Autonomous University of Barcelona - Grants for Students Undergoing Unforeseen Circumstances

Emergency study grants at the UAB (Programa Finestreta)

You will receive support to enable you to continue your studies should your financial situation unexpectedly take a turn for the worse, so that you do not have to drop out. The support is tailored to your individual situation and is not a fixed monthly payment. It may cover your tuition fees for the credit points earned during the period 2026–2027, waive late payment charges on these fees, or contribute towards the cost of a work placement. A selection committee decides on the exact form and amount of support in each individual case. The programme is run by the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) and has a total budget of up to 140,000 EUR per year.

Who can apply

• University: You are enrolled at UAB on an official degree programme at Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD level.
• Field of study: Any topic is permitted.
• Emergency situation: A sudden, unforeseen event, through no fault of your own, has significantly worsened your financial, social or family situation. For example, the loss of your job or a death in the family.
• Nationality: Any EU citizen may apply. If you are from a country outside the EU, you must provide proof of legal residence.
• No equivalent degree: You do not yet hold a qualification at the same level as the one you are currently studying for, nor are you yet eligible to claim such a qualification.
• Other grants: If you have previously applied for this grant, you must also apply for the general public grants for which you are eligible (from the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Ministry of Education and the AGAUR grants for tuition fee reductions).

How to apply

You can apply for this online via the UAB service portal between 1 July 2026 and 30 April 2027. Please enclose evidence of your emergency circumstances, such as a report from social services, a certificate of unemployment or a death certificate. The committee may request further documents or invite you to an interview. You will receive a decision within approximately 90 days.

How realistic are your chances?

This support is aimed at a small target group: UAB students who are facing a genuine, documented emergency. As a result, the number of applicants remains small. Undergraduate students are given priority over postgraduate and PhD students, and first-time applicants, as well as cases such as single parents or the unemployed, are given special consideration. If you clearly meet the eligibility criteria and can provide evidence of this, your chances are good. Applying early in the year is also advantageous, as the budget is limited.