Upon my extensive research and engaging discussions with numerous students who have studied in Spain, I have come to realize that this Southern European country offers a unique learning experience to Indian and international students alike.
The country attracted over 2,00,000 million students in 2023, owing to its ideal environment for higher education. Here, I have provided a comprehensive guide to help you understand the education system of the country, top scholarships, and more.
If you wish to study in Spain, read on to learn more about this culturally diverse country.
Every year, Spain welcomes large numbers of study abroad from all over the world. Whether you go for a short-term course or a degree program, getting to know Spain’s quality of life and adapting to its culture is worth considering.
Some reasons why Indian students choose to study in Spain are:
1. Quality Education
Spain has a well-organized educational system and offers excellent opportunities to students pursuing a course in any field. The country secured the 17th spot in the Best Countries for Education 2023 list by the U.S. News & World Report.
The academic structure of the country provides ample learning opportunities. It prepares students for real-life experiences, and the education system reflects the same in totality.
Hence, a large number of international students flock from various countries for higher studies in Spain.
2. Home to Well-Known Universities
Being home to the most renowned universities in the world, Spain provides a wide range of opportunities for international students. These universities offer both undergraduate and postgraduate programs to students.
Around 35 Spanish universities have ranked on the QS World University Rankings 2025, signifying the region’s strong presence in the European educational landscape.
3. Cost-Effective
In terms of affordability, cities in Spain are usually less expensive than those in other European countries. Some of the most economical cities in Spain are Bilbao, Valencia, Granada, Alicante, Cordoba, Santiago De Compostela, Cadiz, Palma De Mallorca, etc.
These cities offer affordable accommodation and recreational activities options, making living costs more reasonable. Your monthly spending in Spain will be around €2,480, excluding rent.
4.Fascinating History
Spain has witnessed many significant historical events from the ‘Golden age’ to the War of Independence. Students can feel the history of Spain embedded in every building, street, and architecture.
Spanish architecture is fascinating in several ways and is influenced by the Romans and the Moors. The breathtaking monuments with fine detailing make Spain a country full of history and beauty.
You will find elegant features, along with Baroque and Renaissance details, in many of the Spanish historical buildings and famous monuments.
5. Best Cuisine in Europe
Besides a luxurious lifestyle, another aspect that makes Spain widely known is its cuisine. Spanish cuisine has developed over the centuries into delicious dishes made from natural ingredients from all parts of the country.
Students get a chance to not only enjoy the Spanish cuisine but learn to cook the same. A few Spanish traditional dishes which include an abundance of cheese are Mahón, Herreño Manchego, semi-curado, Arzúa-Ulloa and Cabrales
6. Chance to Learn Spanish
Spanish is a language you learn in a short period when you visit Spain for your studies. Being the second most widely spoken language globally, Spanish is easier to learn than other languages.
Though there may be some complexities in grammar, it is comparatively easy if you are an English speaker. Even the basics of the language can help students improve their knowledge and skill.
7. English-taught Courses
This is probably the most beneficial factor attracting English speakers to Spain from all over the world. You don’t need to worry if you are not familiar with Spanish, as you can find plenty of course options taught in English.
However, some bilingual programs are offered in English and Spanish. Students can also opt for them if they choose the option after reaching the country and grasping proficiency in the Spanish language.
Source: Official website of THE ranking 2023
Top Universities of Spain as per QS World University Rankings 2025
Some of the best Spanish universities for international students are:
University
Location
Ranking
Complutense University of Madrid
Madrid
164
Universitat de Barcelona
Barcelona
165
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Barcelona
175
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Madrid
198
University of Navarra
Pamplona
249
Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona)
Barcelona
265
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M)
Madrid
285
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)
Madrid
321
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech (UPC)
Barcelona
371
University of Granada
Granada
431
Education System in Spain
The Spanish education system is compulsory and free for all children aged between 6 and 16 years. The school education has four stages – Pre-school (for children under the age of six), Primary (from Grade 1 to Grade 6), Secondary (From Grade 7 to Grade 10), and Post-16 Education (Grade 11 and 12).
The country has both public and private schools and universities. There are 89 universities in Spain, most of which are supported by state funding. Around 50 universities are public and 24 Spanish universities are private.
Requirements to Study in Spain for Indian Students
Students looking to pursue their higher education in Spain must fulfill the following academic requirements:
You must have completed your high school education from a recognized board in your home country.I n some cases, you will be asked to take university entrance exams such as the UNED Specific Skills Test(PCE) and EBAU/PAU.
To apply to a master’s program, you must have completed a bachelor’s or 3-year diploma.
Most courses will require an IELTS score of at least 5.5 and a TOEFL iBT score of 80 as proof of English proficiency.
Average Tuition Fee Cost in Spain
For Bachelor Programs
The tuition fees for Bachelor’s programs in Spain range from €1,200 to €4,000 per year
For Master Programs
The tuition fees for Master’s programs in Spain is between €2,700 to €3,900 per year.
Being home to over 35 top-ranked universities in the world, studying in Spain provides a wide range of courses for international students. The most prominent of them are :
1. Courses for Natural Science
The courses offered in natural science open a wide range of opportunities for students in research and other respective science fields.
Some of the universities of Spain that provide courses in natural sciences are:
University
Location
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Natural Sciences
Universitat de Barcelona
Barcelona
59
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Madrid
85
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Barcelona
118
Complutense University of Madrid
Madrid
Madrid
191
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech (UPC)
These courses are best for students interested in learning how to manage the guests at hotels and restaurants. They aim to teach students about every aspect of the hospitality industry. Courses of tourism and event management also fall under the same category.
One of the factors that makes this an ideal course to pursue in Spain is the demand for hospitality and tourism in Spain. Some top universities that provide courses in hospitality are:
University
Location
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Hospitality & Leisure Management
EUHT StPOL Barcelona - Sant Pol School of Hospitality and Culinary Management
Sant Pol de Mar
16
CETT Barcelona School of Tourism, Hospitality and Gastronomy
Arts and humanities are one the most popular disciplines taught in Spain. The highly ranked universities in Spain offer some of the best courses in this discipline.
Generally, the discipline consists of fine and performing arts and the courses related to Humanities. The top universities in Spain to study Arts and Humanities as per the QS World University rankings are:
University
Location
QSWorld University Rankings by Subject 2024: Arts and Humanities
Though the living expenses depend on the city you choose to reside in Spain, the average cost of living in Spain for a student will range from EUR 900 to EUR 1,000, including rent, utilities, food, and other miscellaneous expenses. Some of the most student-friendly cities to live in are Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia.
Student housing may cost anywhere from EUR 300-350 a month. Sharing a rented apartment may cost you around EUR 400-500. Fruits and vegetables are inexpensive in Spain, so cooking your own food will save you a lot of money. You will spend around EUR 80-100 on groceries every week.
The Spanish Government, as well as universities, provide several scholarships – partially and fully funded – to international students.
Spain Government Scholarships:
The Ministry of Education grants scholarships at undergraduate, graduate and PhD level. The grant may cover full tuition fee as well as living allowance.
European University of the Atlantic:
Undergraduate students get funding from the European University of the Atlantic based on their academic achievements. The scholarship will cover the entire tuition fee.
CIEE Scholarships and Grants:
The CIEE’s need-based grants help students who are unable to study abroad due to financial hardships. The Gilman Go Global Grant provides students with $2,500 for semester program fees or $1,000 for summer program costs.
UIC Barcelona Academic Excellence Scholarship:
The university offers a 20%--80% waiver on the enrollment fees for each academic year for bachelor’s program.
Spanish Student Visa Requirements
Students need to have a student visa to study in Spain. Even though citizens of many countries are eligible to travel to Spain without a visa, residents of some countries will have to get a student visa to pursue higher studies in Spain.
The types of student visas for international students in Spain
1. Schengen Student Visa
A Student Schengen Visa is a permit to enter the Schengen Zone. It is provided to the third-country nationals who wish to stay in any of the member states of the European Union for shorter durations in order to fulfill their study-related purposes. This visa allows students to stay in the Schengen territory for 3 months.
If your study program or training course is longer than three months, you should apply for a Long-Stay Study Visa.
2.Student Visa
The Spanish Student Visa allows you to pursue courses that are longer than 90 days. The application process for this visa demands more paperwork than the previously explained visas. The procedure to apply for this visa involves providing proof of financial funds and medical insurance along with the visa application.
Once you get a long-term Spanish student visa, you will also need to apply for a Foreigner Identity card within a month after arrival.
Documents required for a Spanish student visa depend on many factors, one being the country of your origin. Generally, the set of documents required for your student visa application are:
Two correctly completed application forms
Valid passport
Identification card (ID card)
Two recent passport size photographs
Letter of admission from the selected university
Proof of health insurance
Evidence of sufficient funds
Account statement from your bank
Document Proving that you have been awarded a scholarship, if applicable
Notarized letter from parents or legal guardian
Letter from university/school
Proof that you have paid the fees of the university
Medical certificate
Certificate of criminal record (not more than three months old).
In Spain, you are eligible to apply for a post-study work visa after completing your studies. Based on this visa, you can stay in Spain for one year and look for a job. However, make sure that you apply for this transitory residence permit at least 60 days before the expiry of your student visa.
The documents required to apply for a post-study work visa are:
Proof that you have completed your studies- Degree completion certificate (bachelors, masters, diploma)
Proof of finances (to show that you can support yourself during your study in Spain)
Health insurance covers the duration of your stay.
Fee payment confirmation.
During one year, your focus should be on securing a job. Once you successfully get a full-time employment contract, you should initiate the process of obtaining a work permit to begin working.
How to get PR in Spain After Study
You are eligible to apply for permanent residency in Spain if you have continuously stayed there for five years.
What is the Process of Getting a PR
Once you submit your application for permanent residency, it goes to your local police authorities. They look into your application and forward it to the Ministry of Interior responsible for handling the immigration services in Spain.
Requirements for Getting PR in Spain
For Non-EU Nationals
If you are a non-EU national who wants to get a permanent residency in Spain, you must have legally lived in Spain with an NIE number for five years.
What is an NIE number?
The NIE number is the legal number assigned by the Spanish National Police foreign residents to perform certain legal activities in Spain. These activities include:
Opening a bank account in Spain
Being legally employed
Paying taxes in Spain
Purchasing or selling property in Spain
Purchasing or selling motor vehicles
Being self-employed in Spain
Starting a business in Spain
Studying in Spain
Getting a driver’s license in Spain
Arranging utilities in Spain
To apply for a PR in Spain, you must hold either of the following types of visas:
Work Visa: This visa is usually given to people over 16 to work as employees in the country. The applicant must have a valid passport and work contract.
Non-working(non-lucrative residence visa): This visa allows applicants to stay in the country without any work contracts, provided they have sufficient funds to survive.
The other criteria you must meet include:
Proof that you have enough financial resources to support yourself
Proof that you have health insurance that is legal in Spain
For EU Nationals
If you are an EU citizen, you still need to live in Spain for 5 years to apply for a permanent residency.
How to apply for permanent residency in Spain
Once you have lived in Spain for the required number of years, applying for a permanent residency (PR) becomes easy. You can take the application form and required documents to your local police station in Spain.
In some cases, you can directly visit the immigration department to apply for a PR. However, you must apply around three months before your current visa or permit expires. The documents required to apply for a PR are:
Your current passport and residency permit
Proof of residence in Spain (rental agreement)
Medical certificate and Health insurance
Proof that you lived in Spain for five years (tax returns or payrolls)
If your application for a PR gets approved, you will get an official notification. After this, you can visit your local police station to submit your fingerprints to complete the application process.
Then, within a month, you will have to go back to the police station to collect your permanent resident card.
In conclusion, the prospect of studying in Spain in 2024 continues to be an enticing opportunity for Indian and international students alike. With its rich cultural heritage, diverse academic programs, and welcoming atmosphere, Spain offers a unique educational experience.
FAQs on Study in Spain
Can I study in Spain without IELTS?
Yes, you can study in Spain without IELTS. Since Spain offers both Spanish and English-taught programs, some universities allow students to enroll in English-taught programs without IELTS. However, it is always better to go through the university website.
How much does it cost to study abroad in Spain?
On average, the yearly cost of studying in Spain for bachelor’s programs ranges between
€1,200 to €4,000 per year, whereas for master’s programs, it ranges from €2,700 to €3,900 per year.
Why study in Spain?
There are plenty of reasons to choose Spain as your study destination. Some of the top reasons include the country’s affordability, multiple locations to choose from, cuisine, fascinating history and culture, quality of education, globally recognized universities, English-taught courses, and a chance to learn the Spanish language.
What are the study requirements in Spain?
The foremost requirement to study in Spain is a student visa. Students must have certain documents to apply for a student visa.
Some of these documents include a valid passport, id proof, letter of application from the selected university, proof of sufficient funds, health insurance, medical certificates, and many more.
How to get a PR in Spain after study?
To apply for a PR in Spain after completing your studies you must provide certain documents such as your current passport and residency permit, proof of residence in Spain (rental agreement), medical certificate and health insurance and proof that you have lived in Spain for five years.
Is education free in Spain for Indian students?
Though education is not free for Indian students in Spain, you can study in the country for affordable costs. The average tuition fee is €1,000 (INR 85,789) per year at public universities.
How do I get a scholarship for Indian students in Spain?
You can go through several scholarship official websites and apply on the universities’ websites to obtain scholarships for your studies in Spain.
She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!
Urvi has 3 years of experience as a content writer and marketer. Over years, she has established herself as a study-abroad expert and is adept at crafting compelling and engaging content for students. Self-driven and passionate professional, she likes writing poetry and has authored a poetry book ‘Thoughts of a Wallflower’.
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