Study in Spain

Beyond its rich history and culture, Spain offers easy access to other European destinations, making it an attractive base for students looking to combine study with travel.

Studying in Spain gives you the opportunity to improve your Spanish language skills, experience a different way of life and build a global network of friends and professional contacts.

When it comes to location, you'll have plenty of choice, with universities located across the country. Popular student cities include:

• Barcelona
• Granada
• Madrid
• Seville
• Valencia.

Outside the classroom, you can explore some of Spain's most famous landmarks, including the:

• Alhambra in Granada
• Basílica de la Sagrada Família and La Rambla in Barcelona
• Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
• Plaza Mayor in Madrid
• Seville Cathedral.

The country is also known for its varied landscapes, from mountain ranges and beaches to historic towns and villages.

Spanish universities

There are two types of higher education providers in Spain: public and private.

Spain is home to 92 accredited universities, spread across the country's 17 autonomous communities. Of these, 50 are public, while the remaining 42 are private, including some run by the Catholic Church.

Public universities are generally more affordable, while private institutions may offer smaller class sizes and, in some cases, a wider range of English-taught programmes.

A total of 48 Spanish universities feature in the QS World University Rankings 2027. The highest-ranked include:

• Universitat de Barcelona (165th)
• Complutense University of Madrid (199th)
• Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona (211th)
• Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (226th)
• Universitat Pompeu Fabra Barcelona (263rd)
• University of Navarra (279th)
• Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (314th)
• Universidad Politècnica de Madrid (364th)
• Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (434th)
• Universitat Politècnica de València (434th).

Many of Spain's highly ranked universities are based in Madrid and Barcelona, two of the country's most popular student cities.

Featured institutions

Degree courses in Spain

Undergraduate courses, otherwise known as Bachelors degrees or 'grado' in Spanish, are available in a range of subjects and are provided by most institutions.

Popular courses in Spain include:

• arts and humanities
• finance
• hospitality management
• law
• marketing
• Spanish language courses
• science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

To enter a course, you'll usually need a secondary education leaving certificate. Some universities may also require you to sit and pass an entrance exam. Many undergraduate courses are taught in Spanish, so you may need to prove your proficiency.

For English-taught courses, you'll usually need to provide evidence of your English language ability if English isn't your first language.

To successfully complete a Bachelors degree, students must earn a total of 240 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits over four years of study. This usually includes basic training, compulsory and optional subjects, placements or cultural activities, and a final dissertation.

Entry requirements and competition for places vary by institution and course. Programmes such as medicine, dentistry and some engineering degrees are often among the most competitive, while entry to other subjects may be less selective.

European Union (EU) nationals are generally able to compete for places at Spanish universities on the same terms as Spanish students, although admissions processes and deadlines vary by university and region.

Masters degrees

A Masters prepares students for academic, research or professional work. These qualifications usually take one to two years to complete and are worth 60 to 120 ECTS credits. Postgraduate courses are available in a range of subjects, and you'll usually need a Bachelors degree or equivalent for entry.

Spain has become an increasingly popular destination for international postgraduate students, with a range of Masters programmes now available in English, including:

• business
• engineering
• international relations
• technology
• tourism.

The academic year usually runs from September or October to June and is commonly divided into two semesters, although dates vary by institution and course.

PhDs

The duration of a Spanish Doctoral degree varies by institution and study mode, but full-time PhDs typically take three to four years to complete, with part-time study taking longer. You'll complete advanced research training before producing and defending a Doctoral thesis.

As with Doctoral degrees in other European countries, your research will be supervised by at least one tutor who will provide mentoring and support.

You may also need to submit a research proposal and secure the support of a suitable supervisor before being admitted.

For admission onto a PhD, you'll usually need a relevant Bachelors and Masters degree, or equivalent qualifications that meet the university's Doctoral entry requirements.

Student exchanges

If you'd like to experience studying in Spain without completing a full degree, you could apply for a student exchange as part of your course.

Many UK universities, including Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) and the University of Nottingham, have exchange agreements with Spanish institutions, allowing students to study abroad for a semester or academic year while earning credits towards their degree. Contact your faculty, study abroad or international office to find out what opportunities are available through your course.

UK students may be eligible for support through the Turing Scheme for study or work placements abroad in 2026/27. The UK government has confirmed that this programme will be replaced by renewed participation in Erasmus+ from 2027/28, so visit your university's study abroad team and the relevant scheme website for the latest updates.

You won't usually apply to an exchange scheme directly. Your university, college or school must be involved and, for a study exchange, will normally need a formal agreement with a partner institution in Spain. You can also explore exchange opportunities on individual Spanish university websites.

Course fees

Public universities in Spain are generally among the most affordable in Western Europe. Tuition fees are set by the autonomous communities and vary by:

• course
• institution
• level of study
• region.

Fees are usually charged per ECTS credit, so the amount you pay will depend on how many credits you take.

Some regions charge the same fees to EU and non-EU students, while others set higher rates for international students. If you're applying from outside the EU, compare fees carefully, as costs can vary significantly between universities and regions.

As a guide, annual tuition fees at public universities are typically €700 (£601) to €2,500 (£2,146) for Bachelors degrees and €1,000 (£858) to €3,500 (£3,004) for Masters programmes. Private universities are usually more expensive, with annual fees ranging from around €5,000 (£4,292) to €20,000 (£17,167) or more, depending on the institution and course. Confirm the latest fees with your chosen university before submitting your application.

Living costs typically range from €700 (£601) to €1,200 (£1,030) per month, depending on your lifestyle, accommodation and location. Madrid and Barcelona are generally the most expensive student cities, while destinations such as Valencia, Seville and Granada can offer lower living costs.

Funding to study in Spain

UK students studying for a full degree in Spain will not usually have access to UK student finance, and eligibility for Spanish public funding is limited.

Key funding sources include:

• AECID (Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation)
• Fundación Carolina, offering scholarships mainly for students from Latin America and other Ibero-American countries
• Spain's Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sport.

Universities may also offer scholarships, tuition discounts or merit-based awards for international students. Contact your chosen institution or course provider for details. You should also look for funding from organisations in your home country, as eligibility, deadlines and levels of support vary widely.

The amount of financial assistance you're eligible for will depend on your circumstances, but competition for funding is intense, so it's worth reviewing the eligibility criteria and deadlines for each scheme.

Student visas

British citizens can study in Spain for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa, provided they meet the relevant entry requirements.

For study lasting more than 90 days, you'll normally need a long-stay study visa and authorisation. Spain updated its immigration regulations in 2025, so confirm the current requirements with the Spanish consulate or visa application centre responsible for your place of residence.

Non-EU students may also be allowed to work alongside their studies, subject to the conditions of their visa.

Requirements vary, but you'll usually need to provide:

• a completed national visa application form
• a valid passport
• passport photos
• confirmation of your place on a course
• proof of health insurance
• evidence that you have enough funds to support yourself
• details of where you'll be living
• a medical certificate
• a criminal record certificate, if required.

EU or Swiss nationals do not need a visa to study in Spain. However, if you're staying for more than three months, you'll need to register with the local Spanish authorities and obtain a residence certificate.

How to apply

For undergraduate study, your application route will depend on:

• your nationality
• previous qualifications
• the university or region you're applying to.

International applicants may need to use UNEDasiss, the access and admissions service run by Spain's Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), to have their qualifications assessed and meet university access requirements. You'll still need to follow the instructions provided by your chosen university.

Students applying for a Masters or PhD in Spain should apply directly to the institution, faculty or Doctoral school they wish to attend.

Applications are usually made online, and you'll typically need:

• a copy of your passport or ID
• passport-sized photographs
• a personal statement or statement of purpose explaining why you want to study the course
• degree certificates and academic transcripts
• references, such as from a previous tutor or academic supervisor
• proof of language proficiency
• a research proposal, if you're applying for a PhD.

Your application documents may need to be submitted in Spanish or officially translated, so follow the document guidance provided by your chosen university.

Language requirements

Spanish is the main language of instruction at many universities, although some Bachelors and Masters courses are taught in English.

If you're applying for a Spanish-taught course, you'll usually need to show evidence of your Spanish language ability, while English-taught courses may require proof of English proficiency.

Even if you study in English, learning Spanish will help you settle in, manage day-to-day tasks and make the most of your time outside the classroom.

You can learn before you travel or take lessons once you arrive in Spain. Online resources include StudySpanish.com and Busuu. Many universities offer language tuition through short courses, intensive classes or year-long programmes.

Comparison to UK qualifications

Spanish university qualifications follow the Bologna Process and are structured in line with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). This means Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees use the ECTS credit system, making them easier to compare with qualifications from other European countries.

Spanish qualifications are widely recognised for further study and employment across Europe, but exact equivalence can vary depending on the qualification, institution, subject and intended use.

If you plan to use your qualification for a regulated profession, postgraduate study or employment in the UK, confirm the requirements with the relevant university, employer or professional body.

If you need to check how a Spanish qualification compares with its UK equivalent, contact UK ENIC, the UK's national agency for international qualifications and skills.

Find out more

• Get more advice at Studying In Spain.
• Discover what it's like to work in Spain.