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Students from around the world study in Spain in search of low-cost but high-quality university education. Spain offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs to choose from. If you are intrigued to learn more about what this place has to offer, then keep reading. From top universities in Spain to the cost of living and scholarships, we have covered it all.
Why study in Spain?
Spain is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. In addition to being an Iberian peninsula country surrounded by France and Portugal, it is also a stunning destination famed for its architecture, cuisine, and idyllic climate.
Semi-autonomous regions exist throughout the country, each with its own distinct culture and language. There is a wide variety of colleges and institutions to pick from across the country, in both large and small cities.
Top universities in Spain
It’s quite common to see some of Spain’s universities named among the world’s best in international rankings. Although the majority of colleges in Spain focus on teaching in Spanish, there is a growing tendency toward English-language degree programs.
Many of the world’s top executives have their roots in some of Spain’s prestigious institutions. Here are some of the best universities that you can apply to-
- IESE Business School
- IE Business School
- Esade Business School
- Pompeu Fabra University
- University of Barcelona
- University of Navarra
- Autonomous University of Barcelona
- Autonomous University of Madrid
Cost of studying in Spain
Tuition rates in Spain are among the lowest in Europe, which is good news for students. Tuition prices for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in Spain range from 750 EUR to 2,500 EUR per year, making the country an attractive option for overseas students. As high as 20,000 EUR a year is possible for private universities, which set their tuition rates.
Although the cost of living in Spain varies by area, it is possible to live effectively on a student budget in Spain. Everything from the food to the clothes and accessories is reasonably priced and of excellent quality. However, lodging in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona may be pricey.
If money is an issue, you might want to look into towns like Valencia or Seville, which are considerably less expensive. No matter where you choose to study, you can roam in Spain easily and inexpensively, thanks to the country’s excellent public transportation system.
Spain scholarships for international students
Spain is extremely welcoming towards international students. Students and professionals prefer Spain because of its generous financial aid. Below are some scholarships offered by the Spanish universities–
- Spain Government Scholarships
- UIC Barcelona Scholarships
- European University of Atlantic Scholarships
- MIT Zaragoza Scholarships
- Esada Ramon Llull University Scholarships
- Comillas Pontifical University Ph.D. Fellowships
- IMDEA Network Institute Ph.D. Scholarships
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center Scholarships
- University of Granada Scholarships
How to study in Spain as an international student
While there are many English-taught programs available in Spain, it is a good idea to brush up on your language abilities before and during your time there. If you do this, you’ll be able to communicate more easily with natives and learn the world’s fourth most widely spoken language!
The experience of being a student in Spain is unlike any other. The active and diverse student community is a great place to meet new people. Students in Spain study hard, but they also find time to have fun. A nap in the afternoon is a must if you plan to stay up late, as most clubs don’t open until well into the wee hours of the morning.
Spain student visa process
Although overseas students can enroll in English-taught courses, learning Spanish is in their best interest. Admission to institutions in the country is not based on proficiency in the Spanish language.
Good command of the English language is required by most universities that offer programs in the Spanish language. Students must have passed the Spanish language proficiency exam before they may participate. DELE (Diploma de Español Como Lengua Extranjera) is the most widely recognized test of Spanish proficiency.
If you want to study in an English-taught program, you must demonstrate your command of the language by clearing either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Cambridge Advanced.
The duration of your program will determine the type of visa you need. The specifics are as follows-
- If the course is between three and six months long, you will need a D-type visa for 180 days.
- If your course lasts more than six months, you’ll need a student visa (type D).
- The Residence Card for Foreign Students is available to anyone with a valid Type D student visa (TIE). This short-term visa allows you to remain in the country while you finish your program.
- TIE is valid for a maximum of one academic year and can be renewed every year until you complete your studies.
If you are in the nation on a short-term visa, you cannot apply for a student visa. It is only possible to apply for a visa from your home country. There is no way to change your visa once you have arrived in Spain on a student visa. Only a visa issued by a Spanish consulate or embassy is valid.
Key takeaways
Studying in Spain is one of the most appealing options for students seeking a scenic destination for academics. There are an infinite number of reasons why students from over 70 different nations choose to study in Spain.
- Spanish is the fourth most spoken language globally, after English, Mandarin Chinese, and Hindi. If it is not your native tongue, mastering it is a huge advantage on a professional level.
- Graduate and postgraduate education in Spain is diverse and have a very high standard. Whether you are an official or self-funded graduate, your résumé will benefit from an educational experience in Spain regardless of whether you stay.
- CEU Universities, in particular, have been offering postgraduate education for over 40 years.
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog. In case of any assistance, drop a comment below or reach out to us!
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FAQs
Q1. Why should I choose Spain as a location for my degree?
Answer- Spain offers the best combination of high-quality education, pleasant climate, beautiful natural surroundings, and affordability. These alone should be among the primary reasons for overseas students to study in Spain.
Q2: Can I choose English programs in Spain?
Answer- Numerous higher education institutions in Spain offer English-taught courses and programs, making it possible to study in English while in Spain.
Q3. Do I Need TOEFL or IELTS for an English-taught program?
Answer- If you come from a non-English speaking nation and plan on enroling in an English-taught program in Spain, you will likely have to present proof of English competency. Usually, universities could ask you to submit either TOEFL or IELTS as part of your application procedure.