Dreaming of studying in Spain but worried about the cost? What if you could study in world-famous cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Granada, or Valencia—with 100% free tuition, monthly living expenses, health insurance, and even travel costs covered?

Good news! Spain has launched multiple fully funded and partially funded scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year, opening doors for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students from across the world. This complete guide covers the top scholarships, benefits, deadlines, and everything you need to prepare for successful applications.

🌟 Why Study in Spain in 2026?

Studying in Spain offers a powerful combination of academic excellence, cultural richness, and affordable living.

✔️ Top Reasons to Choose Spain

  • Highly-ranked universities with strong global recognition

  • English-taught Master's & PhD programs

  • Low living cost compared to Western Europe

  • Mediterranean lifestyle, modern cities & rich history

  • Hub for travel across Europe

  • Opportunities to learn Spanish—one of the world’s most spoken languages

Spain welcomes thousands of international students every year, making it a diverse and exciting place to study.

⭐ Top 6 Fully-Funded Scholarships in Spain 2026 for International Students

These national and EU-backed scholarships are among the best opportunities to study in Spain for free in 2026.

1️⃣ MAEC-AECID Scholarships (Fully Funded)

The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) offers highly prestigious scholarships for international students—especially from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Benefits

  • Full tuition fees

  • Monthly living allowance

  • Health insurance

  • Travel allowance (in some cases)

  • Support for research costs

Programs Covered

  • Master's

  • PhD

  • Research

  • Diplomatic studies

🔗 Official Website: https://www.aecid.es/en/

2️⃣ Fundación Carolina Scholarships (Fully Funded)

A top scholarship for students from the Ibero-American region, funded through public-private collaboration.

What It Covers

  • Full or partial tuition

  • Monthly stipend

  • Medical insurance

  • Return airfare to Spain

Ideal for students aiming for Master’s, PhD, and short research stays.

🔗 Official Website: https://www.fundacioncarolina.es/

3️⃣ FPU / FPI Predoctoral Contracts (PhD Funding + Salary)

These are employment-based PhD funding contracts, not just scholarships — offering one of the best PhD funding packages in Europe.

Benefits

  • 4-year full-time paid contract

  • Competitive monthly salary

  • Health & social security coverage

  • Tuition fee support

  • Research & travel support

Who Should Apply?

Students targeting advanced research careers or university teaching.

🔗 Official Website: (Same Carolina website is mentioned, but actual calls open via Spanish ministries)

4️⃣ MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships (Fully Funded)

The famous Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) provide exceptional funding for early career researchers.

What You Get

  • Full-time employment contract

  • Attractive salary package

  • Health & social benefits

  • Research funding

  • Mobility allowance

  • International training opportunities

This is one of the top postdoctoral opportunities in Europe.

🔗 Official Website:
https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/

5️⃣ Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (Fully Funded)

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarships are among the most competitive Master’s scholarships in the world.

What It Covers

  • 100% tuition fee waiver

  • Monthly stipend: €1,000 per month

  • Travel allowance

  • Installation support

  • Opportunity to study in 2–3 countries

Students spend semesters in different European universities—an incredible multicultural experience.

🔗 Erasmus Catalogue:
https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus-catalogue_en

6️⃣ Spanish University Scholarships (UG, Masters, PhD)

Hundreds of programs are available through individual universities.

Popular universities offering scholarships:

  • University of Barcelona

  • University of Granada

  • Autonomous University of Madrid

  • University of Valencia

  • Complutense University of Madrid

Funding Includes:

  • Partial & full tuition

  • Living stipends

  • Research funding

  • Travel support

🔗 Details here:
https://scholarships365.info/spain-scholarships-undergraduate-masters-phd

📌 How to Plan Your Spain Scholarship Applications for 2026

Follow this timeline to maximize your chances:

🗓️ 1. Start Preparation Early (1 Year Before)

Research programs and scholarships.

🗓️ 2. Shortlist Your Universities

Check requirements carefully — every university has different deadlines.

🗂️ 3. Prepare Your Documents

Make sure you have:

  • Academic transcripts

  • English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) or DELE (Spanish)

  • Motivation letter / Statement of Purpose

  • Letters of Recommendation

  • CV or Resume

📝 4. Apply to University & Scholarships Together

Some scholarships require proof of admission before applying.

📅 5. Book Language Tests Early

Many students miss deadlines due to late IELTS/TOEFL results.

🛂 6. Apply for Your Spanish Student Visa Early

Visa processing can take 4–10 weeks.