Polytechnical University of Madrid - Spanish-Chinese Mobility Programme

Benefit

You will receive a scholarship of 1,500 to 3,000 EUR (on average around 2,400 EUR) for a six-month study semester at a partner university in China or another country in the Asia-Pacific region. You will receive 1,500 EUR for Tongji University in Shanghai or 3,000 EUR for partner universities in China, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan or Australia. If you attend Tongji University, your accommodation is free of charge. The programme is run by the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM), which has been collaborating with Asian universities for more than 25 years.

Eligibility

• University: You are studying at the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM).
• Study phase: You are in the final year of your bachelor’s degree or are studying for a master’s degree, and are often currently working on your dissertation.
• Field of study: Anyone can apply.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply, provided they are studying at UPM.
• English: You can demonstrate your English language proficiency, for example, by providing a TOEFL score of at least 80 (internet-based) or an equivalent score.

How to apply

Complete the online form via UPM’s electronic office. Attach your English language certificate, a personal statement, one or two letters of recommendation from lecturers, and your academic transcript. You must apply for the scholarship itself separately via the Santander Open Academy platform. The application deadline for 2025/26 was 17 February. A planned second round of applications on 28 March did not take place as there were no places left.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding is aimed exclusively at UPM students, so the pool of applicants is already small. Places remain limited: each year, around 20 scholarships are available for Tongji University and 26 for the other Asian universities. Last year, the second round was cancelled as soon as all places had been filled. If you meet the criteria, apply right at the start of the application round, as good candidates can miss out simply because they apply too late.