List of Universities in Spain: Courses, Fees, Scholarships and Intakes

Last Updated on August 29, 2024

Spain is a highly chosen study destination by international students because of its location, top universities, scholarships for international students, and, obviously, the fiestas and festivals you have heard about! Spain has witnessed a surge in international student enrollment in the last year because of its high educational standards maintained by the Ministry of Spain itself, job opportunities, and ever-welcoming environment.

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In this article, we will discuss all about studying in Spain for international students.

Study in Spain: Key highlights

Why Study at Top Universities in Spain?

Spain offers an immersive educational experience and lets foreigners explore its rich history and culture. The country witnesses thousands of international students relocating to its land worldwide to pursue quality education.

Here are some reasons why you should study in Spain

• Climatic Conditions: If you love summers, Spain is your heaven! So, if you love the sun’s warmth and like to capture the stunning hues of the sky, grab a sangria or sparkling water, and you’re ready to have some of the best moments of your stay. Although the temperature soars above 40 degrees during the summer, the rest of the months offer a pleasant climate, especially in the country’s southern region. The five climatic zones which rule the Spanish land include a warm-summer continental environment, a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, a semi-arid climate, and an oceanic climate.

• Outdoor Activities: Spain offers many outdoor activities for locals and tourists, helping them rejuvenate from their busy schedules. Water lovers can indulge in fun activities such as swimming, banana boating, kayaking, windsurfing, etc. The country maintains an active lifestyle, also a significant reason students choose Spain as a study destination.

• Fiestas: Spain hosts many festivals, keeping alive its deep religious traditions and allowing tourists to get a taste of its customs, which are famous worldwide. If you’re looking for some light fun, you can participate in the world’s most giant tomato fight or the ‘La Tomatina’ festival, which is held in August each year. Another 9-day fest, Semana Grande of Bilbao, is a jolly affair offering concerts, bullfights, performances, exhibitions, and other competitions.

•  Strategic Location: Spain is in the heart of Europe and draws primary international students globally. It offers unparalleled travel and cultural exploration opportunities at the crossroads of Europe and Africa. By train, you can reach France within 7 hours and Morocco within 5 hours.

Education System in Spain

Spain maintains a systematic education system and offers multiple-level degrees to international students.

A bachelor’s degree usually lasts four years, during which students must earn 245 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits to pass. Those with a bachelor’s degree can pursue a master’s degree, which lasts for 1-2 years. Spanish universities follow two grading scales, the 0 to 10 scale being the most commonly observed.

With two semesters, sessions at Spanish universities begin in October and end in June. The country follows the Bologna Process, which has revamped the European teaching methodology. Ministerio de Educion, or Ministry of Education of Spain monitors the country’s education standards.

The nation has higher education institutions which are top-ranked and have earned good reputations all over the world. Some popular ones are the University of Barcelona, the Autonomous University of Madrid, the Complutense University of Madrid, etc. The country also has fantastic business schools, some of which (IE Business School, Esade Business School, etc) are among the top 10 in Europe.

Academic Cycles

• 1^st Cycle: Bachelor’s or UG degree (total ECTS credits: 241)
• 2^nd Cycle: Master’s of PG degree (total ECTS credits: 60-125)
• 3^rd Cycle: PhD or Spanish Doctoral degrees (ECTS credits per academic year: 65)

Although the medium of instruction for most classes in Spain is Spanish, there are many institutes where lessons are taught in English. So, those not well-versed in Spanish or who need help understanding it can opt for diverse English courses offered in private and public universities. For those keenly interested in learning the Spanish language, courses are available that they can pursue before starting their undergraduate studies.

Top Courses in Spain

Every year, thousands of international students move to Spain to study different levels of courses. Students not only experience flexible study conditions but are proud to be a part of such globally acclaimed institutions. Many courses available to Spanish university students offer brilliant growth prospects and future. 

Some of the top courses in Spain include:

Level Wise Costs to Study in Spain

Due to its low and affordable tuition fees, Spain has become recognised as one of the favourite study destinations for budget-minded international students. The amount you will have to shell out will also depend upon a few other factors, such as the university, place, type of programme, and the institute’s reputation. If you’re looking forward to studying at a public university, you may have to spend between 2,000 and 3,500 Euros annually.

5 Top Universities in Spain for International Students

According to the QS World Ranking 2025, seven Spanish universities are ranked within the top 300 universities in the world.

1. The University of Barcelona

One of Spain’s oldest and most prestigious universities, the University of Barcelona was founded in 1450. With over 61,000 students, including more than 12,100 international students from 120 countries, the University of Barcelona offers a diverse learning environment.

The university comprises 17 faculties and nine affiliated centres, offering over 400 graduate and postgraduate programmes across various disciplines.

Top Courses Offered at the University of Barcelona to Study in Spain

• Medicine
• Economics and Business
• Biology
• Law
• Chemistry

Entrance Requirements at the University of Barcelona

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field for Masters
• Motivation letter and two letters of recommendation

Entrance exam scores required for admission

2. Autonomous University of Madrid

 The Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) was established in 1968 and is a modern institution known for its research excellence and innovative teaching methods. It’s particularly renowned for its science and humanities programmes.

UAM has eight faculties and research institutes, offering various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. 

Top Courses Offered at Autonomous University of Madrid

• Physics
• Computer Science
• Economics Psychology
• Environmental Sciences

Entrance Requirements at Autonomous University of Madrid

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field for Masters 
• CV and statement of purpose 
• Two letters of recommendation

Entrance exam scores required for admission

3. Complutense University of Madrid

The Complutense University of Madrid, founded in 1293, is one of the oldest universities in the world. It is also the largest public university in Spain and is known for its comprehensive range of programmes and robust research output. The university comprises 27 faculties offering 171 official degrees. 

Top Courses Offered  at Complutense University of Madrid

• Medicine 
• Fine Arts 
• Journalism 
• Philosophy 
• Computer Engineering

Entrance Requirements at Complutense University of Madrid

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field for Masters 
• Motivation letter 

Entrance exam scores are required for admission.

4. Pompeu Fabra University

 Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) was founded in 1990 and is a young but highly prestigious institution in Barcelona. Despite its recent establishment, UPF has quickly risen to become one of Spain’s top universities, known for its innovative approach to education and research.

Top Courses Offered at  Pompeu Fabra University

• Economics and Business 
• Law 
• Communication
• Political Sciences Biomedical Engineering

Entrance Requirements at  Pompeu Fabra University

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field for Masters 
• Motivation letter
• Two letters of recommendation 
• Academic transcripts

Entrance Exam Scores are Required for Admission

5. University of Navarra

Established in 1952, the University of Navarra is a private university that has gained a reputation for its dedication to research and advancement. This university is celebrated for its business school, IESE, which is regularly known as one of the best business schools worldwide.

The university has 14 faculties and schools spread over four campuses, offering an array of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. It’s home to more than 11,000 students, including over 2,000 international students from 115 countries, making the University of Navarra a truly worldwide institution for learning.

Top Courses Offered at the University of Navarra

• Business Administration
• Medicine 
• Law 
• Communications 
• Architecture

Entrance Requirements at the University of Navarra

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field for Masters
• Personal interview 
• Motivation letter
• Two letters of recommendation

Entrance exam scores required for admission

List of  Top 3 Business Schools in Spain

The top 3 business schools in Spain are given below:

Top 3 Scholarships to Study in Spain for International Students

Scholarships help reduce the financial burden, especially for an international student. Below is the list of top scholarships for international students in Spain.

Intakes at the Top Universities in Spain

The intakes at the top Universities in Spain are given below.

Cost of Living in Spain for International Students

One important aspect of studying abroad is finding an affordable place to stay. When you choose where you will live, you must consider many things, such as how far your accommodation is from your institute, transportation, and grocery and medical stores nearby. All these factors need careful thinking. Calculate these factors before deciding on either an on-campus room or off-campus housing. Most of the universities in Spain offer student housing in residence halls or apartments.

An overview of living costs for international students in Spain is given below.

Post-Study Work Permit in Spain

Many international students find employment opportunities after finishing their studies in Spain because the country has relatively low living costs and a friendly environment. If you want to enter employment after completing your higher studies, there are certain authorities that you need to contact. These include the immigration authority under the Secretary of State for Migration (La Secretaría de Estado de Migraciones) and labour/employment authorities under the Ministry of Labor and Economy. However, before this happens, third-country natives must first acquire a work permit, which is only possible if they possess an official job contract from an organisation. Processing for work permit applications usually takes up to 8 months. After getting approval, you can get your work and residence visa.

Top 10 Job Options after You Study at the Best Colleges in Spain

Thanks to the Spanish economy, ample employment opportunities are available for graduates from all fields. 

Below is the list of the top 10 Job opportunities in Spain, along with their average annual Salary

Conclusion

Spain has rapidly become an alluring study destination for international students like you who seek quality education in Europe. In recent years, Spanish enrollment has increased by 40%. 

Tuition fees at the top universities in Spain are lower than in other Western European countries or the US, and living expenses are about 45% less than in Northern European countries.

Because of Spain’s rapidly booming job market and the many companies seeking to hire international talent, job opportunities in the country are endless.

Various scholarships are available for international students that cover tuition fees and even living expenses. Irrespective of the degree you have chosen, Spain welcomes you with open arms and abundant opportunities. 

Studying in Spain is about more than earning a degree. It’s about experiencing the country’s rich cultural environment.

Contact Admissify-the, the best study abroad consultant, for assistance.

FAQs

Do I need a visa to study in Spain? 

If you are from outside the EU and have been studying for over 90 days, you will need a visa.

What are the language requirements for studying in Spain?

Most courses are taught in Spanish, so you must learn the language to pursue a career in Spain successfully. 

How much does it cost to study in Spain as an international student? 

Public universities in Spain are cheaper than private ones. Costs vary but can range from €720 to €3,510 per year for EU students. Non-EU students may have to pay more.

Can I work while studying in Spain? 

You can work up to 20 hours per week with a student visa in Spain.

Suaid Laskar

Suaid Masfur Laskar is a seasoned professional currently at the helm of Admissions & Partnerships – Student Recruitment & Business Development for Admissify India, a prominent player in the international education industry. With a strong foothold in Guwahati, the Gateway to North East India, Suaid spearheads a multifaceted portfolio that encompasses International Student Recruitment, Institutional Marketing & Training, and Collaborations for Overseas Higher Education.