The scholarships from the Social Council and Fundación Repsol
Access to university remains a luxury for many families. The joint scholarships from the Social Council of the Rovira i Virgili University and the Repsol Foundation make the difference between studying or being left out.
Since 2006, this program has helped talented students with financial difficulties sustain their studies at the URV. Its involvement directly affects families and academic careers in Tarragona.
Scholarships that do more than just pay tuition
Support beyond the financial
Each of the four renewable scholarships is endowed with 5,000 euros annually and covers not only tuition but also expenses such as transportation and study materials. This allows recipients to focus exclusively on their education without having to look for work to support themselves.
This aid can be renewed for up to five academic years, including a four-year bachelor's degree and a one-year official master's, which ensures continuity and stability in their training. Furthermore, this year the total endowment reaches 75,000 euros, thanks to the constant commitment of Repsol and the Repsol Foundation to the Tarragona community.
A tool for equal opportunities
The scholarships target students with good academic records and motivation, but with clear financial obstacles. Many of them are the first university generation in their families. This support thus becomes an open door to higher education and, therefore, to a more dignified and stable future.
In addition to the four renewable scholarships, there are six more non-renewable scholarships for first-year students, with a similar endowment and with the support of the Tarragona Provincial Council.
Two testimonials revealing the reality behind the scholarship
Judith Andreu Sagon: studying without giving up anything
Judith is in her third year of the double degree in Biotechnology and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the URV. Her family is in a complicated situation: her father is unemployed and her sister is also a university student. For her, the scholarship has been key to not having to give up studying.
"Without the scholarship, continuing to study would have been very complicated," she assures. The aid covers not only tuition but also other expenses and gives her financial peace of mind to dedicate herself 100% to her studies.
Andrea Von Esch: the scholarship as essential support
Andrea studies Hispanic Language and Literature and has always had a scholarship. She actively sought the aid offered by the URV before choosing where to study. For her, the scholarship is what allows her to focus on classes without worrying so much about financial difficulties.
She agrees with Judith that the application process is long and demands a lot of documentation, but she understands it is necessary to ensure that public money reaches those who truly need it.
How it is decided who receives the scholarship and what is expected for the future
Grant criteria
The granting of scholarships is based on two fundamental pillars: academic evaluation and the family’s socioeconomic situation. This system ensures that aid serves to maintain performance and guarantee that financial difficulties do not exclude brilliant students.
Candidates must present reports and opinions from professors, as well as documentation that proves their family context. This makes the process demanding but fair.
Plans and aspirations of the scholarship recipients
Judith wants to continue studying with a master's degree abroad and focus her career on the food, cosmetic, or biomedicine sectors. Andrea, passionate about literature, is thinking about teaching and possible studies to teach Spanish to foreigners.
Thus, the scholarships not only keep students within the university but also influence their professional and personal trajectories, opening doors beyond the URV.
The reality is that these scholarships keep the dream of university alive for many young people who would otherwise have to give up for financial reasons.
Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University
