A Student Guide to Study in Spain

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Spain is one of Europe’s top study destinations, dating back its universities to 1218. International students are attracted to Spain for its exceptional educational system, low tuition fees & cost of living, making it ideal to live and study simultaneously. Spain offers students a life-changing experience with its breathtaking study setting, internationally recognised institutions and career opportunities.

According to Erudera, there are a total of 208,366 international students studying in Spain. There’s been a 36% increase in the last five years, with 1,53,089 students registered in the regular courses and 55,277 in mobility programs.

Why do international students come to study in Spain?

The country has both private and public universities. There are 76 universities in Spain supported by state funding. The public universities in Spain provide free education, including international students. So, with free education, affordable living, diverse culture, natural beauty and hospitable people, Spain is the perfect place to come and experience student life.

Where do most international students study in Spain?

These are some of the most popular cities opted for by international students in Spain:

Madrid ranks #1 on the list, with 45,181 students enrolled in higher studies.
Catalonia ranks #2 with a total enrollment of 43,184 students.
Andalusia ranks #3 with a total of 25,115 international students.
Valencia ranks #4 with 22,841 total international students.
Castile and Leon ranks #5 with a total of 12,599 students.
Basque Country ranks #6 with 5,231 total international students.

This guide below will help you plan your study abroad journey in Spain:

Now that you know why Spain is amazing and why it’s a perfect study destination for students, let us help you plan and organize your study journey.

Find a program and university

There are many private and public universities in Spain offering many degrees and programs at all levels. As students, you have such wide options, and most of them are provided in English to accommodate students from around the world. These top 10 universities have been ranked as the Best Global Universities by U.S. News & World Report:

University of Barcelona
Autonomous University of Barcelona
Pompeu Fabra University
University of Valencia
Autonomous University of Madrid
University of Granada
Complutense University of Madrid
Polytechnic University of Catalonia
University of Navarra
University of Basque Country

Entry Requirements for international student in Spain

To be accepted into the universities in Spain, a few requirements must be met as an international student. Here’s the entry requirements:

Recognition of school certificate: You must obtain an official credit for your previous studies before applying for a course in Spain.

Meet the language requirement: You must prove your Spanish proficiency through a test.

EBAU entrance exam: It is also known as the ‘selectivity exam’, where the test is divided into General and Specific phases consisting of many exams per subject.

Student visa for international students in Spain

Studying in Spain will give you the experience of a lifetime. With the help of financial aid, it is easier to get that financial burden off your shoulders. Several types of financial assistance are available to international students pursuing higher education in Spain. You can look into scholarships and grants that will help you fund your tuition fees.

Apply for student visa

As an international student, if you have applied to study in Spain, you must obtain a student visa to Spain. The first process is to get the letter of acceptance from your university to confirm your admission into the university. You must keep all the documents required for applying for a student visa in Spain:

Valid passport
Financial proof
Medical insurance
Academic documents

Once you submit all the required documents, you can pay the fee and await confirmation.

Student accommodation and cost of living in Spain

When you’re all set for your study journey, you get into uni, receive your visa and are ready to fly. There’s one important thing to do before you set on to fly to Spain. It would help if you found accommodation for your long stay in Spain. Spain has a wide range of student accommodations, including student housing, student apartments and university halls.

The cost of living in Spain is relatively lower than that of other European countries. The student accommodation in Spain is affordable, transportation is easy to use, cost-efficient and cost-effective. The health system in Spain is known to be one of the best systems in the world and well-sponsored by the government.
Book your accommodation a few months before you set on your academic life. It’s hassle-free, and you will benefit from finding the best, affordable and secure housing in Spain.