The Top Scholarships for Studying Abroad in Spain
Make your study abroad dreams a financial reality by applying for scholarships to study in Spain!
Spain welcomes tens of thousands of international students each year, many of whom are drawn to its diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, impeccable cuisine, and language-learning opportunities.
While studying in Europe can be costly, plenty of scholarships are available to help fund your time in Spain. Governments, universities, and third-party providers all offer support specifically for international students.
Read on to find out the top scholarships for studying abroad in Spain!
Why study abroad in Spain
There are so many reasons to study abroad in Spain, whether you’re after high-quality education, career development, or a vibrant student lifestyle. Here are our top reasons for studying in Spain as an international student:
- Prestigious schools: Spain is home to prestigious institutions boasting academic heritage, top 200 global rankings, and innovation. With universities dating as far back as the 13th century, international students can gain access to high-quality education in long-established institutions.
- Cultural immersion: Spanish culture is colorful, vibrant, and distinct. Whether you’re gorging on tapas, watching authentic flamenco dances, or daring enough to participate in the running of the bulls, there’s much about Spanish culture that sets it apart from the rest.
- Language learning: Spain is home to one of the most popular languages in the world. Studying and living in Spain grants you an excellent opportunity to improve your Spanish through constant language exposure, and also opens up paths to future opportunities in Latin America.
Read more: The 10 Best Study Abroad Programs in Spain
Top scholarships for studying abroad in Spain
From government to program-specific financial aid, here are the top scholarships for studying abroad in Spain!
1. Spanish Studies Abroad Merit-Based Scholarship
Study Abroad Scholarship Program
SSA offers exclusive scholarships for students enrolled in SSA programs. Applicants may apply for only one of three options:
- Spanish Heritage Speaker Scholarship – for students reconnecting with their cultural and linguistic roots.
- Diversity Scholarship – for students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in study abroad.
- Pell Grant Scholarship – for students who currently receive a Federal Pell Grant.
Application Details:
Submit a 400–500 word essay in English responding to the prompt of your chosen scholarship, including your name, program, and home school. Pell Grant applicants must include proof of their award.
Important Notes:
- Scholarships cannot be used for tuition or program fees — they are intended to help with travel and personal expenses.
- Custom and Faculty-led programs are not eligible.
- Only SSA participants may apply.
- Preference is given to those who can verify a commitment to their Spanish studies both inside and outside the classroom.
2. International Studies Abroad (ISA) Diversity Scholarship
WorldStrides Diversity Scholarship
This scholarship is offered for summer and semester programs and is intended for students with identities historically underserved in education abroad. This can include, but is not limited to, individuals who identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, LGBTQIA+, First-Generation College Students, U.S. Military Veterans, students with disabilities, and/or students at Minority-Serving Institutions.
- Accepted to a semester or summer study abroad program, 8+ week Internship, or Service-Learning program.
3. Fulbright Scholarship
Fulbright Scholarship
While competitive, this prestigious option is for recent college graduates, master- and doctoral-degree candidates, and young professionals with less than five years of work experience. Arts, humanities, and social sciences students may enroll in a graduate degree program (master’s or doctoral), or attend courses without seeking a degree. Additional options include conducting research and attending courses, or just conducting research alone.
- Applicants must be citizens or nationals of the United States of America at the time of application.
- Applicants must meet the language requirements of the award to which they are applying and demonstrate sufficient competency to complete their project and adjust to life in the host country.
- Strong preference for those who have not previously held a Fulbright grant.
- Preference will be given to applicants whose higher education was undertaken primarily at educational institutions in the United States.
- Candidates who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States will be given preference, provided their qualifications are approximately equivalent to those of other candidates.
- For most programs, applicants who have had extensive, recent previous foreign experience in the host country are at a competitive disadvantage but are still eligible to apply.
4. CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
CIEE Scholarships and Grants
CIEE’s need-based grants offer support to students who face financial barriers to studying abroad. CIEE awards need-based grants based on students’ EFCs and program selection. The Gilman Go Global Grant offers students $750-$2,000 toward airfare, plus $2,500 toward semester program costs, or $1,000 toward summer program costs.
- The application processes for these grants all require proof of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Estimated Family Contribution, as displayed on the applicant’s FAFSA Student Aid Report
5. Spanish Ministry of Education: MEC Scholarships
Spanish Ministry of Education: MEC Scholarships
The Spanish Ministry of Education provides financial aid for those who want to study in Spain in a wide variety of subjects, from non-university studies to a Bachelor's or Master's degree in language teaching, sports education, religious education, and much more.
- Must have an average grade of 5 or higher
- If you are currently studying, you must have exceeded 85% of the modules
6. Global Experiences Generation Study Abroad Scholarship
Global Experiences Generation Study Abroad Scholarship
Global Experiences offers scholarships for both summer and semester terms in any of the organization’s 11 global cities. Full scholarships are available for semester-long programs, with special consideration given to those who are underrepresented in study abroad programs. Global Experiences also contributes to those who receive a Pell Grant or Benjamin A. Gillman scholarship, for both in person and virtual programs.
7. CEA CAPA Scholarships and Financial Aid
CEA CAPA Scholarships and Financial Aid
CEA CAPA is committed to increasing access to study and interning abroad. We offer more than $2 million each year in scholarships, affiliations, and grant programs.
- CEA CAPA participants on programs of three weeks or more
8. IED Undergraduate Scholarships
IED Undergraduate Scholarships
If you're passionate about Design, Fashion, Visual Arts, or Communication, seize the opportunity to be part of our contest. You could win one of 180 scholarships offered by Fondazione Francesco Morelli, IED Istituto Europeo di Design S.p.A. Società Benefit, Istituto Europeo di Design SL, Kunsthal Centro Superior de Diseño SL, and I.L.E.M. srl - Accademia di Belle Arti “Aldo Galli”.
These scholarships cover 100% or 50% of the tuition fees for bachelor's degree programs, five-year diplomas, four-year diplomas, and foundation courses available at our campuses in Milan, Florence, Rome, Turin, Cagliari, Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, and at the Accademia Aldo Galli in Como.
- Be between the ages of 18-26
- Have a high school diploma by September of current year
- Have a B2 (upper-intermediate) level of proficiency in the course language
9. Barcelona SAE Scholarship & Grants
Barcelona SAE Scholarship & Grants
Providing targeted financial resources is one of the core components of TODOS, Barcelona SAE's commitment to removing barriers for students. Barcelona SAE proudly awards almost $400,000 annually in the form of grants and scholarships.
- Students must have completed a Barcelona SAE application
11. USAC Scholarships and Financial Aid
11. Erasmus+
European Commission: Erasmus+
Erasmus+ is an EU programme that offers financial aid for students studying in EU Member States and third countries associated to the Programme.
- Must be registered in a higher education institution that participates in the Erasmus+ programme
- Must be enrolled in studies leading to a recognised degree or tertiary-level qualification
12. la Caixa Foundation
la Caixa Foundation
la Caixa foundation supports domestic and international students. la Caixa offers financial aid in the form of monthly allowances for 10 months of the academic year, and an initial one-off payment for students to purchase computer equipment and materials.
- The student must be enrolled in a public university
How to find scholarships abroad
Once you’ve found a potential scholarship for your study abroad experience, you’ll need to maximize your chances of qualifying. Here’s what you’ll need to do to increase your chances to find scholarships abroad:
- Check your eligibility: Before spending time on your application, you’ll need to check that you meet the requirements. Some scholarships may require a minimum GPA, or cater to minority students or those from underprivileged backgrounds, for example.
- Prepare your application: Often, scholarships request a video or essay submission explaining why you want to study abroad or how the scholarship will benefit you. This is your chance to let your personality shine through! Additionally, gather documents ahead of time, whether academic transcripts or references, to ensure that your application is up to a high standard and meets the deadline.
- Submit!: Once you’ve prepared your application, double-check it! You want to maximize your chances, and a second pair of eyes can help you improve the quality of your application. Once you’ve submitted, why not find another scholarship that you’re eligible for? After all, you have to be in it to win it!
Read more: 50+ Scholarships & Grants for Study Abroad
Study abroad in Spain!
Studying abroad in Spain can grant you a life changing experience, but it can also be expensive. In addition to budgeting tips that will go a long way, scholarships can make your study abroad dream a reality. Whether you opt for a government scholarship or a program-specific grant, there are many ways to minimize your expenditure abroad.
Read more about studying abroad in Spain:
