Study in Spain: A 2027 Guide for International Students

To study in Spain as an international student, you’ll need an offer from a recognised institution, a Spanish student visa and proof of around €600 a month for living costs.

Spain offers low public tuition outside Madrid and Catalonia, a growing range of English-taught degrees and the right to work up to 30 hours a week, making it one of Europe’s more affordable options if you plan carefully.

Why Do International Students Choose to Study in Spain?

Spain combines internationally ranked universities, lower costs than many Western European destinations and a high quality of life. Three Spanish universities sit in the top 200 of the QS World University Rankings 2027, led by the University of Barcelona at 165 and the Complutense University of Madrid at 199.

• Affordable public options: Outside Madrid and Catalonia, many public universities charge non-EU students the same low fees as Spanish students.
• Strong business education: Spain is a popular choice for business, management, hospitality and tourism degrees.
• Generous work rights: 30 hours a week during studies and a long post-study job-search window.
• Language advantage: Studying in Spain helps you build Spanish, one of the world’s most widely spoken languages.
• European access: A Spanish student authorisation lets you travel within the Schengen area.

How Does the Spanish Higher Education System Work?

Spain follows the European Bologna system, so degrees use ECTS credits and are recognised across Europe. You’ll choose between public universities, private universities and private business schools, and the type you choose affects cost, language and the qualification you receive.

• Official degrees: Títulos oficiales are recognised by the Spanish state and are the standard route for regulated professions and further study in Spain.
• Own degrees: Títulos propios are awarded by the institution itself, and some private business schools award degrees validated by a partner university abroad.
• Intakes: Public universities mainly start in September, while many private schools also offer January or February starts.

The degree type matters for recognition at home, for regulated careers and for some post-study permits. Always ask your institution which qualification you’ll receive before you accept an offer.

Do You Need to Speak Spanish to Study in Spain?

Not always. Most public bachelor’s degrees are taught in Spanish and usually ask for B2 level through DELE or SIELE, though some regions also teach in Catalan, Basque or Galician.

Many master’s degrees and most private business school programmes are taught fully in English, typically asking for IELTS 6.0-6.5 or equivalent. StudyIn’s English test preparation for Spain can help you reach your target score. Even on an English-taught course, basic Spanish makes daily life and part-time work much easier.

Where Can You Study in Spain?

Madrid and Barcelona host most of Spain’s top-ranked universities and international business schools, while cities such as Valencia, Granada, Murcia and Marbella offer lower living costs.

StudyIn works with a range of private institutions in Spain, most of which teach in English.

• UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia: A private university in Murcia offering a broad range of subjects, including health sciences, sport and business.
• EU Business School: An English-taught business school in Barcelona focused on business, management and entrepreneurship.
• GBSB Global Business School: English-taught business, digital and management programmes in Barcelona and Madrid.
• Geneva Business School Spain: Business and management programmes with an international, practice-led approach.
• Berlin School of Business and Innovation Spain: Business and management programmes on its Spanish campus.
• European School of Economics Spain: Business and economics programmes with an international focus.
• Marbella International University Centre: A small, international campus in Marbella offering business-focused programmes.
• Neuro Business School: Business programmes for students looking for a specialist, career-focused option.
• Sant Pol Hospitality and Culinary Business School: Hospitality, tourism and culinary business programmes near Barcelona.

What Are the Admission Requirements to Study in Spain?

Requirements depend on your study level and whether you apply to a public or private institution.

Bachelor’s Degrees

• Public universities: Most international applicants need an accreditation from UNEDasiss or an official recognition (homologación) of their school qualification, and some take the PCE subject exams to improve their admission score.
• Private universities and business schools: Usually assess applications directly, based on your school results, English level and sometimes an interview.
• Accepted qualifications: A Levels, the International Baccalaureate and national high school diplomas are widely accepted.
• Language: Spanish-taught degrees usually ask for B2, and English-taught degrees typically ask for IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

Master’s Degrees and MBAs

• Academic entry: A recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, and many universities don’t require formal homologación for master’s entry.
• Documents: Transcripts, a CV, a motivation letter or SOP, and references.
• English: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is common for English-taught master’s, and some institutions accept MOI or their own tests.
• MBA: Most programmes expect work experience, and some ask for a GMAT or GRE score.

Official documents from outside the EU usually need an apostille or legalisation, plus a sworn Spanish translation. Start this early, as it can take several weeks.

How Much Does It Cost to Study in Spain?

Spain’s costs vary more by region and institution type than most destinations. Public fees are set by each autonomous community, and Catalonia and Madrid charge non-EU students considerably more. Figures below are indicative for 2025-26 and 2026-27.

What Are the Living Costs in Spain?

For your visa, you must show at least €600 a month, but real costs are often higher in big cities. Rent is the biggest variable, so smaller cities can save you thousands of euros a year.

• Madrid and Barcelona: Budget around €1,000-€1,500 a month, with shared rooms often the largest cost.
• Valencia, Seville and Granada: Around €800-€1,100 a month.
• Murcia and smaller cities: Often €700-€1,000 a month.
• Health insurance: Visa-compliant private cover typically costs €35-€120 a month.
• One-off costs: The visa fee (generally €80, though it varies by nationality), the TIE residence card (around €16), translations, flights and a housing deposit.

To see how these figures compare with other destinations, use this cost of studying abroad country comparison, and explore education loans and funding options for international students if you need support.

How Do You Get a Student Visa for Spain?

Non-EU/EEA students on courses longer than 90 days need a long-stay student visa (type D). You apply at the Spanish embassy, consulate or its visa centre in your home country after receiving your offer.

1. Get your offer: Secure an admission letter from a recognised Spanish institution.
2. Prepare your documents: A valid passport, proof of funds, a criminal record certificate, a medical certificate and proof of accommodation, with legalisation and sworn translations where required.
3. Arrange health insurance: Your policy must come from an insurer authorised in Spain, with no co-payments or waiting periods.
4. Apply and pay the fee: Submit your application and fee, which is generally €80 but varies by nationality.
5. Get your TIE in Spain: For stays longer than six months, apply for your foreigner identity card (TIE) at the police within one month of arrival.

• Proof of funds: At least €600 a month (€7,200 for a 12-month programme), on top of tuition, through bank statements, sponsorship or a scholarship letter.
• Family members: Partners and children of higher-education students can join you, but you’ll need additional funds for each family member, and they can’t work on their dependant authorisation.

StudyIn counsellors can help you check your documents and financial evidence before you apply, which is where many applications go wrong.

Can You Work While Studying in Spain?

Yes. Under the new regulation, a stay authorisation for higher education automatically allows you to work up to 30 hours a week, either employed or self-employed, without applying for a separate permit.

• Hours: No more than 30 hours a week, counting all jobs together.
• Compatibility: Your work must fit around your studies, which remain your main purpose in Spain.
• Common jobs: Hospitality, retail, tourism, tutoring and internships linked to your course.
• Reality check: Without Spanish, part-time options are more limited, so don’t rely on work income to fund your studies.

What Happens After You Graduate in Spain?

Spain offers one of Europe’s longer post-study windows. Graduates of a higher-education programme at an authorised Spanish institution, at bachelor’s level or above, can apply for a job-search or business authorisation of up to 24 months.

• When to apply: Within 60 days before your student authorisation expires, or up to 90 days after.
• Work limits: You can’t work on the job-search authorisation itself, and you switch to a work permit once you find a suitable job.
• Highly skilled roles: Graduates with a qualifying salary may be eligible for the EU Blue Card.
• Returning home: Spanish official degrees use the European ECTS system, which supports international recognition, but check how your home country treats private or own degrees.

Compare how this stacks up against other destinations with this post-study work visa comparison.

Is Spain the Right Study Destination for You?

Spain is a strong fit if you want affordable European study, especially in business, hospitality or tourism, and you’re open to learning Spanish. It may not suit you if you need a fully English-speaking job market straight after graduating, or if you want a public bachelor’s degree but don’t speak Spanish.

If you’re still comparing options, see the best countries to study business in Europe, or read about how to choose a country for your master’s.

How Can StudyIn Help You Study in Spain?

AI can explain the rules, but it can’t tell you which Spanish programme fits your grades, budget and career plans. StudyIn has over 20 years of experience supporting international students, now across multiple destinations including Spain.

Our counsellors help you shortlist courses, check entry requirements, plan your total budget and prepare your visa documents and financial evidence, right through to pre-departure. Our application services are free, so you can get expert support at every step at no cost.

FAQs

Can I study in Spain in English?

Yes. Many master’s degrees and most private business school programmes are taught in English, but most public bachelor’s degrees are taught in Spanish.

How much money do I need for a Spanish student visa?

You need to show at least €600 a month for living costs, or €7,200 for a 12-month programme, in addition to your tuition fees.

Is it cheap to study in Spain?

Public tuition is low in many regions, but non-EU fees in Madrid and Catalonia and private school fees are higher. Living costs in Madrid and Barcelona are often €1,000 a month or more.

Can I work while studying in Spain?

Yes, higher-education students can work up to 30 hours a week without a separate permit, as long as the work fits around their studies.

Can I stay in Spain after graduating?

Eligible graduates can apply for a job-search authorisation of up to 24 months. You can’t work on it, but you can switch to a work permit once you find a suitable job.

Do I need homologación to study in Spain?

For public bachelor’s degrees, you usually need UNEDasiss accreditation or homologación of your school qualification. Many master’s programmes and private institutions assess your qualifications directly.

Can my family come with me to Spain?

Partners and children of higher-education students can usually accompany them, but you’ll need to show extra funds for each family member, and they can’t work on their dependant authorisation.

Is StudyIn’s service free?

Yes, StudyIn’s core service is free throughout the process, from shortlisting and applications to visa preparation.