University hall of residence grants: what financial support is available and how to apply

Are you planning to study away from home and worried about how to cover your accommodation costs? Did you know that financial support is available to help you secure a place in a student hall of residence? Applying for a university hall of residence grant can help you reduce the cost of living away from home whilst you’re studying.

In Spain, there are various funding programmes aimed at students who need to move away from home to pursue higher education. Understanding the eligibility criteria, grant amounts and application deadlines is essential to making the most of these opportunities.

At AMRO Estudiantes, we explain which grants you can apply for, how they work and what you need to bear in mind to find student accommodation that suits your budget.

What grants are available to help pay for student accommodation?

Financial support for university accommodation can come from public bodies, universities and private organisations. Although the conditions vary depending on each call for applications, their aim is to facilitate access to higher education and reduce the costs associated with moving to another city.

Ministry of Education grants for students relocating

The so-called MEC grants include a fixed amount linked to a change of residence during the academic year. For the 2026–2027 academic year, this grant amounts to 2,700 euros, provided that the financial, academic and relocation requirements set by the Ministry are met.

This is not a grant exclusively for university halls of residence, but rather a benefit intended for students who must live away from their family home to continue their studies.

Grants from autonomous communities and universities

Some autonomous communities and universities offer supplementary financial support programmes for students living away from home. These grants can take various forms, such as accommodation subsidies, discounts at halls of residence or programmes aimed at students in situations of financial vulnerability.

It is advisable to check the calls for applications from the university where you will be studying and from the relevant regional government, always ensuring they are compatible with other grants.

Eligibility criteria for applying for a university accommodation grant

To be eligible for this support, you must meet a series of conditions relating to your academic, financial and family circumstances. In the case of the Ministry’s general grant, the main factors assessed are:

• Family income: not exceeding the established income thresholds.
• Academic performance: meeting the required enrolment and academic achievement criteria.
• Change of residence: providing evidence of the need to live away from the family home.
• Official study programmes: being enrolled on courses included in the call for applications.
• Personal circumstances: meeting the applicable general requirements regarding nationality or legal residence.

Furthermore, when determining the amount of the accommodation grant, factors such as the distance to the educational institution, available transport options and academic timetables are taken into account.

How to apply for a university hall of residence grant, step by step?

Applying for financial support requires paying attention to deadlines and submitting the required information correctly. Although each call for applications has its own specific details, the standard procedure is straightforward.

1. Check the official call for applications: verify the requirements, grant amounts and application dates.
2. Access the online portal: for MEC grants, use the Ministry of Education’s official platform.
3. Complete the form: enter your personal, academic, family and residential details.
4. Submit the application: check that it has been registered and keep the receipt.
5. Check the status of your application: review any notifications and respond to any requests for further information.

The standard application deadline for the general grant for the 2026–2027 academic year was 19 May 2026. For future calls for applications, always check the official grants portal.

Find student accommodation that suits your budget

Securing financial support is important, but so is finding comfortable accommodation that is well connected and offers services to make your day-to-day life easier. At AMRO Estudiantes, you can browse different student halls of residence across Spain, compare rooms and explore the available accommodation options.

Discover their accommodation in Alicante, Getafe, Pamplona, Salamanca, Seville and Valencia, as well as their new project in Valencia Puerto. If you’re preparing to start university, we recommend reading our article on how to find the best university accommodation after the EvAU, where you’ll find tips on organising this new chapter in your life.

At AMRO Estudiantes, you’ll find a range of university accommodation options, with rooms and facilities tailored to students’ needs. Check out our halls of residence and start planning your next academic chapter.

Frequently asked questions about grants for university halls of residence

How much money can I receive from a grant for university halls of residence?

The amount depends on the grant scheme and the applicant’s financial and academic circumstances. In the case of general grants from the Ministry of Education, the fixed amount for a change of residence for the 2026–2027 academic year is 2,700 euros. This amount can be combined with other components of the general grant where the relevant criteria are met, such as income-related support or the variable component.

However, it is important to remember that receiving a grant does not guarantee that the full cost of accommodation will be covered. It is therefore advisable to compare the prices of university halls of residence, check the services included and calculate how much additional money you will need during the academic year.

Can I apply for a grant if I am going to study at a private university?

Yes, students enrolled at private universities can access certain public grants, provided they are studying officially recognised courses included in the call for applications and meet the established requirements. In the case of MEC grants, eligibility for income-related or change-of-residence grants will depend on the applicant’s personal, academic and financial circumstances.

It is important to distinguish between grants for tuition fees and those for accommodation. For private universities, the general grant’s coverage of tuition fees has specific limits, whilst the amount allocated for accommodation is assessed according to the university’s own criteria. Furthermore, some private universities have internal scholarship programmes and discounts that can supplement the funding for your studies.

Do I need to have secured a place in student accommodation before applying for the grant?

Not necessarily. For the Ministry’s general grants, the application is usually submitted before the student has finalised all the details of their tuition fees or accommodation. However, to receive the grant linked to a change of residence, you must provide evidence of the circumstances justifying living away from your family home and supply any information requested during the application process.

For this reason, it is advisable to find out in advance about available halls of residence, their prices and the terms of tenancy. It is also advisable to keep any tenancy agreements, proof of payment or documents relating to your accommodation, as these may be required during the verification of your application. Planning ahead allows you to organise your budget more effectively and avoid hasty decisions.

Can I receive a hall of residence grant if I’m studying in the same city?

Generally, the hall of residence grant is intended for students who need to leave their family home in order to attend their studies in person. Therefore, if you live in the same city as your university and can commute daily, you may not meet the necessary conditions to receive this grant.

However, each situation is assessed taking into account factors such as the actual distance, academic timetables and public transport options. The fact that the university is in the same municipality or province does not, in itself, determine the outcome of the application. It is best to discuss your specific situation with the relevant grants office, particularly if there are circumstances that make daily commuting difficult.

What happens if my application for a university accommodation grant is rejected?

If your application is rejected, the first thing you should do is check the reasons given in the official notification. The rejection may relate to academic requirements, income limits or a lack of justification for a change of address during the academic year. If you believe there has been an error, you can submit a statement of grounds or lodge the appropriate appeal, ensuring you meet the deadlines specified in the decision.

It is also advisable to look into other regional, university or private grants that may suit your situation. In the meantime, compare different types of accommodation, shared rooms and included services to find a financially viable alternative that will allow you to continue your studies with peace of mind.