explore our beautiful cities, find your ideal room, and book your stay directly through the Bravo Students website. Be brave, be Bravo, and get ready to make the most of your fully funded academic journey in Spain!
