Carlos III University Foundation - Alumni UC3M Scholarships

Alumni UC3M Scholarships

You will receive 3,600 EUR per academic year for a Bachelor’s degree (Grado) or a dual degree (Doble Grado) at Carlos III University in Madrid (UC3M) in Spain. The funding covers the entire duration of your studies, up to four years, provided you meet the requirements for renewal each year. You will also receive academic and career guidance throughout your studies until you have found your first job. The programme is run by the non-profit Fundación Universidad Carlos III and funded by donations from former students of UC3M and partner organisations.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You would like to start a Bachelor’s degree or a dual degree programme at Carlos III University in Madrid, and UC3M is your first choice.
• School results: You hold the Spanish ‘Bachillerato’ (school-leaving certificate) or a recognised equivalent qualification and have achieved at least 8.0 out of 10 marks in the general phase of the Spanish university entrance examination (PAU). If you have been admitted via the International Baccalaureate or a vocational university entrance programme, your average mark across the entire educational cycle will be taken into account instead.
• Age: You were born on or after 1 January 2006.
• Financial need: Your family cannot afford the cost of studying at UC3M. The exact income thresholds are set out in the admissions regulations.
• Residence: Your family has been tax residents in Spain for at least two years, and studying at UC3M means that you will have to leave your usual place of residence. In practice, this offer is therefore aimed at students from other regions of Spain.
• First degree: You do not yet have a university degree.
• Field of study: You can apply for any degree programme offered at UC3M.
• Disability places: A scholarship is available to students with a legally recognised disability of 33% or more.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via an online form. For the 2026/27 round, the application window ran from 13 May to 19 June 2026. If you are shortlisted, you will have an interview at the Alumni Scholarship Office. You must also pass the university entrance examination and enrol at UC3M before the award of the scholarship is confirmed. The next round for 2027/28 begins in May 2027.

How realistic are your chances?

Only 12 scholarships are awarded per round, and the eligibility criteria are strict: an average mark of at least 8.0 in the entrance examination, demonstrable financial need, and a move to Madrid from another region. This combination ensures that the pool of applicants remains small. So, if you meet all the criteria and can demonstrate your financial need, your chances are realistic. The key factors are a good exam result and well-substantiated proof of financial need.