If you are a student from Japan and want to study in Spain, you can look at a few realistic scholarship routes. The most common options are Spanish government or public programmes, university fee waivers or discounts, and Erasmus Mundus for joint master's degrees. Rules change, so always check the official scholarship site and the university's admissions page before you apply.
Main scholarship routes
Not every scholarship is open to every student. Many awards are tied to the study level, subject, or nationality. For Japanese students, these are the main paths to watch:
- Spanish public scholarships and grants for international students
- University scholarships, fee waivers, and tuition discounts
- Erasmus Mundus joint master's scholarships
- Research grants for master's thesis or PhD study
- External funding from Japanese or international foundations
For each one, read the official rules carefully. Some programmes fund tuition only. Others may also help with living costs, travel, or insurance. Many are competitive, so a complete and well prepared application matters.
Spanish government and public programmes
Spain has public scholarships and aid schemes, but many are aimed at students already inside the Spanish system or at specific study levels. Some are for master's, doctoral, or research study, and some are linked to exchange or cooperation agreements.
- Check the Spanish Ministry of Education or other official public education pages
- Look for calls aimed at international students or mobility students
- Read the eligibility rules for your nationality, degree level, and field
- Prepare proof of admission, academic records, and language documents
These calls usually open once a year, but the timing changes. Many public calls appear between spring and early autumn for the next academic year. Do not rely on past dates. Use the official call notice and the university page for current timing.
University scholarships and fee waivers
Spanish universities often offer their own funding. This can include tuition reductions, merit scholarships, housing help, or a small monthly stipend. Private universities may also offer discounts for strong grades, language ability, or early application.
- Some awards are automatic if you meet a grade threshold
- Some need a separate scholarship form
- Some are only for certain programmes, like engineering, business, or data science
- Some are only for new students, not continuing students
The university's admissions page is the best place to check. Search for "scholarships," "financial aid," "tuition reduction," or "aid for international students." Deadlines are often tied to admissions rounds, so they may be earlier than the final course deadline.
Erasmus Mundus scholarships
Erasmus Mundus is one of the strongest options if you want a master's degree in Europe, including Spain. These are joint programmes run by a group of universities, and the scholarship can cover tuition and usually also gives a monthly living allowance and travel support, depending on the rules of that edition.
- You apply to the specific joint master's programme, not to a general fund
- You usually need a strong academic record
- English test results are often required, and sometimes other language proof too
- You may need references, a motivation letter, and a clear study plan
Applications usually open in the last months of the year or early in the year for the next intake. Always check the programme page, because each Erasmus Mundus master's has its own deadline and its own document list. Competition is strong, so your grades, fit with the programme, and documents all matter.
What most scholarships usually ask for
Many scholarships ask for the same basic papers. If you prepare them early, you can move faster when a call opens. For a student from Japan, the common requirements are:
- Passport copy
- Academic transcripts and degree certificate, or expected graduation letter
- English or Spanish language proof, if the programme asks for it
- Motivation letter or personal statement
- CV or resume
- Two references, sometimes more
- Research proposal for PhD or research-based master's programmes
- Certified translations if the scholarship rules ask for them
Some programmes also ask for a passport photo, portfolio, interview, or proof of funds for visa purposes. That is separate from the scholarship itself. Read the scholarship rules and the university's admissions instructions line by line.
When to start and how to apply well
Start early, even if the scholarship has not opened yet. Many students lose time because they wait for the deadline, then discover they still need translations, references, or a language test. A strong profile makes the process easier.
- Make a short list of programmes in Spain that match your field
- Check whether each scholarship is automatic or needs a separate form
- Collect your transcripts, diploma, and translations in advance
- Keep your CV clear and simple
- Write a focused motivation letter for each programme
- Check whether your documents need apostille, notarisation, or official translation
If your grades are strong, your documents are complete, and your study goal is clear, you are easier to shortlist. Admissions teams and scholarship panels often compare many similar applications, so clarity helps.
Common questions
Can a Japanese student get a scholarship for a bachelor's degree in Spain?
Yes, but bachelor funding is usually harder to find than master's funding. University discounts and some public or private awards may exist, but many strong international scholarships in Spain focus on master's or PhD study.
Do I need Spanish to get a scholarship in Spain?
Not always. Many master's programmes, especially international ones, are taught in English. But some scholarships and universities ask for Spanish or expect you to improve your level during the programme. Check the programme page for the exact language rule.
Where should I check first?
Start with the university's admissions page, then the scholarship's own site, then the official national or public funding page if the award is state backed. Those three sources give the safest and most current information.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
That can help you get noticed for scholarships and study places that match your profile, without sending applications one by one.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.