Botín Foundation - Scholarships for Curatorial Studies

Fundación Botín Scholarship for Curatorial Studies

You will receive up to 30,000 EUR for one academic year abroad to further your studies in curatorial practice, i.e. in the theory and practice of museum management and exhibition organisation. The grant comprises a lump sum of 18,000 EUR to cover travel, accommodation and living costs, as well as up to 12,000 EUR towards tuition fees at the higher education institution of your choice. Your degree programme must focus on contemporary art, from the avant-garde movements of the early 20 century to the present day. You may apply to extend the funding for a second year under the same conditions. The scholarship is awarded by the Fundación Botín, a Spanish foundation that has been supporting students since 1972.

Who can apply

• Your background: You have completed a postgraduate degree in Fine Art, Art History, Philosophy and Aesthetics, Literature, the Humanities or Art Criticism, or are currently undertaking such a degree. If you do not hold these qualifications but can demonstrate that you have substantial professional experience in the arts, you are also welcome to apply.
• Nationality or residence: You are a Spanish national or have lived in Spain continuously for the five years prior to submitting your application.
• Age: You are between 22 and 40 years old.
• Where you study: You’re going abroad to a school that specialises in contemporary art. You choose the school yourself, and it can be in any country you like.
• Language: You speak the language of the country where your chosen school is located.
• Admission: You have been accepted by the school of your choice or can provide evidence that you have applied there. You must confirm your enrolment by 11 May 2026.
• No double funding: You will not receive any further funding for the same training course.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online via the Fundación Botín website. The application period runs from 28 January to 27 April 2026. A panel will assess all applications. The decision will be published on the foundation’s website before 26 June 2026, and your grant must commence before the end of 2026.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is highly selective: only one scholarship is awarded each year, and you must be a Spanish national or a long-term resident in Spain, and be aged between 22 and 40 whilst studying a specific subject within the arts and humanities. This keeps the pool of applicants small, but as there is only one place available, competition is fierce. The key is to provide a convincing, well-documented statement of purpose that establishes a clear link between your previous studies and your chosen university.