The Ultimate Guide to Studying in Spain in 2023

Spain is one of the easiest places to make new friends, experience the real fiesta (party) attitude and enjoy lovely, warm, Mediterranean weather! Who wouldn’t want to study abroad in such a welcoming place?

Apart from the overall exciting atmosphere, Spain is home to many universities and colleges that welcome thousands of foreign students each year. While you study and prepare to become a specialist in your chosen field, you will also enrich your cultural horizons by seeing and admiring some really amazing attractions.

From white, sandy beaches and blue seas, to the ski slopes of the Pyrenees and to the ancient villages of Granada, Spain truly offers both natural and urban splendours.

Embrace the chance to sharpen your Spanish skills and enjoy a relaxed and multicultural environment while you study abroad in Spain!

Why Study in Spain?

1. Spanish universities charge affordable tuition fees

Many international students won't have to pay more than 4,000 EUR per year to study in Spain. And numerous study programmes actually start at only 100–150 EUR per year. Still, keep in mind that non-EU/EEA students don't always enjoy the same low tuition as EU/EEA citizens.

2. Top-ranked universities, especially business schools

Over 50 Spanish universities earn their place in the international university rankings every year. Out of them, business schools are the stand out institutions, as Spain is know for being a supportive place for future entrepreneurs and business people.

3. Amazing climate for sun lovers

Spain has one of the most enjoyable weather in Europe. Temperatures vary from one region to another; but it's safe to say that if you love the sun, going to the beach, and feeling all that pleasant warmth touching your skin, then you cannot go wrong by choosing a Spanish university for your studies.

4. Discover the relaxed and enjoyable Spanish lifestyle

Although the famous siesta, the habit of taking a nap after lunch, is slowly declining, it still remains a part of the traditional Spanish lifestyle and customs.

You can enjoy your siesta as well as other local habits and dishes, like tapas, flamengo — a beautiful art form — and, of course, you'll witness and maybe participate in the passionate celebrations related to football, which is incredibly popular.

5. Spanish is a great asset on any C.V.

As you already know by now, or should know, speaking only one foreign language is not always enough. Employees are encouraged to know at least another language in addition to English, and there are many online tools available for those who want to learn at their own pace.

But living and studying in Spain for a few years is the best opportunity to learn Spanish. You will anyway need at least the basics, since not everybody speaks English.

Which universities and colleges to attend in Spain?

There are more than 70 universities in Spain, most of which are supported by state funding. Spain also offers private universities, some affiliated with the Catholic Church. Universities are divided into Departments, Faculties, Technical Schools, University Schools, University Institutes and University Colleges.

• university schools – where you can only apply to Bachelor’s level courses;
• universities and university colleges where you can apply for Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degrees
• higher technical schools of engineering and architecture –where you can complete long-term technical degrees.
• business schools – dedicated to all business-related degrees.

Examples of universities in Spain we recommend:

• University of Deusto
• EU Business School
• ISDI - Digital Business School
• Barcelona Technology School
• Harbour.Space University

What is it like to study in Spain?

Universities in Spain combine traditional lectures with research work and seminars where students can have open and friendly discussions with professors and debate on challenging topics in their chosen field.

Unlike western countries, you should not expect a flexible schedule, as lectures and seminars have a set timetable. For most study programmes, you would have to prepare for a midterm exam and a final year test for each course, in the form of a written test or oral examination.

What to study in Spain?

In Spanish universities, you can study any discipline you can imagine at all degree levels. Particularly known for Law, Spanish language or Social Sciences, universities in Spain offer plenty of degrees for subject areas like Computer Science, Engineering or Natural Sciences.

Here are some of the most popular study options in Spain

• Masters in Business Administration in Spain 
• Masters in Architecture in Spain 
• Masters in Economics in Spain 
• Masters in Tourism in Spain 
• Masters in International Relations in Spain 

Where to study in Spain?

In Spain, you can enrol in over 70 universities, some of them with a long history and many, always present in international university rankings. Apart from big cities like Madrid and Barcelona, you can also apply to universities in Spanish cities like Valencia, Alicante, Salamanca or Marbella.

Find out more about what it’s like to study and have fun in Spanish cities, like:

• Study in Madrid 
• Study in Barcelona 
• Study in Marbella  
• Study in Valencia 
• Study in Alicante

Here are a few useful tips to keep in mind while applying at a Spanish university:

• You’ll want to first check with your chosen university in Spain.

• You will have to apply online and pay an application fee.
• Don’t forget to carefully check all entry requirements and necessary documents.
• You might have to submit all required application documents in Spanish or have them translated.
• Make sure to know what the language requirements are, and whether you need to prove skills in English or Spanish before enrolling in a degree programme.
• Show how you performed as a student, and be sure to know what your Grade Point Average (GPA) was during your studies.
• To help your chances of going to Spain, be sure to apply to more than one university!

Improve your English through an English-language prep course

If you’re attending a degree programme in Spain, you will sometimes need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.

English language tests

There are over 1,000 English-taught programmes in Spain.

Universities in Spain will want to see proof that you have good English-language skills, so that you can easily succeed in their courses. Almost all Spanish universities accept these official English exams:

• PTE Academic
• IELTS
• TOEFL
• C1 Advanced

For Spanish-taught degrees, the most common required Spanish test is DELE.