Study in Spain
Public universities from about €1,000 a year, top business schools in Madrid and Barcelona, and a 12-month job-search permit for graduates.
Why students choose Spain
Spain gives you Europe's most affordable public universities alongside three of the world's best business schools. English-taught master's are growing fast in business, engineering, tourism and data. The 2022 reform let students work 30 hours a week and gave graduates a year to find work, and the quality of life per euro is hard to beat.
Intakes
Main intake. Public universities open pre-registration in spring.
Some master's and business school programmes.
What international students study in Spain
After you graduate
Graduates can apply for a 12-month residence permit to seek employment or start a business, and years spent as a student count towards long-term residence. Ibero-American students and citizens of former colonies can apply for nationality after two years of legal residence.
Residence permit for job search or entrepreneurship
12 months. Apply before your student permit expires; can be converted to a work permit once hired.
Part-time work
Up to 30 hours a week, compatible with studies. Wages of €9.26 an hour minimum wage (2025).
Employment by sector
Tourism and hospitality (high), Technology and software (Barcelona, Madrid) (high), Renewable energy (medium to high). Full picture.
What it costs to study in Spain
Living costs of €800 to €1,300 a month. Tuition of €1,000 to €3,500 at public universities (higher for non-EU in Madrid and Catalonia); €6,000 to €20,000 at private universities for undergraduate and €2,000 to €6,000 at public universities; €15,000 to €80,000 at business schools for postgraduate study. Fees are set per credit by each region.
| Monthly cost | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | €350 to €800 (Madrid and Barcelona highest) |
| Food and groceries | €200 to €300 |
| Transport | €20 to €55 with youth passes |
| Utilities and phone | €70 to €120 |
| Health insurance | €40 to €70 private insurance without co-payments |
Fees and costs are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
Long-term student visa (type D)
Documents you will need
- Admission letter
- Proof of funds
- Private health insurance
- Criminal record certificate (apostilled) for stays over 180 days
- Medical certificate
- Passport, photos and application form EX-00
Funding for international students in Spain
| Scholarship | What it offers | Who awards it |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish Government (MAEC-AECID) | Awards for students from Latin America, Africa and Asia. | Spanish Government |
| Business school scholarships | IE, IESE and ESADE offer merit, women-in-business and country awards. | Business schools |
| Erasmus Mundus | Joint master's with Spanish partner universities. | European Union |
Spain in eight facts
The Bologna system means degrees are recognised across Europe.
Public university fees are set per credit by each autonomous region.
Spanish public health cover is available to students who pay into social security through work.
Lunch is the main meal and often runs from 2pm to 4pm.
Madrid and Barcelona have extensive metro systems with youth passes under €25.
Catalan, Basque and Galician are co-official in their regions.
Spain has one of the highest life expectancies in the world.
Many bachelor's programmes are in Spanish; English options grow at master's level.
Where to study in Spain
Everything else about studying in Spain
Student visa
How to get a Spain student visa: fees, funds, documents and timeline
Cost of studying
What it costs to study in Spain: tuition, living and one-off fees
Cost of living
Monthly cost of living for students in Spain
Scholarships
Scholarships for international students in Spain
Work after graduation
Working in Spain during and after your degree
Education system
How the Spanish education system works
Student life
Student life in Spain: housing, work, weather and culture
Best student cities
Best cities to study in Spain
Exams required
Which exams you need to study in Spain
Master's degrees
Studying a master's in Spain
Studying in Spain: what students ask
Do I need Spanish to study in Spain?
For most bachelor's degrees, yes (B2 level). English-taught master's are common in business, engineering and tourism.
Can I work while studying in Spain?
Yes, up to 30 hours a week without a separate permit since 2022, as long as it is compatible with your studies.
How much money must I show for a Spanish student visa?
About €600 a month for the duration of the course (100 percent of the IPREM), plus proof that fees are paid.
Ready to plan Spain?
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