Higher education in Spain for international students

Spain is a home to  many universities, which can be either public, private or Catholic ones. The nation's classical universities have particularly caught the attention of international students, especially those aiming for humanities-based specialties. This is because Spain has maintained an excellent standard of teaching in fields such as geography, art history, literature, history, and philosophy.

Moreover, applied university courses are also in high demand among foreign students. The top picks include:

• Computer graphics

• Tourism

• Recreation

• Design

Furthermore, students wishing to get education in architecture and construction, technical institutes are opened. There is also a surge in the popularity of other specialized educational centers in the country. For example, business schools  have occupied its niche, preparing  first-class professionals in the field of management, finance, and marketing.

Higher Education in Spain Fees: What to Expect 

Usually, applicants ask questions concerning the cost of pursuing higher education in Spain, as the quality of education provided is at the highest level. Pay attention that cost of studying ranges, which is stipulated by several factors, including the type of institution (public vs. private) and course specialization.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

Diplomas of Spanish Universities are awarded to graduates according to the Bologna system of higher education since 2011. This system of higher education consists of three levels:

• Baccalaureate (Grado): This is the foundational degree that forms the basis of Spanish higher education.

• Master (Posgrado): It is a postgraduate degree for students who are interested in advanced knowledge and specialization.

• Graduate School (Doctorado): It is the highest academic degree, tailored for those aiming to immerse into research and academic exploration.

The Spanish Baccalaureate (Grado) 

The Spanish Baccalaureate stipulates a comprehensive study during four years. After graduation the students are awarded a Grado degree. If a student studies in a Spanish university, he can obtain bachelor's degrees in a wide range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, etc.

Also the students are provided with the opportunity to obtain a Bachelor's degree (Grado) in medicine. After four years of studying, graduates get all necessary skills and knowledge for working as nurses.

Master's Courses in Spain: A Deep Dive for International Students:

Taking Master programs stipulate achieving the following goals:

• Enhance in-depth knowledge in a specified direction

• Develop professional skills or provide immersion in scientific research.

The duration of studying on these programs varies from one to two years. After completing the course, successful graduates are awarded a  Master degree. Higher education institutions in Spain are featured by a wide range of master's and MBA programs offered. The prestigious universities in Spain conduct studying in Spanish or English. 

Requirements for Master's Programs in Spain 

To enroll in a master's program in Spain, foreign students must:

• Complete a specific application questionnaire provided by the Spanish university.

• Translate their diploma into Spanish. Occasionally, diploma legalization might also be required.

• Provide a motivation letter.

• Have a valid foreign passport.

• Obtain a student visa.

• Secure accommodation for the duration of their studies.

Cost and Fees to Higher Education in Spain for International Students

Spain has gained popularity as a country for pursuing higher education among foreign students. The following factors lead to increasing popularity of Spain, such as high positions in international rankings, unique environment, and lower cost of studying compared to Great Britain and the USA. There are variations in tuition, as it depends on the type of institution, the curriculum you have chosen, and a student's nationality.

At public universities, tuition typically ranges from €680 to €1,280 per academic year. For students who are non-residents of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), fees are higher than for local residents, but only insignificantly. Studying on Master's and doctoral programs, considering specialized courses, is usually more expensive.

Private universities are featured by their own fee structures. For foreign students, tuition at private-sector institutions vary from €5,500 to €18,000 per academic year. In addition to tuition, applicants should also consider expenses for accommodation. Studying in such cities as Madrid or Barcelona might be more expensive, which are featured by higher living costs that vary from  €1,000 to €1,500 per month. However, obtaining education in  smaller cities and towns is more affordable. Moreover, foreign students should consider costs concerning health insurance, which is required for visa application and residency.

Postgraduate Studies in Spain

A doctorate program in Spain typically spans 1 year. To enroll, applicants must have a diploma of higher education, specifically a Master's degree. This advanced educational  level is designed for students who are interested in  research, teaching, and in-depth studying of scientific disciplines. Pay attention, that students with Master's degrees awarded outside of Spain also have the opportunity to pursue a Doctoral degree in Spain.

University Programs in Spain 

Higher education institutions in Spain, as well as prestigious universities, offer specialized programs such as "Experto Universitario" and "Master Universitario". For entering the program, students are required to provide a diploma, confirming their expertise in a certain field of knowledge. For example, for students with an economics background, these programs provide specialized courses in various areas, among which are international and domestic economics.

Generally, these courses last around a year. It's worth noting that these specialized university programs are often more expensive than the traditional "Postgrado" courses.

Courses Offered at Top Spanish Universities Many of the elite universities in Spain, particularly the top 15, provide diverse course offerings for foreign students:

• Preparatory programs lasting 1-2 years for new entrants.

• Bachelor's programs, which are 3-year courses.

• Master's programs stipulate deep insights into specialized subjects.

• Doctoral programs spanning two years, aimed at seasoned professionals who are interested in obtaining a scientific degree.

Prospective students can refer to lists of top-ranking schools and universities in Spain for a comprehensive view. Furthermore, seeking guidance from educational experts like those at SMAPSE can be invaluable.

Foreign students aiming to enter a prestigious Spanish university after high school must navigate the admission process. This typically involves written entrance exams in subjects like Spanish, the philosophy or history of Spain, and an optional foreign language (German, French, Italian, or Portuguese).

While students can prepare for these exams independently, specialized preparatory programs are also available. Exam sessions are usually conducted in June and September. In case of failing the summer exams, there's an opportunity to retake them in the fall. However, having an International Baccalaureate diploma students are exempt from taking these entrance tests.

By mid-May, Spain's top universities begin their document acceptance phase. Below there is a list of required documents:

• D-category student visa.

• Education certificate.

• A valid foreign passport.

• Accommodation details (hostel, apartment rental, or host family).

• Recommendation letter from a previous institution.

The type-D student visa is applied for in the home country and comes in two formats — open or 180-day. To obtain it a student needs confirmation of university enrolment, health insurance and proof of sufficient funds, and in some cases a criminal-record certificate and a medical certificate. Processing usually takes about three months, so it is worth starting early.

After arriving in Spain, a student must apply within 30 days for the Autorización de Estancia por Estudios, a temporary residence permit that grants the right to stay in the country. It is renewed annually as long as studies continue successfully.

Foreign students are allowed to work during their studies provided they hold a work permit and the work does not adversely affect their academic progress.

To successfully pass the process, we advise contacting our educational center's specialists to help prepare your visa document package.

For those looking to transition from a foreign university to one in Spain, there's a need to gather specific data, like courses previously taken and exam results. This facilitates a comparison of educational programs to determine the most suitable academic course in Spain. Generally, transferring students won't need to sit for entrance exams and can continue with their specialization. However, they must spend a minimum of one academic year in a full-time program at the Spanish institution.

Having a diploma from a prestigious Spanish university, students obtain a competitive advantage in the labor market, opening various opportunities, which might be unavailable to graduates from other universities of the world. Concluding your higher education in Spain signifies the acquisition of a specialist degree in your chosen professional arena.

Top Universities in Spain for Quality Higher Education Numerous rankings have been curated based on several metrics, including:

• Nobel Prize recipients among graduates.

• Volume of published academic research.

• The societal impact of the university.

• Employment of graduates in globally renowned companies.

Our experts have sifted through these rankings to spotlight the pinnacle of higher education institutions in Spain, especially those that stand out as appealing choices for international students.

• University of Valencia

• University of Salamanca

• University of Granada

• Independent University of Barcelona

• Complutense University of Madrid

It's noteworthy that the universities in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona consistently witness fierce competition for available slots.

Based on feedback from graduates and official statistics, the compelling reasons to studying in Spain are:

• A diploma from Spain's elite universities enjoys global recognition.

• Spanish universities usually offer graduates their services, concerning job placement. So, graduates are assisted in the process of searching for a job.

• Students are allowed to create an individual studying program, which complies with their goals and interests.

• Ample opportunities exist for foreign students to improve Spanish and English skills at a near-native level.

• Spain offers an ideal equilibrium between higher education in Spain fees and the quality of education received.

Beyond the academics, international students can revel in Spain's captivating Mediterranean ambiance.

In the case of obtaining higher education at a foreign university that has entered into an "exchange agreement" with one of the leading universities in Spain, an international student has the right to go to study in Spain in the third, fourth or fifth semesters. Thus, a foreign student receives the status of a student-visitor.

If an international applicant dreams of getting a higher education in Spain in accordance with an exchange program, it is essential to know about the availability of the proposed student exchange program, and how successfully it functions. However, we note that this process of obtaining Spanish higher education is quite difficult and involves some extra activities and only the most persistent and ambitious applicant will achieve his goal!

Higher education can be obtained at different levels, namely bachelor's (Grado), master's (Máster) and doctorate (Doctorado). Foreign students can enter either universities, or higher education institutions, which include business schools and art institutes.

Duration of studying under a bachelor program is 4 years. However, there can be variations depending on the specialty and university. For example, a degree in medicine or engineering may require 5-6 years of study.

The language of study is stipulated by the chosen university and educational course. The most common languages are Spanish and English. In some regions, such as Catalonia, Catalan is also used.

The cost of studying at a Spanish university is stipulated by the type of institution and the program you have chosen. EU residents and non-EU students pay similar fees, with non-EU tuition being only insignificantly higher. At public universities, a bachelor's program usually costs between 680 and 1,280 euros per academic year, while private universities charge between 5,500 and 18,000 euros per academic year. Prices may vary, so please check the current tuition at the university you have chosen.

Yes, foreign students can participate in several scholarship and financial aid programs. The ERASMUS program awards scholarships for exchange students. Additionally, the Spanish government and universities offer their scholarships.

Yes, foreign students are allowed to work in Spain part-time during the academic year. Time of work is limited to 20 hours per week. Full-time work is allowed during the summer holidays. You can work both on and off campus.

To enter a university in Spain, it is necessary to provide a high school diploma (Bachillerato) or equivalent. In addition, foreign students must provide a language certificate of Spanish or English, at least level B2 under the CEFR. Language requirements are stipulated by the educational program and university you have chosen. In some cases, additional documents may be required, which can include letters of recommendation from teachers or a motivational essay in which you mention reasons for enrolling in a specific program.

Job prospects are stipulated by the specialty you have chosen. Spain provides employment opportunities in various industries, including tourism, information technology, healthcare and many others. It is recommended to engage in internships, allowing you to increase your chances while employing.

Yes, foreign students are provided with the opportunity to receive a student visa. You must provide an invitation from the university, confirmation of financial solvency and other necessary documents.

Spanish universities emphasize cultural exchange and academic diversity. Students are engaged in numerous clubs, and research projects, which contribute to enriching their educational experience. The academic atmosphere is usually open and friendly, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and ideas.

Spain has become a popular destination for international students, attracting applicants from across the world to its public and private universities.

Morocco is one of the most important markets — close to 7,000 Moroccan students came to Spain in the 2019/20 academic year. Looking at master's-level enrolment, Latin America clearly dominates with 14,615 students, followed by Asia with 5,050, Northern Africa with 671 and Sub-Saharan Africa with 352.

To broaden this mix, the Spanish government adopted the "Focus Africa 2023" strategy, aiming to attract more students from across Africa and particularly from Sub-Saharan Africa, where current numbers remain low compared with other regions.

Spain has a total of 76 universities, 45 of which are state-funded and 31 are private or run by the Catholic Church. The country's academic tradition runs deep — its oldest institution, the Universidad de Salamanca, dates back to 1218. In 2007 the higher education system was overhauled to adopt the three-cycle structure of the Bologna Process within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

25 Spanish universities are featured in the QS World University Rankings, of which 13 sit within the global top 500. The five highest-ranked institutions all place inside the global top 300:

• Universidad Autónoma de Madrid — 159
• University of Barcelona — 166
• Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona — 193
• Complutense University of Madrid — 206
• University of Navarra — 242

The leading student cities are Madrid, which ranks 32nd among the world's best student cities, along with Barcelona, Valencia, Granada and Seville.

Learning programs-summary information

Top 14 best universities in Switzerland 2026