It allows students to study in Spain and enroll in the best universities around the world. Spain is also one of the most visited European countries and a favorite study destination for many international students.
Universities in Spain It is the kind of place where you can enjoy a good holiday and a great bachelor's or master's degree program. But is there more to know about Spain?
Costs of studying in Spain
The costs of studying in Spain vary based on various factors, such as the type of higher education institution (private or public), the type of degree, the field of study, the region in which you are studying, and your nationality.
1- Study in Spain at public universities
Public universities in Spain offer two types of degrees: official degrees at public universities and private degrees at private universities. For official state degrees, each college independently sets tuition limits. They usually range between:
- 500-3500 euros per year for bachelor’s programmes.
- 800-3500 euros per year for master’s programmes.
2- Study in Spain at private universities
Private universities charge higher tuition fees, but they usually do not exceed €20000 in an academic year. Some programs offered by business schools can cost more than €25000 per year. You'll also find MBAs and international management degrees that charge tuition fees of €30000 per year or more.
3. Costs of living in Spain for international students
What could be better than studying at university in Spain? Think of the food, the culture, the openness of the people, the fast-paced way of talking and living, and you'll know this is the place for you.
Overall, Spain is a relatively affordable country where international students should not feel financial pressure.
You will need between 900 and 1100 euros to live in Spain. Costs are higher if you choose Madrid or Barcelona, which are the most expensive Spanish cities.
In cities such as Valencia, Seville or Cádiz, you can enjoy cheaper living costs, around 700-900 €/month on average.
4. Student housing costs in Spain
The main housing options for students in Spain are:
- Student residence halls – prices range from 360 to 650 euros per month.
- Renting an apartment – Many students prefer this option. Prices start at around €200 and go up to €1000/month.
- You can find websites like uniplaces Which helps you compare different living spaces.
- Living with a Spanish family – prices can vary depending on region, living conditions, etc.
- Renting a private apartment or studio does not necessarily mean that its monthly cost includes all expenses. You have to add:
- Basic utilities (electricity, water, heating): 115 euros per month
- Internet: 30 euros per month
5. Food costs in Spain
Students in Spain will find a lot of options from the local cuisine, such as “paella”, “escabeche” or “merenda”. For monthly groceries, you usually spend between 200 and 400 euros. It depends a lot on your habits: if you cook or not, how often you eat out, etc. Some of the cheapest supermarkets in Spain are Dia, Bally, Dani and Mercadona.
A meal in an inexpensive restaurant costs about 10 euros, while a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant costs 35 euros.
6. Transportation fees in Spain
A regular trip by public transport usually costs €1.5, a monthly transfer pass is €42 and just over €54 in larger cities.
You can travel around Spain and see its beautiful cities with an AVE (high-speed train): the average trip price is 75 euros. With the Youth Travel Card, you can get great discounts.
If you prefer private transportation to walking, you can also rent a car from local companies.
7. Additional costs
- Books, supplies and other educational materials: €900 per year
- Private classes with different fees: from 30 euros to about 200 euros
- Health insurance: between 70 and 180 euros per year
- You can also use a website Numbeo Email to check prices and other costs in Spain.
Steps to register in Spanish universities
Although there are websites that can help you apply for a university in Spain, the best route you can take is to check the website of your preferred program and follow the instructions there.
You must remember that the website of your study program should be your preferred guide. The application for registration in Spanish universities in each program is allocated directly by the college, so you must obtain the details directly from the website of the college you want to enroll in.
You will be charged an application fee, so be prepared and set aside special funds for this first step. Also, although you may consider this advice redundant, you should apply to something you are sure you want to attend. Because registration fees cost between 30-100 dollars.
Admission requirements to Spanish universities
Although studying in Spain is done in English as well as in Spanish and will require a Spanish language proficiency test and submitting all your documents in Spanish as well.
For those wishing to study in Spain in English, universities recommend that you submit a proficiency certificate. The most common and requested tests are:
- IELTS Academic exam
- TOEFL iBT exam
- PTE exam
Documents required for registration in Spanish universities
Usually, all the lists of documents needed to apply in Spain vary from one program to another. A short list of common documents and certificates you should upload during your application includes:
- Your certificates that you obtained,
- A copy of your passport
- A copy of the transcript for either the school or the university.
- Your birth certificate
- Your Social Security card
It is very important to submit all these documents translated into Spanish. Therefore, if they are in another language, find a certified translator as soon as possible. If you submit documents in any other language, your college admission process will definitely be delayed.
Date of study in Spain
As a rough guide, you should know that universities offer two semesters, fall and summer – the summer semester being the main semester.
- July: Registration deadline for major applications.
- Mid-September or early October: The first semester begins.
- December or early January: The first semester ends.
- January: Taking the final exam for the first semester.
- From February 1st: The second semester begins.
- May: The second semester ends.
- June: Final exam for the second semester.
One of the most popular countries for students pursuing an exchange program Erasmus But also for those pursuing a full-time degree, its universities have a long history of academic excellence.
Spain visa for students
If you are not a citizen of the European Union, follow the following steps and prepare to apply for a study visa to Spain:
1. Apply to a Spanish university
If you are still not sure where you want to study in Spain, you will have to decide before you can start the student visa application process. After being accepted into a Spanish university, you will receive an acceptance letter which is required for your visa application.
These are some of the most popular academic majors in Spain:
- Bachelor's degree in economics in Spain
- Master's degree in political science in Spain
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration in Spain
- Master's degree in design in Spain
- Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Architecture in Spain
Keep in mind that students from some countries can stay in Spain for less than 90 days without a visa.
2. Know the types of study visas to Spain
Keep in mind that students from some countries can stay in Spain for less than 90 days without a visa, even if they are not EU citizens.
To find out if this applies to you or if you really need a student visa, contact the nearest Spanish embassy in your country.
- Study visa to Spain Short term – If you plan to study in Spain between three and six months. This type of visa cannot be extended. Students taking short courses or language courses usually apply for a short-term student visa.
- Study visa to Spain Long term – If you plan to study in Spain for more than six months. You also need to apply for a residence permit within a month after your arrival.
- A long-term student visa allows you Obtain a Spanish Residence Card (TIE), which is required for most non-EU/EEA students.
- A TIE is a temporary permit You are allowed to stay in the country throughout your studies. The TIE is valid for a maximum of one academic year and can be renewed annually until you finish your studies.
Keep in mind that you cannot apply for a study visa in Spain when you are already in Spain. You can only apply in your home country before you leave.
Once you arrive in Spain, you cannot change your visa type. The only valid visa is one obtained from the Spanish embassy or consulate in your area.
3. When and where to apply for a study visa in Spain?
After you have been accepted into a Spanish university, contact the Spanish embassy/consulate in your area and check the list of documents you need for your visa application. The documents required may vary depending on each consulate or regulations of your country.
Some consulates require you to make an appointment, while at other consulates, this is not necessary and you just have to leave the documents.
It is recommended that you make an appointment or arrive at the consulate to leave the required documents as soon as possible. The processing of your visa application can take anywhere from a few weeks to 3 months.
Always check the consulate's website for the latest estimates on processing time.
Study in Spain for free
If you need financial support and free scholarships to build your future career through education, you have several options in Spain:
- The European Union provides funds for international students enrolled in Erasmus Mundus joint master's programmes, both for master's and doctoral degrees. The Spanish Scholarship Fund is provided equally to students coming from EU and non-EU countries.
- African leadership in business. These MBA scholarships are offered to African citizens who are interested in studying an MBA abroad and are committed to returning to Africa after their studies.
- Click here to explore Study grants in Spain.
