Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) Scholarships 2025–2026 | Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students

Are you a high-achieving international student looking to study in Spain? The Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) offers a variety of scholarships for international students who wish to pursue Master’s and PhD degrees at one of Spain’s leading public universities. These scholarships are designed to attract academically excellent students from non-EU countries, especially in fields critical to global development such as Economics, Environmental Sciences, and Social Sciences.

UAB scholarships may be fully funded, particularly when supported by the Spanish government, the European Union (EU), or international partnerships. The program provides financial assistance to cover full tuition, monthly living expenses, and health insurance, allowing talented students from around the world to access world-class higher education in Barcelona, one of Europe’s most vibrant academic and cultural hubs.

About Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB)

The Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, or UAB, is one of Spain’s top-ranked public universities, known for its academic excellence, internationalization, and innovation. Located just outside Barcelona, UAB offers over 80 Master’s programs, 50 doctoral programs, and numerous research opportunities across its multidisciplinary faculties.

UAB has a strong global outlook and welcomes students from over 100 countries each year. It is particularly recognized for its leadership in fields such as economics, environmental sustainability, political science, sociology, communication, and biomedical sciences.

UAB Scholarships 2025–2026: At a Glance

• Host Institution: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB)

• Level of Study: Master’s and PhD

• Study Location: Barcelona, Spain

• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded (for selected programs)

• Target Group: High-achieving non-EU international students

• Fields of Focus: Economics, Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences, and related areas

• Language of Instruction: English, Spanish, or Catalan (depending on the program)

Eligible Programs and Fields of Study

While scholarships may be applicable across many departments, priority is given to strategic academic areas, including:

• Economics and Finance

• Environmental Sciences and Climate Change

• Sociology and Political Science

• Communication and Media Studies

• Development Studies

• Public Policy and Governance

• Education and Social Inclusion

Some Master's and doctoral programs are fully taught in English, while others may require Spanish or Catalan proficiency.

Scholarship Benefits

Depending on the type of scholarship awarded (institutional, Spanish government, EU-funded, or international collaborations), the following benefits may be included:

• Full tuition fee coverage for the entire duration of the degree

• Monthly living allowance or stipend to cover housing, food, and personal expenses

• Health insurance for the entire study period in Spain

• Visa support and academic mentorship

• Access to UAB’s international research networks

• Additional funding for research-related travel (PhD students)

Fully funded scholarships are typically awarded for 1–2 years for Master’s and up to 3–4 years for PhD programs, depending on academic performance.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the UAB Scholarships for International Students 2025–2026, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of a non-EU country

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with excellent academic results

• Meet the admission criteria of the selected Master’s or PhD program

• Demonstrate English proficiency (or Spanish/Catalan depending on program requirements)

• Show motivation and leadership potential through a strong personal statement

• Not be currently enrolled in another EU-funded scholarship program

• In some cases, have research experience or a published academic work (for PhD)

Required Documents

Applicants will typically be asked to provide:

1. Completed online application form

2. Academic transcripts and degree certificates

3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

4. Motivation letter or Statement of Purpose

5. Two letters of academic/professional recommendation

6. Language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, DELE, etc.)

7. Copy of passport or national ID

8. Research proposal (for PhD candidates)

All documents must be submitted in English, Spanish, or Catalan. If not originally issued in these languages, certified translations are required.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Explore Eligible Programs

Visit the UAB Master's Programs Directory or Doctoral School to find eligible programs.

Step 2: Review Scholarship Listings

Check the UAB Scholarships Page, Spanish government scholarships (e.g. MAEC-AECID), and Erasmus+ Joint Master Degrees for funding availability.

Step 3: Prepare Application Documents

Ensure all academic, personal, and language documents are ready and properly translated.

Step 4: Apply for Admission

Submit your admission application to UAB via their online portal. Admission is a prerequisite for scholarship eligibility.

Step 5: Apply for the Scholarship

Once admitted or during the application, apply for available scholarships either through UAB, AECID, Erasmus Mundus, or affiliated foundations.

Step 6: Track and Confirm

Successful candidates will be notified via email and may need to confirm acceptance and begin visa procedures.

Application Timeline

Stage	Timeline
Master’s Program Application	November 2024 – May 2025
Scholarship Application	Varies by funder (typically Dec–May)
Final Selection & Notification	June–July 2025
Course Start Date	September–October 2025

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to maximize funding opportunities.

Why Study at UAB in Spain?

• Top-ranked university in Spain and the EU

• Wide range of internationally accredited Master’s and PhD programs

• Located near Barcelona, one of Europe’s most innovative and student-friendly cities

• Strong ties with research institutions and industries

• Excellent career outcomes and post-study opportunities

• Inclusive, multicultural, and welcoming campus environment

Official Links and Resources

• 👉 UAB International Students Page

• 👉 UAB Master’s Degrees

• 👉 UAB Doctoral School

• 👉 Spanish Government Scholarships – MAEC-AECID

The UAB Scholarships for International Students 2025-2026 are an incredible opportunity for highly motivated and academically talented non-EU students to gain access to one of Spain’s top public universities. With support from the Spanish government, EU funding bodies, and UAB itself, fully funded Master’s and PhD scholarships open the door to high-quality education, international networking, and transformative personal growth.

Start early, research your program of interest, prepare a strong application, and you could be on your way to a fully funded academic journey in Barcelona.