For the 2026-2027 academic year, Spain’s government has earmarked €2.559 billion for student grants, with the aim of reaching nearly one million beneficiaries. The basic general scholarship, covering university and vocational training as well as Bachillerato, closed its application period in May. Several other forms of support remain available to families and students navigating the education system.
General Scholarships: Window Closed
The general grant, often referred to as the beca MEC, is the backbone of Spain’s student aid. It covers many studies, including Bachillerato, intermediate and advanced vocational training, arts, sports, languages, and official university degrees at both undergraduate and master’s levels. For the 2026-2027 cycle, non-university students could receive a fixed amount of €1,700 linked to family income, up to €2,700 if living away from home, and a basic grant of €300, or €350 for basic vocational training. Academic excellence bonuses ranged from €50 to €125, while the variable component started at €60.
University students were eligible for similar income- and residency-linked amounts, along with tuition coverage for official degrees. Doctoral, specialization and non-official university programs were excluded. One update this year: students enrolled part-time, with 48-59 credits, in university or advanced arts programs could receive €350 for income and another €350 for residency, provided they met the criteria. Asset thresholds also rose by about 10%.
Applications were accepted through the Ministry’s online portal from April 7 to May 18, 2026. Students residing in Catalonia had to apply through the Generalitat’s own system. The deadline has passed, and new applications for the general grant are no longer accepted.
Support for Special Educational Needs: Still Open
Families with children requiring specific educational support have until September 10, 2026, to apply for targeted aid. Launched in May, the program is open to students with disabilities, severe behavioral or communication disorders, autism spectrum conditions, or high intellectual abilities. Eligible levels range from early childhood education to Bachillerato and certain vocational training courses.
Grant amounts vary information from individual needs: up to €862 for teaching support, €617 for intercity transport, €574 for school meals, and €1,795 for boarding. Additional funding of up to €913 is available for pedagogical or language re-education. A €400 general subsidy covers extra expenses, while students with high abilities can access up to €913 for specialized programs.
Mobility and Private Foundation Grants
Students seeking international experience can also consider programs such as Erasmus+, which supports study and internships abroad. Each university or institution manages applications and deadlines, so dates vary. Spanish universities offer their own mobility grants too, including the MUNDE scholarship, which provides €1,800 for international exchanges.
Private foundations provide impressive funding for postgraduate study and research. The Fundación ”la Caixa” awards 100 scholarships annually for postgraduate study in Europe, North America, or Asia-Pacific, while Fundación Carolina supports academic mobility between Spain and Latin America. Each program sets its own criteria and deadlines, so applicants must check the details individually.
What Families Should Watch
With the basic general grant now closed, the most urgent deadline is September 10, 2026, for families seeking support for students with special educational needs. Talent24h notes that educational aid programs vary, and their deadlines do not always align. Some municipalities are also providing broader support: Abrera will fully fund school transport for 254 students in outlying neighborhoods for the coming year, as detailed in this recent report.
