Spain continues to draw international students for more than just its Mediterranean weather or historic cities. It ranks among the top European destinations for education, affordability, and overall student experience. In fact, Study.eu places Spain within its top 10 European countries for international students, thanks to its diverse programmes, cultural appeal, and cost of living. 

Spanish universities are well regarded in Europe, particularly in areas like social sciences, business, law, and design. Schools such as the University of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Madrid, and Pompeu Fabra University offer programmes that combine academic rigor with international relevance. Many institutions now offer entire degrees in English, especially at the postgraduate level, making Spain more accessible to non-Spanish speakers.

The lifestyle is a major draw. Cities like Valencia, Granada, and Seville offer a balance of affordability and liveability, with strong public transport, pedestrian-friendly streets, and student discounts on food, housing, and cultural attractions. Spain also has a universal healthcare system, and students enrolled in recognised programmes can access public or private insurance options.

Spain is part of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), which makes degrees and credits transferable across EU member countries. This makes it easier to pursue internships, exchange semesters, or postgraduate studies elsewhere in Europe.

At Arrows Education, we assist students who want to explore academic options in Spain with clarity and confidence. Our advisors help compare programmes and guide applicants through the admission steps from the start.

Education System in Spain

Spain’s education system follows the structure of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), which means degrees awarded in Spain are recognized across EU and EFTA member countries. This makes Spain an attractive choice for students who may want to study, intern, or work in multiple European countries over time.

Here’s how the higher education structure breaks down:

Undergraduate (Grado)

• Typically lasts 3 to 4 years
  
• Most programs offer 180 to 240 ECTS credits
  
• Taught in Spanish, although some institutions offer English-taught tracks, especially in fields like business, tourism, and international relations
  

Master’s (Máster Universitario)

• Lasts 1 to 2 years
  
• Usually requires 60 to 120 ECTS credits
  
• Designed to deepen academic or professional knowledge and often includes internships
  
• Many are available in English, particularly in international business, STEM, and social sciences
  

Doctoral (Doctorado)

• Minimum 3 years of study and research
  
• Focused on original research and includes a thesis defense
  
• Admission typically requires a relevant master’s degree
  

Spain is home to 76 universities, comprising 50 public and 26 private institutions, according to the Ministry of Universities. Public universities tend to be more affordable, while private institutions may offer smaller class sizes and more specialized programs.

In addition to universities, Spain also has “escuelas superiores” (specialized schools) and “centros adscritos” (affiliated colleges), which offer more targeted or vocational training, particularly in fields such as design, hospitality, and applied sciences.

Academic calendars usually run from September or October to June, split into two semesters. Most programs incorporate continuous assessment through coursework, projects, and exams, rather than relying solely on final exams.

If you are still improving your Spanish, many universities offer pre-sessional language programs or foundation courses that begin before the academic term starts.

Arrows Education can help you find the right entry point—whether you’re applying for a direct undergraduate program or looking for English-taught master’s degrees with minimal language requirements.

Types of Programs Available

Spain offers a wide range of academic programs across disciplines, from arts and humanities to engineering, health sciences, and business. International students can choose between full-degree programs, exchange semesters, or short courses—each serving different academic and personal goals.

Full-Degree Programs

These are complete bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees. Many undergraduate degrees are delivered in Spanish, although a growing number of universities now offer English-taught options, particularly at the master’s level.

Fields such as:

• International business
  
• Engineering
  
• Hospitality and tourism
  
• Architecture
  
• Medicine (mostly in Spanish)
  

are especially popular. Schools like Universidad Carlos III de Madrid and ESADE Business School offer internationally recognized degrees, with some programs ranking highly in European university lists.

Short-Term & Summer Programs

Spain also attracts students through short-term offerings—especially summer schools, language immersion programs, and creative workshops in cities like Barcelona and Granada. These often combine academic study with cultural experiences and are ideal for students who want a lighter, non-degree experience.

For example:

• Barcelona SAE runs short-term academic and internship programs
  
• Universidad de Salamanca offers intensive Spanish language courses throughout the year
  

Foundation & Pathway Programs

These are ideal for students who don’t yet meet the language or academic entry requirements for Spanish universities. Programs often include Spanish language training, academic skill-building, and cultural preparation.

For example, Nebrija University offers a Spanish + Foundation Year program for international students aiming to enter undergraduate degrees in Spanish.

Tuition Fees and Cost of Living in Spain

Spain stands out for offering relatively affordable tuition fees and a lower cost of living compared to other Western European study destinations like the UK, Germany, or the Netherlands. This makes it a popular option for students who want quality education without the financial strain.

Tuition Fees

Public universities in Spain are subsidized by the government, so tuition fees are generally lower than in many other countries.

• Bachelor’s programs at public universities usually cost between €680 to €1,500 per year for EU/EEA students. For non-EU students, the range is typically €1,000 to €3,500 per year depending on the region and institution.
  
• Master’s programs cost between €1,500 and €3,500 per year, but can go higher for specialized courses.
  
• Private universities tend to be more expensive, with annual fees ranging from €5,000 to €20,000 or more depending on the program.
  

For example, a bachelor’s degree at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid may cost around €1,200 per year for EU students. On the other hand, a specialized MBA at IE Business School could cost over €70,000.

Source: Spanish Service for the Internationalization of Education (SEPIE) – sepie.es

Cost of Living

Living expenses vary by city. Madrid and Barcelona are the most expensive, while cities like Valencia, Granada, and Salamanca offer a more budget-friendly experience.

Average monthly living costs (student budget):

• Accommodation: €300–€600 (shared apartment or student residence)
  
• Food and groceries: €150–€250
  
• Transport: €20–€50 (students often get subsidized metro/bus cards)
  
• Miscellaneous (internet, outings, mobile, etc.): €100–€200
  

This puts the average total monthly cost between €600 and €1,100, depending on the city and lifestyle. Many students find living in smaller cities gives them a better quality of life for less.

For example, Granada is known for offering free tapas with drinks, which actually helps cut food expenses over time—small things like this can make a difference when budgeting long-term.

Numbeo and Expatica report similar cost ranges for major Spanish cities – numbeo.com and expatica.com

Language Requirements and Studying in English in Spain

Spain might be famous for flamenco and fiestas, but for international students, one of the first hurdles is the language of instruction. Most undergraduate programs, especially in public universities, are taught in Spanish. Some are also delivered in regional languages like Catalan, Galician, or Basque, depending on where the university is located.

If you’re applying to one of these programs, you’ll likely need to prove you can handle the language. Most schools ask for a DELE or SIELE certificate, often requiring a B2 level. Some might accept B1, but that’s less common.

Now, if you’re not fluent in Spanish, you’re not out of luck. There’s a growing number of programs — particularly at the postgraduate level — that are fully taught in English. These are more common in fields like business, tourism, design, and engineering. Private universities tend to offer more English options even at the undergraduate level, and their programs tend to be more international in outlook.

To get into these, you’ll need to show English proficiency instead. That usually means an IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge certificate. Again, B2 is often the baseline, but competitive programs might ask for C1.

For students who want to improve their Spanish before jumping into full-time study, many schools offer prep or foundation courses. There are also well-established private language academies across major cities where you can take intensive courses, even while working on your degree. These short-term programs are useful if you plan to take a bilingual course or just want to feel more confident navigating daily life.

Visa and Residency Requirements for Students in Spain

If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll need a student visa to study in Spain for more than 90 days. The most common option is the Type D visa, which is for long-term studies and must be obtained before arriving in Spain.

To apply, you’ll typically need:

• Proof of university admission
  
• A valid passport
  
• Medical insurance (covering your stay in Spain)
  
• Proof of financial means (bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsorship)
  
• A medical certificate and background check, depending on your home country
  
• A filled visa application form and passport-sized photos
  

After arrival, you’re expected to apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within 30 days. This serves as your residency permit and is necessary if you’re staying longer than six months. It’s also needed for things like opening a bank account or registering for public healthcare.

Work rights: With a student visa, you can work up to 20 hours per week during your studies. However, the job must not interfere with your classes, and you’ll need to inform or get permission from the immigration office. Internships tied to your academic program usually don’t count toward this limit.

Staying after graduation: Spain allows you to extend your stay for up to 12 months after graduation while you search for a job or launch a startup. This is called the “estancia por estudios superiores que cesan” — basically a post-study permit. If you find employment related to your field, you can then switch to a regular work permit.

The application process can feel bureaucratic at times. Delays aren’t unusual, and some documents need to be officially translated into Spanish and legalized. Still, thousands of students manage it each year. A study by Spain’s Ministry of Inclusion (2023) noted that over 100,000 international students held valid study permits, the majority from Latin America, China, and North Africa.

How Arrows Education Helps You Study in Spain

Studying in Spain offers more than just academics. You get access to quality education, vibrant cities, and a chance to grow personally and professionally. But the process can be overwhelming. Choosing the right course, meeting application requirements, and preparing visa documents all take time and effort.

At Arrows Education, we guide you through it step by step. We listen to your goals, help you explore programs that fit, and assist you with every part of your application. Once you receive an offer, we continue to support you with housing options, visa preparation, and settling into life in Spain.

Our role is to make the journey clearer and more manageable. You do not have to figure it all out on your own. With Arrows Education, you have a partner who understands what it takes and helps you get there with confidence.