Postgraduate Fellowships Abroad - la Caixa Foundation

What the la Caixa postgraduate fellowship covers

A fellowship is a funded place to study or research. You get your full tuition fees paid, with no upper limit, plus a monthly living allowance that depends on where you study (around 1,600 EUR/month for countries in the European Higher Education Area). On average each fellowship is worth about 100,000 EUR. You also get:

• An extra one-month payment at the start to help you settle in.
• Travel costs: 500 EUR within Europe, 1,500 EUR for North America or Asia-Pacific.
• Reimbursement of up to 5 university application fees, plus visa fees.
• Medical and accident insurance.
• A 250 EUR final payment.

Funding runs for 9 to 24 months (one academic year, extendable to a second). You also join the foundation's Fellows network of over 6,200 members. The 'la Caixa' Foundation grants 100 of these fellowships a year for a master's, doctorate or pre-doctoral research abroad.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a Spanish or Portuguese citizen. A residence permit alone is not enough.
• Your degree: You finished a bachelor's degree in Spain (Spanish applicants) or Portugal (Portuguese applicants), completed between January 2017 and July 2026. A bachelor's earned abroad does not qualify.
• Where you go: You study abroad, in any country in the European Higher Education Area, North America (USA or Canada), or Asia-Pacific (Australia, South Korea, India, Japan, Singapore, China). You cannot study in your home country.
• Field of study: Any subject except MBA (business administration) programmes.
• Level: A master's, doctorate or pre-doctoral research stay that starts with the fellowship. You cannot fund studies already under way.
• Language: You can prove an advanced level in the language you will study in. For English, a test such as IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge; for other languages, at least B2.
• Admission: You do not need to be admitted to the host university yet when you apply.

How to apply

You apply through the foundation's online fellowships portal. You submit a transcript, a language certificate, a statement of purpose and two reference letters. First the foundation reviews your CV, grades and research plan remotely. Shortlisted applicants are then invited to an interview before a selection committee, and the final decision follows in spring.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a well-known, high-value award, so competition is real: a recent round drew over 1,000 eligible applications for 100 places. Your grades and CV carry half the shortlisting score. The interview then rewards motivation and personal potential as much as your academic record. With strong results, a clear study or research plan and solid references, you have a genuine shot. Past unsuccessful applications do not count against you.