STUDY IN SPAIN.
To study abroad in Spain, learn about the Spanish university
system, required qualifications, how to apply, fees, scholarships,
accommodation and student life.
If
you’re planning to study in Spain, you will find a long history of college
education, international education, and universities in Spain. The higher
education system in Spain is well positioned internationally and generally
places highly in global education rankings.
Higher education in Spain.
There
are around 1.6 million students in higher education in Spain. Just over 3% of
those who study in Spain are international students. According to the Ministry
of Education, in 2016/17 the vast majority of overseas university students were
from Latin America (59.6%), followed by students from the EU (19.2%),
Asia/Oceania (11.7%), non-EU Europe (3.7%), North America (3%), and Africa
(2.8%).
Most
courses at Spanish universities are available in Spanish and some courses are
in a regional language such as Catalan. But there are increasing numbers of
courses at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels taught in English. You
can find details of English-language degrees that you can study in Spain on the
online study portal.
Most
Spanish universities divide the academic year into two semesters: the first
generally runs from mid-September/early October to the end of December; the
second runs from late January/early February to the end of May. Some
universities have trimesters.
Types of universities in Spain.
There
are 76 Spanish universities (universidades): two-thirds are state-run by
the autonomous communities in all but two cases, where the Ministry of
Education and Science steps in; one-third are private, of which a small selection
are Catholic. Most of the leading universities are in Madrid and Barcelona.
There are also prestigious business schools and other specialized schools.
The
largest university in Spain is the National University of Distance
Education (UNED), a distance learning and research university
with over 260,000 students run by the central government. UNED combines traditional
onsite as well as distance learning programs.
Universities
in Spain are one of the following four types:
The
Spanish university system has a rigid structure and, in some cases, students
must follow a fixed curriculum and may not be permitted to change universities
during their studies (except in outstanding situations).
International universities in Spain.
There
are several international universities and institutions – generally business
schools – that offer higher education in Spain, usually in English or bilingual
education.
International
education offers a degree and credit structure that universities abroad often
accept. These institutions offer a very diverse faculty, host students from
around the globe, and are generally accredited by international bodies.
In
addition to Spanish universities, there are outposts of American universities
in Spain: Schiller International University, the St. Louis University and
Suffolk University (all in Madrid). There is also the European University and
the United International Business Schools in Barcelona and Madrid, as well as
international schools in several regions, including Isabella I of Castile
International University (Burgos), International University of Catalonia
(Barcelona), International University of La Rioja (Longrono), Valencian
International University (Castellon de la Plana), and Marbella Design Academy
(Monda).
Cost of studying in Spain.
The fees (tasas) for official
degrees at public universities are set by the autonomous communities within
guidelines set down by the General Assembly for University
Policy. Students from within the EU pay the same tuition fees as Spanish
students. Current tuition costs for a Bachelor’s degree at a public university
in Spain range from €450–2,000 per year. Master’s and Doctorate fees are calculated
per credit (one credit = 25 to 30 hours student work), with costs generally
working out at between €900-3,000 per year. However, if you come from outside
of the EU, or you are repeating a subject, you will pay more. Public
universities set their own fees for non-official degrees.
On
the other hand, private universities set their own fees. Enrolment costs for bachelors,
master’s, or doctorate courses can be between €5,000–18,000, depending on the
course and institution.
Contact
individual universities for information about their specific fees.
Language skills for studying in Spain.
You
will need to have a good knowledge
of the Spanish language (Castilian) on undergraduate
courses, or the regional language (such as Catalan, the regional language of
Catalonia).
Most
universities offer preparatory summer, intensive or extensive Spanish language
courses alongside your degree course – or you can also take classes at a private
school. Diplomas in Spanish as a Foreign Language (Diplomas de Español como
Lengua Extranjera or DELE) are the official, internationally
recognized qualifications. DELE are awarded by the Cervantes Institute. You can also consult a
list of language schools in Spain.
Student accommodation in Spain.
Some
universities have their own halls of residence (colegios mayores) and
student flats, but places are in high demand. Look on the university website
for information on university residences on- and off-campus as well as
homestays with Spanish families. Rent for private accommodation varies from
city to city. For example, for a shared room in a flat expect to pay
around €350–600 per month in Madrid, or around €300 per month in Seville or
Valencia. Nuroa is an accommodation search
engine across Spain, or see our guide to renting in Spain.
The
cost of living in Spain also varies between cities and regions, with Madrid and
Barcelona being the most expensive; budget for between €350 and €1,000 per
month for all living expenses.
Visas to study at a university in Spain.
If
you’re coming from the EU/EEA/Switzerland to study in Spain, you don’t need a
visa to study at a Spanish university, but you do need to register with
the Central Office for Foreigners.
Take along your passport/national ID document and proof of acceptance to a
university course to get a certificate confirming that you have a right to study
in Spain. With assistance from your Educare Counsellor it is a stress free process.
Working while studying in Spain.
Students can work either in employment or self-employment as long as the employment does not interfere with studies. In practice, this means that work may be part-time during term-time and up to three months full-time work in the holidays. If you’re from outside of the EU/EEA/Switzerland, you’ll need a Spanish work permit to do so (unless the work is an internship as part of your course).
Tips on Spanish student life.
Many
Spanish students attend the university closest to home and still live at home
or go home at weekends. This means that university facilities may close during
the weekend. As a result, universities offer few extracurricular activities. Courses
at Spanish universities have strong structures with few elective elements. You
must select your curriculum and usually cannot change university part-way
through the course unless in exceptional circumstances.
Teaching
includes lectures, seminars, and practical work. Lectures are about an hour
long. Initially, lectures may be very crowded – arrive early to get a seat –
but there’s a high drop off rate after the tough first-year exams. As many as
30% of students in Spain drop out before their course ends. Exams may be in
February or June, although some courses undergo evaluations throughout the
year.
Health insurance is obligatory in Spain. Students under 28 receive coverage for health insurance by a students’ insurance fund; others must organize their own health insurance, however. EU students can also use their valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Read even more in our guide to health insurance in Spain.
For further enquiries contact us , Educare
International for assistance on how to start your application to study in Spain
today.
