Diputación Foral de Bizkaia - Grants for Specialization Studies on European Union Related Matters

What you get

You will receive a scholarship of up to 14,000 EUR for a one-year on-campus study programme abroad on topics relating to the European Union. You may study at the College of Europe (Bruges campus, Belgium) or at another prestigious European university of your choice. The grant covers tuition fees, study materials, two return journeys, health and accident insurance, accommodation, and a flat-rate daily allowance for local transport and meals. In addition, a special study place at the College of Europe, worth 30,000 EUR, is available; this amount is paid directly to the College to cover tuition fees and accommodation. Should your studies extend into a second academic year, funding may also be provided for that year.

The grant comes from the Diputación Foral de Bizkaia (Provincial Council of Biscay), which has run this scheme every year since 1994. For the current round there are 3 grants of 14,000 EUR plus the single College of Europe place. If the college place cannot be awarded, up to 2 more grants of 14,000 EUR are offered instead. You cannot combine this grant with a similar one from another public body.

Who can apply

• Degree: You hold a university degree in economics, law, business administration, political science, sociology or a related subject.
• Recent graduate: You completed this degree in June 2022 or later.
• Nationality: You are a national of any EU Member State.
• Link to Biscay: You have been officially registered as a resident in a municipality within the Territorio Histórico de Bizkaia (the province of Bizkaia) since at least July 2021. Alternatively, you have completed your entire higher education at a university or faculty in Bizkaia.
• Languages: You meet the language requirements set by your chosen university. For the College of Europe (Bruges), you will need an excellent command of both English and French; C1 is the standard reference level for postgraduate study in the EU.
• Equality law: No sanctions have been imposed on you for breaching equality legislation.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted electronically via the Provincial Council’s E-Office at ebizkaia.eus by 30 April. Selection will be based on your academic achievements (50%), your language skills (20%) and a personal interview (30%). The interview will focus on your motivation and how the degree programme aligns with your goals. You must have been admitted by the host university by the time of the interview at the latest.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is awarded on a highly selective basis. Applicants must have a connection to the province of Biscay, hold a recently obtained university degree in specific subject areas, and possess excellent language skills, meaning that the pool of eligible candidates is small. As there are only 3 scholarships and one place at the College of Europe available, competition amongst qualified applicants is fierce, and the interview and academic results play a decisive role. If you clearly meet the residence and academic requirements and can demonstrate excellent grades as well as very good English language skills (or French language skills for Bruges), your chances are good.