At IE University, we view academic achievement as a reflection of hard work, dedication and ambition. The Academic Excellence Award (AEA) honors outstanding students by rewarding them for their work and offering them access to life-transforming opportunities.
For many, receiving the AEA is a turning point—the moment when their dreams of studying at IE University become a reality. Beyond the tuition benefit, the AEA connects awardees to the IE Foundation Fellows Program, where a whole world of events, experiences and community awaits.
What exactly is the Academic Excellence Award?
The AEA is an award that goes to students with exceptional academic merit and potential during the IE University admissions process, and all students are considered automatically when applying.
For students like Mariana Valentina Guerrero, it was a totally unforgettable moment:
“Getting this scholarship was such a game changer for my journey to IE University. Also, my family was super proud, since they considered it proof of all the hard work we’ve put in over the years.”
The AEA recognizes your achievements and makes sure that your next steps are guided.
Perks of the Academic Excellence Award
The AEA provides a tuition benefit, but the experiences and opportunities it affords really make your time at IE University special.
- IE Foundation Fellows Program membership: A special community of high-achieving, motivated students like you who are passionate about their studies.
- Access to exclusive events: From cultural get-togethers to networking opportunities, these events really spice up your academic life and broaden your perspective on things.
- A supportive network: Connect with your university through IE Connects, LinkedIn groups, and social events to get to know inspiring peers and alumni pushing you forward.
For Melis Chiragzada, the benefits are super helpful and personal:
“The AEA provides economic relief, but the real value comes from being part of the Fellows community. Every event re-energizes me to push myself further.”
The IE Foundation Fellows: A community like no other
The IE Foundation Fellows Program brings together students who not only show great potential, but are also eager to make a difference. You will get the opportunity, as a Fellow, to check out all kinds of experiences:
- Annual events like the Winter Gathering and Global Village Segovia.
- Cultural activities like visiting Museo del Prado and participating in workshops such as Latin Ballroom Dance.
- Social opportunities to connect with people who share your ambitions and values.
For Mariana Valentina Guerrero, those events have been the greatest moments of university life:
“One of my favorites is the Día de los Muertos Altar at La Casa de Mexico. It’s such a cool way to dive into different cultures and connect with other students.”
The Fellows community is a place to attend events, build relationships, learn from diverse perspectives and find inspiration to strive academically and personally.
The perfect way to start your journey with us
The Academic Excellence Award transforms how students experience university life. Many awardees report a renewed sense of motivation to do their very best—inside and outside the classroom.
Agustina Ortiz speaks about how it has affected her path:
“The award put me in contact with fellow hardworking and motivated students. It’s quite inspiring to meet people who share the same interests. It makes me want to improve myself even further.”
For others, like Mariana, the scholarship makes their goal of attending IE University possible:
“Without the AEA, my family couldn’t have afforded this education. Getting the award meant I could finally pursue something I worked really hard to achieve.”
Advice to future awardees
If you’re trying for the Academic Excellence Award, the students who’ve earned it have some clear advice:
- Work hard and stay committed: Academic success matters, but so does building a profile around what you love.
- Focus on quality, not quantity: Stick to projects and activities that genuinely excite you.
- Believe in yourself: Sometimes, your potential is visible to others before you see it yourself.
As Agustina Ortiz says:
“It’s about remaining motivated and committed to the things you’re passionate about. That’s what will make you stand out.”
Your invitation to excellence
The Academic Excellence Award is not just a recognition of what you have done—it’s the beginning of an incredible journey. When you become part of the IE Foundation Fellows, you’ll be exposed to inspiring people, eye-opening events and opportunities that allow you to make a real impact.
We celebrate, support and nurture hard work at IE University. The AEA is the first step toward an exciting future. Let the Academic Excellence Award unlock the next chapter of your life.