Becas de Cooperacion Eclesial

Becas de Cooperacion Eclesial (UPSA)

You get your tuition fees fully covered for a canonical degree at the Ecclesiastical Faculties of the Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca (UPSA) in Spain. If you need it, the award also pays for full board in a UPSA hall of residence for up to 9 months of the academic year, plus health insurance. If you take an online licentiate approved by the Holy See, you can instead get accommodation during compulsory on-site periods and a discount of up to 25% on tuition. The scholarship is funded by the Fundacion Emaus (UPSA Salamanca) to train priests for their dioceses. It runs for one academic year and can be renewed each year until you finish your studies.

Who can apply

• Who you are: You are a Catholic priest with some years of pastoral experience, ideally under 40.
• Field of study: You want to study a canonical programme at UPSA: a licentiate in Theology, a licentiate in Canon Law, or a doctorate in these subjects.
• Prior degree: You already hold the qualification your target programme requires. For a licentiate in Theology or Canon Law, that is an ecclesiastical Bachelor in Theology; for a doctorate, the relevant licentiate.
• Spanish: You have Spanish at B2 level, proven by a certificate or by passing UPSA's language test.
• Your bishop: Your diocesan bishop backs your application. He describes the diocese's needs and the project you will join after you graduate.
• Nationality: You can apply from any country.

How to apply

You send the application form and your documents to UPSA by email and by post. Applications open on 15 February 2026 and close on 30 April 2026 at 14:00. A selection committee led by the rector and the relevant deans scores each application. You and your bishop hear the decision within one month of the deadline.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is cut very narrowly: you must be a Catholic priest studying a specific canonical degree at UPSA, backed by your bishop, so the eligible group is small. If you clearly meet those conditions and your bishop's letter shows a real diocesan need, your prospects are good. Renewal applicants get priority, and the number of grants depends on the foundation's yearly budget, so applying early in the window helps.