The programme Santander Europa Scholarships at Francisco de Vitoria University](https://www.ufv.es/becas-europa/) programme , an initiative launched by Francisco de Vitoria University (UFV) and Banco Santander to foster young talent, has begun its journey with the 50 brightest students of its 21st edition. The finalists competed for their spots among more than 4,000 students who applied for this round; all of them have an average high school GPA of 9.8. With these new recipients, the total number of scholarship recipients in this programme now stands at 1,100.
The winners of this year’s competition come from 12 autonomous communities. In total, 18 students are from Madrid, 8 from Andalusia, 5 from the Valencian Community, 5 from Castile and León, 3 from Asturias, 2 from Navarre, 2 from Catalonia, 2 from Aragon, one from the Basque Country, one from Extremadura, one from Murcia, and one from La Rioja. The final selection of the last 200 candidates, held last February, took place in person at Francisco de Vitoria University. The prize for this programme of a 20-day tour of the most iconic universities on the European continent. Alcalá de Henares, Cambridge, London, Paris, Brussels, Heidelberg, and Santiago de Compostela are the destinations these 50 exemplary students will visit from June 25 to July 13, 2026.
The goal of Becas Europa is to recognize excellence among future college students and to create a network of student leaders in Europe. In addition, the program seeks to foster knowledge of and respect for the European Union, enabling students to integrate into the academic world at an early stage so they can develop their talents. To this end, they will have the opportunity to meet with leading professionals in their fields, attend conferences, and participate in recreational and educational activities with figures from the political, academic, and research communities. Among these events, the reception with the King and Queen of Spain stands out.
These young people, aged 16 to 18, represent a real asset to society. Their curiosity, knowledge, values, worldview, and skills make them prime candidates to become professionals who will play a significant role in society in the future. That is why they are being offered the opportunity to join the University Leadership School (ELU), another initiative of the UFV.
This is a four-year programme that runs concurrently with Bachelor's Degree each student chooses to pursue. The program aims to develop leadership skills and nurture each student’s talents and abilities so they can later contribute to society. It also offers the opportunity to join the ELU to the top 200 candidates in programme have demonstrated exceptional skills but fell just short of receiving one of the Europa Scholarships.
