Are you a foreign student in Spain wondering if you can do an Erasmus exchange? This is a very common question among those planning to study in Spain or who are already pursuing a university degree, master's degree, or advanced vocational training in the country.
Well, the good news is that you can participate in the Erasmus+ program , even if you don't have European nationality.
However, there are certain key requirements that you must meet, both academically and legally, to be eligible for international mobility.
In this guide, updated to 2026, we first explain what the Erasmus+ program is, and then go through the steps of who can apply, what you need, how much financial aid you can receive, and how to complete the procedures correctly.
What is the Erasmus+ programme?
Erasmus+ is an official European Union program that allows university and vocational students to complete part of their studies or work placements in another European country for a period of 2 to 12 months . Its aim is to promote international mobility, cultural exchange, and language learning.
This program is aimed at:
- Students of degree, master's degree, doctorate or higher vocational training.
- Both European citizens and foreigners legally residing in an EU country (like Spain).
Participants in this program receive monthly financial assistance to cover part of their living expenses and are guaranteed academic recognition for the courses taken abroad.
Can you do Erasmus in Spain if you're a foreigner?
If you are an international student enrolled at a Spanish university , you can access the Erasmus+ program provided you meet certain academic, administrative, and linguistic requirements. It doesn't matter whether you are a national of a European Union country or not: what matters is your legal status in Spain and your academic affiliation with an official institution.
Below, we explain the different student profiles eligible for Erasmus from Spain:
Students from the European Union (EU) or associated countries
If you are a citizen of a country in the European Economic Area or Switzerland , you can participate in the Erasmus program just like any other Spanish citizen. You only need:
- Be enrolled in a bachelor's degree, master's degree, advanced vocational training, or doctorate at an authorized Spanish university or center.
- Having passed at least 60 ECTS credits (normally after the first year).
- Meet the language and documentation requirements of the host university.
Non-EU students with a residence permit (NIE)
If you are from a non-EU country (for example, Morocco, Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina or the Philippines), you can also apply for an Erasmus place from Spain if you have a valid residence permit — which in practice means that you have an NIE (Foreigner Identity Number) and are legally authorized to study in the country.
This is key: it is not your nationality that determines whether you can do Erasmus, but rather:
- have an official license plate in higher education in Spain.
- You have current legal residence throughout the Erasmus period.
- Do not exceed the number of Erasmus months allowed in your study cycle (12 months per academic level: bachelor's, master's, doctorate).
Additionally, some universities may require additional documentation (such as a passport, motivation letter, or visa for the destination country), but access is fully open to international students.
Erasmus Requirements for Foreigners 2026: Step by Step
Although being a foreigner doesn't prevent you from participating in an Erasmus exchange program from Spain, you do need to meet certain specific academic and administrative requirements . Below, we explain step by step what you need to apply for an Erasmus exchange as an international student in Spain.
1. Be enrolled in an official institution
You must be enrolled at a Spanish university or accredited institution that holds the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) . This includes:
- University degrees.
- Official master's degrees.
- Professional training of a superior level.
- Doctorates.
Important : Private universities can also participate, provided they have active Erasmus agreements.
2. Have passed at least 60 ECTS credits
To apply for an Erasmus placement, you need to have completed the first year of your studies , which is equivalent to 60 ECTS credits. At most universities, this means you can only apply for mobility from your second year onwards.
3. Have a legal residence permit in Spain (NIE)
If you do not have European nationality, you must have a valid residence permit in Spain , known as an NIE . This document certifies your status as a resident student and is essential for participating in academic exchanges within the Erasmus+ program.
4. That your university has an agreement with the host university
Your university in Spain must have an Erasmus collaboration agreement with the foreign university or center you wish to attend. These agreements are established by field of study and duration, so you should consult the relevant information.
- What universities are available for your career.
- How many places are there?
- What specific requirements do they ask for (language, record, etc.)?
5. Certify language level
You must demonstrate that you have a minimum B1 or B2 level of the language in which the classes are taught at your destination . This will depend on the country and the university you are attending.
Ways to prove language proficiency:
- Official certificates (Cambridge, TOEFL, DELF, Goethe…).
- Internal tests organized by your university.
- Having taken previous subjects in that language.
6. Submit complete documentation
The Erasmus process requires the submission of several key documents:
- Learning Agreements (study agreement with equivalent subjects).
- Motivation letter and/or CV (depending on the destination university).
- Photocopy of the NIE or passport.
- Language certificates.
- International health insurance.
- Letter of acceptance from the host university (when granted).
7. Respect deadlines and calls
Most universities open their Erasmus application period between October and January of the academic year prior to the exchange. Some institutions have a second application period in the spring, but there are usually fewer places available.
Summary of Erasmus requirements:
| Requirement | Is it compulsory? | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Active enrollment in university | ✅ Yes | Bachelor's degree, master's degree, higher vocational training or doctorate from an accredited Spanish center. |
| 60 ECTS credits approved | ✅ Yes | Normally at the end of the 1st year. |
| NIE (residence permit) | ✅ Yes | For non-EU students. Must be current. |
| Agreement between universities | ✅ Yes | You can only apply for places at universities with a current agreement. |
| Language level | ✅ Yes | B1 or B2, depending on the destination. You must prove this with a certificate or internal test. |
| Mandatory documentation | ✅ Yes | Learning Agreement, motivation, insurance, NIE/passport, etc. |
| On-Time Completion | ✅ Yes | The call usually opens between October and January. |
Erasmus financial aid for foreign students in Spain
One of the most important aspects when applying for an Erasmus exchange is knowing what financial aid you can receive as an international student. Although the program is funded by the European Union, there are several sources of supplementary funding , at the national, regional, and even university levels.
The good news is that foreign students with a residence permit in Spain have access to the same scholarships as Spanish citizens within the Erasmus+ program.
Below, we explain in detail how much you can receive, who pays for it, and how to apply.
1. Erasmus+ basic aid (EU funding)
All students selected for an Erasmus exchange receive a monthly stipend , known as a "base grant," which varies depending on the destination country . This stipend is calculated based on the average cost of living in the host country.
| Destination country group | Examples | Monthly amount (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 (high cost of living) | Denmark, Ireland, Norway, Switzerland | 350 € / month |
| Group 2 (medium cost of living) | Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands | 300 € / month |
| Group 3 (low cost of living) | Portugal, Hungary, Poland, Romania | 250 € / month |
2. Complementary aid from the Ministry of Universities
In addition to European funding, the Spanish Government , through the Ministry of Universities, provides supplementary Erasmus grants for certain profiles:
- Students with low family income.
- Students with special needs.
- Students from certain areas with lower historical mobility.
These scholarships can provide between €100 and €200 extra per month , although they vary each year depending on the call for applications.
3. Aid from the autonomous communities
Many autonomous communities offer Erasmus supplementary grants in addition to the basic European funding. Here are some examples from 2026:
| Region | Extra monthly amount |
|---|---|
| Andalucía | 350 € / month |
| Castilla y Leon | 250 € / month |
| Valencian Community | 180 € / month |
| Catalonia | 200 € / month |
| Murcia | 25 € / month |
4. Scholarships from your university or private agreements
Many universities in Spain also offer their own funds or agreements with banks and foundations , such as Banco Santander, to complement Erasmus grants.
These internal scholarships can range from €100 to €500 in a single payment and are usually valued according to:
- Academic record.
- Language level.
- Student's financial situation.
5. What if you are a non-European foreigner?
If you have a residence permit in Spain and are legally enrolled, you can apply for all these grants just like a Spanish student . It doesn't matter if you are a non-EU national (for example, Moroccan, Colombian, Peruvian, Nigerian, or Chinese), as long as you meet the requirements and have your documentation in order.
What does change is that, upon returning from your Erasmus mobility, you will need to properly justify your stay (certificates, signatures, final report, etc.) to avoid refunds.
Summary: How much financial aid can you receive in total for your Erasmus?
| Origin of help | Approximate amount (monthly) |
|---|---|
| Erasmus+ Basic Grant (EU) | 250 € - 350 € |
| Ministry of Universities | €100 – €200 (optional) |
| Region | €25 – €350 (depending on area) |
| University/private agreement | Single payment of €100 – €500 |
Estimated total monthly : up to €750/month if you combine several aids.
Finally, let's talk about what you need to do and when.
Erasmus procedures and schedule: What to do and when?
Once you've met the requirements and decided on your Erasmus destination, it's essential to know the procedures you need to follow and when to do them . Although each university may have slight variations, the process usually follows these general steps:
Erasmus procedures: step by step
1. Check your university's Erasmus call
Visit your international relations or mobility office website and check the available places per degree, the specific requirements they ask for, and the application deadlines .
2. Submit your Erasmus application
Prepare and submit the required documentation: academic transcript, motivation letter, resume, and language certificate (if required). Some universities also require an interview or language test.
3. Wait for the allocation and accept your place
If you are offered an Erasmus placement, you must officially accept it within the established deadline. Failure to respond could result in the loss of your placement.
4. Fill out the Learning Agreement
This is a key document where you agree on the courses you will take abroad and their equivalence to your studies in Spain. It must be signed by you, your Erasmus coordinator, and the host university.
5. Apply for any financial aid you desire.
6. Prepare travel arrangements
Before you leave: arrange your visa if you are going to a country that requires it (especially if you are not an EU citizen), get international health insurance, find accommodation and buy your tickets in advance, and prepare your passport or NIE and bring copies of all your documents.
7. Start your Erasmus and justify your stay
Upon arrival, submit the arrival certificate signed by your host university. Stay in contact with your Spanish university at all times, and at the end of your stay, submit your Erasmus final report , EU survey, and certificate of stay.
Erasmus indicative calendar (2026–2027 academic year)
| Period | Action / Procedure |
|---|---|
| October – January (2026–27) | Opening the Erasmus call at your university. Publication of vacancies. |
| January February | Erasmus Application (online or in person). Submission of file, explanation, etc. |
| February March | Product language, interviews (if any) and resolution of awards. |
| March April | Confirmation of place, official acceptance and first administrative procedures. |
| April – June | Fill out and sign the Learning Agreements. Application for financial aid. |
| June – August | Chronic Disease visa (if applicable), insurance, accommodation and travel. |
| August – September | Arrival in the destination country. Delivery of certificates and start of classes. |
In conclusion, and hoping this article has been helpful, we want to tell you that doing an Erasmus exchange in Spain as a foreign student is not only possible, but also a fantastic opportunity for academic and personal growth. If you are legally enrolled, have a valid residence permit, and meet the basic requirements, you can have a unique experience in another European country , with financial aid and the support of your university.
The Erasmus+ program doesn't discriminate based on nationality, but rather on enthusiasm, effort, and commitment . So, if you dream of studying for a few months in another country, in addition to the experience you're already gaining from studying in Spain, discovering new cultures, and improving your professional future, now is the time to take the plunge.
