Study in Spain
Spain has the lowest combined cost of any Western European destination on this site. Public universities charge modest fees, living costs outside Madrid and Barcelona are low, and graduates leave with a second world language.
- Tuition
- US$2,300/yr
- Living
- US$7,900/yr
- Total
- US$10,200/yr
- Work rights
- Up to 30 hours/week
- Post-study
- Job-search permit — 12 months
Current position
Policy for international students
- One accepted route for proving funds is to hold at least 100% of the IPREM index for the length of stay. IPREM currently stands at 600 EUR per month, so a 12-month course requires a minimum of 7,200 EUR.
- If accommodation has been paid in advance for the whole stay, that amount is deducted from the sum you need to show.
- Students may work up to 30 hours per week under the current student residence rules.
- Graduates may apply for a job-search permit valid for 12 months.
Cost
What a year in Spain costs
Adjust the level, city and scholarship percentage to see the effect on your annual total.
Scholarships: Public universities charge low fees to begin with; private institutions and business schools offer merit awards of 10-40%.
Estimated annual cost
US dollars, indicative
Indicative US dollars per year. Actual fees depend on the institution and programme; confirm before you commit.
Admission
Entry requirements
- High school graduate
- IELTS 6.0, or Spanish at B2
- An entrance examination at some institutions
- Bachelor's degree in a related field
- IELTS 6.5, or Spanish at B2
- Work experience for some programmes
Funding
Scholarships & financial support
Public universities charge low fees to begin with; private institutions and business schools offer merit awards of 10-40%.
Awards are almost always decided at the point of admission rather than afterwards, and most pools are allocated on a rolling basis. Applying early in the cycle is the single biggest thing within your control.
At a glance
- Work during study
- Up to 30 hours/week
- After graduation
- Job-search permit — 12 months
- Baseline tuition
- US$2,300/yr
- Baseline living
- US$7,900/yr
Subjects
What Spain is strong in
- Business & Management
- Tourism & Hospitality
- Architecture & Design
- Engineering
- Spanish Language & Culture
- Sports Science
Immigration
The Spain student visa
- Vietnamese students need a type D student visa for courses longer than 90 days.
- Documents include the admission letter, funds at 100% of IPREM, full private health insurance without co-payments, a medical certificate and a police clearance certificate.
- Processing typically takes 15 to 30 working days from the consular appointment.
- Within 30 days of arrival you must apply for the TIE foreigner identity card at the local immigration office.
Questions
Frequently asked
Can I study in Spain without Spanish?
Yes, on an English-taught programme — these are concentrated in business, tourism and international relations at private universities and business schools. Public universities largely teach in Spanish, so B2 is needed there.
What are the visa requirements?
An admission letter, proof of funds at 100% of IPREM (600 EUR per month, so 7,200 EUR for a year), health insurance, a medical certificate and a police clearance certificate.
How much does a year cost?
About US$10,200 per year including tuition and living — the lowest in Western Europe.
What are the steps to study in Spain?
Choose a programme and apply, receive the admission letter, pay the deposit, assemble and legalise your documents, book the consular appointment, apply for the type D visa, then register for your TIE residence card within 30 days of arriving.
Can I work while studying?
Yes — up to 30 hours per week under the current student residence rules, provided it does not conflict with your studies.
How do I win a scholarship?
Public university fees are already low. At private institutions and business schools, apply early — merit awards of 10-40% are decided at admission and the pools are allocated on a rolling basis.
Planning Spain for 2026–27?
We will check your profile against the entry requirements, size the real budget and map the scholarship rounds worth applying to.