While Spain does not have an equivalent of Germany's comprehensive DAAD scholarship network for Indian students, several meaningful funding opportunities exist. The most significant is the AECID (Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo) scholarship program, which supports postgraduate study in Spain. Spanish universities also offer their own international student merit grants, and private foundations like La Caixa and Banco Santander have programs open to non-EU students at select institutions.
Key Scholarships for Indian Students in Spain
Scholarship Application Checklist
- Identify relevant scholarships by program level (master's vs. PhD) and field
- AECID applications open October–November — prepare academic transcripts, research proposal, and language certificates
- La Caixa Fellowship — check if your program is at a partner university before applying
- University merit grants — apply at the same time as your program application (or as instructed by the international office)
- Request academic reference letters from professors well in advance — minimum 6 weeks' notice
- Prepare a strong statement of purpose showing why Spain and why this program
- Have transcripts apostilled and translated into Spanish for official scholarship submissions
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The AECID scholarship program is open to Indian nationals for postgraduate study in Spain. It covers tuition, a monthly living stipend (~€1,100), and health insurance. Competition is intense — strong academic records (70%+ or equivalent), research experience, and a coherent study plan significantly improve your chances. Applications are submitted online at becas-posgrado.aecid.es.
There is no formal bilateral scholarship program equivalent to the DAAD-India partnership. However, the ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) occasionally facilitates cultural exchange programs with Spain, and some Indian state governments offer study-abroad grants. Check with your state's higher education department and ICCR for current programs.
Explore the full guide for India students in Spain
Back to the Complete Guide
