There are more than 70 universities in Spain: 40 of them are public, 20 are private, some are Catholic (about 90% of the country's population are Catholics). The Spanish university system dates back to the Middle Ages: its oldest university is the University of Salamanca, founded in 1218. Today it is one of the most prestigious educational institutions in Spain, where more than 30,000 students study, about 4,000 of them are foreigners.
Spain is located in the south-west of Europe, its area is more than 500,000 km², it is the fourth largest country on the continent. The capital of Spain is Madrid, the population of the country reaches 45 million people.
Advantages of Master's degree in Spain
- Spanish educational institutions offer formal and unofficial master's programs. Official programs are recognized and accredited by the Spanish government, allow the graduate to obtain a doctoral degree, and unofficial ones are not recognized by the government. The Spanish Consejo de Universidades sets guidelines for the work of universities, determines the conditions of postgraduate education, which qualifications are officially recognized, checks the standards of universities.
- There are several historical, respected educational institutions in Spain, and one of the best places to look for a master's program is Barcelona. The city has a long tradition of studying art and design, and there is a growing number of highly rated schools offering courses in business and economics, such as the Higher School of Economics of Barcelona.
- If you are heading south from Northern Europe, then appreciate the attractiveness of Spain's climate. It is a popular holiday destination: Barcelona is right on the seafront, so it is popular among international students. Moving into the interior of the country, you will get acquainted with the fabulous Spanish culture, try the famous Spanish wines, visit numerous festivals. After China and Italy, the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites is concentrated here.
- Accommodation, meals, transportation costs in Spain are cheaper than in most of Europe. Expensive will cost except that rent on the territory of Barcelona, Madrid, visiting the tourist attractions of Mallorca.
- Learning a new language is always an advantage, and Spanish is in demand all over the world: it is spoken in Europe, North and South America. In total, more than 400 million people speak Spanish, which exceeds the total number of native English speakers.
- Many universities have links with other educational institutions in North and South America, the Caribbean. Studying here allows you to travel by car and train to see most of this diverse continent. Visiting neighboring France and Portugal gives you the opportunity to see other cultures, try the local cuisine on weekends, during the holidays.
Requirements for foreign candidates in Spain
Requirements for undergraduates of Spanish universities:
- Baccalaureate
- Application (submitted directly to the selected university)
- Application fee
- Copy of visa (residence permit, student visa).
When entering the master's course, the applicant must have 60 credits (credits).
The information is provided in Spanish, an official, notarized translation is required. Applications for admission, documents for obtaining a visa, transcripts, translations are sent in advance, at least 9 months before the start date of classes.
International universities in Spain
Spain's leading higher education institutions welcome many foreign students every year. Especially many international students visit:
- Universidad de Alcalá
- Universidad de Navarra
- Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)
Scott Oushart, a professor at the University of Navarre's Faculty of Law, says international reach and diversity are key values. "A multicultural contingent is a productive, effective, educated student community," he said. This allows us to form a global worldview, acquire broad intercultural competencies, and benefit from intercultural dialogue.
Jorge Gutierrez Breñosa, coordinator of international relations at the CESINE University Center, notes that attracting masters from outside Spain is one of the top priorities for the institution, providing an international environment.
CESINE is one of the universities in Spain offering programs with teaching in English. Spain aims to capture a large share of the international student market, so it has identified teaching in English as part of a national higher education strategy. A large number of courses taught in English will increase the attractiveness of the country as an educational center, but for many foreign students, the opportunity to learn to speak Spanish is quite attractive.
Popular Master's Programs in Spain
One of the most popular areas of the Spanish magistracy is law. Madrid schools offer several very popular law courses for those who want to work as a lawyer, civil servant, get a European qualification of a lawyer.
Legal system of the European Union
Students from all over the world take this course as it provides a basic knowledge of the legal system of European countries, an understanding of how the entire legal process of European countries works.
International criminal law
At the end of this course, the student will gain knowledge about the development of the international criminal process, the criminal justice system. It is divided into two parts:
- study of a special approach to law,
- study of the traditions of civil law in comparison with common law.
The course helps to understand how and why these legal procedures were developed.
Arts, humanities
A degree in art and humanities will allow you to work in various fields. Popular options: English, history, fine arts. After successful completion of the courses for a degree in the humanities and passing the exam, it is necessary to write a final research dissertation.
Popular courses for those who want to get a degree in arts, humanities:
- Western American literature
- Spanish literature
- Fundamentals of Philosophy
- Environmental Ethics
- Popular music.
Marketing
Today, companies need modern, skilled marketing professionals to implement creative changes – from effectively using social media marketing to understanding your target audience.
Vacancies occupied by graduates with a degree in marketing:
- Marketing Consultant
- Financial Analyst
- Advertising Manager
- Account Manager
- Product Manager.
EU Business School, Spain offers Marketing, MMart, an online Master's course lasting 1 year. Price – 13 800€/year.
MBA in Spain
Obtaining an MBA degree in Spain is in demand due to the high ratings of experts, the outstanding quality that the country's business schools have maintained over the past five to six decades.
The cost of studying for Master's courses in Spain
Students of universities in Spain pay for tuition on loans. The cost of the master's program is about 20 euros per loan, the master's course includes 90-120 credits.
Private universities are more expensive than public ones, foreign students pay from 6000 € / year at a private university.
The best Master's programs in Spain and tuition fees
| University | Program | Tuition fees |
| From 24 300€/year | |
| from 24 300€/year | |
| From 16 800€/year | |
| From 3000€/year | |
| From 3000€/year
| |
| From 11 440€/year | |
|
| |
| From 10 080€/year | |
| From 13 800€/year |
Learning format
Most universities in Spain study according to a two-semester system:
- the first semester begins in mid-September-early October and ends in early January
- the second begins after the exams on the first of February and ends in May.
- Exams – January, June.
Educational institutions celebrate all federal holidays, offer many extracurricular activities, ranging from theatrical performances to cooking, sports.
Student visa in Spain
Citizens of any non-EU country require a visa with a stamp on their passport if they want to stay in Spain for more than 90 days – it must be obtained in the country of residence before your departure. The student visa will be valid for 90 days from the date of entry, then undergraduates need to contact the local authorities of the area where they live to obtain a Spanish student residency card. The Spanish Student Residence Card is valid as long as you study in the country. Personal appearance is required to submit documentation.
To apply for a Spanish Student Residency Card, you must provide:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Four recent passport photos.
- Letter addressed to the Consulate General, confirming the admission to the official Spanish university for full-time education.
- A letter from your previous place of study confirming that you have paid for your studies.
- Medical certificate: you are healthy, do not suffer from infectious diseases, drug addiction, mental illness.
Proof of financial solvency
Applicants confirm the ability to pay the cost of studying, to cover the cost of living in Spain (at least 350 € / month) in one of the following ways:
- Spanish bank account with a minimum balance of 350€/month.
- Letter from parents to assume full financial responsibility
The number of credits required will vary, but ranges from 60-120€ / semester. Once a degree has been obtained, it is valid in all countries approved by the EHEA.
The doctoral studies of the Spanish University are divided into two different parts: the first includes 60 credits, and the second part is a study related to obtaining a degree.
Medical insurance for masters in Spain
For international students under the age of 28 after enrollment, a student health insurance plan is available to cover on-campus accidents, family circumstances, and illnesses. Persons over the age of 28 are protected by the national health system, which entitles foreign nationals legally residing in Spain to social security services.
If you have a Certificado de Empadronamiento (an official certificate confirming your registration in a Spanish city, district, community), you are entitled to receive emergency care at any public hospital.
