Spanish Government Scholarships (Becas MAEC-AECID) 2025–2026 | Fully Funded Opportunities in Spain

Are you a student from Latin America, Africa, Asia, or a non-EU country aspiring to study in one of Europe’s most culturally vibrant nations? The Spanish Government Scholarships (Becas MAEC-AECID) offer a fully funded opportunity to pursue Master’s, PhD, or postgraduate research at leading public universities in Spain. These scholarships are administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation (MAEC) through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and are among Spain’s most prestigious scholarships for students from developing regions.

Designed to strengthen academic cooperation, cultural exchange, and international development, these scholarships not only cover full academic expenses but also provide a monthly stipend, healthcare, and travel support in some cases. Whether you’re a graduate student, researcher, or an early-career academic, the MAEC-AECID scholarships are an excellent gateway to Spanish higher education.

About the MAEC-AECID Scholarship Program

The MAEC-AECID (Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores y de Cooperación - Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo) scholarships reflect Spain’s commitment to supporting global education and sustainable development through international collaboration. These fully funded grants support talented individuals from Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and other non-EU countries.

The scholarships are awarded for study or research in a wide range of fields and are mainly aimed at candidates seeking academic specialization, institutional training, or advanced research experience in Spain.

Scholarship Summary

• Scholarship Name: Becas MAEC-AECID

• Host Institutions: Spanish public universities and research centers

• Level of Study: Master’s, PhD, Postgraduate training, and research

• Eligible Regions: Latin America, Africa, Asia, and non-EU countries

• Instruction Language: Spanish (some programs in English)

• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded

• Application Period: Typically opens in early spring (March–April) annually

Fields of Study

The MAEC-AECID scholarships cover a wide variety of academic and research fields, including but not limited to:

• Social Sciences and International Relations

• Education and Teacher Training

• Law, Governance, and Human Rights

• Economics and Sustainable Development

• Engineering and Technology

• Public Health and Medicine

• Spanish Language and Literature

• Cultural Studies and Heritage

• Environmental Sciences

• Science and Innovation

Many programs are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Spain’s international cooperation priorities.

Scholarship Coverage and Benefits

The Spanish Government MAEC-AECID Scholarships are fully funded and provide the following benefits:

• Full tuition fee coverage at a public Spanish university

• Monthly stipend of €1,000 to €1,500, depending on program and location

• Comprehensive health insurance during the period of stay in Spain

• Round-trip travel allowance (in some cases and for specific regions)

• Visa assistance and institutional support

• Academic support and orientation services

The scholarship is awarded for 1 academic year and is renewable depending on the program and academic performance.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Becas MAEC-AECID 2025–2026, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Must be a citizen of a non-EU country, particularly from Latin America, Africa, Asia, or the Middle East

• Must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field

• Must demonstrate academic excellence and motivation

• Must not be a resident of Spain at the time of application

• Must fulfill the admission requirements of the chosen Spanish university or program

• Proficiency in Spanish is usually required, though some programs are taught in English

• Must not have received this scholarship previously for the same level of study

• Must meet the age limit criteria, typically under 35–40 years depending on the scholarship type

Language proficiency certification in Spanish (DELE) or English (TOEFL, IELTS) may be required depending on the language of instruction.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Research Available Programs

Visit the AECID official website or the scholarship portal to find available study fields, partner universities, and program-specific requirements.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Gather all necessary documentation, which may include:

• Completed application form (online)

• Passport copy

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree certificate and transcripts

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Letter of motivation

• Language proficiency certificate (Spanish or English)

• Letter of acceptance (if already admitted to a Spanish university)

• Letters of recommendation

• Research proposal (for PhD/research applicants)

Step 3: Create an Online Profile

Register on the AECID application portal during the official call period and fill in all personal, academic, and professional details.

Step 4: Submit Application

Upload all required documents and complete the application process before the deadline.

Step 5: Await Results

Successful applicants will be notified via email and will be required to confirm acceptance and begin visa processing.

Important Dates

• Application Opens: March (tentative)

• Application Deadline: April–May (varies each year)

• Scholarship Notification: July–August

• Program Start: September–October

Check the official AECID page for specific dates and updated calls for each academic cycle.

Why Choose Spain for Graduate Studies?

• Home to some of Europe’s top public universities

• Rich cultural heritage, language, and history

• Global academic environment with students from 100+ countries

• Opportunities for research collaboration and internships

• Gateway to Europe, Latin America, and Africa

• A high quality of life, Mediterranean climate, and affordable living

Official Website and Resources

• 👉 MAEC-AECID Official Scholarship Page (Spanish)

• 👉 General Info – Study in Spain

• 👉 Spanish Public University Programs Taught in English

The Spanish Government Scholarships (Becas MAEC-AECID) are a remarkable opportunity for students from developing countries to pursue fully funded Master’s, PhD, or research studies in Spain. With world-class institutions, vibrant culture, and strong government support, this program not only enriches academic knowledge but also strengthens international cooperation and personal growth.

If you’re a motivated student ready to expand your horizons in Europe while deepening your global competencies, start preparing early and take the next step in your academic journey through the MAEC-AECID program.