Study Abroad in Spain: Guide for International Students
During the 2022/2023 academic year, Spain achieved a new record of 241,777 international students, compared to 224,080 international students that it got one year before. That’s a huge leap from just 175,382 in 2020/2021 without a second thought. Spain has some of the best universities in the world, which attract a large number of international students. Indian students also get inclined towards Spain for higher education. Here, you will get a step-by-step guide to studying in Spain.
Why Study in Spain as an International Student?
Spain is among the best options for international students because of its cost, education, and culture. What is drawing students to all parts of the world to this sunny side of Europe? It is not only the beaches, flamenco, or runs to tapas at night. But, this is not the only thing, and world-class education and excellent living arrangements are offered to students in this amazing country.
Study Abroad Guide for International Students Going to Be Enrolled in Spain
- Select your university/college and program/course.
- Don’t forget to check admissions requirements.
- First complete and then file applications.
- Apply for a student visa (non-EU/EEA students) for sure.
- Plan your place to stay (accommodation).
- Scholarships and financial planning.
- Pre-departure as well as arrival
What Is the Education System in Spain Like?
The education system of Spain is structured yet relaxed enough to help international students find their way. When you are entering higher education, you will all be dealing with three different qualifications, namely: Grado (Bachelor’s), Máster (Master’s), and Doctorado (PhD).
A Grado is typically 4 years, with a Master’s of 1 to 2 years on top of that. And to last the long run, a Doctorado can last between 3 and 5 years. The majority of state-owned universities are aligned with the EHEA (European Higher Education Area) guidelines, and this implies that your degree is recognized in Europe.
There are 76 universities in Spain, approximately total 50 universities, including both public and private. Some of the best examples include the University of Barcelona, Complutense University of Madrid, and University of Valencia.
Classes consist of a combination of lectures and practicals. Essays, exams, perhaps group work. And, yes, although there are more courses offered in Spanish, there are increasingly more universities that are providing full English-taught courses, particularly at the postgraduate level.
Best Courses to Take in Spain?
- Business & Management
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Architecture and Design
- Even Fashion, Law, Medicine, and even Sports Science
Admission Requirements to Study in Spain
Academic Qualifications
- In the case of a Bachelor’s degree, you must have completed your high school or 12th grade (in the case of Indian students, it is your HSC or equivalent).
- In the Master’s programs, a bachelor’s degree that is relevant is required.
- Some universities in Spain take entrance exams.
Language Proficiency
- In case the course is in Spanish, you will have to demonstrate it. DELE B2 or SIELE is generally accepted.
- In English-taught courses, the majority of universities welcome IELTS (typically 6.0 or higher) or TOEFL.
Major Documents to Study in Spain
- Valid passport
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation (LORs) for Masters
- New CV/Resume (particularly postgraduate courses)
- Language proficiency evidence.
- Portfolio (when you are applying to design or art-related courses)
Student Visa Requirements for Studying in Spain
- Official Spanish university or education institution admission letter.
- Valid passport, at least one blank page, and valid during the time of your visit.
- Evidence of finances to demonstrate that you can take care of yourself. Spain normally anticipates about €600-700/month (approximately €7000-8000/year).
- Spanish health insurance.
- University, private insurance, or coverage works.
- Also required: Medical certificate signed by a licensed doctor stating that you are fit to travel and to stay.
- No criminal record certificate (Police Clearance Certificate) of your native country, normally within a 5-year period.
- Visa application form- completed and signed. Recent and colored passport photos.
- Evidence of accommodation – might be a rent contract or university housing notice.
- Receipt of visa fee- This is typically approximately 60-80; however, confirm with your nearest Spanish consulate.
After you have sent all these, it can take between 2 and 8 weeks to process your visa, depending on your country. After the approval, you are good to fly and begin your journey in Spain.
Price of Education in Spain
If you want to learn in Madrid, Valencia, or Barcelona, you can literally be surprised to find the tuition fees very affordable, particularly in comparison with such countries as the UK, the US, or even Australia.
Public Universities: In case you want a public university, you need to pay an annual cost of around €750-2500 for undergraduate courses. The Master’s degrees may be increased by a minimal amount of roughly between the range of 1,000-3,500 euros, depending on the course and the university.
Private Universities: These are more expensive, of course. Anything between €5,000 and €20,000 a year should be expected, particularly for business, law, or international relations programs.
Most programs have an administrative or registration fee, which often ranges between 100 and 400 euros per year.
How Expensive Is Spain as a Study Destination?
Major cities such as Madrid or Barcelona are certainly expensive. However, when you go to cool student cities such as Granada, Seville, or even Valencia, you may save a substantial amount.
Most students presently require approximately €700-1100 a month to live comfortably, on average. That includes rent, food, transport, phone bills, and the night out every now and then.
Most Preferred International Student Universities in Spain?
Spain boasts of the best universities in Europe, with most of them being ranked highly worldwide, including the English-speaking programs.
The best universities are found in such cities as Barcelona, Madrid, or Valencia, but life there is as busy as in the classroom. You will get high-ranking universities, internationally acclaimed courses, and multicultural groups of students. The following is a brief overview of the best Spanish universities that are favored by foreign students:
University Name | QS World Rank 2026 | Location | Avg. International Tuition (EUR/year) |
University of Barcelona | 160 | Barcelona | 4,900 – 9,750 |
Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) | 172 | Bellaterra (Barcelona) | 10,000 – 16,200 |
Complutense University of Madrid | =187 | Madrid | 10,000 – 16,200 |
Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) | =392 | Barcelona | Approx. 10,000 – 16,200 |
IE University | 438 | Segovia / Madrid | Likely higher (private) ≈16,000+ |
The Best International Student Scholarships in Spain
Scholarship Name | Covers | Eligibility Highlights |
Erasmus+ Program | Tuition fees, travel, living expenses | For EU and non-EU students in exchange or full programs |
Spanish Government Scholarships (MAEC-AECID) | Tuition, monthly stipend, insurance | Master’s & PhD students from non-EU countries |
University-specific Scholarships | Full/partial tuition waivers, living cost aid | Offered by top universities like UAB, UC3M, UB |
Fundación Carolina Scholarships | Tuition, flights, insurance, monthly allowance | Focused on Latin American and Ibero-American students |
La Caixa Foundation Scholarships | Full funding (Master’s/PhD), relocation costs | Open to international students in STEM & social sciences |
Santander Scholarships | Partial tuition, research funding | Undergrad & postgraduate students globally |
Apply early. Other scholarships open 6-10 months prior to the intake. Monitor the deadlines and documents needed, such as your transcripts, statement of purpose, and recommendation letters.
Intakes to Study in Spain
Spain largely opens the welcome door in September/October- that is, semester 1, the large intake. Most of the students from India and other parts of the world are enrolled during this period. There is also another intake that takes place in February/March, but students who are enrolled during this time are very few. But this is very useful for students who have missed the primary intake. Students can enroll in diplomas in May or June also. It is advised to students to enroll 6-9 months before.
Student Accommodation
There are different categories of student accommodations available in Spain for students with every type of budget. You can rent shared rooms with roommates. Besides, there are ensuite and non-ensuite rooms with your private space, and ensuite and non-ensuite bathrooms, respectively. Residents of these rooms use shared kitchens. Besides, students can also rent studios and apartments in Spain.
Cost of Living in Spain
Related Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Spain has received the highest number of international students as per record in 2022-23, with 241,775 (8% growth). It provides quality, affordable education, warm culture, and English programs in various streams like business, tech, art, and architecture.
In 2022-23, 241,775 foreign students were enrolled in the universities of Spain, of which 180,565 were degree-seekers, and 61,215 were exchange students.
The best areas are Business and Management, Architecture and Design, Engineering, Hospitality and Tourism, Spanish language, and art.
The cost of tuition to be paid by a student of a public university is between €750-2,500/year in undergraduate and €1,000-3,500/year in masters.
Monthly living costs are approximately between €700 and 1,100, which includes rent (€300-600), food, transport, and extravagances (€100-150).
You require a legitimate passport, university enrollment, evidence of about €700/month monetary capacity, health insurance, a criminal record certificate, a medical certificate, accommodation evidence, photographs, and a visa fee (60-80 euros).
The visa processing can be completed within 2-4 weeks, depending on the consulate, and apply 2 months prior to the commencement of your program.
The first intake is in September/October, with secondary-intake of a few postgraduate and privately-offered diploma programs in February/March.
Yes, the holders of student visas can work up to 20 hours per week during the study period and full-time during vacations.
Top universities are the University of Barcelona (Barcelona), Complutense (Madrid), UPC (Barcelona), and IE University (Segovia), with various programs in English.
Yes. English-taught degrees are offered by many of the Spanish universities, and often at the master’s level in business, engineering, and international studies.
For admission in bachelor’s courses, you need a high school diploma or equivalent plus possible Selectividad/PCE. For a master’s degree, you need a relevant undergraduate degree. Other requirements are SOP, transcripts, LORs, CV, and language proof (DELE B2 for Spanish, IELTS/TOEFL for English).
Yes. It is a must for you to provide proof of public or private health insurance, which covers your full stay and matches the public health standards of Spain.
Yes. Spain is a safe and student-friendly destination for overseas students.