Spain is a country in Southwestern Europe and is the second largest in the European Union. With a population of over 47 million people, it plays an important role both in the region and across Europe. The capital,
Madrid, is the most populous city in the country and one of its main cultural and economic centers.
Spain is home to over 70 higher education institutions, the majority of which are public.
ECONOMY
Tourism is one of the leading industries in the country, based on its rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and world-famous football. As one of the largest economies in the European Union, the main sectors also include construction, the automotive industry, and agriculture. The country is also among the world’s leading producers of olive oil and wine.
EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS
What are the most prestigious universities in
Spain?
Similar to other countries, the leading universities are concentrated in the three major cities—
Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.
As the main political and financial hub,
Madrid is home to some of the most prestigious universities for humanities and economics, such as
Complutense University,
Autonoma Madrid, and
Carlos III. These universities are known for their high-quality programs and degrees, which are recognized worldwide.
Catalan universities also stand out for their high prestige and international recognition:
PROGRAMS & SPECIALITIES
The most wanted majors among international students in
Spain are Business, Economics, and Medicine. However, not all universities offer a wide range of programs in English, which limits access for foreign students. The private universities and
Carlos III in
Madrid offer the largest number of English-taught programs.
Carlos III University is well known for its
Business and Economics faculties but also offers various other programs
in English, including I
nternational Relations, Finance, Artificial Intelligence, Biomedicine, Robotics, Aviation, and Energy. It is the only public university in Spain that offers “Early Application” starting as early as September of the 12th grade—an outstanding advantage for future students.
Several prestigious private business schools in
Spain also offer programs in English, including
IQS, ESADE (part of Ramon Llull University), and IE University.
Tourism programs are particularly popular and are taught at specialized schools such as
Les Roches and Sant Pol del Mar, which focus on
hotel management.
Furthermore, leading design academies such as
IED, ESDI, and Marbella Design Academy are located in Spain, providing high-quality education in
design and visual arts. Interior Design is a highly in-demand major, but unfortunately, it is only taught in Spanish at public universities and is specifically available at the
Polytechnic University of Valencia.
An interesting fact is that
Madrid is home to
Rey Juan Carlos University, which offers unique specialties such as
Business Communications, Event Management, and Marketing,
all taught entirely in English for affordable fees of around €1,000 per year. This university impresses with its unconventional programs and highly effective curriculum policies, making it attractive to international students eager to study modern disciplines in English.
The courses offered by these prestigious institutions make
Spain one of the most attractive destinations for international students seeking quality education in English.
DURATION OF DEGREES
Unlike most European countries, the bachelor’s degree in
Spain is 4 years long, rather than 3. Master’s programs typically range from 1 to 2 years in duration.
APPLICATION PROCESS & REQUIREMENTS
It is no coincidence that
Spain is considered one of the most challenging countries in Europe for university applications, as it involves a process for the prior recognition of foreign education systems. One of the most critical requirements is the “
Accreditation” process, which is mandatory for all international applicants. If this step is missed, you will not be eligible to apply to Spanish universities. The accreditation process is a specific recognition of foreign education and involves matching it to the Spanish secondary education system. It includes translation, legalization, and comparison of study programs, carried out by
UNED – the main authority of
Spain’s Ministry of Education, responsible for recognizing foreign qualifications in the country. From there, an official scoring certificate, called “nota,” is issued for university application purposes. This accreditation process should begin in February or, at the latest, in March of the application year, as it takes about 2-3 months.
What does the process involve? The foreign secondary education program is translated, legalized, and submitted for comparison to
UNED – the central body for the recognition of foreign education in
Spain. This authority works with international education agencies that
have the official contract and right to represent students and assist them during the recognition process.
Cosmo is the only educational agency in all of Eastern Europe and the Middle East authorized to collaborate directly with UNED. For information on which other global agencies hold this right, you can visit the
UNED section of the Spanish Ministry of Education’s website here:
LINK.
After successful accreditation, international students can apply to Spanish public universities starting in June. To do this, applicants use only their “
nota” (score), which is the main criterion for admission. The score usually ranges between
5,000 and 14,000. For an accurate prediction of your score based on your educational system, you can rely on Cosmo’s experts.
Of course, another standard document required during the application process is a language certificate. Recognized Spanish certificates are
DELE and
SIELE, while for English,
IELTS,
TOEFL, and
Cambridge English are accepted. Unlike many other European countries where the minimum level C1 is required, all Spanish public universities accept B2 as sufficient for study for both English and Spanish.
DELE and
SIELE are equivalent in value and recognition but differ in format and result delivery times:
SIELE is fully digital with results available within 2 weeks, whereas
DELE takes longer—official results can take a few months, so this should be considered when planning applications.
An important clarification is that
UNED Spain does NOT recognize UK A-level diplomas and significantly lowers the scores of candidates with
American diplomas too, so students with other qualifications such have much higher chances for admission
Once you obtain your
“nota” and accreditation, application is made through regional education authorities. They allow applicants to list between 8 and 13 preferences, which students can prioritize accordingly. Applicants have the right to be admitted to only one of these preferences in each administrative region.
TUITION FEES
The public universities in
Spain have relatively low tuition fees, which typically range between a maximum of €1,000 and €1,600 per year. The fees in provincial cities are even lower—around €600-€700 per year.
ACCOMMODATION & HOUSING
Higher education institutions in
Spain often offer various accommodation options, including
- University dormitories,
- Private residences, or
- Rented apartments
While in countries like the
Netherlands, students often face difficulties in finding housing, in
Spain, accommodation is considerably more accessible and well-organized. Prices vary depending on the city, proximity to the university, and the amenities offered. In major cities like
Madrid and
Barcelona, home to the best universities in the country, living costs are a bit higher. University dormitories there often start at 800-1000 euros per month, and rent for rooms in centrally located apartments ranges between 500 and 700 euros. In contrast, a single room in a less central area of the capital can be found for about 350-400 euros, making apartments a more affordable and low-budget option.
In smaller towns, more budget-friendly options are available, with rent for a single room or shared housing ranging between 250 and 400 euros per month, which is ideal for students with limited budgets.
LIFE OF AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IN SPAIN – TIPS AND INFORMATION FOR PERSPECTIVE STUDENTS
Administrative requirements
Upon arrival in
Spain, one of the first important steps is registration with the local “Padrón” or municipality. This registration is mandatory and provides you with an official address, which is necessary for receiving documents and access to various services. Additionally, you must register at the university where you will receive a student card, granting you access to the campus and enabling you to benefit from student discounts.
Obtaining NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)
To reside and study in
Spain, you need to obtain an
NIE, which is a foreign identification number. Begin the process by booking an appointment at the local “Extranjería” office or police station. When you attend, bring a completed
NIE application form, your passport, a passport-sized photo, and a confirmation letter from your university. After submitting the documents, the process usually takes a few weeks to receive your
NIE, which is essential for opening a bank account and other administrative procedures.
Health insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for all students in
Spain. If you are from an EU member country, you can use your European Health Insurance Card, which gives you the right to free or low-cost medical services in Spain. During your stay, do not forget to register with the local social security office (Seguridad Social) to obtain a valid health insurance certificate. This can be done online, which simplifies the process and helps you integrate more quickly into the new environment.
WORK DURING STUDIES IN SPAIN
As anywhere in the EU and in
Spain, European students can work up to 20 hours per week. Those who are bilingual in Spanish and English are especially preferred in the hospitality and restaurant sectors. Many students also continue working in the tourism industry throughout the summer months, which is Spain’s peak tourist season.
SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS AND STUDENT LOANS
In
Spain, financial support for students is typically divided into four main categories: government scholarships, regional grants, private scholarships, and student loans.
1. Government Scholarships
The Spanish government offers scholarships through the Ministry of Education, known as
“Beca General”. These scholarships cover tuition fees, with amounts ranging between €1,500 and €3,000 per year, depending on the student’s financial situation and the specific university fee. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate good academic performance and proof of income.
2. Regional Scholarships
- Madrid: “Becas de Distrito” and other social support programs, providing between €300 and €500 per month depending on income and needs. Requirements include low family income (around €25,000/year), enrollment in a university in Madrid, and proof of family status and income.
- Catalonia (Barcelona): “Aguar” and other social aid programs, offering from €200 to €500 monthly, based on income. Applicants need to have family income below €20,000-€25,000 and register at a university in Catalonia, presenting income and family status documents.
- Valencia: “Becas de asistencia social,” providing about €250-€450 per month, with similar income and registration requirements.
- Andalusia: “Becas de ayuda social” and other social aid programs, offering roughly €200-€400/month for families with income below €15,000-€20,000 annually.
- Balearic Islands: “Ayudas sociales y becas,” with support ranging from €200 to €450 monthly, for students with income below €20,000-€25,000.
Every autonomous region in Spain has its own social support programs,
“Programas de ayudas sociales” or
“Becas de distrito”, which provide monthly aid from €200 to €500 to help low-income students cover living, transportation, and educational expenses.
What are the main requirements?
- Family income below set thresholds (typically between €15,000 and €25,000 per year).
- Enrollment in a university within the respective region.
- Submission of income proof, family status documents, and registration confirmation.
These scholarships and aids are designed to provide low-income students with equal access to education and a more manageable living experience in
Spain. For specific applications and deadlines, it is best to consult directly with your educational institution or local social services to maximize available support tailored to your needs and circumstances.
3. Private Scholarships
Private organizations and universities also offer scholarships, which rarely cover more than 30-50% of private university tuition fees. Be cautious — private institutions never offer full 100% scholarships. However,
“Beca General” from public universities can sometimes cover up to 100% under exceptional financial or social hardship conditions.
4. Student Loans
In
Spain, major institutions providing student loans include
Banco Santander,
Banco Sabadell, and
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA). These loans are available for funding higher education costs, with flexible repayment options, often starting after graduation.
EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
- University of Barcelona (UB)
- Autónoma University of Madrid (UAM)
- Carlos III University of Madrid
- Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) – Notable International Partnerships
- University of Valencia (UV)
- University of Salamanca
- University of Granada
Private Universities and Their International Partner Universities
- IE University (Madrid and Segovia)
- ESADE Business School, Ramon Llull University (Barcelona)
- IQS School of Management, Ramon Llull University (Barcelona)
- EU Business school(with campuses in Barcelona, Madrid, and other cities)
- Universidad Europea (Madrid, Valencia, etc.)
- Barcelona Graduate School of Economics
