Polytechnic University of Catalonia - Grants for Large Families

What you get

If you come from a legally recognised large family, the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) in Barcelona will grant you a reduction on the enrolment fees for the doctoral programme (PhD). There are two tiers. Tier General category (families with 3 or 4 children) entitles you to a discount of 50%. Level Special category (families with 5 or more children) entitles you to a full exemption from 100%, meaning you do not have to pay any enrolment fee. This is a reduction in the fee, not a cash payment. It applies to the academic year in which you enrol, provided your large family card is valid at the start of that year.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are enrolling on a PhD programme at UPC.
• Field of study: Every PhD programme at UPC.
• Family status: You belong to a large family (‘familia nombrosa’) recognised under Spanish or Catalan law and hold a valid large family card.
• Which discount: 3 or 4 children means 50% off; 5 or more children means 100% off.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply. Students from Andorra can prove their status with a report from the Andorran Ministry of Welfare.

How to apply

No separate application is required. The discount is automatically applied upon enrolment, as soon as you present your valid large family card to the office responsible for your programme. You can also have your card details verified online via UPC’s e-Secretaria portal, so you do not need to submit any paper documents.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a competitive scholarship. It is a statutory fee reduction available to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria; therefore, there is neither a selection panel nor a limited number of places. If you enrol on a PhD programme at UPC and hold a valid multi-child card, you are essentially guaranteed the reduction. Simply ensure that your card is valid at the start of the academic year and bring your documents with you when you enrol.