Study in Spain

Spain offers:

• Internationally recognised European qualifications
• Affordable public university fees
• More than 800 programmes taught fully or partly in English
• Strong programmes in business, tourism, engineering, medicine, architecture and the arts
• Opportunities to learn Spanish
• A multicultural student environment
• Part-time employment opportunities
• Access to the wider European education and travel environment

Students can study at:

• Public universities
• Private universities
• Polytechnic and technical institutions
• Business schools
• Art, music and design schools
• Professional and vocational education institutions
• Spanish-language schools

Applicants should confirm that both the institution and qualification are officially recognised.

The principal university qualifications are:

• Grado: Bachelor’s degree, usually four years
• Máster Universitario: Official master’s degree, usually one or two years
• Doctorado: Doctoral degree, generally three or more years
• Título propio or continuing-education qualification: A university-issued qualification that is not necessarily an official national degree

Students should understand the difference between an official degree and a university- specific qualification before enrolling.

Yes. Spain offers more than 800 programmes taught fully or partly in English, particularly at master’s level.

English-taught bachelor’s degrees are also available, especially in business, tourism, engineering and international relations. Students can explore programmes through the Spanish Service for the Internationalisation of Education.

It depends on the programme.

Spanish-taught courses commonly require at least B2 Spanish, although requirements vary. Universities may accept certificates such as:

• DELE
• SIELE
• University-administered language assessments

English-taught programmes normally require evidence of English proficiency. Learning Spanish remains strongly recommended for everyday life, internships and employment.

Students studying in Catalonia, Galicia or the Basque Country should also check whether parts of the programme are taught in a regional co-official language.

Requirements depend on the level and programme, but commonly include:

• Valid passport
• Academic certificates and transcripts
• Recognised school qualification for bachelor’s entry
• Relevant bachelor’s degree for master’s entry
• Language certificate
• Motivation letter
• CV
• Academic or professional references
• Portfolio or entrance assessment for certain subjects
• Certified translations and legalisation
• Evidence of relevant work experience, where required

The university makes the final admission decision.

The process depends on the applicant’s educational system and chosen university. It may include:

1. 1Recognition or validation of the school qualification
2. 2Obtaining a university-access accreditation
3. 3Applying through UNEDasiss, where required
4. 4Taking Specific Competency Tests—PCEs—if needed
5. 5Applying through a regional university admissions system
6. 6Submitting documents directly to the university

Private universities normally operate their own admissions procedures.

UNEDasiss is an accreditation service used by many Spanish universities to evaluate international school qualifications and support undergraduate admission.

Depending on the applicant’s country and programme, it may:

• Verify the school qualification
• Calculate an admission score
• Confirm subject equivalencies
• Record language accreditation
• Administer Specific Competency Tests

Not every university uses the same UNEDasiss services, so requirements must be checked before applying.

Homologación is the official recognition of a foreign qualification as equivalent to a corresponding Spanish qualification.

For bachelor’s admission, students may need recognition of their school-leaving certificate as equivalent to the Spanish Bachillerato. Recognition may also be required for regulated professional qualifications.

The procedure can take considerable time, so students should begin early. Review Spain’s official qualification-recognition information.

Documents issued outside Spain may require:

• Apostille under the Hague Convention, or consular legalisation
• Official translation into Spanish
• Certified copies
• Verification by the university or relevant authority

Translation and legalisation requirements depend on the issuing country, qualification and purpose of the document.

It depends on the programme and applicant.

Students may need:

• UNEDasiss Specific Competency Tests
• University entrance examinations
• Language assessments
• Interviews
• Portfolios or auditions
• Subject-specific tests

Medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and other competitive programmes normally require very high admission scores.

Students should normally begin preparations 9–12 months before the programme starts.

Many courses begin in September or October, but application deadlines vary by university. International students need additional time for qualification recognition, admission, document legalisation and visa processing.

Fees depend on the institution, region, programme and number of credits.

As a general guide:

• Public bachelor’s programmes: approximately €700–€1,700 per year
• Public master’s programmes: approximately €1,000–€3,500 per year
• Private universities: sometimes up to €20,000 or more per year

Some regions or institutions may charge non-EU students higher rates. See the European Commission’s Spain study profile.

Estimated living costs are approximately:

• Madrid and Barcelona: €1,000–€1,200 per month
• Smaller cities: €700–€900 per month

Students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, insurance, study materials, telephone and personal expenses. Actual costs depend heavily on location and lifestyle.

Yes. Potential funding sources include:

• Spanish Government scholarships
• Regional government grants
• University scholarships
• Erasmus+ and Erasmus Mundus
• Fundación Carolina
• Santander scholarships
• Research and institutional funding
• Scholarships offered by students’ home countries

Eligibility varies by nationality, academic level and programme. Scholarships are competitive and should not be assumed until officially awarded.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens generally do not need a student visa, although registration may be required after arrival.

Most non-EU students need:

• A short-stay visa where applicable for studies lasting up to 90 days
• A long-stay study visa or authorisation for programmes lasting more than 90 days

Applicants must apply through the Spanish consulate responsible for their place of legal residence.

Requirements vary by consulate, but commonly include:

• Completed visa application
• Valid passport
• Admission and tuition-payment evidence
• Evidence of sufficient financial resources
• Proof of suitable health insurance
• Evidence of accommodation, where requested
• Medical certificate for longer stays
• Criminal-record certificate for eligible adult applicants on longer courses
• Academic documents
• Proof of payment of the relevant fees
• Parental authorisation for minors

Foreign public documents may need legalisation and an official Spanish translation.

Students must generally demonstrate funds equivalent to 100% of the monthly IPREM for each month of study.

For 2026, Spanish consular guidance commonly states approximately €600 per month for a student applying alone. Additional funds are required for accompanying family members. Tuition payments may not count towards the required living funds. Applicants must confirm the exact amount and acceptable evidence with their responsible Spanish consulate. See official study-visa guidance.

Yes. Non-EU students generally need public or private health insurance from an insurer authorised to operate in Spain.

The policy should normally provide coverage comparable to Spain’s public health system and remain valid throughout the authorised period. Limited travel insurance may not be sufficient.

EU students should confirm whether they can use a valid European Health Insurance Card or require additional coverage.

The Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero—TIE is the foreign national identity card.

Students whose authorised stay exceeds six months generally need to apply for the TIE after arriving in Spain. The application should normally be made personally within one month of entry. Review Spain’s official international-student guide.

Students may need to:

1. 1Register their local address with the municipality—empadronamiento.
2. 2Apply for the TIE, if required.
3. 3Complete university enrolment.
4. 4Activate health insurance.
5. 5Open a Spanish bank account.
6. 6Obtain a foreigner identity number—NIE.
7. 7Keep their passport, visa and enrolment documents valid.
8. 8Apply for an extension before their authorisation expires.

Students in higher education are generally authorised to work automatically, provided the employment:

• Is compatible with their studies
• Does not exceed 30 hours per week
• Complies with any applicable geographical or occupational restrictions

Other categories of students may need additional work authorisation. See Spain’s official student immigration guide. Part-time earnings should supplement a student’s finances and should not be treated as the principal funding source.

Yes. Students may complete curricular internships forming part of their academic programme. Additional permission may not be required when the placement is included within the recognised course.

Non-curricular placements and employment arrangements may be subject to different conditions.

Eligible family members of higher-education students may apply to accompany them. This can include:

• Spouse
• Registered or qualifying stable partner
• Minor unmarried children
• Certain dependent adult children with disability or health-related support needs

The student must demonstrate additional funds, suitable insurance and proof of the family relationship. Accompanying family members are not automatically granted permission to work.

A significant change of institution or programme may require a new study authorisation rather than a simple notification.

Students should consult their university and immigration office before making any change that could affect the purpose or conditions of their authorised stay.

Eligible graduates who complete at least a bachelor-level higher education qualification may apply for a residence authorisation of up to 24 months to:

• Search for employment appropriate to their qualification, or
• Develop a business project

This job-search authorisation does not itself permit employment. Once a suitable position is secured, the graduate must obtain the appropriate residence and work authorisation. Review the official post-study route.

Some graduates may instead qualify to change directly from student status to an employment or self-employment authorisation.

No. Admission, graduation and post-study residence do not guarantee permanent residence.

Eligibility depends on the type and duration of lawful status, employment, compliance with immigration requirements and the rules in force at the time of application.

Yes. Edu Consultancy can assist with:

• Academic eligibility assessment
• University and programme selection
• English- and Spanish-taught course searches
• University and UNEDasiss applications
• Qualification-recognition guidance
• Document legalisation and translation planning
• Scholarship guidance
• Student-visa documentation
• Accommodation and pre-departure support
• Post-arrival guidance

Call to action: Planning to study in Spain? Book an initial assessment with our education consultants to evaluate your qualifications, identify suitable programmes and understand the admission, financial and visa requirements.

Information updated in August 2026. Admission fees and immigration requirements may change. Applicants should verify final conditions with their university, the responsible Spanish consulate and Spain’s immigration authorities.