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Study in Spain
Why Study in Spain?
The International Student’s Guide to Free-Tuition Education in Spain
Travelling to Spain for academic brilliance combines cultural richness with top-notch education. With programmes in English and Spanish, students may pick from several institutions, each contributing to Spain's rich educational scene. Life is affordable, and the country's vibrant cities provide a distinct cultural experience. Exploring historical sites, savouring Mediterranean cuisine, or participating in vibrant student life in Spain provides intellectual advancement and a friendly and lively atmosphere. Spain offers postgraduate employment and the Mediterranean sun, making studying there an enjoyable experience.
| Total Universities | 76 (Public – 45, Private – 31) |
|---|---|
| Top Cities for Students | Madrid, Seville, Barcelona, Valencia |
| Total International Students | 208,366 (Regular Courses – 153,089, Mobility Courses – 55, 277) |
| Study Cycles | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate |
| Medium of Instruction | Spanish, Catalan, Basque |
| Part-Time Job Hours | 20 Hours per weeek |
| Top 5 Universities | Autonomous University of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Madrid, Complutense University of Madrid, Pompeu Fabra University |
| Living Cost for Students | Euro 10,800-13,200 per year |
Education System in Spain
International students may get numerous degrees in Spain’s systematic education system. Bachelor’s degrees take four years and need 240 ECTS credits. Bachelor’s degree holders may pursue a 1-2-year master’s degree. A 3-5-year PhD is also possible. Spanish colleges use two grading schemes, with the 0–10 scale being the most frequent.
Spanish universities have two semesters, October to June. The nation follows the Bologna Process, which reformed European education. The Ministry of Education oversees Spanish education.
Top-ranked universities in the country have international reputations. Popular ones include Barcelona University, Madrid Autonomous University, Madrid Complutense University, etc. The nation boasts top-10 European business schools including IE Business School and Esade Business School.
Academic Cycles
1st Cycle: Bachelor’s or UG degree (total ECTS credits: 240)
2nd Cycle: Master’s of PG degree (total ECTS credits: 60-120)
3rd Cycle: PhD or Spanish Doctoral degrees (ECTS credits per academic year: 60)
Although most Spanish courses are taught in Spanish, numerous institutions teach in English. Thus, private and governmental colleges provide a variety of English-taught courses for non-Spanish speakers. Those interested in studying Spanish might take classes before attending college.
Top Universities in Spain
Around 80 universities in the country enrol international students. State-funded public universities dominate. Several reputable private institutions in Spain have strong academic reputations. Many top-ranked universities are in Barcelona and Madrid, although other towns have outstanding ones too.
The table below lists Spain’s top-ranked universities in the QS World University Rankings 2023 and Times Higher Education Rankings 2023:
| University | University | Times Higher Education (THE) Ranking 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Universitat de Barcelona | 164 | 182 |
| Complutense University of Madrid | 171 | 401-500 |
| Autonomous University of Madrid | 199 | 301-350 |
| Universidad de Navarra | 280 | 251-300 |
| Pompeu Fabra University | 310 | 186 |
| University Charles III of Madrid | 319 | 1001-1200 |
| Universidad Politecnica de Madrid (UPM) | 349 | - |
| Technical University of Catalonia | 354 | 801-1000 |
| University of Granada | 403 | 601-800 |
| Autonomous University of Barcelona | 149 | 183 |
Top Courses in Spain
Spain attracts thousands of international students each year to attend various courses. Students are thrilled to attend internationally renowned colleges and enjoy flexible study circumstances. Spanish universities offer several degrees with great development potential. Many bachelor’s and master’s courses offer employment before graduation.
Below are some of the top stream/subject courses and their institutions.
| Law | pompeu Fabar University University of Navarra University of Barcelona University of Valencia IE LAW School |
|---|---|
| Arts & Humanities | Autonomous University of Barcelona University of Barcelona University of Granada University of Valencia Complutense University of Madrid |
| Marketing & Finance | EU business school IR business school Universidad Carlos III De madrid Pompeu Farbar University Esade Barcelona Perdralbes campus |
| Hospitality Management | Les Roches Marbella UCAM universidad Catolica san antonia de murcia GBSB Global business school University of the balearic island The global american unversity The Global American University |
| Nursing | University of jaen UFR Granda Universidad Francisco de Vitoria University of Barcelona CEU cadinal Herrea University |
Cost of Studying in Spain
Spain is a popular study location for budget-conscious foreign students due to its cheap tuition prices. University, location, course, and institution repute will also affect cost. Attending a public university may cost 2,000–3,500 Euros per year.
| Study Level | ||
|---|---|---|
| Level | Fees (in Euro) | Fees (in INR) |
| Bachelor’s | 750-2,500 Euro (Approx.) | Rs 67,983-Rs 2,26,610 |
| Master’s | 1,000-3,500 Euro | Rs 90,644-Rs 3,17,254 |
| Private Universities | ||
| Type | Fee (in Euro) | Fee (INR) |
| Private Universities | 20,000 Euro | Rs 18,12,880 yearly |
| Business Institutes | 25,000 Euro | Rs 22,66,100 yearly |
| MBA | 30,000 Euro | Rs 27,19,320 yearly |
| By Enrollment | ||
| Enrollment | Fee (in Euro) | Fee (INR) |
| 1st Enrollment | 12 Euro | Rs 1088 per credit |
| 2nd Enrollment | 25 Euro | Rs 2266 per credit |
| 3rd Enrollment | 50 Euro | Rs 4532 per credit |
Cost of Living in Spain
Finding an appropriate and convenient place to stay is crucial while relocating. This selection is crucial since you must consider the distance between your lodging and your institution, transportation, proximity to department shops and other basic requirements retailers, etc. Before choosing on-campus or off-campus accommodation, evaluate the pros and cons. Most Spanish colleges provide resident halls or flats. How much you spend for living depends on room type, services, location, etc. Madrid, the student capital, has one-bedroom apartments for roughly 1,000 Euros, while Barcelona has them for 850 Euros. The table below shows affordable 1-bedroom apartment rent in Spanish cities for international students:
| City | 1-bedroom flat (centre) | 1-bedroom flat (periphery) |
|---|---|---|
| Salamanca | 450 | 305 |
| Córdoba | 416 | 350 |
| Seville | 620 | 446 |
| Granada | 550 | 420 |
Spain Student Visa
Spain has many student visas with different validity periods. You must apply at a Spanish embassy from outside Spain. An offer letter from a university of your choosing and relevant papers are needed to complete the process. Student visa applications should be submitted 2-3 months before travelling to Spain. It will speed up visa processing.
Schengen Student Visa (less than three months):This will be required by those non-EU/EEA country members who wish to pursue a course of lesser than 90 days’ duration.
Short-Term Student Visa (3-6 months) or 180-days D Type Visa:This will be required by those overseas students who wish to pursue a course lasting 3-6 months.
Long-Term Student Visa (more than 6 months): This will be required by overseas students who wish to pursue a course lasting 6 months or more.
Student Visa Requirements for Spain
- Valid Passport
- 2 Latest Photographs
- Offer Letter from University
- A valid ID
- Health Insurance Evidence
- Fee Deposit Proof
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Medical Certificate
Spain Permanent Residence Permit
In order to obtain a PR in Spain, the below-mentioned conditions have to be met by students:
- The person should have been staying in the country for five years. After living for 10 years full-time one can apply for citizenship.
- 2 Latest Photographs
- Offer Letter from University
Admission Requirements to Study in Spanish Universities
The admission requirements for overseas students pursuing higher education in Spain may differ on the basis of various factors such as the kind of university, programme chosen, student’s nationality, etc. We have listed the common requirements which one may need to fulfill in order to secure admission to Spanish universities:
Bachelor’s Degree
Homologación: This is the recognition of one’s school certificate (school leaving certificate). It certifies that one possesses the relevant degree in order to obtain admission into a Spanish university. This procedure is carried out in your home nation’s Spanish embassy from where you will receive a certificate ‘Volante de Acreditación’. Through this, you will be able to apply to institutes in Spain.
Master’s Degree
One needs to be holding a bachelor’s degree or equivalent before applying for a master’s degree.
Top Cities Preferred by Students
Some of the best student-friendly cities which those coming from abroad target are Valencia, Barcelona, San Sebastian, Seville, Madrid, Granada, Salamanca, Zaragoza.
Scholarships to Study in Spain
It may so happen that even though a country does not have expensive tuition fees at its higher education institutes some students may still find difficulty affording education there. So as to help students get a good education without letting financial issues bother them, various scholarships, loans and grants are made available to overseas students by the Spanish government and other external organisations as well. These may cover one’s travel cost, tuition fee, stationary, etc.
Some of the popular scholarships offered to international students for studying at universities in Spain are:
- Fullbright Scholarship
- Spanish Studies Abroad Financial Aid
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
- UIC Barcelona Scholarship
- CIEE Scholarships and Grants
Education Loan for Studying in Spain
Students can fund their higher education with the help of an education loan which is an important financial tool. These students who do not possess the financial means to pay their university tuition fees or living expenses can obtain education loans to do so. There are a number of public as well as private banks which offer loans to students for studying in Spain. The eligibility, loan process and features of the majority of these banks are the same. Read Education Loan to Study in Spain to get an in-depth idea about the types of loans available for Indian students for studying in Spain.
Part-Time Work Options for International Students in Spain
International students may have a not-so-easy job hunt journey in Spain as compared to their Spanish peers. This is so because most of the companies in their country prefer employees who are fluent in Spanish. Also, most of the jobs available to the overseas lot are of full-time nature. So make sure you explore such part-time employment opportunities which do not have their schedule clashing with your classes.
Post-Study Work Permit in Spain
A lot of international students get into employment after completing their studies in Spain as the country’s living costs is quite affordable and the atmosphere is welcoming. If you want to get into employment after finishing your higher studies you will be required to contact the immigration authority under the Secretary of State for Migration (La Secretaría de Estado de Migraciones) as well as the labour and employment authorities under the Ministry of Labor and Economy. But before this the third-country natives will have to get a work permit issued which they can get only if they possess an official job contract from an organisation. Your work permit application may get processed in a maximum of 8 months. Once the same is approved, you will be able to get your work and residence visa. Learn what all documents one need to submit to apply for a work permit, here.
Job Prospects in Spain (ROI)
If you’re an international student studying in Spain, the chances of getting a job will depend upon your work experience, language skills, qualification, and the scope of your field of study. Due to the country’s high unemployment rate, it can become challenging for one to get employment. But a few industries such as hospitality, education, and tourism have more job opportunities as compared to the rest of the fields. Rest it all depends upon how persistent and proactive you are while looking out for a job. Make sure to build contacts while studying, polish your Spanish language skills and gain internship experience in order to secure a good job in Spain.
| Accenture | Repsol | BBVA |
|---|---|---|
| Telefonica | Indra | Deloitte |
| Banco Sanatander | Iberdroia | Ferrovial |
| Acciona | Inditex | Amazon |
Popular Job Sectors in Spain
The top job sectors in Spain where international students can apply for a job after completion of studies or during studies are mentioned below:
- Healthcare
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Education
- Finance and Banking
- Information Technology
- Renewable Energy
Average Salary in Spain - By Job
Average salary in Spain by Job
Those working in Madrid are known to obtain the highest salaries per month, with the amount standing at €2,077. The second highest salaries are obtained by those in Navarra and Basque, with the monthly amount standing at €1,883 and €2,051. Overall, the average employee compensation obtained by employees in Spain may depend on the job type, region and industry.
Average compensation amount for different levels of jobs:
| Administration | €1,147 to €2,560 |
|---|---|
| Banking | €1,197 to €4,650 |
| Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations | €1,321 to €3,823 |
| Information Technology | €1,861 to € 5,573 |
| Tourism, Gastronomy, Hotel Business | €979 to €2,433 |
| Economy, Finance, Accountancy | €1,135 to €3,920 |