Spain is a popular choice among international students seeking affordable, high-quality higher education. Each year, Spain attracts over 85,000 foreign students, offering something for everyone in this diverse and vibrant nation.

Why Should I Study in Spain?

Spain boasts 76 universities, comprising both public and private institutions. Among these, seven are affiliated with the Catholic Church, while the rest are private. Tuition fees for public institutions are set by the local government since they receive state funding. Spanish higher education has a rich history, reflected in its institutions consistently ranking high. In the 2022 QS World University Rankings, 12 Spanish universities made the top 500 list. The University of Barcelona leads at 168th place.

Spain offers all traditional levels of education, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. A bachelor's degree usually spans four years, requiring 240 ECTS credits for completion (get more details about ECTS from Anna, our study abroad expert). To enter a master's program, you typically need a bachelor's degree or its equivalent, with programs lasting one to two years. A Spanish PhD program typically takes 3 years full-time or 5 years part-time, requiring both bachelor's and master's degrees for admission. With a wide range of courses and subjects available, finding a suitable program at a Spanish university is highly probable.

About Spain

Spain, situated in Western Europe, is renowned for its rich historical background and vibrant contemporary culture. As one of Europe's largest countries, Spain is also the fourth most visited tourist destination globally.

Spain provides captivating cultural experiences for visitors, residents, and students alike. It blends a cosmopolitan, global lifestyle with charming local cultures, offering abundant opportunities for enjoyment and relaxation.

Overseas students seeking to immerse themselves in Spain's rich culture, vibrant lifestyle, and excellent academic opportunities have numerous options available. Spain ranks among the most sought-after study abroad destinations in Europe, known for its welcoming environment for university enrollment. Key tourist destinations in Spain include:

• The Alhambra, a well known palace, fortress, and garden built by the Nasrid sultans in the 14th century and located on a plateau with a view of the city of Granada in southern Spain.
• Antoni Gaud's Sagrada Familia, a Roman Catholic church in Barcelona.
• The King of Spain's formal residence is the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) in Madrid.
• The Mezquita of Cordoba, a renowned structure noted for its great hall's forest of pillars and arches. It was first constructed as a Roman temple and afterwards transformed into a Visigothic church before the Umayyad Moors constructed the Mezquita (Mosque).
• Cuenca, a historic city perched on a mountain's sheer face.
• El Escorial, a former hub of Spanish Empire politics under King Philip II.

Cost of Living and Studying in Spain

It's important to note that while students from EU countries pay the same tuition as Spanish students, students from non-EU countries may face higher tuition fees.

Government-regulated tuition fees at public universities can vary based on your field of study and academic level. For bachelor's degrees, fees typically range from €750 to €2,100 per year. Master's degree programs at public institutions may charge between €1,320 and €4,320 annually. Unlike fixed semester or annual fees, tuition is calculated based on the number of credits enrolled. Generally, tuition fees at private universities are expected to be higher overall.

Monthly living expenses are estimated to be between €900 and €1,100, depending on your choice of location for studying. Costs are notably higher in major Spanish cities such as Madrid and Barcelona compared to rural areas. While part-time employment is permitted for both EU and non-EU students during their studies, it should not be relied upon as a primary means of funding education. Proficiency in Spanish language skills may enhance job opportunities for those seeking part-time work.

Having an EHIC card allows you to access medical care in Spain at the same cost as Spanish nationals, eliminating the need to purchase health insurance. However, if you do not possess an EHIC card, you must arrange health insurance to study in Spain. It's crucial to arrange your health insurance well in advance, as it is required when applying for your student visa.

Student visas for Spain

You could require a visa or residency permission to study in Spain, depending on your nationality.

Students from Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, and EU countries do not need a visa to live and study in Spain. They must register with local Spanish authorities to obtain a residence permit within three months of arriving in the country. For students from other countries planning to study in Spain for more than three months, a visa is required. The visa application process must be initiated at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country, and you must have a formal offer from a school before starting this process.

It's recommended to arrange your accommodation in advance, as you may need to provide details about your planned residence when applying for a visa.

Spanish is the official language of the country, providing a great opportunity to learn or improve your language skills while studying abroad in Spain. Proficiency in Spanish is highly valued and beneficial for your resume, as it is the second most spoken language globally. While Spanish universities are increasingly offering English-taught programs, most courses are still conducted in Spanish. You'll need to demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction, whether it's Spanish or English, to meet program requirements. Contact your chosen university for specific language requirements. Even if studying in English, practicing Spanish and engaging with locals and fellow students is recommended for cultural immersion and personal development.