Camilo José Cela University - Academic Excellence Scholarship

What you get

You will receive a discount on your tuition fees at the Universidad Camilo José Cela (UCJC) in Madrid for one academic year, based on your grades. For a Bachelor’s degree programme, the discount amounts to 20% to 40% on your tuition fees, credit points and credit transfers. For a Master’s or PhD programme, it amounts to 15% to 30%, although Banco Santander may co-fund part of this. This is not a cash payment; the amount is deducted directly from your fees. The scholarship is valid for one year at a time and may be renewed provided you continue to meet the academic requirements. Bachelor’s students must also complete 10 to 150 hours per year supporting a department, service or faculty at the university.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You have been admitted to an official bachelor’s, master’s or PhD programme at UCJC in Madrid.
• Field of study: Almost all degree programmes are eligible. Separate rules apply to medicine and dentistry.
• Grades (new bachelor students): A grade point average of at least 8.00 out of 10 in the final year of secondary school and in the Spanish university entrance examination (PAU), or at least 8.50 from a higher vocational qualification or a previous university degree.
• Grades (continuing bachelor students): Over the past year, you have earned at least 45 credit points, passed all your modules and achieved a grade point average of at least 8.5.
• Grades (master's or doctorate): A minimum average mark of 8.5 out of 10 in your previous degree programme.
• Studied abroad: If you obtained your school-leaving qualification outside Spain, you must have it recognised (homologado) for the purposes of university admission in Spain and also have a grade point average of at least 8.5.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.

How to apply

First, ensure you are admitted to your UCJC degree programme. You should then apply for the scholarship online via the MyUCJC portal and attach your official transcript. The standard application deadline is 31 July of the year in which your course begins. If you are admitted at a later date, you have 15 days from receipt of your confirmation of admission. A scholarship committee will make the decision, and its decision is final.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding is linked to a private university and a clear grade threshold, meaning that it is restricted to high-achieving students who choose to study at the UCJC. If your grade point average meets the threshold of 8.0 to 8.5 for your programme and you have been offered a place, your chances are good, as the discount is automatically based on your grades. The number of scholarships available each year depends on your degree programme’s budget, so it is advisable to apply early.