Are there Spanish government scholarships for international students?

I'm interested in studying abroad in Spain and heard that the Spanish government offers scholarships to international students. Does anyone have information on how to apply for these? What criteria do they typically look for in applicants?

Absolutely, Spain does offer various scholarships for international students. One of the prominent ones is the MAEC-AECID scholarships, which are provided by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. These scholarships are for one academic year and cover tuition fees, living costs, and even medical insurance.

Applications are usually submitted online through the AECID website. To be considered for these scholarships, you'll need to demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. You should be enrolled in or have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree program and typically, a good proficiency in Spanish is required too, which makes sense as you'll be studying in Spain.

Another scholarship to look into is the Fundación Carolina Scholarship, which caters to Latin American students wishing to study master's degrees, doctoral studies, or to conduct research in Spain.

In general, most scholarships typically look for the following in applicants:

- Excellent academic or professional track record

- Ability to demonstrate a financial need

- Good knowledge of the Spanish language (preferably certified)

- Clear idea of what they intend to study and the potential impact of their studies (often explained in a Statement of Purpose)

Keep in mind that each scholarship may have specific requirements and criteria. It's crucial to check the details of each specific offering to ensure you are eligible and then tailor your application accordingly. Good luck!