arquia/becas (XXVII. Edicion, 2026)

What you get

You get a paid architecture placement to work at a leading practice or institution. Fundacion Arquia, the foundation of the Spanish architects' bank Arquia Banca, awards 53 placements in this 27th edition. The pay depends on where you go:

• Spain or Portugal: 7,700 EUR for six months (about 1,283 EUR per month), plus a 150 EUR travel allowance.
• Elsewhere in Europe: 9,900 EUR for six months (about 1,650 EUR per month), plus a 250 EUR travel allowance and social-security contributions.
• United States: up to five placements of 12 or 18 months, paid directly by the host firm as a real job on a J-1 work visa. The foundation covers your visa costs and a 1,300 EUR travel allowance.

The money is paid monthly. You also get health insurance. Placements last 6 or 12 months depending on the host (12 or 18 months in the US). Past hosts include Rafael Moneo, RCR Arquitectes, Alvaro Siza, Foster + Partners (London), Lacaton & Vassal (Paris) and the Museo Reina Sofia.

Who can apply

• Nationality or residence: You are a citizen of Spain or Portugal, or you hold a residence permit in either country.
• Where you study: You study, or graduated, at an architecture school in Spain or Portugal.
• Students: You are enrolled for 2025/2026 and have completed at least 60% of the credits for a qualifying architecture degree.
• Recent graduates: You finished your architecture degree in January 2025 or later. A foreign degree must be recognised in Spain or Portugal from that date.
• No repeat winners: You have not held an arquia/becas placement before.

How to apply

You apply through the Fundacion Arquia platform by one of three routes. For US destinations, submit a portfolio by 10 March 2026. For European destinations, apply with your academic transcript or through a design competition on the 2026 theme "Toponimias", by 1 April 2026 at 12:00 Spanish time. Selection is based on grade ranking, a jury decision or an interview with the host firm. Results are published from August 2026, and placements start from October 2026.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a well-known programme in Spanish and Portuguese architecture, so the 53 places draw many strong applicants. European destinations are handed out largely by strict grade ranking. If your transcript is excellent, or you produce a standout competition entry, your prospects are real. A geographic quota reserves some places by school, which helps applicants from less-represented schools. Meet the deadline exactly, as late entries are not considered.