Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the opening of the 26th Carolina Foundation Scholarship call for the 2026–2027 academic year. This major initiative is open to citizens of Ibero-American Community member nations and offers a significant opportunity for advanced training and international mobility for Colombian professionals and academics.
A Diverse and Expansive Academic Offering
The call makes 736 scholarships available across 203 academic programs. The scholarship portfolio is structured into several key modalities:
- 228 postgraduate scholarships
- 120 doctoral scholarships and short postdoctoral stays
- 114 doctoral scholarship renewals
- 24 faculty mobility scholarships
- 250 institutional study scholarships
All programs are oriented toward academic excellence and are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), prioritizing knowledge areas that contribute to the well-being and progress of the Ibero-American region.
Commitment to Equality and Strategic Development
This edition reinforces the Foundation’s commitment to equal opportunity and human rights promotion. It maintains a special scholarship program for human rights defenders, developed in collaboration with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).
This focus is complemented by strengthened scholarships for women in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), aiming to close gender gaps and encourage female participation in these strategic disciplines for development.
Strengthening Academic and Scientific Networks
The call also continues the bidirectional mobility program for postdoctoral research stays with Spain’s Superior Council for Scientific Research (CSIC). This component seeks to bolster academic and scientific ties between Spain and Latin America, fostering collaborative networks, knowledge exchange, and joint project development.
Application Deadlines and Key Information
Application deadlines vary by modality:
- Postgraduate and Institutional Study Scholarships: Open until March 2, 2026 (except for the Complutense Summer School program, which closes February 18, 2026).
- Doctoral, Short Stay, and Faculty Mobility Scholarships: Open until April 9, 2026.
Interested candidates must consult the specific requirements, documentation, and application procedures on the official Carolina Foundation website, which also features a Frequently Asked Questions section.
Post-Acceptance Process: Degrees and Visas
The Foundation emphasizes that each candidate must carefully review the degree information for their chosen program, as requirements and degree modalities can vary by university and specialty. Any costs associated with degree issuance are the responsibility of the scholarship recipient.
Regarding visas, once a candidate accepts the scholarship and meets all requirements, the Foundation will provide the necessary scholarship certificate to facilitate the visa application process at the corresponding Spanish consulate, with detailed guidance on required steps and documentation.
The 26th Carolina Foundation Scholarship Call solidifies its role as a key instrument for educational and scientific cooperation between Spain and Latin America, promoting excellence, inclusion, and the internationalization of advanced training in the region.
