The Programme
The Scholarship Programme
We support talented young people from the Campo de Gibraltar and the surrounding areas who demonstrate strong academic achievement, a commitment to golf, and outstanding personal values — and whose families may otherwise have limited access to the exceptional opportunities available in Sotogrande.
Comprehensive, long-term support
Our scholarships cover the full cost of:
1
A complete education at
Sotogrande International School
Scholars complete their secondary education through the International Baccalaureate — a globally recognised curriculum that develops intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, confidence, and bilingual proficiency.
2
A personalised golf
development programme
Each Scholar follows an individualised programme tailored to their needs, with structured training, clearly defined objectives, and ongoing guidance from a team of professionals experienced in competition and in university golf scholarships.
3
Academic, sporting and
personal mentoring
Throughout the scholarship, Scholars and their families receive continuous support to help them navigate the academic, sporting and personal challenges of these formative years.
Renewed annually — scholarships continue subject to each Scholar meeting the programme's academic, sporting and personal expectations.
The journey
From application to university
Apply at 12–13
Application and selection from across the Campo de Gibraltar and the surrounding areas.
Joining SIS
Becoming part of the Sotogrande International School community.
Grow
IB education, individualised golf development and mentoring.
University pathways
In Spain, Europe or the United States — within and beyond golf.
How to apply
How to apply
Applications for 2027/28 · 15 November – 31 December 2026
Everything a family needs to know about applying for the Valderrama Foundation Scholarship — clear, simple, and with our team beside you at every step.
Eligibility
Who can apply
1
Residence
Be a resident of the Campo de Gibraltar or the surrounding area.
2
Age
Be 12 or 13 years old during the 2027/28 academic year.
3
Financial need
Come from a family that would not otherwise be able to access the educational and sporting programme this scholarship offers.
4
Academic achievement
A minimum average grade of 7/10 over the previous two academic years, and sufficient command of English to adapt to an international education.
5
Golf
A passion for golf, competing in tournaments and wanting to train at a high-performance level for more than 10 hours a week.
6
Values
Commitment · Effort · Integrity · Respect · Humility — and the motivation to make the most of the programme.
Step by step
The selection process
The 2027/28 round, step by step.
1
Online application
15 November – 31 December 2026
Complete the online application form. No supporting documents are needed at this stage.
2
Documents
1 – 31 January 2027
Submit the candidate's supporting documents.
3
Personal interview
1 – 28 February 2027
Motivation letters and a personal interview with the Foundation's Director. Shortlisted candidates then take the SIS entrance tests.
4
SIS and golf assessments
1 – 31 March 2027
SIS entrance tests and a golf academy assessment. Students must pass them to secure the scholarship.
5
Final decision
April 2027
Decision by the Admissions Committee, made up of the Foundation's Director and Trustees.
Need help with your application? — The Foundation team can support you at every step: email info@valderramafoundation.com or call +34 956 791 200.
Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions
Is the scholarship really fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship covers the full cost of education at SIS, the golf development programme at La Reserva and ongoing support. It does NOT cover travel or participation in competitions that are not organised by Fundación Valderrama.
What standard of golf is required?
Applicants must have a passion for golf, play regularly, compete in tournaments and be willing to commit more than 10 hours a week to high-performance training. The selection process includes a golf assessment at La Reserva.
What if the applicant's English is limited?
Applicants need a sufficient level of English to adapt to an international education. The selection process includes an English assessment at SIS.
What does “financial need” mean in practice?
The scholarship is intended for families who would not otherwise be able to access the educational and sporting programme this scholarship offers. An annual per capita income of €30,000 is used as an indicative reference (*). Other sources of income and properties owned by the household are also taken into account.
(*) Per capita income: the family’s total annual income divided by the number of family members. Example: a family of two adults and two children, with annual incomes of €50,000 and €30,000: (€50,000 + €30,000) ÷ 4 people = €20,000 per capita.
What is expected of scholarship recipients each year?
Scholarship recipients are expected to uphold the Foundation's values, strive to achieve their academic potential and make progress in their golf training and personal development. The programme requires considerable dedication and a high level of commitment and motivation to make the most of these opportunities. Scholars will also be required to take part in and help with the Foundation’s activities and events.
How are families supported throughout the programme?
The Foundation's team provides ongoing support to families and scholarship recipients in education, golf and personal development.
Do families need to speak English?
No. Families will have the support of the Fundación Valderrama team to help them meet the programme's requirements.
Future candidates
Thinking of applying in a future year? Register and the Foundation will keep in touch, invite you to meet us, and notify you when applications open.
