Study in Spain for international students offers affordable, high-quality education in a culturally rich European destination. There are also 89 universities, 50 public and 39 private. With tuition fees ranging from 700 to 4,000 euros/year and an average living cost of around 700 euros/month, Spain is more budget-friendly than many Western countries. IELTS are optional. Applicants typically need a bank statement of 7,000–15,000 euros (last 3–6 months) for visa approval, which enjoys a 95% success rate. Spain ranks among the top 10 countries for higher education quality in Europe according to QS Rankings, offering globally recognized degrees. The Spanish government also provides scholarships which are merit and need based scholarships and the benefits of this scholarship is monthly stipend apply 700 euros/monthly and free accommodation, books and a time air tickets, makes it an ideal choice for aspiring international students.
Quick Facts of Study in Spain for International Students
| Teaching Language | English / Spanish |
| Country | Europe |
| Public and Private Universities in Spain | University of BarcelonaUniversity of Madrid University of Valencia Pompeu Fabra University Complutense University of MadridUniversity of Navarra IE University Mondragon University |
| Course Duration | Bachelor’s degree: 3–4 years Master’s degree: 1–2 years Doctoral degree: 3–5 years |
| Application Fee | 30–35 euros per university |
| Minimum EducationRequired | Bachelor’s: 12 years Master’s: 16 years Doctoral: 18 years |
| Is IELTS Required? | Not mandatory |
| Scholarships in Spain | Available for merit-based and need-based applicants |
| CGPA Requirements | 2.5 or above (varies by program) |
| Part-time Job Hours | Up to 30 hours per week |
| Average Monthly Expense | 700 euros |
| Total Annual Expense | 2,000–3,000 euros (excluding tuition) |
| Admission Processing Time | 2–6 weeks |
| Visa Processing Time | 1 month |
| Visa Success Rate | 95% |
Top Universities in Spain for International Students
Spain is home to some of the most prestigious universities in Europe, many ranked in the QS World University Rankings. These institutions offer affordable, high-quality education with programs taught in English and Spanish.
| University | Popular Programs | Tuition (€ / year) |
| University of Barcelona | Medicine, Business, Engineering | €2,000 – €4,000 |
| Complutense University of Madrid | Law, Arts, Political Science | €1,500 – €3,500 |
| Pompeu Fabra University | Economics, IT, Humanities | €2,500 – €4,000 |
| University of Valencia | Science, Medicine, Tourism | €1,000 – €3,000 |
| University of Navarra | Business, Law, Health Sciences | €8,000 – €15,000 |
| IE University | Business, Architecture, Law | €12,000 – €20,000 |
| Autonomous University of Barcelona | Engineering, Social Sciences | €1,500 – €3,500 |
| Polytechnic University of Madrid | Engineering, Architecture | €1,000 – €3,500 |
Scholarships in Spain for International Students
Spain offers various government, university, and EU-funded scholarships that help reduce tuition fees and living expenses, making higher education even more accessible for international students.
| Scholarship Name | Provider | Benefits | Eligibility |
| Spanish Government Scholarships | Government of Spain | Covers tuition fees + monthly stipend | Merit-based & need-based international students |
| Erasmus+ Program | European Union | Fully funded semester or year exchange in Europe | Enrolled in participating universities |
| University Merit Awards | Individual Spanish universities | €1,000 – €5,000 tuition discount | High-achieving students with strong academic records |
| Talent Attraction Scholarships | University of Navarra, IE University | Partial or full tuition coverage | Exceptional academic performance & leadership potential |
Spain Tuition Fees & Living Costs
Studying in Spain is highly affordable compared to many Western countries, with low tuition fees and reasonable living costs, making it a budget-friendly destination for international students.
| Expense | Annual Cost (€) |
| Bachelor’s Tuition (Public) | €700 – €4,000 |
| Master’s Tuition (Public) | €1,000 – €5,000 |
| Private Universities | €5,000 – €20,000 |
| Accommodation | €3,000 – €6,000 |
| Food & Utilities | €3,000 – €4,500 |
| Health Insurance | €200 – €500 |
| Total Annual Budget | €7,000 – €15,000 |
Tip: Choosing a city like Valencia, Granada, or Seville can lower living costs compared to Madrid or Barcelona.
Step-by-Step Admission Process to Study in Spain
Applying to universities in Spain is straightforward, but following the right steps ensures a smooth journey from application to arrival. Many International students rely on trusted support from experienced admission consultants. Our student services cover everything from:
With expert help, you can choose the right university, prepare accurate documents, and secure both admission and a student visa without delays.
The following right steps are given below:
Choose Your Program & University
Start by deciding your field of study based on your career goals and academic background. Spain offers a wide range of programs in English and Spanish, including business, tourism, medicine, engineering, arts, and law. Shortlist universities that match your budget, location preference, and language of instruction. Compare tuition fees, rankings, scholarship options, and city living costs before making a final choice.
Check Entry Requirements
Before applying, review the admission criteria for your chosen program:
- Minimum academic requirement: At least 50% marks in previous education (higher grades required for competitive programs such as medicine or law).
- Language requirements: IELTS/TOEFL may be required for English-taught programs, but many universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter instead.
Documents to prepare:
- Valid passport (minimum 1-year validity)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- 1–2 academic recommendation letters
Apply & Submit Documents
Submit your application online through the university’s portal or via a registered education consultant. Ensure all details are accurate to avoid delays. Required documents usually include:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Passport copy
- SOP and recommendation letters
- Proof of English/Spanish proficiency (if required)
- Bank statement of €7,000–€15,000 (last 3–6 months) for visa purposes
Tip: Apply early, as processing can take 4–8 weeks and competitive programs may fill up quickly.
Receive Admission Letter & Pay Tuition
If your application is accepted, you will receive an official Admission Letter from the university. To confirm your seat:
- Pay the first-year tuition fee via bank transfer or approved payment method.
- Keep the payment receipt safe, as it will be needed for your student visa application.
Apply for Student Visa
With your admission confirmed, apply for a Spanish student visa at the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate. Submit:
- Admission letter from a recognized Spanish university
- Proof of tuition payment
- Proof of accommodation in Spain
- Financial proof (bank statement)
- Valid health insurance
- Completed visa application form & passport-sized photos
Visa processing usually takes 3–6 weeks, so it’s recommended to apply at least two months before your course start date.
Faqs
Can I work while studying in Spain?
Yes, international students can work up to 30 hours per week during their studies.
What is the minimum CGPA required for a Master’s in Spain?
Most universities require a minimum CGPA of 2.5 – 3.0, though competitive programs may require higher.
Do I need health insurance to study in Spain?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for international students, costing around €200–€500/year.
What type of accommodation is available for international students?
Options include university dormitories, private apartments, and shared flats, costing between €250–€600/month depending on the city.
Can I bring my family while studying in Spain?
Yes, you can apply for dependent visas for family members, but you must show proof of financial ability to support them
Can I get permanent residency after studying in Spain?
Yes, after 5 years of legal stay, including study and work periods, you may apply for permanent residency.
What types of part-time jobs are available for students in Spain?
Common student jobs include hospitality (restaurants, cafes, hotels), retail, tutoring, language teaching, and internships.