Scholarships and grants for studying abroad: a complete guide

Formarse » Free online courses » Scholarships and grants for studying abroad: a complete guide

Planning a study abroad program opens doors to new languages, cultures, and ways of learning, but it also requires covering expenses that aren't always affordable. Fortunately, there is a wide range of scholarships and international mobility programs available for very different profiles and educational stages, with funding that can cover everything from tuition to travel, accommodation, and health insurance.

In this guide, you'll find a clear and organized overview of the main public and private financial aid options for studying abroad, whether you're in secondary school (ESO), high school (Bachillerato), vocational training (FP), arts and sports programs, or university (undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees). We also cover common requirements, estimated funding amounts, and practical tips to help you apply successfully, including iconic programs like Erasmus+, Fulbright, DAAD, Eiffel, and Santander , as well as lesser-known programs that might be a good fit for you.

Types of scholarships and what expenses they cover

According to the call for applications, a grant can cover all or part of tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and transportation . Some also cover insurance, visa fees, language classes, or small amounts for materials and personal expenses, all subject to the length of stay and the destination country.

Broadly speaking, there are full scholarships (covering insurance, tuition, travel, and a monthly stipend) and partial scholarships (for example, tuition or travel), which significantly reduce the financial burden. In addition, many regional governments and municipalities offer supplementary programs, so it's advisable to check the local call for applications and, if applicable, the one from your educational institution or university.

Scholarships and programs for non-university students

If you're studying for your ESO (Compulsory Secondary Education), Bachillerato (Upper Secondary Education), Vocational Training, Fine Arts and Design, or Sports Studies qualifications , you have real options for an international experience tailored to your stage of education. These are the most relevant ones and how they work.

Erasmus+ in Vocational Training allows vocational training students and graduates to undertake work placements and exchanges abroad. The key is that the projects are managed by the schools or institutions, so you'll need to check with your school or institute to see what mobility opportunities are available, what the requirements are, and the internal application deadlines. There are also specific initiatives for Professional Certificates; contact the regional body that coordinates them for more information.

The SEPI Foundation's scholarships offer internships in companies based in other countries for students in advanced vocational training programs. The grant typically starts at €1.000 per month for six months, with the option of extension and possible adjustments depending on the destination and duration, thus facilitating a first international professional experience.

Among private organizations, the range of options for school-aged children stands out. The Amancio Ortega Foundation offers scholarships for 4th year of ESO (Compulsory Secondary Education) students that cover the first year of Bachillerato (Upper Secondary Education) in Canada or the United States, with the aim of promoting English language skills and cultural immersion. If you are looking for alternatives with partial coverage, AFS Intercultura can subsidize between 50% and 90% of a school year abroad for young people aged 14 to 18.

If the International Baccalaureate program appeals to you , the United World Colleges (UWC) offer full or partial scholarships for two years of study at their schools. In the same age range (14 to 18), iEduex reduces visa, tuition, and accommodation costs for official programs in the United States, while the Unicaja Foundation's USA Scholarships fund summer stays with host families in the U.S., with full or partial scholarship options.

Another option with a large global community is the Rotary exchange program for high school students. It's not entirely free, but it significantly reduces costs compared to other options while maintaining quality and cultural integration . Also, don't forget that many schools organize their own exchanges and mobility programs: ask at your school so you don't miss any opportunities.

Remember: regional governments and many municipalities publish calls for applications for student mobility programs. Check the regional and municipal offerings and see if your school is included in any active projects. This local search can make all the difference and add valuable resources to your experience abroad.

Scholarships and programs for university students

Whether you're pursuing a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree, you'll find funding opportunities ranging from European public grants to private calls for proposals from large foundations and companies. Your choice will depend on your academic record, field of study, and financial situation.

Public institution programs

Erasmus+ university programs manage study abroad stays in Europe for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students, enhancing skills, networks, and employability. The grant covers part of the expenses (accommodation, transport, or tuition fees, depending on the case), and the amount depends on the cost of living in the destination country and factors such as budget availability and demand . The application process is always handled through your university.

There are also SEPI Foundation grants for university students who want to do internships at companies based abroad. The general duration is 6 months, extendable up to a year, with a minimum allowance of €1.100 per month and adjustments depending on the country and length of stay.

In France, the Eiffel program funds master's and doctoral studies with monthly stipends (approximately €1.181 for master's and €1.400 for doctoral), in addition to possible insurance and travel coverage. It does not usually include tuition fees, although scholarship recipients at public institutions are exempt from administrative fees under the auspices of the French Ministry.

In Germany, the DAAD offers a comprehensive catalog of scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, master's, and doctoral students, as well as for research stays. Indicative grants start at €750 for undergraduates, €850 for graduates, and €1.200 for doctoral students, with additional language or family support available depending on the program. Applications are submitted through their official search engine, with specific requirements and deadlines for each call for applications.

Private and independent agency aid

Santander Open Academy supports study, internship, and research stays through calls for applications in collaboration with universities and organizations worldwide. You can filter by "Mobility" in their search engine to find scholarships that match your needs, and these often complement public funding such as MEC or Erasmus.

The Iberdrola Foundation offers master's scholarships (with a focus on Energy and the Environment) to destinations such as the United Kingdom and the United States, typically lasting up to one year. In addition, there are the Iberdrola-Fulbright scholarships , awarded based on merit, leadership potential, and transparency, and connected to the Fulbright network for high-impact projects.

The "la Caixa" Foundation offers postgraduate scholarships for master's or doctoral studies abroad for up to two years, covering tuition fees, travel, insurance, and a monthly stipend. In recent years, around 100 places have been offered, with applicants being evaluated based on their academic record, professional background, motivation for their studies , and language proficiency in the destination country.

The Fulbright program is a classic and prestigious opportunity for master's and doctoral studies in the United States. In the call for applications from the Spanish Ministry of Science, the requirements included Spanish or EU citizenship, a degree awarded after January 1, 2016, a minimum GPA of 7/10, no prior degree from the US, no previous master's scholarship abroad exceeding 12 months, and no Fulbright scholarship for further studies, among others. Applicants must also have applied to a US university . The available positions (for example, 12) offer 12-month grants, renewable, with typical stipends of €2.200 per month, up to €20.000 in tuition fees, €1.500 for travel, and insurance. The application process requires documentation (degree certificate, academic transcript, statement of studies, CV, letters of recommendation, and acceptance letter), with deadlines that in some cases have been set as February 5th.

For engineering and science students pursuing internships in Japan, Vulcanus funds stipends of up to €9.200, depending on the duration. This is a valuable opportunity to gain technical and intercultural experience directly in Japanese companies.

In the field of social sciences and humanities, the Ramón Areces Foundation offers annual postgraduate scholarships to study for one academic year (with the option of extension), in universities and centers of international prestige, with criteria of excellence and quality of the project.

Other notable calls by destinations and organizations

If you are attracted to other regions or formats, there are less massive programs with very competitive conditions and generous endowments, ideal for making an international leap with solid financial support.

The Minerva scholarships promote EU-Japan collaboration in industrial and commercial settings. They are aimed at university graduates who will conduct a minimum of six months of research on a predefined topic. The stipend is particularly attractive: €2.500 per month plus €1.000 for travel expenses, with two application periods per year.

The European Parliament's Robert Schuman Fellowships offer five-month internships in Brussels, Luxembourg, or other locations. The grant typically provides €1.200 per month in Brussels or Luxembourg (adjusted for living expenses in other cities) and an additional €300 to cover living expenses abroad. Requirements include a university degree, proficiency in relevant languages , no criminal record, and no prior work experience exceeding two months in European institutions.

In the Netherlands, the NN Future Matters program allocates €5.000 to first-generation students (the first member of their family to attend university) in fields such as finance, economics, risk management, data science, and business administration. Historically, they have accepted applicants from Spain, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Turkey, requiring full-time enrollment and a start date according to the specific terms of the call for applications.

Looking at China, the ICO Foundation offers 25 places annually for academic positions at universities in Beijing (Beijing University, University of International Business and Economics, and Beijing Normal University). It requires a university degree, fluency in English and basic Mandarin, as well as some professional experience. The scholarship covers tuition, education, accommodation on or off campus, travel, insurance, and a stipend for personal expenses.

Erasmus+ in detail: who can apply, duration and recognition

Erasmus+ is open to short cycle, undergraduate and master's students , as well as doctoral students, provided they are enrolled at a higher education institution participating in the program and are pursuing studies leading to a recognized higher degree or qualification.

In terms of duration, there are long-term exchanges (from 2 to 12 months) and short-term exchanges (from 5 to 30 days, combined with a virtual component). The maximum per study cycle is 12 months, with the possibility of more than one exchange within that limit. In single-cycle programs (for example, Medicine or Architecture), the total duration can reach up to 24 months.

Regarding costs and support, universities manage and sign scholarship agreements with students. The grants contribute to travel and living expenses , and as a participant, you will be exempt from academic fees, tuition, and exam fees at the host institution (minor costs such as insurance or student union dues may apply). Additional funding is available for internships, students with fewer opportunities, or those from remote regions , as well as possible extra grants from your faculty or administration.

Academic recognition is guaranteed through a Learning Agreement signed by your home and host institutions before your mobility period. This agreement outlines how your activities will be recognized, with ECTS credits or their equivalent, and how the period will be included in your European Diploma Supplement. You will also receive the Erasmus+ Student Charter , which details your rights and obligations.

In terms of institutional requirements, the home and host universities must have an inter-institutional agreement . If they are located in EU Member States or associated countries, they must have the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE); institutions in non-associated third countries subscribe to the ECHE principles upon signing such agreements.

For language support, Erasmus+ offers online language support (OLS), and if needed, your coordinator can inform you about additional funding for inclusion . This support is key to ensuring the experience is accessible, especially if there are physical, mental, or health challenges.

Typical requirements, languages, and how to prepare a good application

Many job postings require proof of language proficiency in the country or program (English, German, French, Italian, or even Japanese). If necessary, enroll in language courses well in advance and certify your level before the deadline.

Prepare the usual documents in advance: academic transcript, degree certificate or proof of graduation , letters of recommendation, statement of purpose and study plan, and, if applicable, letter of admission or pre-admission. Keep in mind that some calls for applications specify deadlines such as February 5th (for example, Fulbright or La Caixa) or February 28th (Barrié Foundation), and strive to submit a strong proposal that is well aligned with the scholarship's objectives.

When financial aid is only partial, you can combine it with other sources or responsible financial solutions. Some institutions, such as MicroBank , offer student financing products when scholarships haven't covered everything; consider this option carefully and be clear about the terms and conditions to avoid straining your budget.

Remember that even for well-known scholarships (Erasmus+ or DAAD), the actual amount can vary depending on the destination country, duration, and availability . Always read the official, up-to-date call for applications and, if you have any questions, contact the international relations office or the scholarship service at your university.

Regional and university scholarships and local resources

In addition to large scholarships, many universities offer their own grants or exchange agreements with institutions in Europe and other countries. Ask your international office about bilateral programs and travel grants for short stays or summer studies.

At the regional level, autonomous communities and municipalities publish specific programs for mobility and internships abroad, sometimes little known but very useful. Explore regional and municipal websites; local youth services—such as the Youth Center of the Santander City Council —usually answer questions and centralize information, procedures, and deadlines.

Please note that many institutional websites include cookie and privacy notices . This isn't relevant to your application, but you'll find it on the official sites where you'll apply for the scholarship or download the required documents.

Featured Postgraduate Scholarships

Among the most comprehensive postgraduate scholarships, the "la Caixa" Foundation covers master's, doctoral, or predoctoral research for up to two years in the United States, Canada, Australia, South Korea, India, Japan, Singapore, or China. It typically covers tuition, travel, insurance, visa, pre-study activities, and a competitive monthly stipend, with consideration given to academic record, CV, motivation, and recommendations.

Erasmus Mundus funds joint master's programs offered by European consortia. One example is EMOTION (skin sciences), a two-year program with scholarships, tuition-free places, and self-funded options. The funding covers tuition, partial living expenses, and insurance, and a high level of proficiency in the language of instruction is required . Applications are open for the 2021–2027 academic year, so check the program and its application deadlines.

The Barrié Foundation offers highly competitive scholarships for full-time master's programs abroad, with only 10 places available per year. The scholarship covers tuition fees (but not administrative fees) and provides €1.000 for travel at the start of the program and €1.600 per month for living expenses. It is aimed at graduates with ties to Galicia (birth, parents, or at least two years of residency), requires a minimum B2 level of English, and submits academic and merit-based documentation.

Those seeking their first European experience will find Erasmus+ an excellent gateway: nearby destinations, similar cultures, and manageable costs, with grants varying by country and potentially supplemented by regional or private funding. For high-level international careers, Fulbright, DAAD, Eiffel, la Caixa, and Iberdrola offer prestige, networks, and robust funding; others like Vulcanus, Minerva, Robert Schuman, NN Future Matters, and Fundación ICO open very specific pathways to Asia, European institutions, or strategic sectors. Whatever your profile, the key is to research thoroughly, demonstrate language proficiency, and prepare a strong application that aligns with the objectives of each program.