Explore how scholarships at IE University in Spain are enabling Indian students to pursue world-class education, fostering academic growth and leadership opportunities.
Scholarships Opening Doors for Indian Talent in Spain
The number of Indian students choosing Spain as a study destination has grown significantly over the last decade. Once an unfamiliar option, Spain is now attracting Indian scholars and researchers thanks to the introduction of English-taught programs in its universities. Among these institutions, IE University in Madrid has witnessed exceptional growth in Indian student enrollment.
Indian Student Enrollment Soars at IE University
In the academic year 2015-16, IE University welcomed 58 Indian students across its bachelor’s and master’s programs. By 2024-25, this number had climbed to 170, marking a 200% increase. Today, the university hosts over 200 Indian students, reflecting its commitment to global education by expanding non-Spanish courses.
India leads the Asia-Pacific region in sending students to IE University, followed by Singapore and the Philippines. Geoffroy Gérard, Managing Director of IE Foundation and Vice Dean at IE School of Science and Technology, emphasizes the importance of Indian and South Asian students, stating, “We aim to increase their presence at the undergraduate level, with more than 15% of our UG students currently from Asia Pacific.”
Financial Aid Paving the Path to Success
IE Foundation has played a pivotal role in supporting talented international students. Each year, the foundation grants 1,000 scholarships to outstanding candidates from over 100 nationalities. These scholarships cover tuition, travel, and accommodation, providing recipients with invaluable opportunities to network with global experts, academics, and researchers.
According to Gérard, “We want more students to come forward and benefit from our scholarships, designed to nurture future leaders with strong academic and social impact.” The foundation’s initiatives, such as the Young Talented Leader Programme and the IE Foundation Fellows Program, exemplify this mission. These programs have supported nearly 300 students annually, including 45 Indian students.
Collaborative Efforts to Expand Scholarship Opportunities
IE Foundation collaborates with corporations, foundations, and individuals to create dedicated scholarship funds. These partnerships aim to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder deserving students from accessing world-class education at IE University.
Gérard is optimistic about furthering these efforts, stating, “We hope to expand our joint impact through strategic partnerships to bring more Indian talent to Spain.”
Conclusion
Spain, with its growing educational opportunities and robust scholarship programs, has become a promising destination for Indian students. Institutions like IE University are fostering academic excellence and shaping future global leaders, making Spain an ideal choice for aspiring Indian scholars.