Spanish Government Scholarships (MAEC-AECID) 2026

Overview

The Spanish Government Scholarships, offered through the MAEC-AECID programme (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation / Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation), are designed to support international students and academics in pursuing postgraduate studies, research, and cultural activities in Spain. The programme reflects Spain’s commitment to international education cooperation and promoting Spanish language and culture globally.

AECID scholarships cover a wide range of academic and cultural modalities, including master’s degrees, doctoral studies, research stays at Spanish universities and research centres, and postdoctoral fellowships. Scholarships are targeted at citizens of eligible countries, particularly from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe.

What’s Included?

Benefits vary by scholarship modality and the annual call conditions. Typical support includes:

• Monthly Allowance/Stipend: A living allowance to cover expenses during the scholarship period in Spain.
• Tuition Fee Coverage: Partial or full coverage of registration or tuition fees at Spanish institutions (depending on the modality).
• Travel Allowance: Round-trip international travel assistance may be included in certain modalities.
• Health Insurance: Coverage for health-related costs during the scholarship period (subject to call conditions).

Eligibility

Eligibility requirements differ by modality and annual call. General criteria include:

• Must be a citizen of an eligible country listed in the annual AECID call.
• Must not hold Spanish nationality or permanent residency in Spain.
• Must meet the academic requirements for the chosen modality (bachelor’s degree for master’s-level scholarships; master’s degree for doctoral or research stays).
• Must meet any age limits specified in the annual call for the relevant modality.
• Must be proficient in Spanish (or English for English-taught programmes) as required by the host institution and the call.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through the AECID scholarship management system. The typical process is as follows:

• Step 1 – Check the call: Visit the official AECID website (aecid.es) and review the current annual call to confirm available modalities, eligible countries, and specific requirements.
• Step 2 – Register online: Create an account on the AECID scholarship portal and complete the online application form.
• Step 3 – Upload documents: Attach all required supporting documents including academic records, motivation letter, CV, language certificates, and any other materials specified.
• Step 4 – Submit before deadline: Complete and submit the application before the stated deadline (March 31, 2026 for the current cycle).
• Step 5 – Evaluation and results: Applications are reviewed and evaluated by AECID. Successful candidates are notified by official channels.

Key Dates

Milestone	Date
Application Opens	Approximately January (varies by modality)
Application Deadline	March 31, 2026
Evaluation Period	April – June
Results Notification	June – July (approximately)
Scholarship Start	September – October (academic year)

Contact Information

For official programme details and application instructions, visit the AECID scholarship portal. You can also contact the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your home country for country-specific guidance.