Andorra is a unique and intimate academic environment specialising in high-quality programmes in Business, Education and Health Sciences. The higher education landscape is small, and funding is often very specific, focused on research excellence or family-based support.
The University of Andorra (UdA) is the main university in Andorra and is a public university. This institution is the main focus for international students for the academic year 2026-2027.
1. Research Grants of the University of Andorra (UdA)
The UdA offers competitive grants to those interested in pursuing doctoral studies. These are the biggest “full-ride” type opportunities in the country for international scholars.
- • Grant for Doctoral Researchers
- The Award: €1,250 a month for ten months of the year.
- Duration: Up to 3 years (with a possible 4th-year extension).
- Coverage: Covers the doctoral program’s fees (maximum €1,500/year)
- The “Job”. You have to do your thesis in one of the research groups at UdA (Education, Languages, Health Sciences or Financial Economics).
- Important Requirement: Grant holders must have attained at least an A1 level in Catalan (official language of Andorra) to be eligible for renewal of their first grant.
2. Institutional Rebates & Social Support
As a public institution, the UdA provides a number of “Partial Funding” options that are basically automatic scholarships for those who meet the criteria.
- Academic Achievement Rebate:
- Award: Reduction in partial tuition fee
- Requirement: High school and/or prior university GPA.
- Deadline: Applications for the 2026 intake generally close around May 20, 2026.
- Family Discount: 10% Off
- Single Parent Family Discount: Discounted tuition for students from single-parent families.
- Large Family Discount: Huge fee discounts for students from families with three or more children.
- Deadline: May 20, 2026
3. International Exchange and Alumni Fund
If you are already a member of an international network, you may qualify to participate in specialised cultural or exchange funding.
- Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026:
- Award: $5,000-$35,000
- Open to alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programmes (e.g., Fulbright) residing in Andorra.
- Application Deadline: 17 May 2026.
- Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Award:
- The Award: A fully funded placement teaching English in schools in Andorra, with opportunities for independent study or community projects.
- Target: American Citizens with a Bachelor’s Degree
4. Specialised & Online Options
- UOLS La Salle Open University
- This flexible online school, based in La Massana, offers a variety of online programmes. They don’t have “government” scholarships per se, but they do have early bird enrolment discounts of 10% – 20% for their intakes in 2026.
- Unicaf Scholarships:
- Unicaf also offers partial scholarships to international students wishing to study online or through blended learning with Andorran partners, covering up to 75% of the tuition fees.
How to get a scholarship in Andorra in 2026
- Learn the Catalan language. Even if your programme is in English or Spanish, Andorra is fiercely proud of Catalan. If you can prove that you are already taking Catalan A1, that will add a lot of points to your “Interest in Andorra” score (which is worth 10 points on the selection rubric) for the Doctoral Grant.
- “Local Impact” Narrative: In your application for UdA research grants, describe how your thesis directly impacts Andorran society. It should focus on topics such as Mountain Tourism, Pyrenean Ecology or Multilingual Education.
- Interview Preparation: UdA’s selection process involves a formal interview that is worth 30% of the total score. Be ready to talk discuss curriculum and why you moved to the Pyrenees.
- • Residency Status For international applications, you must provide proof you are in a position to obtain legal residence in Andorra. This usually involves an official letter of acceptance and proof of funds (approx. €15,000).
Conclusion: A Small Country with Big Opportunities
Andorra is ideal for students who want a high standard, tailored education in a safe mountain environment.
Action Plan 2026:
- Undergraduates: Please apply for your Excellence or Family discount by May 20, 2026.
- PhD Researchers: Align your research project with an UdA group before the June 2026 call.
- Alumni in the United States: If you have done an exchange, complete your AEIF proposal by May 17, 2026.
