Autonomous University of Barcelona

With multiple yearly fiestas, exciting coastal areas and palatable traditional food, summing up Spain’s vibrant and exotic socio-cultural scenario in a few words is quite challenging as the country has multifarious features and elements which make it one of the favourite studying-abroad destinations. Bordered by Portugal and France, the Kingdom of Spain garners the attention of thousands of overseas students every year through its excellent academia and great opportunities that make their professional journey fruitful. Students coming from different countries experience a diverse environment here - as the place is among the nations having the most number of UNESCO sites in the world, helping them build a life-long network of friends as well as professionals.

They are not only exposed to a great higher education system, with world-class institutions, but also to new language learning opportunities. Fifteen of the higher learning institutions in Spain have featured among the top 500 institutions in the QS World University Rankings 2026, with the Complutense University of Madrid leading the queue.

Learn more about studying in Spain here: International Students’ Guide to Study in Spain

Major Update 2026:

1. International students in Spain can now work for up to 30 hours a week and they get an automatic work authorisation upon obtaining a Type D visa. The only condition to be met here is that the work must not interfere with their studies. 
2. Indian students, or any other international students belonging to countries that don't have bilateral agreements with Spain, are now required to take the PCE Exam (Pruebas de Competencias Específicas) if they wish to get admitted to the public universities in Spain. This move aims to standardise entry requirements for international students. However, private universities in Spain still have their own methods of shortlisting applicants for admission.

Top Reasons to Study in Spain in 2026

Spain not only offers an impressive educational journey but also lets foreigners explore its rich history and culture. Some of the top reasons making Spain one of the favourite study destinations among students are listed below:

• Harmony: As per the Global Peace Index ranking, 2026, Spain ranks 25th across the world. Among the five safest places in the country are Malaga, Seville, Granada, Majorca, and Murcia.
• Out of its total 89 universities, 50 are public and 39 are private - which gives international students the liberty to choose from a diverse range of courses at an affordable price. 
• English-taught programs and no IELTS requirement: Many universities in Spain offer specialized degrees in English, making them accessible to international students. Additionally, many institutions do not strictly require IELTS.
• Climatic Conditions: Spain is a blessing for summer lovers. So, if you love the warmth of the sun and like to capture the stunning hues of the sky, grab a sangria or sparkling water, and you’re ready to have some of the best moments of your stay. Although the temperature soars above 40 degrees during the summer season, the rest of the months offer a pleasant climate, especially in the southern region of the country.
• Affordable Education and Cost of Living: Spain offers a cost-effective alternative to destinations like the UK or Canada. Tuition fees for many master's programs start from ₹6 L a year. 
• Healthiest Nation:  Spain has been adjudged as one of the healthiest countries in the world by the Bloomberg Global Health Index 2023, 2024 and 2025. With a focus on a Mediterranean diet, Spaniards include a lot of seafood, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, and legumes in their meals and avoid processed food. The country also has the highest percentage of walkers in Europe.

Overall, Spain offers an excellent cocktail of cultural engrossment, academic excellence, and economic cost of living.

Study in Spain: Key Highlights

Education System in Spain

Maintaining a systematic education system, Spain offers multiple-level degrees to international students. The duration of a bachelor’s degree is usually four years, during which students will have to earn 240 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits in order to pass. Those holding a bachelor’s degree can then opt for a master’s degree, which will last 1 to 2 years. Furthermore, a PhD can be pursued, the duration of which is 3-5 years. The Spanish universities follow two grading scales, out of which the 0 to 10 grading scale is the most commonly followed.

With a total of two semesters, sessions at Spanish universities begin in October and end in the month of June. The country follows the Bologna Process which has revamped the European teaching methodology. The education system in Spain is monitored by the Ministerio de Educación, or Ministry of Education.

The nation has higher education institutions which are top-ranked and have earned good reputations all over the world. Some of the popular ones are the University of Barcelona, the Autonomous University of Madrid, the Complutense University of Madrid, etc. The country also has amazing business schools, some of which (IE Business School, Esade Business School, etc) are among the top 10 in Europe.

Academic Cycles

1^st Cycle: Bachelor’s or UG degree (total ECTS credits: 240)

2^nd Cycle: Master’s of PG degree (total ECTS credits: 60-120)

3^rd Cycle: PhD or Spanish Doctoral degrees (ECTS credits per academic year: 60)

Although the medium of instruction for the majority of the classes in Spain is Spanish, there are many institutes where lessons are imparted in English. So, all those who are not well-versed in Spanish or do not understand the same can opt for diverse courses taught in English offered in private as well as public universities. For all those who hold a keen interest in learning the Spanish language, courses are available that they can pursue before starting their undergraduate studies.

Top 5 Universities in Spain 2026

Check out the top universities in Spain that ranked in the chart in 2026.

Top Courses in Spain

Every year, thousands of overseas students move to Spain to study different levels of courses. Students not only experience flexible study conditions but are also proud to be a part of such institutions, which are globally acclaimed. Lots of courses available to students in Spanish universities offer brilliant growth prospects and a future. One does not need to wait for a degree-level programme to finish, as many bachelor’s and master’s level programmes promise employment.

Some of the top stream/subject-wise courses are listed below, along with the universities where they are offered.

Level-wise Costs to Study in Spain

Due to its low and affordable tuition fees, Spain has come to be recognised as one of the favourite study destinations for international students who are budget-minded. How much you would have to shell out will also depend upon a few other factors, such as the university, place, type of programme, and the institute’s reputation. If you’re looking forward to studying at a public university, you may have to spend between 2,000-3,500 Euros annually.

Check the scholarships to study in Spain for Indian students. 

Cost of Living for International Students in Spain 2026

One of the most important aspects of moving to a new location is finding a suitable and convenient place to stay. This is an important decision as you have to carefully figure out the distance of your accommodation from your institute, transportation available, easy access to departmental stores and other stores fulfilling basic needs, etc. Make a list of all the advantages and disadvantages before finalising either an on-campus room or off-campus housing. The majority of the universities in Spain provide you with student housing in residence halls or apartments.

How much would you have to pay for living will depend on lot many factors such as the room type, facilities available, location, etc. A one-bedroom apartment in the student-famous city, Madrid, may cost you around 1,000 Euros, whereas you may have to pay 850 Euros for an apartment in Barcelona. Overall, the cost of living in Spain for international students may range somewhere from €800 to €1,200 per month. 

The table below displays the rent of a 1-bedroom flat in different Spanish cities that are cheap for overseas students:

Types of Student Visas in Spain

Different types of Student Visas exist for Spain, and the validity for all of them varies. If you wish to apply for the same from outside Spain, you need to apply for the same at a Spanish embassy. You need to be holding an offer letter from a university of your choice, and you’ll also be required to present important documents to complete the procedure. Make sure that you submit your application for a student visa 2-3 months before moving to Spain. This will smoothen your visa processing time.

Schengen Student Visa or Type C Visa (less than three months): This will be required by those non-EU/EEA country members who wish to pursue a course of less than 90 days’ duration.

Short-Term Student Visa (3-6 months) or 180-day D Type Visa: This will be required by those overseas students who wish to pursue a course lasting 3-6 months.

Long-Term Student Visa (more than 6 months): This will be required by overseas students who wish to pursue a course lasting 6 months or more.

Spain Permanent Residence Permit

In order to obtain a PR in Spain, the below-mentioned conditions have to be met by students:

•        The person should have been staying in the country for five years. After living for 10 years full-time one can apply for citizenship.
•        One should possess enough financial resources or income
•        One should possess valid health insurance

Admission Requirements to Study in Spanish Universities

The admission requirements for overseas students pursuing higher education in Spain may differ on the basis of various factors such as the kind of university, programme chosen, student’s nationality, etc. We have listed the common requirements which one may need to fulfil in order to secure admission to Spanish universities:

Bachelor’s Degree

Homologación: This is the recognition of one’s school certificate (school leaving certificate). It certifies that one possesses the relevant degree in order to obtain admission into a Spanish university. This procedure is carried out in your home nation’s Spanish embassy from where you will receive a certificate ‘Volante de Acreditación’. Through this, you will be able to apply to institutes in Spain.

Master’s Degree

One needs to be holding a bachelor’s degree or equivalent before applying for a master’s degree.

Check: Application Process to Study in Spain

Top Cities Preferred by Students

Some of the best student-friendly cities that those coming from abroad target are Valencia, Barcelona, San Sebastian, Seville, Madrid, Granada, Salamanca, and Zaragoza. Top student cities in Spain offer a blend of prestigious universities, vibrant student life, rich culture and varying living costs.

Scholarships to Study in Spain

It may so happen that even though a country does not have expensive tuition fees at its higher education institutes some students may still find difficulty affording education there. So as to help students get a good education without letting financial issues bother them, various scholarships, loans and grants are made available to overseas students by the Spanish government and other external organisations as well. These may cover one’s travel cost, tuition fee, stationary, etc.

Some of the popular scholarships offered to international students for studying at universities in Spain are:

•        Fullbright-Nehru Master's Scholarship
•        Spanish Studies Abroad Financial Aid
•        Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
•        UIC Barcelona Scholarship
•        CIEE Scholarships and Grants

Check: Scholarships to Study in Spain for Indian Students

Education Loan for Studying in Spain

Students can fund their higher education with the help of an education loan which is an important financial tool. These students who do not possess the financial means to pay their university tuition fees or living expenses can obtain education loans to do so. There are a number of public as well as private banks which offer loans to students for studying in Spain. The eligibility, loan process and features of the majority of these banks are the same. Read Education Loan to Study in Spain to get an in-depth idea about the types of loans available for Indian students for studying in Spain.

Part-Time Work Options for International Students in Spain

International students may have a not-so-easy job hunt journey in Spain as compared to their Spanish peers. This is so because most of the companies in their country prefer employees who are fluent in Spanish. Also, most of the jobs available to the overseas lot are of full-time nature. So make sure you explore such part-time employment opportunities which do not have their schedule clashing with your classes.

Check: Part-time work options in Spain for International Students

Post-Study Work Permit in Spain

A lot of international students get into employment after completing their studies in Spain as the country's living costs is quite affordable and the atmosphere is welcoming. If you want to get into employment after finishing your higher studies you will be required to contact the immigration authority under the Secretary of State for Migration (La Secretaría de Estado de Migraciones) as well as the labour and employment authorities under the Ministry of Labor and Economy. But before this, the third-country natives will have to get a work permit issued which they can get only if they possess an official job contract from an organisation. Your work permit application may get processed in a maximum of 8 months. Once the same is approved, you will be able to get your work and residence visa. 

This was all about studying in Spain in 2026. If you seek assistance for studying in Spain, reach out to Shiksha's Counselling Services for free.  

Study in Spain FAQs

Q 1. Is Spain a good country for Indian students?

A. Yes, Spain is a good country for Indian students to study abroad. The country is extremely favoured among students for its nice climate, lifestyle and culture. Degrees earned from universities here are recognised worldwide and the cost of education is low. Spanish universities have many English-taught course options due to which students don't need to compromise on the course of their choice. The process of getting a Spanish student is very straightforward. The country has good economy, high safety and quality of life and the ROI in the country is also pretty high. All in all, Spain is a good study abroad destination for international students even in the current war-like conditions in the world - when the doors to certain major study abroad destinations feel like shut for aspiring students. 

Q2. Can I settle in Spain after study?

A. Yes, you can settle in Spain after your studies by converting your student visa into a work permit. You will need to secure a job offer that allows you to transition to a residence permit after 5 years of continuous legal stay in the country on a work visa.

Q3. Is Spain university admission easy or difficult?
A. Spain university admission is generally considered moderately accessible and the ease depends heavily on the chosen course and university. While the acceptance rates at some public universities in Spain are high, i.e. ~79-81%, securing a spot in popular or competitive fields like medicine or engineering is difficult due to high cut-off marks (notas de corte).