"La Caixa" Foundation - "La Caixa" Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship

What the "la Caixa" Foundation offers

You will receive your full tuition fees as well as a monthly living allowance, the amount of which varies depending on the country (the information box states approximately 1,640 EUR per month). This applies to postgraduate studies abroad lasting up to 24 months. In addition, you will receive a one-off arrival payment equivalent to one month’s allowance, as well as a travel allowance (500 EUR for Europe, 1,500 EUR for North America). The foundation also reimburses up to 5 in fees for applying for a place at university, visa fees and health insurance, as well as a final sum of 250 EUR to cover the formalities involved in completing your degree. The “la Caixa” Foundation awards 100 of these scholarships each year and welcomes you into its global network of former scholarship holders.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a Spanish or Portuguese national. A residence permit alone is not sufficient.
• Your first degree: You have obtained your Bachelor’s degree in Spain (Spanish applicants) or Portugal (Portuguese applicants). For the 2026 round, this must have been completed between January 2017 and July 2026. A Bachelor’s degree obtained abroad disqualifies you from taking part.
• Where you study: You are going abroad to a higher education institution or research centre within the European Higher Education Area, to the USA or Canada, or to Australia, South Korea, India, Japan, Singapore or China. Your studies must commence at the start of the scholarship; studies that are already underway therefore do not count.
• Level: You are applying for a Master’s programme, a PhD or a research placement prior to your PhD lasting at least 9 months.
• Field of study: Open to all degree programmes, with the exception of MBA programmes.
• Language: You hold a certificate demonstrating advanced proficiency in the language in which your course is taught.
• Admission: You do not need to have secured a place at university yet when you apply. You choose the university and the degree programme yourself.

How to apply

Online applications must be submitted via the ‘la Caixa’ Foundation’s scholarship portal by 19 January at 2 pm (Spanish mainland time). First, subject experts (independent experts in your field) will assess the shortlisted candidates. You will then be invited to a face-to-face interview before an interdisciplinary committee, which will make the final decision.

How realistic are your chances?

With 100 scholarships awarded each year – which are open to all Spanish and Portuguese graduates from almost all academic disciplines – this is a well-known and highly sought-after award. The selection process takes into account your academic achievements, your motivation and, during the interview, your personal potential, so a convincing CV alone is not enough. If you clearly meet the requirements regarding nationality and qualifications and can present a convincing, well-reasoned study plan, your prospects are realistic. A clear proposal and solid references are more important than the destination you have chosen.