University of Salamanca - Support to projects in the field of Development Cooperation

What you get

You will receive a grant of up to 5,000 EUR to carry out a development cooperation project abroad. You must complete the project within 12 months of the grant being awarded. The funds come from the University of Salamanca’s own cooperation fund. They cover project costs such as travel, accommodation and living expenses in the country where you are working. You may combine this grant with other public or private funding, provided that the total amount does not exceed the actual project costs. You must not use it to pay yourself or other university staff a fee or salary.

Who can apply

• Who you are: You are a member of the University of Salamanca community. This includes students (undergraduate, postgraduate or doctoral), administrative and support staff, and teaching and research staff. You must hold this status at the time of application and maintain it throughout the duration of the project.
• Where the project runs: Your project must take place in a developing country that appears on the OECD list of countries eligible for official development assistance. Projects carried out exclusively in Spain or another developed country with the aim of providing information or raising awareness will not be considered.
• Local partner: You must carry out the project in collaboration with a local partner in that country, such as a university, a research organisation, a non-governmental organisation or a charitable foundation representing the interests of the beneficiaries.
• Impact: Your project must make a practical, measurable contribution to development and be consistent with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030).
• One project each: Only one project may be submitted per applicant or group.
• Field of study: Applicants from all disciplines are welcome to apply.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.

How to apply

You should submit your application to the university’s Cooperation Office, addressed to the relevant Vice-Rector, together with documentation regarding your local partner. A committee will then assess each project in terms of quality, academic discipline, beneficiaries, and the applicants and partners involved. Projects involving students are awarded additional points. The deadlines change every year, so you should check the current call for proposals before submitting your application.

How realistic are your chances?

This grant is available exclusively to the University of Salamanca community, meaning that only its students and staff may apply. The fund supports several projects each year (around 20,000 EUR in recent years), which works in favour of a well-prepared application. A specific project with a committed local partner and clear, measurable outcomes will receive the highest rating. The quality of your application is more important than the number of competitors.