A Student Guide to Study in Spain

Country Highlights

Total Population	46,805,713 (April 29, 2023)
International Student Population	208,366 (2022)
Languages Spoken	Aranese, Basque, Catalan, Galician and Spanish
Capital	Madrid
Currency	Euro (€)
Mobile Networks	Vodafone, Orange, Movistar, Yoigo, Amena
Area	505,990 km2
Prime Minister	Pedro Sánchez

With around 80 public and private universities, the best ones in Barcelona and Madrid, the higher education system in Spain is internationally acknowledged. Many of the universities have claimed a place among the universities ranked highly in the global higher studies rankings. Spain’s Marbella International University Centre (MIUC) is among the fastest-growing modern institutes in the world.

More than thousands of students fly to Spain every year to study the second most widely spoken language in the world, Spanish.

Check:

• Best Universities in Spain

• Spain Student Visa Guide

6 Interesting Anecdotes about Spain

• It is a country with the third highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These are 47 in total and include ancient churches, old towns, cathedrals, national parks, mountains, etc.
• Spain’s national anthem ‘La Marcha Real’ is among the oldest in the world. For the unversed, it only has a tune and no lyrics.
• Although the Spanish culture gives great importance to its religion, only 13.6% of the locals visit the Church every Sunday.
• The world’s first modern novel ‘Don Quixote’ was written by the Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes in 1605. It is a significant part of Spanish literature.
• Located in Madrid, Restaurante Botín has been recognized as the world’s oldest restaurant and has secured a place in the Guinness World Records. If you’re a non-vegetarian, do not forget to try its lip-smacking signature dish ‘Cochinillos asado and other delicious dishes.
• Spanish people usually have two surnames. The first one is taken from one’s father and the other one from the mother.

Check: Spain vs Italy: Which is Better for Study?

Education System in Spain

Spain has embraced the ‘Bologna Process’ which has changed and enhanced the old teaching practices in entire Europe. As a result, the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) came into being after the European Higher Education Area was set up. A framework has been created in order to let transparency seep across universities and colleges in Europe. In Spain, higher education institutions have schools (facultades) which have distinct departments offering myriad subject-wise courses which one can plan to pursue. Students get a chance to obtain both official and non-official degrees and can also obtain double degrees. The Ministerio de Educación or Ministry of Education administers the education system.

Teaching is inclusive of both theoretical and practical knowledge and although Spanish or Catalan is used to teach most of the programs, various interesting courses are available that are taught in English as well. English language courses are offered in some universities, such as Marabella Academy, which helps international students gear up for taking a course in Spain. The universities in Spain have two semesters, with the academic session starting in October and concluding in June. Students have to appear for the exams in February and June.

Types of Programs Offered

• 1^st Cycle: Bachelor’s (Maximum 4 years, total 240 ECTS credits – 60 per academic year)
• 2^nd Cycle: Master’s (1-2 years, total of 60-120 ECTS credits)
• 3^rd Cycle: Doctoral (3-5 years – 60 ECTS per academic year)

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

Grading System in Higher Education

Result	10-Point Grade Scale	Grade Academic Transcript
10	Matrícula de Honor (Special Distinction)	4
9-10	Sobresaliente (Outstanding)	3
7-8.9	Notable (Remarkable)	2
5-6.9	Aprobado (Pass)	1
0-4.9	Suspenso (Fail)	/

Popular Courses in Spain

Universities in Spain list various graduate and undergraduate programs, taught by expert faculty, for international students. From arts and humanities to medical and non-medical courses, one may choose a course that holds his or her interest and appears to possess good scope for the future.

The table below lists some of the popular courses, which the international lot likes to pursue, along with the Spanish university renowned for the same.

Law	Pompeu Fabra University University of Navarra University of Barcelona University of Valencia IE Law School
Arts & Humanities	Autonomous University of Barcelona University of Barcelona University of Granada University of Valencia Complutense University of Madrid
Marketing & Finance	EU Business School IE Business School Universidad Carlos III de Madrid Pompeu Fabra University Esade Barcelona Pedralbes Campus
Hospitality Management	Les Roches Marbella UCAM Universidad Catolica San Antonio de Murcia GBSB Global Business School University of the Balearic Islands The Global American University
Nursing	University of Jaen UGR Granada Universidad Francisco de Vitoria University of Barcelona CEU  Cardinal Herrera University

Indian Students in Spain

Many Indian students holding good academic records opt for Spain as their higher study destination. From 2019-2020, over 5,000 students from Indian were studying in the country. Even though the unemployment rate of the youth is the highest in Spain along with low average compensation within the European Union, applications from a large of students from different nations worldwide are being received at present. The reason behind this is the vibrant, easy atmosphere that the country offers along with low living costs.

Top 5 Reasons to Study in Spain

• You get to meet local Spanish people who are considered among the warmest and most hospitable in the world and believe in building bonds that last forever. Expats tend to have a good time during their free time exploring the Spanish culture and befriending helpful locals who love to mingle with foreigners visiting their homeland.
• Spain is amongst the safest nations in the world with pretty low crime rates. Locals have no problem blending with newcomers and would love to show you around. With people holding different nationalities residing together, the country obtained the 29^th position among 163 nations in terms of safety and tranquillity in the Global Peace Index 2022.
• Travel enthusiasts will have a gala time wandering the lanes of Spain, visiting art galleries and museums, fancy cafes and restaurants, and various interesting public events. Other European nations such as Italy and Portugal too are not far off to pay a visit!
• Village Buñol’s La Tomatina or tomato food fight festival is open to people from all around the world and is hosted in August. A fun-filled event, you’ll basically be drenching yourself and everyone and everything around you in tomato puree.
• Spain universities’ tuition fees won’t act hard on your pockets with it being one of the cheapest in Europe. With the cost of living reasonably low, your expenditure won’t exceed the bracket set by you. In Europe the cost of living is fairly affordable compared to other European countries.

Getting acquainted with Spain

Weather

Recognised as one of the best countries in the world with an amazing climate as per Huffpost, Spain’s gentle sunny Mediterranean weather is usually pleasing. But it also depends upon the place you plan to relocate to for your studies as multiple climatic zones exist in the country, with the major ones being – Continental, Mediterranean, and Atlantic. Usually, the months of June to September are warm, December to March are cold and spring and autumn are moderate. Tourists have a great time indulging in various outdoor sports and other activities, with water babies hitting the popular beaches of Marbella.

Lifestyle

Spanish people are easy-going, cheerful, tolerant, and welcoming. You would never be lost in an unknown area, wondering where to go or what to do. Your Spanish friends can help you participate in the vibrant multi-cultural traditional festivals which take place every year in different regions of the country. Get a taste of their local traditions, culture and preparations and gather some unforgettable memories. Be it the 800-year-old Romeria de Nuesra Señora de le Cabeza festival or the Fiesta de los Patios, your to-do list may fall short of space. For the audacious and frolicsome, San Fermin or ‘Running of the Bulls’ and La Tomatina (tomato fight) might be the ultimate distraction. As far as the food is concerned, Spanish delicacies are sure to make your taste buds happy. Whether it is the tortillas, chorizo, paella or gazpacho and tapas, food in Spain is oozing with flavours. The country is a paradise for football lovers, with ‘football’ being the national sport and matches taking place between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona teams.

Conveyance

Thanks to Spain’s good transport facilities, international students studying in the country can conveniently travel to different places of leisure. You can take a metro or speed rails and visit various cities or the quaint hamlets and meet the locals. They are among the most down-to-earth persons in the world and love to share details about their customs and culture. The country also has local, regional and national buses to offer for easy and cheap travel. It will always be affordable to opt for public transport rather than hiring a private taxi or a cab.

Tuition Fee

Level	Fees (in Euro)	Fees (in INR)
Bachelor’s	750-2,500 Euro (Approx.)	Rs 68,222-Rs 2,27,401
Master’s	1,000-3,500 Euro	Rs 90,962-Rs 3,18,368
Private Universities
Type	Fee (in Euro)	Fee (INR)
Private Universities	20,000 Euro	Rs 18,19,246 yearly
Business Institutes	25,000 Euro	Rs 22,74,058 yearly
MBA	30,000 Euro	Rs 27,28,869 yearly
By Enrollment
Enrollment	Fee (in Euro)	Fee (INR)
1st Enrollment	12 Euro	Rs 1008 per credit
2nd Enrollment	25 Euro	Rs 2101 per credit
3rd Enrollment	50 Euro	Rs 42,030 per credit

One of the best factors which drive international students to study in Spain is the low tuition fees. But in the end, it depends upon the type of course you choose, your university, and the brand. Those planning to study in a public institution may end up paying the annual tuition fee anywhere between 2,000-3,500 Euros. In case you wish to maintain the bar below your set budget, you can obtain discounted second-hand academic textbooks from websites such as Segunda Mano and others.

Living /Accommodation Expenses

Students planning to spend their higher education tenure in Spain should do good research regarding living spaces before travelling to the country. Whether it’s the university accommodation or a private flat you wish to live in, weigh all the pros and cons of the place before you finalise the same. Spanish universities usually provide student accommodation in student residence halls or apartments. Just like the tuition fee, your living expenditure too will depend upon certain factors such as furnished or non-furnished rooms, type of rooms, amenities available, etc. If we compare Madrid and Barcelona, a one-bedroom apartment in the former may cost anywhere near 1,000 Euro, while in the latter you may have to pay 850 Euro for an apartment.

Miscellaneous Expenditure
Internet	30 Euro	Rs 2,729 monthly
Food	400 Euro	Rs 36,385 monthly
Basic Needs	115 Euro	Rs 10,461 monthly

Those who find living alone expensive share a room with another student. Also, instead of eating out and burning a hole in your pocket try to cook yourself. Make Youtube your friend in distress in case you’re a novice cook. Keep in mind that many cafes and restaurants around the world offer discounts to students so don’t forget to carry your student ID whenever you’re searching for an eatery outside.

Types of Student Accommodation

Studio apartments: This option is best for those who wish to live independently and have a fine budget. Although smaller in size, one does not have to share the room with another person. But it should also be noted that the closer these are to the centrum, the costlier these will be.

Family hosts: Many families throughout Spain are hospitable enough to allow university students to stay with them. This not only lets you enjoy wholesome home-cooked meals but also gives you an opportunity to understand their culture and perspectives. It can be your home away from home. This is also beneficial for those who aren’t much fluent in Spanish and wish to improve their skills. You can request the family members to provide you with basic language lessons during your free time.

Flats and townhouses: These are very expensive student housing options and are usually difficult to get. In case you wish to book one for your stay it is better to approach an agent for the same.

Student Accommodation Websites

• Uniplaces: Book online from anywhere in the world here. The website offers distinct types of student living properties with genuine pictures and videos. One can put price, type, amenities and location filter while exploring his or her options. The website also provides an official accommodation certificate to those who need it for your visa application information. All the options available on the website are verified and fit students with every kind of budget.
• Student.com: A leading platform for the housing of international students, Student.com was incepted in 2011. Thousands of students worldwide have benefitted from the help provided by the website team members who have helped students find their perfect living space.
• Casita: Students who are low on budget can visit this website and explore different types of not-so-expensive options. You can book a room together with your classmate or friend, and connect with other students living nearby. Students do not need to wander far off for basic need fulfilment as general stores, gyms, gaming zones, and laundry services are all available nearby.
• HousingAnywhere: HousingAnywhere has been helping students book their preferred accommodation online with ease. More than seven million people worldwide have been using its services for deciding on a place of residence.
• Bookingforstudents.com: A housing agency, Bookingforstudents.com has existed for over 20 years. Youngsters, both students and professionals, from different parts of the world, have benefitted from the services it has been providing.
• Roomi: Through Roomi students can share an entire home or a house with another person on their own terms and conditions. You can go through the requests and profiles of the potential roommates and decide if you would like to co-exist.
• StudyAbroadApartments.com: Promising to offer the best study abroad housing, students anywhere in the world can book their own flats and share a residential building with other international students. Students are guaranteed that they get exactly what they see on the website. So if you’re travelling to Spain for an internship, exchange program or a full-time degree course, try booking your accommodation through here.
• Nestpick: This is a free search engine that has partnered with over 200 universities and colleges. 
• Homestay.com: Browse more than 63,000 rooms in over 176 countries.
• AmberStudent.com: Students can book long-term accommodation here. More than 80 million students have been able to explore and book living spaces near their colleges, without negotiation issues, irrelevant paperwork, and broken payment.
• Spotahome: Make your online renting experience easy with Spotahome with verified properties. A range of student flats, rooms, apartments, etc is offered to everyone irrespective of their professional status or age.

Intake Seasons

In Spain, there are usually two intake sessions for international students. But there are a few institutions which have three deadlines for the admission application.

• Fall Intake: This commences in the month of October and has a total of two deadlines - One in early June and the other in early September (late application deadline).
• Spring Intake: This commences in the month of February for Spanish universities. Only one application deadline has been set for this admission cycle which falls in early December.

Students are recommended to apply at the earliest for the same. It will be even better if they do so before the first deadline itself.

Check: Cost of Studying in Spain

Scholarships and funding to Study in Spain

Studying in a foreign country is not always inexpensive for most of the students targeting a good university. In order to help these students pursue their academic programs in Spain, various financial help options are available such as study grants, loans, and scholarships. Some of these are offered by the Spanish government itself and a few others are granted by external agencies. Make sure you don’t miss the admission deadline otherwise, you would miss out on applying for the scholarships. The financial aid offered may cover your flight tickets, tuition fee etc. The external agencies which help with such funding do so in order to encourage global education and foreign affairs.

Listed below are a few of the scholarships which students from India can apply for:

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships: A popular scholarship award, students wishing to study in Spain can apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. Funded by the European Union, all those who are pursuing a master’s level course can apply for the same. The eligibility criteria state that a student must be holding a bachelor’s degree or should be in his or her bachelor degree’s final year. Their graduation should have ended prior to the commencement of their master’s course. These scholarships will cover your program participation fee, conveyance and living allowance. Those with these scholarships will obtain 1,000 Euro monthly for living expenses throughout the 2-year duration of the program. 

UIC Barcelona Scholarship: The UIC Barcelona Scholarship is awarded to academically exceptional international students, irrespective of their nationality.  

Women in Tech Scholarships: To promote female participation in technology-centric courses, this scholarship will provide a maximum of 50% discount for those women who aim to study a course in technology-related fields.

European University of Atlantic: With the help of this scholarship, Indian students pursuing a bachelor’s level course will obtain 100% funding for their tuition.

Spanish Studies Abroad Financial Aid: A merit-based scholarship, this is given to those Indian students who wish to study in Spain. These students will obtain a stipend of 455-1360 euros. In order to obtain this, they will have to write a personal essay on a personal life story that would reflect their genuine commitment to learning Spain’s national language, i.e Spanish.

The Fulbright Program: This scholarship is only meant for those international students who are targeting Spain to conduct independent research. Over 4,000 students across the world obtain the Fulbright scholarship each year. 

Study Visas for Spain

There are many forms of Spanish Student Visas, each with different validity. In order to obtain the same, students located outside of Spain are required to apply for it at a Spanish embassy and provide the relevant documents. Students should make sure that they hold an acceptance offer from the university they wish to study at before they apply for a student visa. So as to let the visa processing time sail smoothly the application for the same should be submitted 2-3 months prior to relocating to Spain. At present, the Schengen Student Visa fee is 80 euros for one person.

Students should note that they cannot change the visa type once they are in Spain and the same will be considered valid only if a Spanish embassy or consulate has provided it.

Types of Student Visas

Visa Type	Duration	Details
180-days D type visa	3-6 months	This short-term student visa permits students to pursue a program the duration of which is not more than 180 days. These cannot be extended. This visa fits those who want to study Spanish language classes or any other short-courses.
Student visa (type D)	More than 6 months	With the help of a long term student visa, courses which last 6 months or longer can be pursued. This lets you obtain the Residence Card for foreign students (TIE). TIE can be renewed each year till the completion of your program.

Student Permit (Less than 3 months (90 days)): Those holding nationalities of those regions which are allowed visa-free entry for up to 90 days can pursue a program without obtaining a student visa.

Applying for a Student Visa from India

Students applying for a Spanish student visa from India shall do so not more than 6 months and not lesser than 15 days before they leave for Spain. The visa processing duration may last anywhere between 15-30 days. But there are also times when the same may take three months to get processed.

Spanish officials have tied up with a company called BLS International which processes the visa application on the Spanish embassy’s behalf. Students can visit its official website, india.blsspainvisa.com/book_appointment.php, and apply for the same. They will need to appear for an interview at a BLS international venue. You can submit the application at the Spain visa application centre in person or request a sanctioned person to do the needful. It should also be kept in mind that the same cannot be couriered because of security reasons.

Although there are very few chances that your application may get rejected, there have been cases when students have faced this issue. In order to save your application from getting declined, ensure that all your documents are complete and the related details are genuine. But in case you face rejection, you will have to explain the error you’ve made to the embassy members through an appeal.

You can follow the below-mentioned steps to file an appeal:

Cover letter: Write a cover letter talking about the need for an appeal.

Rejection letter: You also need to attach the rejection letter along with the aforementioned document.

Passport: Attach your passport’s copy along with every contact detail.

Documents required for Student Visa

Students are suggested to apply atleast 2-3 months before they leave for Spain as the document processing may take some time. Those applying for a Spanish student visa will have to submit the following documents for the said purpose:

• Valid passport
• Passport size pictures (2)
• Letter of acceptance from your university
• Proof that the application fee has been deposited by you
• Bank statements which will serve as proof that you can fund your studies
• Documents stating that you have a place to stay during the academic period for which you’re applying. You might also have to prove that you have enough financial resources to plan your return journey
• Medical insurance
• A no criminal record certificate from you’re the country you’ve been living in for the last five years It should mark you free from the crimes which are included under Spanish legislation
• Medical certificate which will serve as proof that you don’t have any disease which might jeopardize public health

Student Visa Requirement

A student visa will be mandatory for any of the following reasons:

• If a student is planning to pursue a full-time degree, diploma or certificate course at an accredited institute or university
• Au pair courses
• PhD studies
• Academic training
• An exchange program between a secondary school and a scientific school or accredited school
• A private or public agency internships or training which do not qualify for an internship visa
• General/public interest volunteering programs
• Teaching assistantship

Check: Scholarships to Study in Spain for Indian Students

Working with a Spanish Student Visa

Many international students studying in Spain like to work part-time along with studying in order to handle the extra expenditures or to earn some pocket money. Students on a Spain student visa can work only part-time or in a non-permanent role till the time their course is proceeding. A student cannot dedicate more than 20 hours per week to the same. Also, the employment which they take up cannot clash with their academic routine.

For obtaining employment, the student visa holder’s employer will have to get a work permit from the Foreign office. The student cannot do the same directly himself or herself. Also, the contract of the role obtained cannot be greater than the study visa’s duration. A work permit won’t be required for the internships which are a mandatory part of the program being pursued.

Application Process for Studying in Spain

Students applying from nations located outside the European Union will have to possess an official high school certificate which will prove that the Spain requirements consider your diploma valid. Your diploma can be validated in your country at a Spanish embassy. You will also obtain a volante accreditation for applying to your targeted institute at the embassy.

Documents required

• Latest Resume/CV: This should be written in English and should comprise your personal contact details, educational qualifications, professional achievement, objectives, etc.
• Passport copy: Your passport’s copy will have to be uploaded and should contain your latest picture and personal details.
• Academic transcripts or score sheets: These documents are required to analyse your academic performance. Also, in case your transcript is not in English or Spanish, a certified translation of these documents will have to be submitted by the student. These documents include – Class 12^th and 10^th transcripts and certificates, bachelor’s degree certificates and transcripts if you’re studying a master’s program, master’s degree and transcripts, diploma certificate and transcripts, and other relevant documents, if available.
• Letter of recommendation (LOR): Most universities around the world ask for a recommendation letter which will serve as support for your candidature. In Spain, universities ask for two letters of recommendation which you can obtain from your previous professors with whom you’ve studied for a long duration and who know your academic potential.
• Statement of Purpose: In your statement or purpose you will justify your intentions to study in the program of your choice and what future prospects it holds for you.
• Language proficiency proof: In order to prove your hold on Spanish or English language, you will have to attempt one of the accepted exams in either of the two aforementioned languages.
• Photograph: Passport-size pictures are always demanded by the admission and visa offices. Make sure that the image fits the set specific requirements.
• Completed application form: Any student wishing to apply for admission at a Spanish university or college will have to fill in the admission application carefully. Most of the universities allow the students to fill the same online as well as offline.

Check: Education Loan to Study in Spain

Entrance Exams to Study in Spanish Universities

Students from abroad wishing to study in Spain will have to clear selectividad or Pruebas de Acceso a la Universidad, an entrance exam. They will be able to attempt the same two times in a year in their own country or where they’re living at present. It is only after passing this exam that a student can study at a private or public university in Spain.

GMAT: Students who wish to study MBA in Spain will have to appear for GMAT exam and obtain a score of 650 or higher. A student can pursue an MBA even without a GMAT score.

There are 4 parameters in the exam which you will have to complete. They are:

• Questions relating to the country’s ideology or history
• Foreign Language Exam - English, German, French, Italian or Portuguese
• Text Analysis in Spanish

Subject of personal interest: An optional subject exam, students can select subjects such as dance and music, art, music, science, technology, etc

Language Proficiency Tests

It isn’t much of a big deal if you don’t know Spanish and wish to pursue a course at a renowned Spanish university. Students are offered various programs in both Spanish and English. They will be able to study atleast one course entirely or partially in the English language. Those international students who wish to study a course in English will have to provide a language proficiency certificate. They can attain the same by attempting one of the exams accepted in Spanish institutes. Only a few English proficiency tests are accepted worldwide out of the many which are available. Spanish universities usually need the students to be holding atleast B2 English proficiency. The English-taught courses require students to pass the tests such as IELTS, TOEFL and others. 

Read below the language proficiency test and scores which are accepted:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 90-100
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 6.5
• CPE – A-C

In case the course selected by the students is taught in Spanish, they will have to qualify the DELE Test (Diploma de Espanol Como Lengua Extranera) and prove their hold on the language.

Check: Application Process to Study in Spain

Popular Universities in Spain

University	QS World University Ranking 2023	Average Tuition Fee
Universitat de Barcelona	184	EUR 4,000
Pompeu Fabra University	=233	EUR 6,700
Complutense University of Madrid	226	-
University of Valencia	571-580	EUR 2,600
Polytechnic University of Catalonia	=343	EUR 5,300
Universidad de Navarra	=253	EUR 15,400
Autonomous University of Barcelona	178	EUR 6,000
University Ramon Llull	651-700	EUR 11,900

Dos and Don’ts in Spain

Overcoming the language barrier: Most of the youngsters and international students residing in big Spanish cities communicate in English. But the fact remains that the overall proficiency remains pretty low. For your own best interest, you should learn atleast basic Spanish phrases or day-to-day communicable sentences by enrolling yourself at any good language school.

Dress Modestly: Although the Spanish nations are pretty chilled-out people, they do get offended when it comes to breaking the norms set for clothing in their country. Dress decently in public places and make sure that you’re not wearing skimpy clothes or beach wear.

Ignore the smokers: Spanish people accept smoking like any other hobby. So if you detest the same avoid making an issue out of it in case you come around someone who is busy puffing. A popular saying in Spain goes like ‘Those who complain about such things are afraid of life’.

Don’t act insensitive: After undergoing an upsetting economic recession, Spain’s revival has just picked up the pace. Due to this many people are deprived of employment or are doing menial jobs for low compensation. So even if you find the fee charged by your cab driver pretty less, don’t be happy about it or speak loudly about it. You might offend him indirectly.

Dinner Timings: Dinner in Spain is not served before 9 PM so do not plan to dine out anywhere before the set time. In case you’re hungry, cook yourself or get readymade food items from some departmental store.

Embrace some gestures: In Spain, instead of shaking hands, people kiss each other on the cheek. So don’t get startled in case a local acquaintance or a friend of yours thank you for something through this gesture.

Also Read: Graduation Ceremony in Universities Abroad

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