Study in Spain: the ultimate guide for a Master in 2025
Spain

The Ultimate Guide to Studying in Spain in 2025

Browse all master programmes in Spain

  • Oct-Jun Academic Year
  • 85 Listed Institutes
  • 67 Ranked Universities
  • 82,000 Int. Students
  • 2,145,000 Students
  • 46,719,000 Population

Study in Spain

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?

If you're looking to study at a university in Spain, you will find a range of higher education opportunities, combining rigorous academics with a vibrant cultural scene. Its universities 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 is one of the best countries to study abroad in Europe.

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

There are many affordable universities in Spain where international students won't have to pay more than 4,000 EUR per year. 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:

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

Where to study in Spain?

In Spain, there are many English-taught universities, some of them with a long history and many are 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:

How to apply

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:

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

Living in Spain

Let's take a closer look at tuition and living expenses in Spain:

Tuition fees in Spain

Talking about tuition fees at Spanish universities can get a bit complicated. But we'll do our best to keep everything simple and crystal clear.

The tuition fees we'll list below usually apply to students coming from the EU/EEA. If you're not in this category, you can encounter 3 different situations:

  • pay the same tuition as EU/EEA citizens
  • pay tuition that is 1,000–1,500 EUR more expensive

  • pay tuition that is 2 or even 3 times higher

Tuition at public universities

  • 150–3,500 EUR/year for Bachelor’s degrees

  • 300–3,500 EUR/year for Master’s degrees

Tuition at private universities

Most degrees will cost under 20,000 EUR per academic year. However, you can expect to pay over 25,000 or even 30,000 EUR per year for some business programmes.

Accommodation costs

Depending on the city, the type of accommodation (student residence halls vs rented flat), and the exact location of your housing, prices for accommodation range between 250 and 1,000 EUR/month. Prices for rent are the highest in cities like Madrid and Barcelona.

Choosing a student residence will save you some money as the price for a room is usually between 350 and 650 EUR/month.

Healthcare

If you come from an EU/EEA country, you can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for any healthcare services in a Spanish public hospital or clinic. However, you should acquire it prior to your departure in Spain. Non-EU/EEA students should arrange a private health insurance in Spain to cover the duration of their stay.

Emergency healthcare is guaranteed regardless of your nationality, but you may be charged for the services.

Food costs

Food bills from local supermarkets would cost between 200 and 400 EUR/month. If you want to grab a meal at an inexpensive restaurant, it would cost you around 10 EUR, while drinks in bars and pubs have prices that start from 3 EUR.

On average, living costs for students in Spain range between 700 and 1,100 EUR/month. 

About Spain

Spain has one of the most open, friendly and lively atmospheres you will ever experience. Spanish people live their lives to the fullest and everything is a reason for a fiesta, so you’ll be laughing and have a fun time in Spain more than you can imagine.

Spanish culture is fascinating and you could learn a lot about it by just admiring some of its architectural masterpieces, like the great Moorish fortress, the Alhambra, or Gaudi’s famous designs.

Spain is one of the world's biggest producers of saffron and olive oil. Some other important industries that support the country’s economy include renewable energy, telecommunications, tourism and textile manufacturing.

Since Spanish is the second most popular language in the world, you should take advantage of your time in Spain and learn the language that everyone is so attracted to. Learning Spanish won’t be just a fun activity, but it is also an impressive element you can add to your resume.

Iconic places to visit

Throughout Spain, you can find so many beautiful and remarkable attractions, some of them date back from Moorish times. Some of the most popular places you can visit in Spain are:

  • The National Parks on the Canary Islands
  • The Cave paintings of Altamira
  • Buen Retiro Park
  • The Royal Palace of Madrid
  • Sagrada Familia,
  • Casa Batillo
  • City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia
  • Basilica of Santa María in Alicante
Fun facts
  • Throughout history, Spain had different names, from Iberia, to Hesperia, Hispania. They eventually settled on España, which literally means “land of the rabbits”.
  • Spain remained neutral in both world wars.
  • Spanish people invented the stapler.
  • Some of the world’s greatest and most famous artists were Spanish: Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Joan Miro and Francisco Goya.
  • Spain is the only country in Europe that produces bananas.

Universities, colleges and schools in Spain

A Coruña

Alcalá de Henares

Arrasate

Barcelona

Bilbao

Cartagena

Castelló de la Plana

Getafe

Gijón

Girona

Granada

Jaén

La Orotava

Leganés

León

Lleida

Madrid

Marbella

Moncada

Murcia

Nerva

Oviedo

Oñati

Palma

Pamplona

Reus

Salamanca

San Sebastián

Sant Cugat del Vallès

Sant Pol de Mar

Santander

Santiago de Compostela

Segovia

Sevilla

Tarragona

Valencia

Zaragoza

Interested in scholarships for Spain? Check out our scholarship search page.

How to Apply to a Master's in Spain

If you've decided to study a Master's degree at a university in Spain, you will have to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the university requirements. Provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.

What documents do I need to provide to apply in Spain?

To apply to a university in Spain you will likely be asked to provide some of the following documents:

  • birth certificate;
  • recent photos;
  • your passport or national identity card;
  • one or more reference letters from past employers or teachers;
  • copies of past diplomas or certificates, including your graduated Bachelor's degree;
  • academic transcripts;
  • letter of intent;
  • Curriculum Vitae;
  • Some form of proof that you can support your stay in the country during your studies.

Depending on the subject or specialization of your chosen Master's, you might also be asked to provide scores for additional tests like the GRE, GMAT or LSAT. Check if your programme requires any of these, or others.

The list of documents depends on the specific requirements of universities in Spain so you might be asked to include additional documents. It’s also likely you’ll have to provide official English translations of your documents, or translations in the local language.

Prove your English skills

Because you’ll study an international degree in English, you'll have to present a language certificate. Some popular options for international students are IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced language certificates. You’ll have to meet a minimum language score set by the university, and your test scores shouldn’t be older than 1-2 years. If you don’t meet the minimum language requirements, you will have to improve your skills and scores by taking an English preparation course.

Application deadlines for Spain

The deadlines for applying to a Master's in Spain are usually during summer (June-July), or in winter (January-February). Keep in mind that some universities don’t have application deadlines, which means you can apply whenever you are ready.

To avoid delays or missed deadlines send your required documents with plenty of time in advance.

Interesting programmes for you

Find Master's Degrees in Spain

What subject to study in Spain?

Discover other countries

Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a very popular study destination. Internationals choose this beautiful country because Dutch universities are some of the best in Europe, the living standards are high, foreigners are always welcome, and you get to live in one of the happiest and safest countries in the world. The Netherlands is also renowned for innovative technologies and engineering solutions, which is reflected in the wide range of Engineering degrees offered by universities. English is spoken by around 90% of Dutch citizens, so forget about language barriers. Also, bike lanes and the “cycling culture” will help you to stay fit and healthy, and there are diverse job opportunities and internships for international students.
Finland
Finland
Finland is an excellent choice for all internationals and especially for EU/EEA students who can study at local public universities for free. The beautiful Nordic country has one of the best education systems in the world and ranks among the safest and happiest nations in the world. You can also choose from over 400 English-taught programmes. In your spare time, you can explore the breathtaking Finnish nature and landscapes, as well as the numerous lakes that give the country the nickname ‘The Land of a Thousand Lakes.’ From here, you can easily travel to neighbouring countries like Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, or Estonia.
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is among the top countries in the world in terms of quality of life, peace, safety, and development. It represents an appealing blend of beautiful landscapes, English-speaking environments, and a strong, welcoming, and rich culture — of which the Irish people are very proud. International students also enjoy the full support of Irish universities, which hire and train staff that are able to help with accommodation, studies, visa details, or any other challenge.
Norway
Norway
Norway is a paradise for anyone who wants to study abroad for free. Public universities don’t charge any tuition fees. This policy applies to all international students, regardless of their nationality. The academic standard is very high, and professors are easy to approach, always willing to go the extra mile for their students. Additionally, classes are organised in small groups, which further improves learning and cooperation. You can choose from a wide range of English-taught programmes, and you don’t need to worry about language barriers outside of classes either, because most Norwegians speak English as a second language. Internationals should find it easy to adapt to Norway’s society, which is based on equality and fair opportunities — reflected both in the legal system and in people’s behaviour.
Greece
Greece
Greece is the cradle of European civilization and the birthplace of philosophy. Greek universities and colleges have a long history in academics, attracting international students from all over the world. Classes are not typically formal, so you can expect open discussions between students and professors, in line with the classical philosophical debate tradition. EU/EEA students don’t pay any tuition at public universities, while non-EU/EEA citizens pay low fees. In Greece, you’ll also enjoy the well-known local hospitality and the wonderful Mediterranean climate. There are many landmarks and monuments waiting to be explored, including the Acropolis, Delphi, the Parthenon, and many others.
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden is a very ambitious, eco-friendly, and visionary country. For example, by 2040, it aims to produce all its energy from renewable sources. Universities play an important role in achieving development goals, thanks to their world-class research facilities. If you’re from the EU/EEA, you can study at public universities for free. As a student, you will discover and easily adopt the three main values of Swedish society: freedom, equality, and sustainability. These values are reflected in every aspect of the local society, and you’ll quickly learn to appreciate them. Language barriers are also almost non-existent since around 80% of Swedes speak English.
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland has one of the most advanced free-market economies, which is reflected in the high living standards and the satisfaction of people living here. In terms of higher education, Swiss universities are constantly ranked among the best in Europe, and they shine in areas like Business, Tourism, Culinary Arts, and Engineering. When compared to Western universities, tuition fees in Switzerland are affordable, and all studies — especially PhD programmes — are world-class. You’ll have the opportunity to develop in a multilingual environment and try learning international languages like German, French, or Italian. If you settle down here, the unemployment rates are low, and salaries are well above the European average.
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Universities in the UK are some of the most highly regarded in the world, and for good reasons. Some of the world's most highly regarded research takes place in British universities, which are regularly featured in international rankings. While studying in the UK, you will be able to develop in a highly multicultural environment with high chances of pursuing lucrative careers after graduation. The teaching in the UK is designed to encourage new idea generation, encouraging individual research and group cooperation, through class discussions and creative assignments.
Canada
Canada
Canada is one of the most popular study destinations in the world due to its high focus on the quality of its universities and its emphasis on attracting international students who can later immigrate. Canadians are very welcoming to international students and they invest a lot into making sure students are safe, treated fairly, and enjoy their stay in the country. Study in one of the strongest economies in the world while enjoying a high living standard and a flexible study environment. Classes have smaller student groups ensuring everyone gets the attention they need, and encouraging group assignments and debates.
United States
United States
The United States is home to some of the most prestigious universities and colleges in the world. With over 150 universities featured in international rankings, the U.S. has some of the best business schools, medical schools, and engineering schools. Universities and colleges in the U.S. are well known for academic flexibility and ways to customize your study experience with optional studies and extracurricular activities. Depending on where you will be studying, you will be able to visit iconic places like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Goldengate Bridge, The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Disney's Magic Kingdom Park, and much more.
Israel
Israel
Israel attracts international students through high standards of education and a wide range of English-taught degrees. Local universities shine in areas like Technology, Sciences, Business, and Entrepreneurship. In fact, Israel is a renowned land of innovation, having earned itself the nickname ‘Start-Up Nation’. While living and studying here, you will discover a wonderful culture developed throughout 4,000 years of history; different cultural influences are noticeable everywhere, especially in Israeli food, art, and history. In major cities, English is widely spoken, so communication shouldn’t be a problem. In your spare time, you can visit one of the over 400 nature reserves and 80 national parks.
Australia
Australia
By studying in Australia you will take advantage of the great student environment both inside and outside classrooms. In addition to some of the best business and engineering schools in the world, you will be able to explore a greatly developed country that still retains its wild side with its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and the Great Outback, with over 500 national parks. Many Australian universities provide internships and work placements, preparing students early on for the job market.
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