List of Fully-funded Scholarships in Spain 2026 Intakes for International Students
What if your dream of studying in Spain could come true—without draining your bank account? Imagine strolling through centuries-old campuses in Barcelona, Madrid, or Granada, while your tuition, research costs, and even your living expenses are fully or partially covered. This is not just a fantasy. Spain is once again opening its doors to international students with an impressive portfolio of scholarships and fellowships for the 2026–2027 academic year. The opportunities are bigger, more diverse, and more thrilling than ever before.
This guide takes you through every major scholarship and fellowship program available, their timelines, and the hidden advantages that can change the course of your career.
Why Study in Spain in 2026?
Spain is quickly rising as a global education hub, offering the perfect mix of academic excellence and affordability. For 2026, students worldwide can tap into fully funded scholarships such as la Caixa, Fundación Carolina, and MAEC-AECID, which not only waive tuition but also provide living stipends and research support.
Home to highly ranked universities like the University of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Madrid, and Pompeu Fabra, Spain ensures that your degree carries international recognition under the European Higher Education Area. Beyond prestige, the country stands out for its affordable cost of living, making cities like Valencia and Granada far more budget-friendly than London or Paris.
What makes Spain even more appealing is the ease of its application processes and the flexibility to study in English or Spanish. The result? Globally respected degrees, real cultural immersion, and an opportunity to study in one of Europe’s most dynamic and welcoming destinations.
Spain’s National and EU-Backed Scholarships List for 2026 intake
Following 5 major scholarships comes under national and EU backed programs for 2026-2027 batch admissions in Spain for international applicants:
1# MAEC-AECID Scholarships – Spain’s international cooperation agency funds master’s and postgraduate studies for students from Latin America, Africa, and the Philippines. Awards typically cover tuition, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel costs. The next cycle is expected to open in June 2026, so prepare early to meet the narrow summer deadline.
2# Fundación Carolina – A cornerstone opportunity for Ibero-American students, Fundación Carolina offers hundreds of fully or partially funded scholarships each year for master’s, doctoral, short stays, and mobility programs. Benefits often include tuition waivers, living stipends, and travel support. The 2026–2027 call should open in January 2026 and close by March or April, depending on the program.
3# FPU/FPI Predoctoral Contracts – These four-year contracts allow PhD students to earn a salary of around €24,000 annually while completing their research in Spain. They also provide social security benefits and mobility allowances. The next call is expected between mid-January and mid-February 2026.
4# MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships – Under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, postdocs can secure two-year fully funded fellowships in Spain, covering salary, mobility allowances, and research costs. The 2025 call closes on 10 September 2025, with results in early 2026, and projects starting later that year—perfect timing for the 2026–2027 academic cycle.
5# Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters – These EU-backed master’s programs provide full scholarships, including tuition fees, travel support, installation allowances, and a monthly stipend of €1,000–1,200. Spanish universities participate in dozens of Erasmus Mundus consortia. Applications for 2026–2027 intake open in October 2025 and close between December 2025 and January 2026, depending on the course.
Major Spanish Foundations and Corporations Scholarships in 2026
1# “la Caixa” Foundation
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- Junior Leader Postdoctoral Fellowships: If you want to do a postdoc in Spain, this is one of the most coveted opportunities. Applications close in late September 2025, with results announced in March 2026. Fellows begin between May and December 2026.
- INPhINIT Doctoral Fellowships: Designed for PhD candidates in STEM and life sciences, this program opens in autumn and usually closes by January. The competition is tough but the rewards are transformative.
2# Iberdrola International Master’s Scholarships
Focused on energy, engineering, and the digital economy, Iberdrola provides generous master’s scholarships at top universities. You can expect the 2026 call to open in March or April.
3# Santander Open Academy
Known for offering thousands of mobility scholarships, Santander provides smaller but widely accessible grants to support study stays in Spain. The next call is expected in spring 2026.
List of University Scholarships for 2026 intakes in Spain
This table brings together some of the most attractive university-level scholarships in Spain for the 2026–2027 intake, each with its own package, timeline, and expectations for new applicants. It’s designed to give you more than just names — it explains what the scholarship covers, when to apply, and what you need to prepare:
| University / Program | What It Offers | Who Can Apply | Application Timeline | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zaragoza Logistics Center (ZLOG) | Tuition reductions and competitive scholarships for the MIT–Zaragoza Master in Logistics & Supply Chain Management. | Master’s applicants in logistics, engineering, supply chain, or related fields. | Multiple rounds from late 2025 to mid-2026. | Backed by MIT and globally recognized in supply chain education. |
| Barcelona School of Economics (BSE) | Partial to fully funded scholarships for master’s programs in economics, finance, and data science. | Strong academic record holders in quantitative and social sciences. | Priority deadline: mid-January 2026. | Ranked among Europe’s best for economics research and training. |
| ICFO – Institute of Photonic Sciences | All admitted PhD students are fully funded via fellowships or contracts. | PhD candidates in physics, optics, engineering, and related sciences. | Rolling calls throughout the year. | Access to world-class labs and cutting-edge photonics research. |
| University of Navarra | Master’s scholarships covering 10–50% of tuition depending on program. | International master’s applicants across Navarra’s schools. | Calls expected from late 2025 into early 2026. | Strong Catholic research university with international reach. |
| Universitat de València (UV) with AUIP | Scholarships for Latin American students in official master’s programs. | Graduates from AUIP-affiliated Latin American universities. | Next call in spring 2026. | AUIP partnership makes it highly accessible for Latin American applicants. |
| UIC Barcelona | International Excellence Scholarships: 20% tuition waiver. | Undergraduate and master’s students with excellent academic records. | Opens late 2025 for 2026–2027 intake. | Innovative, English-friendly university focused on global talent. |
| UNEATLANTICO | Merit and collaboration scholarships for undergraduates. | Undergraduate applicants in a wide range of programs. | Aligned with the academic year, starting late 2025. | Offers flexible aid packages tied to academic performance and collaboration. |
How to Plan Your Applications for 2026 Admissions in Spain?
- September 2025: Focus on la Caixa Junior Leader and MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships.
- October 2025 – January 2026: Erasmus Mundus Master’s and Barcelona School of Economics funding priority.
- January – April 2026: Fundación Carolina, FPU, Iberdrola, and Santander calls.
- April – June 2026: UV-AUIP and MAEC-AECID windows.
- Rolling: ZLOG, UIC, UNEATLANTICO, Navarra, and ICFO programs.
Final Word
Studying in Spain on a scholarship is not just about free tuition. It is about immersing yourself in a culture that values innovation, global collaboration, and academic excellence. The 2026–2027 cycle is rich with opportunities at every level—from undergrad exchanges to doctoral fellowships and postdoc research contracts.
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