University of Salamanca - Manuel Andrés Sánchez Grants for End of Degree Projects and Traineeships in Developing Countries

Manuel Andrés Sánchez Grant (University of Salamanca)

You will receive up to 2,000 EUR to spend up to six months working on a development cooperation project in Africa, Latin America or Asia. The funding covers your flight to the destination country (which is booked directly by the university), health and accident insurance, and a flat-rate travel allowance for accommodation and meals. You will work as a volunteer with a local partner organisation. If you are a Bachelor’s student, the placement can count towards ECTS credits (the credits that make up your degree). Recent placement locations include Argentina, Angola, Bolivia, Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Kenya, Malawi and Zambia. The scholarship is administered by the Department of Development Cooperation at the University of Salamanca. You will be responsible for the cost of your visa and any other personal expenses whilst there.

Who can apply

• University: You are enrolled on a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD programme at the University of Salamanca for the current academic year.
• Study progress: If you are a Bachelor’s student, you have already earned at least 50% of the credit points required for your degree programme.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply, provided they are studying at the University of Salamanca.
• Language: You may write the text in the language of your target country if the project requires it.
• Experience (a plus, not required): Previous voluntary work or development work will have a positive impact on your application, but do not rule it out from the outset.

How to apply

Please apply to the University’s Office for Development Cooperation by 26 March. A selection panel will draw up an initial shortlist. You will then take part in a free training course on development cooperation, which will also be taken into account in the final selection. Some host organisations conduct interviews with applicants before confirming their places.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is restricted to students at the University of Salamanca who have earned half of their undergraduate credits; the pool of eligible candidates is therefore already small. Academic grades account for 60% of the total score. Your personal statement and any experience in development cooperation make up the rest. If you have strong grades, demonstrate a genuine interest or voluntary involvement in this field, and submit your application by the deadline, your chances are good.