Scholarships in Spain: MAEC- Types, Eligibility and Application Process

Spain is one of the top study destinations in Europe for international students. It is famous for its good-quality education, globally recognized universities, and rich culture. Compared to countries like the USA, UK, and Australia, public universities in Spain have lower tuition fees, making education more affordable for students. Even though tuition fees are affordable, students still need money for living expenses, accommodation, health insurance, food, and travel. To help students manage these costs, many scholarships are available in Spain.

International students, including Indian students, can apply for scholarships for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs. These scholarships are offered by the Spanish government, universities, private organizations, and the European Union. Some scholarships cover full tuition fees and living expenses, while others provide monthly financial support or partial fee waivers. One of the popular scholarship programs is the MAEC Scholarship, which helps international students study and conduct research in Spain. By applying early and preparing the required documents properly, students can reduce their study costs and make their dream of studying in Spain possible.

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Types of Scholarships in Spain for Indian Students

Spain offers many scholarship opportunities for Indian students who want to study Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. programs. Public universities in Spain charge lower tuition fees compared to countries like the USA, UK, or Australia. However, international students still need money for tuition fees, accommodation, food, travel, health insurance, and study materials. Scholarships help students reduce these expenses.

Scholarships in Spain are mainly divided into three types based on who provides the funding and the eligibility requirements.

• Government-funded scholarships are provided by the Spanish government or the European Union. These scholarships are highly competitive and mostly given to students with good academic scores. They may cover tuition fees, monthly living expenses, travel costs, and health insurance. Popular scholarships like MAEC-AECID and Erasmus Mundus come under this category and are well known among Indian students.
• Non-government scholarships are funded by private foundations, research organizations, or other independent institutions. These scholarships are given based on academic performance, research skills, leadership qualities, or specific study fields. Scholarships from organizations like La Caixa, Fundación Carolina, and Santander Universities are included in this category.
• University-specific scholarships are offered directly by Spanish universities to attract talented international students. These scholarships can be merit-based or need-based. They may provide full or partial support for tuition fees and sometimes help with living expenses as well.

MAEC-AECID Scholarship

The MAEC-AECID Scholarship is one of the most popular and respected scholarship programs in Spain. MAEC-AECID is managed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). This scholarship supports international students from developing countries, including India, who want to study in Spain.

The MAEC-AECID Scholarship is mainly offered for Master’s and Ph.D. programs in many study areas such as engineering, economics, public policy, social sciences, development studies, and other subjects. The main goal of this scholarship is to encourage international education and help talented students study in Spain.

The MAEC-AECID Scholarship offers financial support to help students cover their study and living expenses in Spain. The scholarship benefits include:

• €1,000–€1,200 per month for Master’s students
• €1,200–€1,500 per month for Ph.D. students
• Full tuition fee support at selected Spanish universities
• Health insurance during the study period
• Travel allowance for some eligible programs and regions

The monthly amount helps students pay for accommodation, food, transport, and other daily expenses. In some cases, the scholarship may also help cover research or academic-related costs.

Why is the MAEC-AECID Scholarship Important?

Tuition fees at public universities in Spain are lower compared to many countries like the USA, UK, and Australia. With the financial support provided by the MAEC-AECID Scholarship, students can study in Spain without worrying too much about tuition fees and living expenses. This makes the scholarship a very good option for Indian students and other international students from non-EU countries.

The MAEC-AECID Scholarship is highly competitive because many students apply for it every year. Students are selected based on their academic performance, work experience, career goals, and the quality of their application.

Applicants usually need to submit:

• Good academic records
• A Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Recommendation letters
• Proof of language skills

Applications usually open in January, and the deadline is normally between March and April for courses that begin in September. Students are advised to start preparing their documents and application at least 12 months earlier for better chances of selection.

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Government-Funded Scholarships in Spain

Government-funded scholarships are provided by the Spanish government or the European Union. These scholarships are highly competitive and are usually given to students with good academic scores and clear career plans. They help international students reduce their study expenses by covering costs like tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and health insurance. For Indian students, these scholarships make studying in Spain more affordable and financially easier.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD)

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) is funded by the European Commission. It is one of the most popular and fully funded scholarships for international students, including Indian students. This program allows students to study a joint Master’s degree at two or more European universities. Many well-known Spanish universities in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia are part of this program.

Scholarship Benefits

• €1,400 per month for non-EU students for up to 24 months
• Full tuition fee coverage
• Travel allowance and settling-in support
• Health insurance coverage

This is a fully funded scholarship and is very competitive because students from many countries apply every year. Indian students are among the largest groups receiving this scholarship. In 2024–25, more than 100 Indian students received the Erasmus Mundus scholarship. Applications usually open between October and January for courses starting in September. Students can apply for up to three Erasmus Mundus programs in one application cycle.

Erasmus+ Mobility Grant

The Erasmus+ Mobility Grant is funded by the European Commission. It supports students who want to study in European countries, including Spain, for a short period.

Unlike Erasmus Mundus, which supports full degree programs, the Erasmus+ Mobility Grant is mainly for semester exchange programs or short-term study programs at a Spanish university. Students can study in Spain if their home university has a partnership agreement with a Spanish university.

Scholarship Benefits

• €300–€450 per month for living expenses for eligible students
• Travel expenses support
• No tuition fee at the Spanish host university during the exchange program

This grant is mainly available for students whose Indian university has an Erasmus+ partnership with a university in Spain. Students should contact their university’s international office to check available Erasmus+ partner universities in Spain.

Becas MEC – Spanish Ministry of Education Scholarships

The Becas MEC Scholarship is offered by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sport. These scholarships are available for students studying at Spanish universities in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs.

Scholarship Benefits

• Covers tuition fees and university enrollment charges
• Some students may also receive monthly financial support for living expenses
• Selection is based on academic performance and financial need

Students can apply through the official Spanish Ministry of Education website. Indian students who are already studying at a Spanish public university can apply for the Becas MEC Scholarship to reduce their tuition fees and living expenses.

Summary: Government-Funded Scholarships in Spain

Non-Government Scholarships in Spain

Non-government scholarships are provided by private foundations, independent organizations, or international institutions. These scholarships are not funded by the Spanish government, but they are well-known and highly respected.

Most of these scholarships are given to students based on academic performance, research skills, innovation, leadership qualities, and interest in social development. For Indian students, these scholarships provide good financial support and also help them become part of an international academic and research community.

La Caixa Foundation – INPhINIT Fellowship

The La Caixa Foundation INPhINIT Fellowship is one of the top research fellowships in Spain. The “Incoming” program is open to international students and researchers from any country, including India, who want to do a Ph.D. in Spain or Portugal.

This fellowship mainly supports STEM subjects such as:

• Life sciences
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Engineering
• Technology
• Mathematics

Fellowship Benefits

• Full salary and social security support for up to 3 years for doctoral students
• In some cases, support may continue for up to 4 years
• Financial support for research work and training programs
• Access to La Caixa’s international professional and research network

The La Caixa Foundation also offers another scholarship program called “Postgraduate Fellowships Abroad,” but that program is only for Spanish and Portuguese students who want to study outside Spain. Indian students can apply only for the INPhINIT Incoming Fellowship for Ph.D. research in Spain. Applications can be submitted through the official La Caixa Foundation website.

Santander Universities Scholarship

The Santander Universities Scholarship is offered by Santander Bank through its global education program called Santander Universidades. This scholarship is available at many famous Spanish universities, such as the University of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Madrid, Complutense University of Madrid, and the University of Valencia. The scholarship supports talented international students studying Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.

Scholarship Benefits

• Partial or full tuition fee support depending on the university and program
• Monthly financial support in some programs
• More than 10,000 scholarships are given worldwide every year

Students must apply directly through the Spanish university where they want to study or are already studying. Each university may have different rules, deadlines, and application processes. Students can check available scholarships on the official Santander Universities website.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Fellowship is mainly for postdoctoral researchers who want to do advanced research in Europe, including Spain. It is funded by the European Commission and is open to researchers from all countries, including India. This fellowship is suitable for students who have already completed their Ph.D. and want to continue research work in Spain.

Fellowship Benefits

• €3,400–€4,000 per month including salary and other allowances
• Extra support for researchers moving to Spain
• Funding for research project expenses

This is one of the highest-paying research fellowships in Spain. Applications usually open in April and close in September every year.

ICEX Business Scholarship

The ICEX Business Scholarship is offered for international students who want to study business, economics, and management courses in Spain. It is mainly designed for non-EU students. Students applying for this scholarship usually need good Spanish language skills.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full or partial tuition fee support
• Monthly financial support for accommodation and daily expenses

Indian students interested in business or economics studies in Spain can check the official ICEX website for the latest eligibility rules, deadlines, and program details.

Summary: Non-Government Scholarships in Spain

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University-Specific Scholarships in Spain

University-specific scholarships are offered directly by Spanish universities to help talented international students. These scholarships are usually given based on academic performance, financial need, or both. Unlike government scholarships, students must apply directly to the university where they want to study or where they already received admission.

The scholarship amount and eligibility rules are different for each university. These scholarships mainly help students pay for tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation, and other study-related costs. Below are some popular university scholarships in Spain for international students in 2026.

University of Barcelona (UB) – International Student Scholarships

The University of Barcelona (UB) is one of the leading public universities in Spain. It offers scholarships for international students studying Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs. These scholarships are given based on merit and financial need.

Scholarship Benefits

• Partial tuition fee support
• Monthly financial support for living expenses in some cases

Students can apply after receiving admission from the University of Barcelona. Selection is mainly based on academic performance and sometimes financial need. Applications can be submitted through the official University of Barcelona scholarship portal.

Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) – Excellence Scholarships

The Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) offers excellence scholarships for international students with very good academic records. These scholarships are mainly available for Master’s and Ph.D. students in different study fields.

Scholarship Benefits

• Tuition fee support
• Monthly living allowance for top-performing students

Students are selected based on their academic results, student profile, and motivation. Applications can be submitted through the UAM international admissions office.

Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) – International Student Scholarships

Complutense University of Madrid is one of the oldest and most respected universities in Spain. The university offers scholarships for international students studying Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs.

Scholarship Benefits

• Partial or full tuition fee support
• Some scholarships also provide monthly financial support for living expenses

Students must first get admission to the university before applying for the scholarship. Selection may be based on academic performance or financial need.

Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) – Merit Scholarships

Polytechnic University of Valencia offers merit-based scholarships for international Master’s and Ph.D. students. These scholarships are especially popular for engineering, architecture, and technology programs.

Scholarship Benefits

• Tuition fee support during the course period
• Research funding for some Ph.D. programs

University of Granada (UGR) – International Excellence Grant

University of Granada is known as one of the affordable and international student-friendly universities in Spain. The university offers excellence grants for high-performing international Master’s and Ph.D. students.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fee waiver for selected programs
• Accommodation support in some cases

Barcelona School of Economics (BSE) – Master Scholarships

Barcelona School of Economics offers competitive scholarships for Master’s students in economics, finance, data science, and related subjects.

These scholarships are considered among the best university scholarships in Spain.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full or partial tuition fee support
• Monthly living allowance in some scholarship categories

Applications usually close during the early winter season for courses starting in September.

Summary: University-Specific Scholarships in Spain

How to Apply for Scholarships in Spain from India?

Step 1: Choose Your Course and University

First, decide which course you want to study in Spain and whether you want to pursue a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. degree. After selecting the course, shortlist Spanish universities that offer your chosen program. Students should carefully check the eligibility criteria, required academic scores, and language requirements such as IELTS, TOEFL, DELE, or SIELE. Choosing the right university and program is important because some scholarships are available only for specific universities or courses.

Step 2: Research Available Scholarships

After choosing the university, students should search for scholarships available for international students in Spain. They can explore government-funded scholarships like MAEC-AECID and Erasmus Mundus, private scholarships such as La Caixa and Fundación Carolina, and university-specific scholarships. Students must carefully read the eligibility rules, scholarship benefits, and application deadlines on the official websites. It is always better to begin scholarship research at least 12 months before the course starts.

Step 3: Check Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, students should make sure they meet all scholarship requirements. These requirements may include minimum academic scores, English or Spanish language test scores, work experience, age limits, or proof of financial need. Some scholarships also have special conditions. For example, MAEC-AECID applicants should not be living in Spain during the application process, while Erasmus Mundus applicants should not have stayed in an EU country for more than 12 months during the last five years. Checking eligibility early helps students avoid rejection later.

Step 4: Prepare Required Documents

Most scholarships in Spain require students to submit important documents such as academic transcripts, degree certificates, passport copies, language test scores, a Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LOR), and an updated CV or resume. Some scholarships may also ask for a research proposal or portfolio. In certain cases, documents may need apostille certification and official Spanish translation. Students should keep all documents updated, properly scanned, and ready before applying.

Step 5: Apply for University Admission

For many scholarships, students must first receive admission from a Spanish university. Applications are usually submitted through the university’s official website or admission portal. After submitting the application, students need to wait for the admission letter. Scholarships like MAEC-AECID often require an admission letter from a recognized Spanish university as part of the scholarship application process. Students should also check whether the university is officially recognized in Spain.

Step 6: Submit the Scholarship Application

Once all documents are ready, students can submit their scholarship application through the official scholarship portal. The application form should be filled carefully with correct details. Students must also write a clear motivation letter explaining their academic goals, career plans, research interests, and reasons for applying for the scholarship. Applications should always be submitted before the deadline. Major scholarships such as MAEC-AECID and Erasmus Mundus usually open applications between October and January for courses starting in September.

Step 7: Attend the Interview

Some scholarship programs may conduct an online or in-person interview as part of the selection process. During the interview, students may be asked about their academic background, future goals, research interests, and reasons for choosing Spain. Students should prepare well by learning about the scholarship program and answering questions clearly and confidently.

Step 8: Receive Scholarship Confirmation

Students who are selected will receive an official scholarship award letter. This letter usually contains details about the scholarship amount, duration, and terms and conditions. Students should keep this document safe because it is an important part of the visa application process and future university procedures.

Step 9: Apply for a Spain Student Visa

After receiving the university admission letter and scholarship confirmation, students can apply for a Spain Student Visa (Type D – Long Stay). Visa applications are usually submitted through the Spanish Embassy, Spanish Consulate, or BLS International centers in India. The scholarship award letter is useful during the visa process because it acts as proof of financial support for studying in Spain.

Requirements to Apply for Scholarships in Spain

• Good academic records and strong marks in previous studies
• Admission letter from a recognized Spanish university
• English language test scores like IELTS or TOEFL, or Spanish language certificates like DELE or SIELE
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining your study plans, career goals, and reasons for applying for the scholarship
• One or two recommendation letters from teachers, professors, or employers
• Updated CV or resume with details about your education, skills, research, and work experience
• Research proposal for Ph.D. or research-based scholarship programs
• Proof of financial need such as income proof or bank statements for need-based scholarships
• Valid passport copy
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for the Spain student visa process

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship in Spain

• Choose a course that clearly matches your previous education and career goals. The scholarship committee should easily understand why you selected that program in Spain.
• If you have done any research projects, internships, or published papers, mention them clearly in your application. These strengthen your profile significantly.
• Learn about the Spanish university you are applying to, its strengths, rankings, and research programs. Show in your motivation letter that you have done serious research.
• Explain your future career plans clearly. Show how studying in Spain will help you achieve your goals and contribute to your home country.
• Write a strong and honest motivation letter. It should explain why you deserve the scholarship, what makes you stand out from other students, and how your goals align with the scholarship's mission.
• Apply for more than one scholarship at the same time to improve your chances. For example, apply for MAEC-AECID and a university scholarship at the same time.
• Learn basic Spanish even if your program is in English. Showing DELE B1 or B2 proficiency significantly improves your chances for most Spanish government and foundation scholarships.
• Start preparing at least 12–15 months before your intended course start date. This gives you enough time for document apostille, sworn translations, and scholarship deadlines.

Begin Your Scholarship Journey for Spain

Studying in Spain is a good option for Indian students who want quality education in Europe at a lower cost. Spain offers many scholarships such as MAEC-AECID, Erasmus Mundus, La Caixa, Santander Universities, and university scholarships. Many scholarships provide monthly financial support along with benefits like tuition fee coverage, health insurance, travel support, and sometimes accommodation help.

These scholarships are competitive, so students must prepare well. It is important to meet all eligibility requirements, submit the correct documents, and write a strong motivation letter explaining your goals and achievements. Students should ideally start preparing 12–15 months before the course begins. There are scholarship opportunities for different study fields and academic levels, especially for Master’s and Ph.D. programs. Applying early and applying for multiple scholarships can improve your chances of selection. With good planning and proper preparation, Indian students can successfully study in Spain with scholarship support.

How Can Y-Axis Help You Secure Scholarships in Spain?

Y-Axis provides complete support for students who want to apply for scholarships in Spain and reduce their financial burden while studying abroad. We guide you at every step, from selecting the right scholarship program to successfully obtaining your Spain student visa.

At Y-Axis, we offer:

• Y-Path Guidance to help you choose the right scholarship programs such as MAEC-AECID, Erasmus Mundus, and university-specific funding based on your academic background and career goals
• Y-Axis Coaching Centre to improve your IELTS, TOEFL
• Complete assistance with scholarship applications, including form filling and document submission
• Support in preparing strong SOPs, LORs, CVs, and research proposals to improve your selection chances
• Guidance for degree homologation, university admission, and Spain student visa process
• Help with financial documentation, health insurance, and BLS appointment booking for visa requirements