Top 10 Spain Scholarships 2027-2028 for International Students (Fully Funded & Partial Awards)
Spain has quietly become one of Europe’s most attractive academic destinations — and for international students hunting for a fully funded scholarship in Spain, the 2027-2028 academic year brings some of the strongest funding opportunities in years. Between government-backed cooperation grants, university-specific excellence awards, and globally recognized programs like Fulbright and Erasmus Mundus, students from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and even the United States have a genuine shot at studying in Spain without paying out of pocket.
If you’re researching how to study in Spain for free, comparing master’s scholarships in Europe, or simply trying to figure out which Spanish university offers the best international student scholarship, this guide breaks down the ten most competitive options for the 2027-2028 cycle — what they cover, who qualifies, and how to actually get selected.
Quick disclaimer: Scholarship stipends, coverage percentages, and deadlines are set annually by each institution and can shift slightly year to year. Always cross-check the figures below against the official scholarship portal before submitting your application.
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Why Study in Spain? A Quick Look at the Value
Before diving into the list, it’s worth understanding why Spain keeps climbing the rankings for international education:
- Lower cost of living compared to the UK, Germany, or the Netherlands, even in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona
- World-ranked universities — several Spanish institutions consistently rank in global top-500 lists
- EU-recognized degrees, which carry weight for further study or work permits across the European Union
- A growing English-taught program catalog, especially at the master’s and PhD level
- Strong student visa pathways for non-EU applicants, particularly for those holding a confirmed scholarship or admission letter
With that context, here are the ten scholarships worth applying to.
1. Spanish Government (MAEC-AECID) Scholarships
Degree level: Master’s, PhD, Research Best for: Non-EU citizens, especially from Latin America, Africa, and Asia
The MAEC-AECID scholarship is Spain’s flagship government-funded cooperation program, run by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It’s one of the most recognized names when people search for a Spain government scholarship for international students, and for good reason — it typically bundles a monthly living stipend, full or near-full tuition coverage, health insurance, and a travel allowance into a single award.
Coverage details:
- Monthly living stipend (varies by program call)
- Full tuition coverage at partner universities
- Health insurance for the duration of study
- Travel allowance in many program lines
Eligibility & scope: Open primarily to applicants from Ibero-American countries, though certain calls extend to Africa and Asia. Calls generally open in the first quarter of the year for enrollment the following autumn, so early preparation is essential.
Insider tip: MAEC-AECID isn’t one scholarship — it’s an umbrella of several sub-programs (Máster, Diplomatic School, research residencies, etc.), each with its own eligibility rules. Read the specific convocatoria (official call) for your target program rather than relying on general summaries.
2. “la Caixa” Foundation Postgraduate Fellowships
Degree level: Master’s, PhD Best for: High-achieving international students seeking a merit-based scholarship at elite universities
The La Caixa Fellowship is widely considered one of the most prestigious and financially generous postgraduate awards in Spain. It’s built for top-ranking candidates and is genuinely competitive — but the payoff is substantial.
Coverage details:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Generous monthly stipend
- Travel grant to relocate to Spain
- Orientation and settling-in allowance
Eligibility & scope: Merit-based and highly selective. Strong academic records, leadership experience, and a clear research or career rationale for studying in Spain significantly improve your odds.
3. Fundación Carolina Scholarships
Degree level: Master’s, PhD, Postdoctoral Best for: Students from Ibero-American Community countries
Fundación Carolina has funded thousands of students from Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula community to study in Spain. It’s often bundled with MAEC-AECID in search results, but it operates as an independent foundation with its own application cycle.
Coverage details:
- Full or partial tuition coverage
- Monthly living allowance
- Round-trip flights included
- Health insurance for the study period
Eligibility & scope: Specifically targeted at nationals of Ibero-American Community countries, with strong preference given to candidates whose field of study aligns with development or cooperation goals.
4. Spanish Ministry of Education (MEC) Grants
Degree level: Bachelor’s, Master’s Best for: EU/EEA citizens and legal residents of Spain
Unlike most entries on this list, the MEC grant is aimed at EU/EEA nationals or official residents in Spain, making it a strong option for families already based in the country or applicants holding EU citizenship.
Coverage details:
- Full tuition fee exemption
- Fixed cash allowance for living and transport costs
- Variable performance-based grant component
Eligibility & scope: Awarded based on a combination of household income thresholds and academic performance — this is Spain’s closest equivalent to a need-based financial aid program.
5. UC3M International Excellence Grants (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid)
Degree level: Master’s Best for: Non-EU students with strong academic transcripts
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid is consistently ranked among Spain’s top research universities, and its international excellence grant is one of the more accessible university-specific awards for master’s applicants outside the EU.
Coverage details:
- 75% to 100% tuition fee waiver
- Annual living grants available for select programs
Eligibility & scope: Awarded to non-EU students demonstrating exceptional academic records; selection is competitive and program-specific, so check which master’s degrees qualify before applying.
6. University of Barcelona (UB) International Grants
Degree level: Master’s, PhD Best for: Applicants seeking both merit- and need-based support
The University of Barcelona is one of Spain’s most internationally recognized institutions, and its grant program blends merit-based scholarships with need-based financial support — useful if your academic profile is strong but your financial situation still needs backing.
Coverage details:
- Full or partial tuition fee waivers
- Living support grants of up to €3,000
Eligibility & scope: Open to top international applicants; awards are assessed on a combination of academic merit and demonstrated financial need.
7. UPF Merit Scholarships (Universitat Pompeu Fabra)
Degree level: Master’s Best for: Top-performing non-EU candidates already admitted to UPF
Universitat Pompeu Fabra’s merit scholarship is purely academic-performance driven, targeting students who have already secured admission and want to offset tuition costs.
Coverage details:
- Full or partial tuition fee waivers, up to 100% in top cases
Eligibility & scope: Merit-based, reserved for non-EU candidates who have been formally admitted to a UPF master’s program — admission and scholarship application are typically separate steps.
8. UAM International Excellence Grants (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid)
Degree level: Master’s, PhD Best for: Research-track applicants
UAM’s international grant leans toward research-oriented students, particularly those entering PhD tracks or research-heavy master’s programs.
Coverage details:
- Tuition fee assistance
- Monthly living stipend for select research tracks
Eligibility & scope: Awarded to top-ranking international candidates, with priority often given to applicants attached to a specific research group or supervisor.
9. Fulbright Spain Student Program
Degree level: Master’s, PhD, Research Best for: U.S. citizens
If you’re a U.S. citizen searching for a Fulbright scholarship in Spain, this is the program to know. It’s one of the most respected exchange scholarships globally and remains a strong entry in any “highest paying scholarships abroad” comparison.
Coverage details:
- Full tuition coverage, with total award value frequently exceeding $20,000
- Monthly living stipend
- Travel allowance and health coverage included
Eligibility & scope: Exclusively for U.S. citizens undertaking approved study, research, or teaching projects in Spain. The application cycle is lengthy and typically requires institutional endorsement, so start early — often a full year ahead of your intended start date.
10. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)
Degree level: Master’s Best for: Students wanting a multi-country European degree
Erasmus Mundus scholarships fund joint master’s programs delivered across a consortium of universities in different EU countries, with at least one study period based in Spain. It’s arguably the best option if you want international mobility built directly into your degree.
Coverage details:
- Full tuition fee coverage across all consortium universities
- Monthly living stipend
- Travel and relocation allowance
Eligibility & scope: Open globally to students who meet the specific joint-degree program’s admission requirements; funded entirely by the EU, making it one of the most reliable fully funded master’s scholarships in Europe.
How to Choose the Right Scholarship for You
With ten strong options on the table, narrowing down where to apply comes down to three questions:
- What’s your nationality and citizenship status? Programs like MEC grants require EU/EEA status, while MAEC-AECID and Fundación Carolina target Ibero-American, African, and Asian applicants, and Fulbright is U.S.-only.
- What degree level are you targeting? Bachelor’s applicants have far fewer options (mainly MEC grants), while master’s and PhD applicants can choose from nearly every program on this list.
- Do you need living costs covered, or just tuition? If you need full financial support, prioritize MAEC-AECID, La Caixa, Fundación Carolina, Fulbright, or Erasmus Mundus — these bundle stipends with tuition waivers rather than offering tuition relief alone.
Application Timeline: When to Start
Spanish scholarship calls follow a fairly predictable annual rhythm:
- December–March: Fundación Carolina and most MAEC-AECID sub-programs open their calls
- January–April: University-specific grants (UC3M, UB, UPF, UAM) typically open applications alongside general admissions
- September (up to a year in advance): Fulbright applications should begin, given the lengthy review process
- October–February: Erasmus Mundus consortium applications open, varying by specific joint program
Pro tip: Start collecting your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and language certificates (Spanish DELE or English IELTS/TOEFL, depending on the program) at least six months before any deadline. Document translation and certification often take longer than applicants expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak Spanish to apply for these scholarships? Not always. Many master’s and PhD programs in Spain, particularly at UC3M, UPF, and in Erasmus Mundus consortiums, are taught fully in English. However, some MAEC-AECID and Fundación Carolina program lines may require Spanish proficiency, especially for professional training tracks.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship at the same time? Yes, in most cases. There’s no rule against applying to multiple Spanish scholarships simultaneously, as long as you meet each program’s individual eligibility requirements. Just be mindful of overlapping deadlines and document requirements.
Are these scholarships fully funded? Several are — MAEC-AECID, La Caixa, Fundación Carolina, Fulbright, and Erasmus Mundus typically combine tuition coverage with a living stipend. Others, like the UC3M, UB, and UPF grants, may only cover tuition partially unless combined with additional funding.
What GPA or academic record do I need? There’s no universal cutoff, but merit-based programs like La Caixa and UPF are highly competitive and typically favor candidates in the top percentile of their cohort. Government cooperation grants like MAEC-AECID weigh other factors too, including your home country’s development priorities and your field of study.
How do I get a Spain student visa after receiving a scholarship? Once you have an official acceptance letter and scholarship confirmation, you can apply for a Spain student visa (national visa type D for programs longer than 90 days) through your nearest Spanish consulate. Processing times vary, so apply as soon as your scholarship is confirmed.
Final Thoughts
Spain’s scholarship landscape for 2027-2028 offers something for nearly every kind of international student — from fully funded government cooperation grants to university-specific excellence awards and globally recognized programs like Fulbright and Erasmus Mundus. The key is matching your nationality, degree level, and funding needs to the right program well ahead of deadlines, since the strongest awards on this list are also the most competitive.
Bookmark the official pages for each program, set calendar reminders for application windows, and start preparing your documents early — competitive Spain scholarships for international students don’t wait for late applicants.
