Don’t be discouraged by the cost of studying in Spain: there is a whole universe of scholarships and financial aid for those who want to study in Spain to complete their studies at any level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate. We break down different types of scholarships, how to apply for a scholarship, and how to maintain it. Studying at a Spanish university for free is possible.
Study in Spain: academic excellence scholarships
Would you like to benefit from a scholarship to study in Spain? The most common type of scholarship, which you will also find elsewhere, is the academic excellence scholarship. These are the scholarships that are offered to the students with the best grades to reward them and to give the opportunity to talented people despite their difficult financial situations. This type of aid can be offered by public or private universities and even by other organizations such as the Ministry of Education of Spain.
Sometimes they are open to everyone, regardless of the economic situation, and sometimes it is a combination of good grades and difficult financial situations that gives access to these aids. If you excel in school, these scholarships are definitely worth it as they can fund up to 100% of your school fees, and even provide you with a stipend that will allow you to make the most of student life. It is often the most prestigious institution that offers the most generous scholarships since they have the budget for it. For example in Spain, the ESADE university regularly offers scholarships to students who have a baccalaureate average of at least 8 out of 10 and who are compatible with their values.
Study in Spain: collaboration scholarships
The second type of scholarship you will find in Spain is the collaboration scholarship. These scholarships are a little more specific than those for academic excellence; they often aim to promote projects and research in a relevant field. Although grades certainly play a role in applications, to progress in the requested field and to have the will and the intention to collaborate on the projects and research in question. This type of financial aid is perfect for students who are already confident and certain about their study options and are ready to put their hands in to start accumulating experience in the field. For example,
The European University of the Atlantic offers 20 collaboration scholarships in the computer engineering sector with the aim of finding talents for concrete projects that the university wishes to set up.
Study in Spain: scholarships targeting specific groups
The third type of scholarship is one that targets specific groups or communities. If you have family who are already studying in Spain, it is possible to find scholarships that make it easier for you to finance your studies, such as the “ ESADE Family Grants ” which covers 10% of your tuition fees if you have brothers. and sisters who are already studying at ESADE.
There are also other private organizations that offer scholarships to promote what they believe in. The “ Reina Sofia” scholarships” want to help Spanish immigrants who live abroad, so if your parents are Spanish and you need help going to study in the country of origin, this scholarship could be an option. The Spanish government also offers financial aid to students with various disabilities.
Study in Spain: scholarship application procedures
The process of applying for scholarships in Spain can be tedious, as these scholarships can often allow you to study for free. There are several documents that may be requested such as your transcript, ID, application form, CV, or cover letter. It is very likely that you will also be called upon to participate in videoconference interviews with university committees.
To prepare to apply for a scholarship, so make sure you have the necessary documents at hand. It is recommended to be well informed about the coveted scholarship to adapt your cover letter to the requirements of each scholarship program. Most scholarship organizations look for students who meet their criteria, rather than just choosing those with the highest grades. It should also be noted that those who receive Spanish scholarships often have a good command of the language, so it is important to practice the language.
You should know that scholarships are granted with specific conditions. By accepting a scholarship, you also accept all of these conditions. The part that can often be forgotten is that these conditions must be respected throughout the financing and therefore, often, for the duration of the training. If the number of classes imposed or the minimum average or the course imposed or other conditions changes during your studies, the scholarship could be taken away from you. It is necessary to inquire about all these possibilities.
Receiving a scholarship is also a responsibility in a sense, especially for collaborative scholarships. Before accepting a scholarship, one must be prepared to complete the applications of the organization in question. The idea is to apply for the maximum number of scholarships, which will put the odds in your favor. Consult those of the ESADE University, the European University of the Atlantic, the Ministry of Education of Spain, the University of Granada, but also the MAEC-AECID scholarships. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all these procedures, but don’t lose sight of your goal and go for it!
