Higher Education in Spain
Spain is a historically and culturally diverse country. Located in southwestern Europe, Spain is a land of stone castles, vast monuments, and modern cities, with a history influenced by the Castilian, Catalonian, Basque, Roman and Arabic cultures. Every year thousands of students from across the world attend the top universities in the country. It offers international students the opportunity to create new concepts about life.
Spanish universities are open and hold various events throughout the year, offering opportunities to explore the city, indulge in the culture, and connect with fellow international students from all corners of the globe. It mixes a professional, cosmopolitan life with more vibrant and charming regional cultures.
Why study in Spain?
Learn a new language
The Spanish language is the second most spoken language, and it will open up different career possibilities in the job market. You will have the opportunity to practice your Spanish-speaking skills in real-time with native speakers.
Beautiful weather and people
The Mediterranean coastline in Spain gets an average of 300 days of sunshine per year. Your time will be filled with good food, good friends and a lot of vitamin D. The people of Spain are wonderfully warm and welcoming, making international students feel at home. Spain is packed with brilliant places to visit and a marvelous outdoors full of beaches, picturesque landscapes, and outstanding architecture.
Affordable cost of living
Spain is a relatively affordable country compared to other European countries. The average cost of living in Spain for an international student is EUR 700-1000 per month. Tuition fees for universities in Spain are some of the lowest in Europe. There are just so many budget-friendly opportunities for students, either in forms of accommodation or recreation.
Quality education
Spain offers an opportunity to learn irrespective of the university you wish to attend. The educational system is organized and properly executed, designed to provide students of all levels with utmost learning. Spain is the third most popular country for international studies. It places a lot of importance on preparing students for real-life experiences, and its higher education system reflects this commitment.
Post study work visa / stay back option
Spain offers a one years post study visas for international students who want to stay and work after graduation. On completing the masters course, a student can apply for and get a temporary residence permit for a period of 12 months. This provides you time to find employment and start your career in Europe.
Quick Facts
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Top 10 Universities and Business Schools in Spain
- University of Barcelona
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
- University of Navarra
- University of Valencia
- Polytechnic University of Catalonia
- IESE Business School
- IE Business School
- ESADE Business School
- EADA Business School
- ESCP Europe
What is the admission procedure?
Step 1 – Course research
Since there are several universities and programs available, you must research before choosing your desired course. Spain is known for its highly specialized courses, including Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Business, Management.
Step 2 – Check requirements
You must check the requirements for the course of your choice. There are different entry requirements applied within the same university, ensure you are reading and following accurately. You can reach the university through email or if you are unsure, contact your counsellor. Once you have your GRE/IELTS/TOEFL score in hand, narrow down on the universities based on your budget, city, profile, and interests.
Step 3 – Procure your documents
Each course and university requires certain documents for applying for an eligibility check. Some universities prefer you to get your undergraduate transcripts attested before submission. Write a letter of intent explaining why you are passionate about the course and why you are qualified to pursue a degree.
Step 4 – Submit your application
Create an account through the university website and upload your documents. You must apply individually to your preferred course and university. Most Universities charge approximately € 20 – 200 for applications and some are free.
Step 5 – Accept the admission letter.
Eligibility
Some of the common eligibility criteria to get into top universities:
Postgraduate eligibility requirements
- Bachelor degree in relevant subject
- 60% in relevant UG degree
- Average GRE score of 310-320, depending on the university
- Average GMAT score for business courses
- Minimum 6.5 band in IELTS or 80-90 in TOEFL
- Work experience, if applicable
- Spanish language certificate (if taught in Spanish)
Undergraduate eligibility requirements
- Passed 10+2 exam
- Some universities might require students to submit an aptitude test
- Minimum 6.5 band in IELTS or 80-90 in TOEFL
- Spanish Language Certificate (if taught in Spanish)
Documents required
To enroll in a masters degree, you must have a relevant bachelors degree recognized by Spanish universities. The following are the list of common documents required by universities:
- Online Application Printout – the application form submitted on the university portal.
- Proof of English Language Proficiency – TOEFL, IELTS, if required.
- Degree Certificate – a recognized bachelor degree
- CV – updated resume
- Letter of Motivation – a letter stating your purpose of study in the respective course.
- Two Letters of Recommendation – a recommendation from professor and work colleague.
- Spanish Language Proficiency – certain universities ask students to produce A1 level certification or higher.
Types of Visas
Indian students require a visa to enter and stay in Spain for the duration of the course. You get a national visa that is intended for longer studies. Whereas for short courses, you receive a Schengen visa, which is valid for 3 months and cannot be extended. The following documents required to receive a student visa are:
- Valid passport
- Proof of funds
- Proof of health insurance
- Academic transcripts
- A letter of acceptance
- Statement of Purpose for visa
There are two types of France Student Visa:
- Long Stay Visa– It is a long-term visa given to students who have a letter of acceptance from a Spainish university. The visa must be validated upon arrival in Spain.
- The research-talent passport long-stay visa – It is a long-term visa given to students for conducting research or teach at a university.
Cost of tuition and living expenses
The tuition fees at public universities are set by Spanish government and are the same across the country. The fees are usually quite reasonable and there are several scholarships available for international students.
Living expenses for students are relatively lower compared to countries like the US, UK, or Switzerland. The monthly living expenses of a student are around € 600 – 1200 per month, includes expenses like accommodation, books, study materials, lifestyle and others. The total cost of living depends on factors like the location and type of lifestyle. International students are allowed to work for 20 hours per week earning 8 to 15 Euros an hour and travel freely in the countries of the Schengen area.
Job Opportunities
A degree in Spain will provide you with a 12-month work permit visa*. The country has a plethora of opportunities to offer for any field of graduation. The most demanded jobs are Project Manager, Mechanical Engineer, Hospitality Managers, Data Engineer, Nurse, Finance, and Marketing.
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The top employers recruiting in Spain are:
- Amazon
- HP Inc.
- Airbnb
- Telefónica
- BBVA
- Santander
- American Express
- Hospitality and restaurants
Featured Institutions in Spain
- Universidad Europea
- EU Business School
- TBS Business School
- Real Madrid Graduate School
- UCAM Catholic University of Murcia
- EAE Business School
FAQs
Q: What are the eligibility criteria for a masters degree?
A: Each university and course has different criteria, but the most common is a bachelors degree in a relevant field. Check the institute’s website for the relevant course to find exact requirements.
Q: Is learning Spanish language important?
A: Learning Spanish is not mandatory if you are going for an English-taught course. However, the language plays an important in living and securing a job. Although most of them are English speakers, learning the basic language will help you a long way.
Q: Is IELTS or TOEFL mandatory for applying to courses?
A: Not if you are a native speaker of English. Otherwise, you will need to prove your English language skills through one of these exams.
Q: Will I be allowed to work as an international student in Spain?
A: Yes, you will be allowed to work part-time while studying your course for a limited period. Knowing Spanish language will help you secure a part-time job easily.
Q: What are the most affordable cities in Spain?
A: Some of the most affordable cities to live are Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Valencia.
Q: Are international students eligible for the scholarship?
A: Yes, there are plenty of scholarships available in Spain for international students, like Erasmus+ and university scholarships.
Q: Can international students get admission to public universities?
A: Yes, anybody can get admission to state-funded universities with relevant experience, and documentation proving the purpose of pursuing the course in the university.
Q: Can I stay in Spain after my studies?
A: Yes, Indian students can stay and look for a job within 12 months* after graduation. You must apply for a residence permit, and you will be eligible to search for employment.
Q: Is it difficult to find a job in Spain post-graduation?
A: No, it is not difficult, but challenging as it is in any country. Having good professional contacts, knowing the language and seeking the university employability team will help you find the relevant job.
*Post-Study Visa policies are subject to change. Always check the official government website for updated information.
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