Studying abroad in Spain is becoming an appealing choice for international students. Known for its reputable education system and affordable living costs compared to many other European nations, Spain also boasts a comfortable standard of living. With Spanish ranking as the world’s second most-spoken business language, pursuing studies in Spain offers the dual benefits of enhancing language skills and accessing top-tier education.
An increasing number of Spanish universities are introducing English-taught programs, making the country an even more attractive destination for international students. Students can immerse themselves in a dynamic university experience, enjoy the Mediterranean’s sunny climate, and explore a culture celebrated for its stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and rich traditions.
Spain’s educational framework is well-structured and widely respected. While many public universities offer courses primarily in Spanish, a growing number of institutions, including private universities, now provide English-language programs, further broadening opportunities for global students.
Quality Education: Spain boasts a high-quality education system with universities recognised globally for their academic rigour and diverse programs, ensuring a balance between theory and practice.
Cultural Richness: The country offers a vibrant cultural experience, rich in history, traditions, and festivals, allowing students to immerse themselves in a unique lifestyle.
Language Proficiency: Studying in Spain provides an excellent opportunity to learn or improve Spanish, the second most spoken language worldwide, enhancing employability prospects.
Affordable Living Costs: Compared to other Western European countries, Spain offers a lower cost of living while maintaining high educational standards, making it an attractive option for students.
Diverse Student Community: Spanish universities attract a multicultural student body, fostering international networking and collaboration opportunities.
Strong Industry Connections: Many institutions have ties with local industries, providing students with valuable internship and job opportunities post-graduation.
Geographical Advantage: Spain's location allows easy travel to other European countries, enriching the study abroad experience.
Growing Job Market: There is a demand for skilled workers in sectors like tourism, renewable energy, and technology, making Spain an appealing destination for job seekers.
Innovative Teaching Methods: Spanish universities embrace modern teaching techniques that encourage interactive learning and research opportunities46.
Here are some of the best cities in Spain to study, known for their universities and vibrant student life:
Each city has its own unique charm, culture, and academic strengths.
|
University Name |
Average Fees (Euros) |
|
University of Barcelona |
4,000 - 5,770 |
|
Autonomous University of Madrid |
2,000 - 6,840 |
|
Complutense University of Madrid |
2,200 - 3,000 |
|
University of Navarra |
10,246 - 16,991 |
|
University of Granada |
2,300 |
The fees can vary based on the specific program and whether the university is public or private.
When evaluating university applications, the most important factors often include academic performance (GPA and course rigour), standardised test scores (if required), and extracurricular involvement. Admissions committees also value personal essays that reflect individuality, resilience, and intellectual curiosity. Letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors provide insights into a student’s character and potential. Additionally, demonstrated interest in the institution, leadership experiences, and unique talents or achievements can significantly enhance an application, showcasing the candidate's readiness to contribute to the university community.
Applying to Spanish universities involves several steps, depending on whether you're an EU or non-EU student and whether you're applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate program. Below is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Research Your Options
Choose a Program and University
Explore the programs offered by Spanish universities. Popular universities include the University of Barcelona, Complutense University of Madrid, and the Autonomous University of Madrid.
Check the official university websites for detailed information on courses, tuition fees, and admission requirements.
Understand Language Requirements
Most undergraduate programs are in Spanish, while many postgraduate programs are offered in English.
Check whether you need to prove proficiency in Spanish (DELE or SIELE certification) or English (TOEFL or IELTS).
Step 2: Verify Eligibility
For Undergraduate Programs (Grado)
Ensure your secondary education qualifications are recognized in Spain. EU students can use their high school diploma, but non-EU students may need to validate their qualifications through the UNEDasiss (Spanish Distance Education University).
For Postgraduate Programs (Master's or Ph.D.)
Check the academic prerequisites for the program. Usually, a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) is required. Your degree may need validation through the university or the Spanish Ministry of Education.
Step 3: Prepare Application Documents
Commonly Required Documents:
Passport or National ID
Academic transcripts and diploma
Proof of language proficiency
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Motivation letter
Letters of recommendation (if applicable)
Portfolio (for arts-related programs)
Official Translations:
If your documents are not in Spanish, you may need to provide certified translations by a sworn translator.
Step 4: Submit Applications
Undergraduate Applicants:
Apply through the Spanish university's online portal or regional system (e.g., Acceso Universidad in certain regions).
Non-EU students may need to process their application through UNEDasiss.
Postgraduate Applicants:
Apply directly via the university’s postgraduate application portal.
Deadlines:
Undergraduate applications are typically open from February to June.
Postgraduate deadlines vary by university but usually fall between March and June.
Step 5: Pay Application Fees
Some universities charge application fees, which you must pay to process your application.
Step 6: Wait for the Admission Decision
You’ll receive an official notification of admission via email or the university’s portal.
Step 7: Apply for a Student Visa (Non-EU Students)
Required Documents for Visa:
Letter of acceptance from the university
Proof of financial means
Health insurance covering your stay
Valid passport
Proof of accommodation in Spain
Apply for a visa at the Spanish consulate.
Step 8: Arrange Accommodation
Look for university dormitories, shared apartments, or private housing.
Some universities offer help with accommodation.
Step 9: Register at the University
Once in Spain, finalise your enrollment by submitting the required documents in person and paying tuition fees.
Step 10: Obtain a Foreigner's Identity Card (TIE)
Within 30 days of arriving in Spain, register at the nearest immigration office to get your Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE).
Step 11: Begin Your Studies
Attend orientation sessions and enjoy your academic journey in Spain!
To study in Spain, Indian students must fulfil several requirements, including obtaining a student visa and meeting specific educational prerequisites. Here’s a concise list of the key requirements:
Educational Requirements
High School Certificate: For undergraduate programs, students must provide their high school diploma and transcripts.
Bachelor's Degree: For master's programs, a completed bachelor's degree certificate is necessary.
Language Proficiency: Proof of proficiency in English (through tests like IELTS or TOEFL) and Spanish (DELE Test for Spanish-taught programs) is required.
Visa Requirements
Student Visa: A type D student visa is mandatory for courses longer than six months. For shorter courses (3-6 months), a type C visa may be applicable.
Admission Letter: A letter of acceptance from a recognised Spanish educational institution is needed.
Proof of Accommodation: Documentation such as rental agreements or hotel bookings must be submitted.
Financial Proof: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover living expenses, typically around INR 6.5 lakhs, through bank statements or income tax returns.
Health Insurance: Valid health insurance covering the duration of stay in Spain is required.
Medical Certificate: A certificate confirming no serious public health issues is necessary for stays longer than six months.
Criminal Record Check: A police clearance certificate showing no criminal record in the last five years is needed for long-term visas.
Additional Documentation
Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least one year beyond the intended stay.
Passport Photos: Normally, the requirement is two recent passport-sized photographs.
Visa Application Form: Completed and signed application form for the student visa.
These requirements ensure that students are prepared for their academic journey in Spain while complying with immigration regulations.
|
Expense Type |
Average Monthly Cost in Euro (Approximately) |
|
Accommodation |
€850 - €1,300 |
|
Transport |
€40 - €85 |
|
Food |
€200 - €300 |
|
Utilities |
€80 - €120 |
|
Healthcare |
€50 - €100 |
|
Miscellaneous |
€30 - €60 |
Overall, monthly living expenses for Indian students in Spain typically range from €700 to €1,300, depending on lifestyle and location choices. Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona tend to be on the higher end of this spectrum due to the increased costs of accommodation and daily living.
I was extremely confused about what my next career steps would be when I first approached Karan sir for my next couple of meetings with him. I began to get a lot more clarity he helped me get and of my apprehensions. The entire KGC team has been extremely helpful. They have helped me throughout the application process from school shortlisting, editing of essays, mock interviews to final submission. The prompt and professional approach of KGC has helped me obtain offices from 5 schools, something that I wasn’t expecting at all. Sir and his team have always been approachable throughout the process. I know that help was only a phone call away whenever I needed it, I am extremely happy with KGC and am grateful to them for helping me get admission to a school of my choice. What stood out for me was the personal touch and hands-on approach that sir had throughout the process, be it personally going through my essays, recommendations based on his understanding of me, or promptly replying to even the slightest doubt that I may have had.
Harsheel was in a dilemma regarding the course and university that he could apply to. Through Dr. Gupta's personalised step by step guidance and regular support from the KGC Team, he got into IE University in Spain for his MBA.
Some images and names in the reviews have been changed to protect the privacy of the concerned.
This table summarises popular courses to study in Spain along with their average tuition fees. The fees can vary significantly based on the university and the specific program.
|
Course |
Average Fees (in Euros) |
|
Bachelor's in Management |
€1,000 - €18,000 |
|
Bachelor's in Computer Science |
€1,500 - €6,000 |
|
Bachelor's in Arts and Humanities |
€3,840 - €18,000 |
|
Bachelor's in Hospitality Management |
€5,050 - €6,750 |
|
Bachelor's in Fine Arts |
€5,413 - €11,600 |
|
Master's in Business Administration (MBA) |
€21,000 - €30,000 |
|
Master's in Data Science |
€6,000 - €14,000 |
|
Master's in Architecture (MArch) |
€6,000 - €14,000 |
|
Master's in International Business |
€15,600 - €30,000 |
|
Master's in User Experience Design |
€6,816 - €11,600 |
The first step is university selection. Based on your profile and the course you wish to study, Dr Gupta will personally mark a list of universities for you. Keeping this list in mind, we will be able to determine the requirements for applications. After you have finalized your university list, you can move on to the next step.
A few months after your application has been submitted, universities will get back to you with their answers. You will be notified over email or university website about the outcome of your application. We will discuss these outcomes with you in detail and keep your priorities in mind, we will arrive at the university which you will be attending.
Once your visa application is accepted, before you leave to study abroad we have a pre departure workshop where we talk to you about insurance, loans, ticketing, medical requirements and other issues. The pre-departure session along with a networking session will help you prepare for every aspect of studying abroad you will initially come across when you fly to your university.
The state-run universities offer free education, even for international students. To qualify you may need to take a course taught in Spanish, although there may be exceptions. Seek advice from an admissions specialist.
Average tuition fees at private universities are around €20,000 and average living expenses are around €10,000 per year. Some sought-after postgraduate programs such as MBAs at the prestigious business institutes will have higher fees.
If you choose to apply to a private university in Spain then some scholarships, bursaries and assistance programs are available. Competition for awards is high, and the awarding bodies will take into account all aspects of a student’s circumstances, academic record, extracurricular achievements and more. To maximize the chances of winning funding for your studies take expert advice on how to present a strong application.
Indian students can apply to state banks for an educational loan of up to Rs.2.5 Million, although be aware you may have to provide security for the loan of up to 100%. Also before entering into a 5 to 7 year financial commitment makes sure you have taken appropriate advice and have chosen the right course and institution for you.
When planning to study in Spain, it is essential to consider the living expenses, which can vary significantly based on the city and lifestyle. Here is a breakdown of the average monthly costs that Indian students can expect:
|
Expense Type |
Average Monthly Cost in Euro (Approx) |
|
Accommodation |
€300 - €1,500 |
|
Food |
€150 - €400 |
|
Transportation |
€40 - €85 |
|
Utilities |
€80 - €200 |
|
Healthcare |
€50 - €100 |
|
Miscellaneous |
€30 - €60 |
Overview of Costs
Accommodation: Depending on the city, accommodation can range from €300 for shared apartments to over €1,500 for private rentals in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona.
Food: Monthly food expenses typically fall between €150 and €400, depending on dietary preferences and eating habits.
Transportation: Public transport costs can vary from about €40 to €85 monthly, depending on the city and usage.
Utilities: Monthly utility bills (including electricity, heating, and internet) generally range from €80 to €200.
Healthcare: Students may need to budget around €50 to €100 for health insurance or medical expenses.
Miscellaneous: Additional expenses for entertainment and personal items can add another €30 to €60.
These estimates provide a general guideline for budgeting as an international student in Spain. The total monthly living expenses can range from approximately €700 to €1,300, depending on individual choices and city of residence.
Did you know that the national anthem of Spain has no words in it?
Spain is the hub of culture and history in Europe and the world. It is the place to be if you wish to focus on Spanish language and history majors. It is in the EU which makes it easier to travel to closeby Schengen countries without restrictions. It is a comparatively cheaper & more economic option to study in although you will need to know basic Spanish to get by even if your course may be in English.
The Spanish student visa takes a very long time to process so the students should consider applying as early as possible and give the visa at least 60 days to process. Along with the usual documents for the visa application like financial statements, income tax papers and other assets, you need a Police Clearance Certificate from any country you have lived in for more than 5 years, and a health certificate. All student visas for Spain are approved from the main Madrid office so apply as much in advance as possible.
Overseas students can work in Spain once they have been hired by a local company – it is then the employer who sponsors the full-time work permit giving permission to work in Spain. It is difficult for non-EU citizens to obtain work in Spain, so pay particular attention to your choice of course and university to maximize your employment potential there once you graduate. If you’re unsure as to the best choices then an educational consultant can help.
The job market in Spain is experiencing growth across various sectors. Notably, roles in cybersecurity and healthcare are particularly in demand due to ongoing skills shortages. The hospitality sector is also expected to see significant hiring as it recovers from pandemic impacts.
|
Sector |
Approximate Annual Salary (€) |
|
Information Technology (IT) |
32,000 – 45,000 |
|
Engineering |
30,000 – 40,000 |
|
Healthcare (Doctors) |
45,000 – 70,000 |
|
Healthcare (Nurses) |
24,000 – 35,000 |
|
Financial Services |
35,000 – 50,000 |
|
Cybersecurity |
50,000 – 80,000 |
|
Sales and Marketing |
25,000 – 40,000 |
|
Hospitality and Tourism |
18,000 – 25,000 |
|
Construction |
20,000 – 30,000 |
|
Logistics and Transport |
22,000 – 30,000 |
|
Renewable Energy |
30,000 – 50,000 |
|
Cloud Solutions Architect |
65,000 – 80,000 |
|
Telecommunications |
30,000 – 45,000 |
|
Human Resources |
25,000 – 40,000 |
You don’t have to be fluent but you will need to know the language to get by. You will find courses that are in English and not necessarily need it for coursework but you will have to know it for every other aspect of your life.
Students need to take GMAT/GRE and language tests such as IELTS for courses taught in the English language depending on specific university requirements. However, Spanish language tests like Diplomas de Espanol como Lengua Extranjera (DELE) are needed to pursue a degree in Spanish.
It is recommended to have some level of fluency in the Spanish language which makes it easier for students to interact with locals and explore the city that they are living in. Spain is considered to be affordable as compared to living in London, Milan or Paris. Students can explore living on-campus, off-campus as well as homestays with Spanish families. However, the living expenses are higher in cities like Madrid and Barcelona as compared to smaller cities. Spain has a rich cultural heritage (cuisine, festivals, museums, monuments, beaches, nightlife) which can be explored by tourists and students alike.
ASK OUR CHATBOT 
