The budget for scholarships and grants increased by 22% for the current academic year 2020-2021, being the most significant rise in the last ten years. The aim of this measure is to democratize the right to education by substantially increase the number of students who enter universities based on a criterion of socioeconomic status.  The total investment amounts to 1.900 million euros, which will benefit 625.514 students this year.

The national scholarship system and grants reform is based upon four main points:

1.    Modification of academic requirements: Applicants to scholarships will have to have successfully completed the previous academic year. All additional requirements of qualifications have been eliminated.

2.    Modification of the economic thresholds: The economic thresholds had not been updated since the year 2010-2011 nor adapted to the current economic context. The new thresholds will allow students from families with fewer resources to access a full scholarship.

3.    Raise in the quantity allocated to scholarships: In order to allow students to match the scholarship amounts to the real costs of post-compulsory education.

4.    Increase the grants for people with a certified disability: Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) will be able to access study grants for students with Specific Educational Support Needs (NEAEs).

In terms of concrete budget allocation, 207 out of the 386 million euros correspond to non-university education, while 179 million euros to university scholarships. The impact of the aforementioned measures for university students will mean that the number of beneficiaries of a full scholarship will duplicate. 

More information: Ministerio de Educación y Formación Profesional 

Source: Eurydice Spain Unit