Study Abroad in Spain - Top Spanish Universities

Key facts

Currency
Euro €
Student population
1.5 million
Languages
Spanish and regional languages such as Catalan and Basque
Universities
78

Why study in Spain?

Spain has a long tradition of excellence in education, with the first university being set up in the 13th century. It is a popular destination for international students because of its educational system, rich history, and European culture.

The country offers students a mixture of beautiful countryside and vibrant cities, as well as further travel opportunities to other European countries nearby.

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Illustration of famous landmarks and cultural items from Spain, interconnected on a map-like layout with trees and clouds.

Where can you study in Spain

Spain’s culture varies from region to region, with different cuisines, customs, and even languages. You could be learning Catalan in Barcelona, enjoy the North African feel of Granada or learn about historical Spain in Madrid.

International students coming to study in Spain have plenty of lively student cities to choose from, including Barcelona, Madrid, Bilbao, or Valencia.

Universities in Spain

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What are the best programs in Spain?

Spain’s current degree system was not developed until Spain came under the European Higher Education Area. Spain now has the same general bachelor’s degree and master’s degree system found in many other countries.

Like elsewhere in Europe the majority of undergraduate programs in Spain last for three years, with more professional degree subjects such as medicine taking longer.

Universities and colleges in Spain can specialize in particular fields, as is the case with business schools, medical universities, and engineering universities.

Whether you’re looking to study for a BA, BSc, MBA or doctorate degree, Studee can help you find the perfect place to study in Spain.

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Popular subjects to study in Spain

What is the cost of study in Spain?

Public universities in Spain will charge international students around €3,000 per year. Private universities can have higher tuition fees reaching €20,000 per year.

Accommodation in Spain is cheaper than in many other European countries, but some apartments are offered unfurnished so you could have to find your own furniture. Eating out is cheap if you stick to neighborhood restaurants and local bars, whilst public transport is plentiful in big cities but limited in smaller ones.

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What are the requirements to study in Spain?

Qualifications

Undergraduate study in Spain is covered by the Lisbon Convention, so if you are a European Union student who has completed school study in your home country, you’ll also qualify for higher education study in Spain.

Non-EU students will need to pass the Selectividad, which is the Spanish university entrance examination. This includes tests on text analysis, the history of Spain, and a foreign language exam.

English language tests

Spanish universities can accept a range of English Language tests including IELTS academic test and TOEFL iBT. Always check with specific university requirements as to what you’ll need to prove your English language ability.

Spain student visa

If your program of study in Spain will be full-time and last for more than six months, you’ll need to apply for a student visa (Type D). When you have accepted an offer from a university you can go to a Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country to apply for a visa.

Within 30 days of your arrival in Spain, you’ll need to get a student’s residence permit from your local Foreigner’s Office.

Spain student visa requirements

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How to study in Spain?

Find out how to study abroad with Studee. We're the smart alternative to applying direct - we help you find and apply to your chosen universities abroad and maximize your chances of getting admitted.

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Student reviews for Spain

Rebecca Fracassi

Studied Political Science at Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia

Overall Experience

Academic
4
University social
4

Accommodation
4
University facilities
4

What's it like to study in Spain

The program is interesting, but the organization of the master's is not so good.

Hadi Mkahhal

Studied Architecture at CEU Universidad Cardenal Herrera

Overall Experience

Academic
2
University social
1

Accommodation
1
University facilities
5

What's it like to study in Spain

Spaniards are super friendly and welcoming and super social people. I have visited some cities in Spain and fell in love with all of them; Barcelona, Madrid, Cordoba, Sevilla and Alicante. Super nice and friendly people everywhere. They love socialising and definetly love drinking beer. They are known for their siesta and being super chill. However, I think they are a bit lazy and never on time. They are always late but still super cute. Traveling between cities is super easy using train or buses and relatively cheap. However, the only thing I dislike is that in Spain they speak different languages in every region. It is the same language but it is a bit different which makes it a bit hard to learn everything. It would have been much easier if it is one same exact language. Overall love the country. One last comment is about costumer service; terrible.

Renee ACCARI

Studied Architecture, Construction and Planning at CEU Universidad Cardenal Herrera

Overall Experience

Academic
5
University social
4

Accommodation
4
University facilities
5

What's it like to study in Spain

Spain is just simply beautiful! Valencia and its communidad, Barcelona, Madrid, Pays Basques and all of the south; these are the places I have visited and no one resembles the other. It's a land of breath-taking Architecture that takes you throughout the centuries. South or North it doesn't matter, its people are not only alive but they are existing. Full of love and energy. Even if they do not speak English, they will do the impossible to serve you or help you (most of them). I simply consider myself lucky to be in such a beautiful country. Looking forward to continue exploring this surprising Land.

Rumbidzai Muyambo

Studied Architecture at CEU Universidad Cardenal Herrera

Overall Experience

Academic
4
University social
3

Accommodation
2
University facilities
5

What's it like to study in Spain

It’s very interesting of course there is a cultural difference for many internationals but the friendliness of locals and the accessibility of many things has made it adaptable. There are many beautiful places to visit in Valencia alone and much more in Spain and is very accessible by car too! Unexpected thing was siesta :)