In 2026, the Catalan government will reintroduce a financial aid programme, providing a monthly grant of €500 to support young people preparing for high-level civil service examinations. This initiative, confirmed by the Generalitat de Catalunya, aims to attract a new generation of talent to public administration as the region faces a significant wave of retirements.

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The grant provides €500 per month for up to one year, or until the examination process concludes. This financial support will ease the economic burden on candidates studying for demanding senior public administration exams, known as oposiciones for the A1 group, which often require full-time dedication without income.

Addressing a Generational Gap

The programme’s primary motivation aims to ensure a smooth generational handover within Catalonia’s public sector. With many civil servants expected to retire soon, the government takes proactive steps to prevent disruptions in public services and infuse the administration with new skills and perspectives.

By lowering the financial barrier to entry, the Generalitat hopes to encourage highly qualified young graduates to pursue a career in public service. The cost of living in the region is a significant concern, as a recent report found that Catalan homes spend 43.5% of their income on basic bills. This makes it difficult for many to dedicate a year or more to unpaid study.

Eligibility and How to Apply

The programme targets individuals who meet specific academic, economic, and personal criteria. According to initial reports from Barcelona Secreta, applicants must meet the following conditions:

  • Age: Be under 30 years old.
  • Nationality: Hold Spanish citizenship or that of another EU member state (or be a qualifying spouse or descendant).
  • Academic Record: Possess the university degree required for A1-level positions and have an average academic grade of at least 7 out of 10.
  • Language Proficiency: Hold a C1 level certificate in the Catalan language or an equivalent qualification.
  • Employment Status: Not be employed in a paid position for more than 20 hours per week.

Furthermore, individuals currently receiving similar grants from other public or private entities cannot apply. Those who have benefited from this specific programme for more than three years in previous calls are also excluded.

The government announced that it will approve and publish the formal guidelines for the 2026 call “soon” in the official gazette, the Diari Oficial de la Generalitat de Catalunya (DOGC). Once the application window opens, candidates will need to submit their requests electronically through the official Tràmites Gencat portal.

A Strategic Investment

This targeted financial support represents a strategic investment in the future of the region’s public administration. It arrives amidst wider fiscal debates within the regional government, which recently pulled its 2026 budget to avert a parliamentary defeat. The decision to proceed with this grant underscores the priority of securing long-term stability and effectiveness for public services.

By subsidising the preparation period, the government aims to level the playing field, making a civil service career accessible based on merit, not just an individual’s financial background. The programme’s success will be measured by its ability to attract and retain the skilled professionals needed to navigate the challenges of the coming decade.