This guide will show you all the scholarships available in 202 , their specific requirements, deadlines, and how to maximize your chances of getting them. From scholarships offered by the Spanish Ministry of Education to international programs that provide up to $100 million in annual funding, you’ll find everything you need to know here.
Can I get a scholarship if I study online?
This is probably the question that brought you here, and the answer is a resounding yes. Many students still assume that studying online means giving up any kind of financial aid, but the reality is quite different.
The pandemic accelerated a process that was already underway: universities and official bodies recognized that distance learning has the same academic validity as in-person learning, and with that recognition came scholarships. The Spanish Ministry of Education and Vocational Training is clear: if you study at an online university with officially accredited programs, you can apply for exactly the same scholarships as an in-person student.
If you enroll at UNED, UNIR, UOC, UDIMA, VIU or any other recognized Spanish university, you are entitled to a full tuition scholarship, a maintenance scholarship for monthly expenses, a materials scholarship for digital resources, and an academic excellence scholarship if you have an outstanding academic record.
Do online scholarships cover the same things as in-person scholarships?
Yes, and in many cases, studying online with a scholarship can be even more financially advantageous. An on-campus student with a scholarship can easily spend €800-1,200 per month on rent, transportation, and living expenses. An online student with a scholarship completely eliminates the costs of accommodation, daily transportation, and physical materials, investing only in the portion of tuition not covered by the scholarship.
In addition, the flexible schedule allows you to work while you study, which many face-to-face programs make virtually impossible.
What scholarships does the Ministry of Education offer for online studies?
If you’re going to study at a Spanish online university, the Ministry of Education’s scholarships are the most comprehensive and benefit the most students each year. We’ll break down exactly what you can get, how much money you’ll receive, and what you need to do to apply.
How much does the tuition scholarship cover?
The Ministry’s tuition scholarship covers 100% of your tuition fees for the first year of your online degree. This includes all the courses you enroll in during the academic year.
Main requirements:
Be enrolled in an official program (degree, official master’s degree)
Meet the family income thresholds established each year
Not have exhausted the available calls for applications (duration of the degree + 1 year)
Pass at least 65% of the credits enrolled in the previous year (if continuing studies)
Deadlines: The application period is usually open from the beginning of August until the beginning of October. Applications are submitted entirely online through the Ministry’s Electronic Office.
Important tip:Â Apply for the scholarship even before you have finalized your enrollment. You can indicate the subjects you plan to take and modify them later if they change.
How much money do you receive with the maintenance grant?
This is where many students are surprised: in addition to covering your tuition, you can receive cash for your study and living expenses. The maintenance grant varies depending on your family’s financial situation and your academic performance.
| Type of amount | Approximate amount | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Variable amount | €60-2,500 | According to family income |
| Academic excellence | €50-125 | Average grade above 8 |
| Approximate annual total | €1,000-3,000 | Combination of both |
What documents do I need for the Ministry scholarship?
The process is completely digital, but you will need to have these documents ready:
- Online program enrollment certificate
- (issued by your university)
- Family income tax return (downloaded automatically if you authorize access)
- Academic transcript (if you are continuing your studies)
- Disability certificate (if applicable, for additional discounts)
- Bank details to receive the money
The Ministry may request additional documentation if it detects inconsistencies. Always respond within the indicated deadline or you will lose the scholarship.
What scholarships are available for studying online abroad?
If you’re looking to pursue an international master’s degree from the comfort of your home, a growing number of prestigious universities and international organizations are offering specific scholarships for online programs. These are the most sought-after by Spanish and Latin American students.
Comparison of the main international online scholarships
| Scholarship | Coverage | Study area | Call for applications | Main advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OAS-Structuralia | 50-80% | Engineering | 4 times a year | Results in 4 days |
| OAS-UNIR | 60% | 60+ programs | Annual | Official Titles |
| UNICAF | Variable | All areas | Permanent | $100M annually |
| MBA Durham | £5,000-6,000 | Business | Annual | World Top 100 |
| IUBH Germany | Up to 80% | Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees | Continue | Semester in Germany |
OAS-Structuralia Scholarships:
If you are an engineer, architect, or other technical professional, this scholarship is an excellent opportunity. Structuralia is a global school specializing in engineering, infrastructure, and energy that has trained over 85,000 professionals since 2001, in collaboration with leading Spanish universities.
Who is it for?
Graduates in engineering, architecture, building engineering and related areas of construction, energy and infrastructure.
How much does it cover?
The scholarship covers 50% or 80% of the total cost depending on your academic performance during the program. If you demonstrate excellence, your scholarship may increase.
Which universities does it collaborate with?
- Polytechnic University of Catalonia
- Polytechnic University of Madrid
- Comillas Pontifical University
The degrees are fully accredited and have a presence in Spain, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Colombia and Central America.
Application Periods: Structuralia organizes 4 application periods per year for maximum flexibility. Results are announced within 4 days, and courses begin 1 week after the closing date of each application period.
Important aspect: It is a return scholarship, which means that you must commit to working in your home country or in an international organization for a period equal to the duration of the scholarship.
What does the selection committee value?
- Professional experience (preferably related to the program)
- Academic merit and credentials
- Potential impact:Â If you demonstrate that this program not only benefits you personally, but also allows you to contribute to improving infrastructure in your region, you will have a better chance.
OAS-UNIR Scholarships:
The International University of La Rioja (UNIR) is the only 100% online university in Spain, founded in 2009. They offer scholarships in collaboration with the OAS for more than 60 master’s programs in different areas.
What areas of study does it include?
Business administration, law, education, psychology, literature, communication, finance, human resources, computer science, technology, and more.
How much does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers 60% of tuition. Other expenses (certificate fees, entrance exams, document legalization) are your responsibility.
Key advantage: All UNIR programs are official degrees, recognized by the Ministries of Education in various countries, including Spain. This is essential for finding employment abroad.
How does the process work?
Classes are online, either live or recorded, with the assistance of a personal mentor. All materials are available online, and exams are digital with continuous assessment.
UNICAF scholarships: Do they really offer 100 million in aid?
Yes, and this is one of the most interesting options for students at any level. The UNICAF Foundation distributes around $100 million in scholarships each year to approximately 30,000 students in total.
What makes UNICAF special?
You can study for your undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degree virtually at partner universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, or Africa. The goal is to facilitate access to university studies for those who cannot afford full tuition.
How much does it cover?
Coverage varies depending on your profile. A Study Planner will interview you after reviewing your documents, and together you will determine your study plan and scholarship level.
When can I apply?
Online programs can be started at any time, so the application period is open all year round.
Online MBA Scholarships at Durham University:
If you’re looking for an MBA from a top 100 global university without leaving your country, this is your opportunity. Durham University is among the top universities in the UK, and its Business School is ranked 43rd globally by the Financial Times.
What types of scholarships do they offer?
- General online MBA
- MBA Women in Business (specifically for women)
How much does it cover?
The scholarship offers a discount of £5,000 or £6,000 on the tuition fees for the online MBA. It does not include any other additional financial aid, but it can be combined with other forms of assistance.
Important advantage: All applicants are automatically considered for applicable scholarships; there is no need to apply for a scholarship separately.
What does the selection committee value?
- Academic excellence:Â In addition to the achievements required for admission, other qualifications that demonstrate academic achievement are considered (e.g., a GMAT score of 650 or higher).
- Post-graduation professional experience or relevant volunteer experience
- Particular skills or extracurricular experiences that add value and indicate that you will contribute significantly to the Business School
Tip: The sooner you apply, the higher your chances of winning an MBA scholarship .
IUBH Germany Scholarships:
The IUBH (German University of Applied Sciences) is a private university with approximately 35,000 students enrolled in both online and on-campus programs. It offers online undergraduate and master’s degree programs with an interesting option: you can complete your final semester in person on campus in Germany.
How much does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers up to 80% of the tuition for the online program, and can be combined with other aid.
| Type of scholarship | For whom | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Scholarship | Students with outstanding results | Up to 80% |
| Women in Leadership | Women with management potential | Up to 80% |
| Future Entrepreneur | Entrepreneurs with startups | Up to 80% |
| Online Learning | Students who completed the online program | Up to 80% |
Key advantage: All programs offered are officially accredited, therefore the title of an online course has a value equivalent to the face-to-face title.
When to apply?
There is no specific application deadline. You must indicate during the admissions process that you are applying for scholarships, and your eligibility will be assessed during that process.
What scholarships are available for specific online master’s and postgraduate degrees?
Postgraduate programs have specialized calls for applications with better coverage. These are the most sought after by Spanish and Latin American students.
Specialized scholarships by area of ​​study
| Scholarship | Area | Coverage | Number of scholarships | Special feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEM Generation | Science and Technology | Variable | – | Focus on STEM disciplines |
| Santander-British Council | Languages ​​(English) | 100% | Miles | Complete course free |
| OAS-Educational Format | Business and Management | 66% | 1,300+ | University of Cadiz |
| Mario Vargas Llosa | Humanities and Arts | 60% | 40 | Official Titles |
International STEM Generation Scholarships
These scholarships are specifically aimed at students who want to specialize in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). It’s one of the areas with the highest current job demand, and international organizations are well aware of this.
Who is it for?
Students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in STEM fields internationally.
What does it cover?
Coverage varies depending on the specific program, but it generally includes a significant portion of tuition.
Santander – British Council Scholarships: Only for English?
Yes, but don’t underestimate its value. Many international scholarships require a certified level of English as an admission requirement. This scholarship allows you to prepare for it at no cost.
What does it offer?
Online English courses fully funded by Banco Santander in collaboration with the British Council , one of the most prestigious institutions for teaching English.
Who is it for?
Students who want to improve their English level to access international programs.
Strategic advantage: You can use this scholarship as preparation to later apply for other international scholarships that require English certification.
OAS Educational Format Scholarships: How many scholarships do they offer?
Formato Educativo is a business school in Spain that operates in collaboration with the University of Cádiz. It offers various online master’s degrees with a distinctly professional focus: they aim to train professionals capable of integrating into management teams.
What areas of study does it include?
Business administration, marketing and sales management, technologies and energy, political and public management, commercial and business management, quality and safety management, and the health sector.
How many scholarships do they offer?
Formato Educativo, in partnership with the OAS, offers more than 1,300 scholarships annually.
How much does it cover?
The scholarship is a 66% discount on the total cost of tuition. Other expenses such as study materials and graduation fees are not included.
What does the selection committee value?
- Your academic profile
- The impact the studies will have on you as a candidate
- The geographical distribution of candidates (to ensure diversity)
Mario Vargas Llosa Scholarships: Only for Humanities?
Yes, and this is important because scholarships in the humanities are less common than in technical fields. UNIR has partnered with the writer Mario Vargas Llosa and his foundation to offer 40 specialized scholarships.
What areas of study does it include?
Arts, Humanities, Music, and Social Sciences.
How much does it cover?
The scholarship offers a 60% reduction on the official tuition fee. You must have the remaining tuition fees guaranteed in order to begin your studies.
Key advantage: All these master’s degrees are official , therefore they have international recognition.
How do I apply for a scholarship to study online?
Applying for a scholarship online isn’t complicated, but each call for applications has its own specific requirements. Here we explain the general process and the most common mistakes to avoid to increase your chances of success.
Do I need to be admitted to the program first?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions, and the answer is:Â it depends on the scholarship.
Ministry of Education scholarships: You can apply before, during, or after enrollment. The process is simultaneous.
University scholarships (OAS-Structuralia, OAS-UNIR, etc.): In most cases, you must first apply for admission to the program and, once admitted, you are automatically considered for the scholarship or you must indicate your interest in it.
UNICAF, IUBH Scholarships: The scholarship admission and evaluation process occurs simultaneously.
Critical tip:Â Always read the specific instructions for each scholarship program. This is the most common mistake: assuming all scholarships work the same way.
What documents do I need to have prepared?
Regardless of the scholarship you apply for, there’s a set of documents that almost all of them will require. Having them prepared in advance saves you time and stress.
| Document | What is it for? | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Updated CV | Demonstrate your professional profile | You create it (maximum 2 pages) |
| Cover letter | Explain why you deserve the scholarship | You write it |
| University Diploma | Provide proof of prior studies | Your previous university |
| Academic record | Showcase your performance | Your previous university |
| Letters of recommendation | To validate your ability | Teachers or employers |
| Language certificate | Demonstrate linguistic level | Official institutes (TOEFL, IELTS, DELE) |
| Economic documentation | Justify need (if applicable) | Tax Agency |
Important: Many countries require documents to be apostilled or legalized. Check this in advance because it can take weeks to obtain.
Which online universities are reliable in Spain?
To avoid problems, these are the Spanish online universities with full official accreditation:
UNEDÂ (National University of Distance Education)
UNIRÂ (International University of La Rioja)
UOCÂ (Open University of Catalonia)
UDIMAÂ (Distance University of Madrid)
VIUÂ (International University of Valencia)
UNEX (University of Extremadura – online programs)
All these institutions:
- They are recognized by the Ministry of Education
- They offer official degrees
- They have accredited teachers
- They publish all legally required information
When do online scholarship applications open?
Although each scholarship has its own dates, there are general patterns that help you plan your application strategy throughout the year.
General calendar of calls for proposals per quarter
| Period | Scholarships that open | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| January-February | OAS-UNIR, International MBAs | Prepare documentation |
| March-May | OAS-Structuralia (1st and 2nd call.), European scholarships | Submit applications |
| June-August | Ministry of Education, OAS-Structuralia (3rd conv.) | Apply for Spanish scholarships |
| September-October | Ministry Closure, STEM Generation, OAS-Format | Last chances of the year |
| All year | UNICAF, IUBH | Apply when you’re ready |
Strategic tip: Mark the dates of the scholarships you’re interested in on your calendar two months in advance. This gives you enough time to prepare documents, request letters of recommendation, and create a strong application.
Is it worth studying online with a scholarship?
After reviewing all these options, the final question is: is it really worth it? The answer depends on your goals, but for most students, the answer is yes.
| Advantages |
|---|
| Total flexibility to study and work |
| 80% savings in total costs |
| Access to international universities |
| Titles with the same legal value |
| You eliminate accommodation and transport costs |
