Study in Spain

Entry requirements depend on your previous qualifications, where you studied and the university and course you choose. International undergraduate applicants may need UNEDasiss accreditation, which translates previous academic results into the Spanish university admissions system. Depending on your education system and destination university, you may also need homologation of your school-leaving qualification to the Spanish Bachillerato and/or Specific Competency Tests (PCE).

Requirements vary by university, autonomous community and degree. Check the exact admission criteria for your chosen programme before starting an application. Private universities and business schools usually have their own admissions procedures and may set different academic, language, interview or assessment requirements.

English-taught programmes set their own English-language requirements and accepted qualifications. Depending on the institution and your previous education, a language test may be required or, in some cases, waived.

Spanish-taught programmes usually require evidence of sufficient Spanish ability, commonly around B2 level, although the exact level and accepted qualification vary. Some programmes may also use a co-official regional language.

September or October is the main intake. Some private universities and business schools offer January or other start dates. Application deadlines vary between universities and programmes, and UNEDasiss accreditation and PCE tests have their own schedules.

Public university tuition in Spain is set at regional level and varies by university, subject and programme. The Spanish Service for the Internationalisation of Education (SEPIE) gives an approximate range of €700–€1,800 per academic year for undergraduate study at Spanish public universities.

Fees for non-EU students can be higher in some regions or institutions. Always check the rate that applies to your nationality, fee status and exact programme with the university. Private universities and business schools set their own fees and may cost substantially more.

Costs depend on your city, accommodation and lifestyle. Madrid and Barcelona are generally among the more expensive student destinations, while smaller university cities may be considerably more affordable. SEPIE estimates average spending for a student or researcher in Spain at below €1,100 per month, depending on the city. This is an indicative average, not a spending limit or a personalised budget.

Universities, public bodies and other organisations offer scholarships and financial support, but eligibility and award amounts vary. Universities set many of their own scholarship policies, and SEPIE provides resources to help students look for opportunities.

International students should not assume they qualify for Spain's general government student grant: nationality and residence conditions apply. Check each scholarship's eligibility, deadline and coverage before relying on it to fund your studies.

Tuition, living costs, entry requirements, deadlines and immigration rules can change. These figures are for general guidance; confirm the requirements for your institution, intake and circumstances before committing funds. The immigration proof-of-funds minimum is not the same as a realistic living-cost budget.

Holders of a qualifying long-term study authorisation for higher education may work as employees or on a self-employed basis without a separate work-authorisation procedure. The work must be compatible with their studies and, as a general rule, must not exceed 30 hours per week. Conditions can differ for other types of courses or authorisations.

International graduates who complete qualifying higher education in Spain—generally at least a university bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification at European Qualifications Framework level 6—may be eligible for a residence authorisation of up to 24 months to seek employment appropriate to their level of study or develop a business project.

This job-search residence authorisation does not itself permit work. Once eligible employment is found or a qualifying business route is established, the graduate must obtain the appropriate residence and work authorisation. Other routes may allow eligible graduates to move directly from study status to a residence and employment category.

Immigration decisions are made by the relevant Spanish authorities. This page provides general information, not individual immigration advice. Check the current rules and requirements with the appropriate official authority before making plans based on visa, work or post-study options.