Fundación Carolina

Fundación Carolina is a Spanish institution that promotes cultural relations and cooperation between Spain and the Iberoamerican Community of Nations in education and science. It offers scholarships for Latin American graduate students to complete Master's, PhD, and postdoctoral programs at Spanish universities. The 2026-2027 scholarship call is now open, covering tuition, monthly stipends, round-trip travel, and health insurance for recipients studying in Spain across all fields of knowledge, including music, arts, and humanities.

How Fundación Carolina Scholarships Work

Fundación Carolina operates in partnership with the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and Development (AECID) and a network of Spanish universities. The scholarships are designed for graduates from member countries of the Ibero-American Community of Nations who demonstrate academic or professional capacity.

Scholarship Categories

• Postgraduate Scholarships (Master's): Fund one-year or two-year Master's programs at Spanish universities. The scholarship covers tuition, a monthly stipend, round-trip airfare, and health insurance.
• Doctoral Scholarships (PhD): Fund doctoral research at Spanish universities. These are typically awarded for stays of several months to a full academic year, with the possibility of renewal.
• Postdoctoral Stays: Short-term research stays for postdoctoral scholars at Spanish institutions, typically lasting 1 to 6 months.
• Faculty Mobility: Supports visiting professor exchanges between Latin American and Spanish institutions.
• Institutional Studies: Funds specialized training programs and institutional partnerships.

Eligibility

• Citizenship of a member country of the Ibero-American Community of Nations (Latin America, Portugal, Andorra)
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent for Master's programs
• Master's degree or equivalent for doctoral programs
• Doctoral degree for postdoctoral stays
• Academic or professional merit demonstrated through transcripts, publications, and recommendation letters
• Spanish language proficiency (most programs are conducted in Spanish)

Application Process

Applications are submitted online through the Fundación Carolina website. The process requires:

• A completed online application form
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• A letter of acceptance or pre-admission from the host Spanish university (for some programs)
• A curriculum vitae
• Letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose outlining the academic project and its relevance to the applicant's home country

The 2026-2027 call for scholarships is currently published on the Fundación Carolina website. Deadlines vary by program type, with most closing in the spring or early summer of 2026.

Real-World Example

A musicologist from Argentina with a Bachelor's degree in music could apply for a Fundación Carolina Master's scholarship to study at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid or the Universidad de Salamanca. If awarded, the scholarship would cover full tuition for the one-year Master's program (which for international students at Spanish public universities can cost EUR 3,000 to EUR 8,000 per year), a monthly stipend of approximately EUR 1,200 for living expenses, round-trip airfare from Buenos Aires to Madrid, and health insurance for the duration of the program.

A composer from Colombia with a Master's degree could apply for a doctoral scholarship to pursue PhD research in composition at a Spanish conservatory or university. The scholarship would fund a research stay of 6 to 12 months, covering tuition, stipend, travel, and insurance. If the research extends beyond the initial period, the scholar could apply for renewal.

A postdoctoral researcher from Brazil studying Spanish colonial music could apply for a short-term postdoctoral stay at the Universidad de Granada's musicology department. The stay would typically last 1 to 3 months, with funding covering travel, accommodation, and a per diem stipend.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

If you are a Latin American musician or music scholar, Fundación Carolina is one of the most accessible pathways to studying in Spain. The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, living expenses, and travel, which means you can focus entirely on your studies or research.

The program is specifically designed for Iberoamerican students. Unlike Fulbright (which is country-specific and highly competitive), Fundación Carolina accepts applicants from all Latin American countries through a single application process. This makes it particularly valuable for students from countries that do not have bilateral education agreements with Spain.

For music students, Spain offers unique opportunities in flamenco studies, Spanish guitar, early music performance, and musicology. Spanish conservatories like the Fundacio Conservatori Liceu in Barcelona and the Real Conservatorio Superior de Musica de Madrid have strong programs in these areas. Fundación Carolina scholarships can be used at these and other Spanish institutions.

Start by identifying a Spanish university or conservatory that offers a program matching your interests. Contact the institution to request a letter of pre-admission, which strengthens your application. Then submit your application through the Fundación Carolina website before the deadline.

Check the Fundación Carolina website each year for the new call for scholarships. The 2026-2027 call is now available, with application deadlines varying by program. Contact the Foundation directly at informacion@fundacioncarolina.es if you have questions about eligibility or the application process.

Related Opportunities

• Fulbright Foreign Student Program for international students studying in the US
• ABRSM Scholarships for musicians studying in the UK
• Music Scholarships Directory for the full list of funding opportunities
• Music Schools Directory to find Spanish and European music programs
• Visit the Fundación Carolina 2026-2027 scholarship call for official guidelines and application