Spain is a great study destination if you want a European degree, a high quality of life, and lower costs than the UK or USA. But if you’re expecting “Germany-level” free education and full funding everywhere, you’ll be disappointed. Spain has scholarships, but you have to target the right ones, apply early, and build a strong profile.
This guide breaks down the best scholarships in Spain for international students, what they cover, who can apply, and the exact step-by-step process to win them.
Best Scholarships in Spain for International Students (Quick Overview)
Spain scholarship opportunities usually fall into these categories:
- Government-funded scholarships
- University scholarships and tuition waivers
- Erasmus+ exchange and joint program funding
- Scholarships from foundations and private organizations
- Research-based funding (mainly for PhD)
Primary keyword: best scholarships in Spain for international students
Secondary keywords: scholarships in Spain for international students, study in Spain scholarship, fully funded scholarships in Spain, Spain university scholarships, Spain master’s scholarships, Erasmus Mundus Spain
Step 1: Choose the Right Study Level (This Changes Everything)
Before you apply, understand this clearly:
- Bachelor’s scholarships in Spain are limited
- Master’s scholarships are the most realistic
- PhD funding exists but is competitive and research-based
If you’re applying for a Bachelor’s and need full funding, Spain is not the easiest path. If you’re applying for a Master’s, Spain becomes much more realistic.
Step 2: Target the Scholarships That Actually Pay Well
1) MAEC-AECID Scholarships (Spanish Government)
This is one of the most recognized government scholarship programs linked to Spain.
Best for:
- Master’s studies
- Research and academic programs
- Students from selected eligible countries
What it may cover:
- Monthly stipend
- Tuition support (sometimes)
- Health insurance
Why it’s powerful:
It carries strong credibility and can reduce most major expenses.
Reality check: It’s competitive and not open for every country and every program.
2) Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (Top Option)
If you want a serious “fully funded” opportunity connected to Spain, Erasmus Mundus is one of the best routes.
Best for:
- International students applying for joint Master’s degrees in Europe
- Students who want to study in multiple countries (Spain can be one of them)
What it covers:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Travel allowance
- Insurance
Why it’s one of the best scholarships in Spain for international students:
It’s not Spain-only, but it’s often the best-funded option that includes Spain.
3) University Scholarships in Spain (Most Common Option)
Most international students in Spain get funding through universities, not government programs.
Types of university funding:
- Merit-based tuition discounts
- Partial scholarships
- Academic excellence awards
- Need-based support (less common)
Best for:
- Master’s students
- Private universities and business schools
- Strong academic applicants
What it usually covers:
- Partial tuition reduction (common)
- Sometimes a larger tuition waiver for top candidates
Reality check: Many are not “fully funded.” But they can make Spain affordable.
4) Scholarships from Spanish Foundations and Institutions
Spain has foundations that fund:
- research
- international cooperation
- innovation and development programs
- social impact and leadership
Best for:
- Students with strong academic + leadership profiles
- Applicants with clear research or career goals
These scholarships are harder to find because they’re not always advertised widely.
5) Funded PhD Positions in Spain (Salary-Based Funding)
PhD scholarships in Spain are often not “scholarships” in the traditional sense. They are funded research contracts.
Best for:
- Research-focused applicants
- STEM and applied sciences
- Candidates with publications or thesis experience
What it can include:
- Monthly salary/stipend
- Research funding
- Tuition waiver (sometimes)
- Social security benefits (depending on contract type)
Reality check: If you don’t have research experience, you’re not competitive here.
Step 3: Choose the Right Universities (Where Scholarships Are More Likely)
This is where most students fail. They choose universities first based on rankings and ignore scholarship probability.
If you want better scholarship chances in Spain, target:
- Universities with international scholarship pages updated yearly
- Private universities with merit awards
- Business schools offering tuition waivers for global students
- Programs with strong international student recruitment goals
Smart move: Apply to 6–10 universities, not 1–2. Scholarships are a numbers game.
Step 4: Prepare a Scholarship-Winning Application File
Spain scholarship committees don’t reward “dreams.” They reward clarity and proof.
Your scholarship file must include:
Academic Documents
- Transcripts (strong grades matter)
- Degree certificates
- Class ranking (if available)
A Strong CV (Not a Basic One)
Your CV should show:
- achievements
- internships or work experience
- leadership roles
- relevant skills and certifications
If your CV is empty, your scholarship chances are low.
Motivation Letter That Matches the Program
A winning scholarship motivation letter includes:
- why Spain
- why this program
- your career plan
- how you’ll use the degree after graduation
- proof you’re serious (not desperate)
Generic letters get rejected.
Recommendation Letters (If Required)
Good recommendation letters:
- confirm your academic ability
- prove discipline and reliability
- mention results, not personality
Weak recommendation letters kill strong applications.
Step 5: Apply Early (Spain Deadlines Can Quietly Destroy You)
Most scholarships have earlier deadlines than admissions.
Your timeline should look like this:
- 6–8 months before intake: shortlist universities + prepare documents
- 5–6 months before intake: apply to universities
- 4–5 months before intake: submit scholarship applications
- 3–4 months before intake: finalize admission + funding + visa planning
If you apply late, you’ll still get admission sometimes, but scholarships will be gone.
Step 6: Combine Scholarships + Tuition Discounts (This Is the Real Strategy)
Most international students in Spain don’t win one big scholarship. They combine funding like this:
- University tuition discount + personal savings
- Partial scholarship + part-time work (if allowed)
- Erasmus support + university grant
- Tuition waiver + affordable city choice
This is how students actually make Spain affordable.
Best Scholarships in Spain by Study Level
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
Best realistic options:
- private university merit scholarships
- tuition discounts based on grades
- sports/talent awards (rare)
Truth: Spain is not the best country for fully funded Bachelor’s study.
Master’s (Best Level for Scholarships)
Best options:
- Erasmus Mundus joint Master’s scholarships
- MAEC-AECID scholarships (if eligible)
- university merit scholarships
- business school scholarships
PhD (Research Funding)
Best options:
- funded PhD contracts
- research assistantships
- externally funded research projects
Cost Comparison Table: Scholarship vs Real Expenses
| Funding Type | Covers Tuition | Covers Living Costs | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erasmus Mundus | Yes | Yes | Master’s (high competition) |
| MAEC-AECID | Sometimes | Often yes | Selected applicants/countries |
| University Scholarship | Partial | Rarely | Most students |
| Foundation Scholarships | Sometimes | Sometimes | High-achievers |
| Funded PhD Contract | Yes/Varies | Yes | Research applicants |
Common Mistakes That Get Students Rejected
If you avoid these, you’re ahead of 90% of applicants:
- applying late
- using one generic motivation letter everywhere
- choosing random programs with no career plan
- weak CV with no achievements
- poor document formatting and missing translations
- applying to only one university
- ignoring language requirements
Scholarships don’t reward hope. They reward preparation.
FAQ: Best Scholarships in Spain for International Students
Can I get a fully funded scholarship in Spain?
Yes, but it’s not common. The best fully funded option connected to Spain is often Erasmus Mundus.
Are Spain scholarships easy to get?
No. Many are competitive and limited. Your chances improve massively with early applications and a strong profile.
Do Spanish universities give scholarships to international students?
Yes, many do, especially private universities. Most scholarships are partial tuition discounts rather than full funding.
Can I study in Spain without Spanish language?
Yes, many Master’s programs are taught in English. Bachelor’s programs are often Spanish-taught, so check carefully.
What’s the best time to apply for scholarships in Spain?
Start preparing 6–8 months before your intake. Scholarship deadlines often close early.
Conclusion: The Best Scholarship Strategy in Spain Is Smart Targeting + Early Action
If you want the best scholarships in Spain for international students, stop chasing random “fully funded” promises and start applying strategically:
- target Erasmus Mundus and government programs first
- apply to multiple universities for merit-based funding
- build a strong CV and motivation letter
- apply early and meet scholarship deadlines
Spain is absolutely affordable if you combine the right scholarship options with the right university and city choice. The students who win are the ones who treat scholarships like a serious project, not a wish.