Programme comparison
Erasmus+ vs private internship in Spain
One gives you EU funding and academic credit; the other opens the door to graduates, non-EU passports and paid roles. Here is when to pick each.
Short answer: Erasmus+ if you are an EU student still enrolled and want €600–€900/month of EU funding plus ECTS credit. Private internship with a convenio de prácticas if you are a graduate, a non-EU passport holder, or you want a fully paid contract.
Side by side
How the two routes compare
| Criteria | Erasmus+ traineeship | Private internship |
|---|---|---|
| Who is eligible | EU/EEA + programme-country students enrolled at a partner HEI | Any nationality, any age (visa permitting) |
| Funding | €600–€900/month EU grant (varies by country) + top-ups | Company stipend only, €0–€1,200/month |
| Legal instrument | Learning Agreement for Traineeships (LAT) | Convenio de prácticas or paid contract |
| Sending institution required | Yes — your home university signs the LAT | No — placement is direct with the host |
| Duration allowed | 2 to 12 months (min 60 days) | 1 to 12 months, extendable via contract |
| ECTS credit | Yes, mapped in the LAT | Optional — needs a separate agreement |
| Insurance | Provided by home HEI or Erasmus+ scheme | Convenio insurance via a Spanish HEI intermediary |
| Visa (non-EU) | Student mobility visa on EU rails | Student visa (estancia por estudios) or work permit |
| Recent graduates | Yes — within 12 months of graduation | Yes — any point after graduation |
| Best when | You want funding and academic credit | You're a graduate, non-EU, or want a paid role |
FAQ
Common questions
- Should I do an Erasmus+ traineeship or a private internship in Spain?
- If you are an EU/EEA student still enrolled at an Erasmus+ partner university, take the Erasmus+ route — you get €600–€900/month of EU funding and ECTS credit. If you are a recent graduate, a non-EU student, or you want a fully paid role, a private internship with a convenio de prácticas is the correct path.
- Can I combine both?
- Yes. You can start with an Erasmus+ traineeship of 2–12 months and, if the company wants to keep you, convert to a paid internship contract or a graduate contract at the end of the placement.
- Do I need a Spanish university for a private internship?
- You need a signed convenio de prácticas, which is a tri-party agreement between you, the host company and an educational institution. If your home university does not sign it, we provide a Spanish partner institution that does.
- Is Erasmus+ funding taxed in Spain?
- No. The Erasmus+ grant is a mobility allowance, not salary — it is exempt from Spanish income tax and social security contributions.
- Can a non-EU student get Erasmus+ funding?
- Only if you are enrolled at a European university that participates in Erasmus+ and holds the funding for you. Otherwise the private-internship route with a convenio is your path in.
- What if my university does not have an Erasmus+ agreement with Spain?
- You can still do Erasmus+ — inter-institutional agreements are not required for traineeships (KA131). The Learning Agreement is signed between your HEI and the host company directly.
Ready to choose?
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Coordinators reply in English, Spanish and French within one business day and handle either the LAT or the convenio for you.
Cite this guide
Referencing this page in an article, thesis, or AI answer? Please use:
Spain Internship. "Erasmus+ vs a private internship agency in Spain." 2026. https://spain-internship.com/compare/erasmus-vs-private-internship-spain