University of Seville - Special Grants for Students Facing Unforeseen Economic Hardship

Special social grants at the University of Seville

You will receive a one-off payment of up to 1,800 EUR to cover all or part of your tuition fees if your family experiences sudden financial difficulties whilst you are studying. The exact amount depends on your household’s per capita income and whether you need to move away from home to study. If this is the case, the grant amounts to 1,000 EUR up to 1,800 EUR. If you live in Seville or are able to commute daily, the grant amounts to between 880 EUR and 1,440 EUR. The University of Seville funds this grant in partnership with Grupo Santander, with a total budget of 50,000 EUR for the year 2025–26.

Who can apply

• University: You are enrolled on an official Bachelor’s (Grado) or Master’s degree programme at the University of Seville.
• Study load: You must be enrolled in at least 30 ECTS credits or the number of credits you still need to complete your degree. This minimum requirement does not apply if you have been recognised as having special academic needs.
• Sudden hardship: Your household income has fallen by at least 15% as a result of an unexpected event in 2024 or 2025. This includes the loss of a family member’s job, a death, a divorce or separation, a recognised disability of 33% or more, a serious illness, a natural disaster or a similar, documented crisis.
• Income limit: Your family income is below the national grant thresholds, for example 14,818 euros for a single-person household or 40,773 euros for a four-person household.
• No repeat for the same cause: You have not yet received this benefit in relation to the same circumstances. If you find yourself in a genuinely new emergency situation, you may submit a new application.
• No higher degree: You do not yet hold a qualification at the same level or a higher level than the one you are currently aiming for.
• Nationality: Open to all nationalities. International students must have a valid NIE (Spanish foreigner identification number) by the application deadline.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.

How to apply

You must submit two forms, both of which need to be sent off. You submit the official form electronically via the Spanish Government’s online register, and you complete a second form on the Santander Open Academy platform using your student email address. The application window lasts for approximately 10 working days each year; for 2025–26, it closes on 1 July. A university committee reviews applications in the order in which they are received and makes its decision based on your financial need, your income and your academic performance.

How realistic are your chances?

This grant is very narrowly defined: you must be studying at a specific university, provide evidence of a sudden drop in income of at least 15%, and meet the income thresholds, meaning that the number of people eligible for the grant is small. If you clearly meet these conditions and can provide evidence of your financial hardship, your chances are good. Applications are processed in the order in which they are received from a fixed fund of 50,000 EUR, so it is advisable to apply early in the application period.