How many universities does Spain have for international students?
There are 72 active university profiles in Spain on NexStudy. Browse, filter and compare programs, fees, scholarships and admission requirements.
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Affordable European education with a vibrant lifestyle and warm climate
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Step-by-step process to get your Student Visa (Type D)
The typical Spain student visa processing window is 4-8 weeks. Students should still prepare documents 8-12 weeks before the intake because university CAS/CoE/I-20 steps, financial proof, biometrics, and medical checks can add extra time before the visa file is ready.
A practical timeline is to secure your offer first, confirm fee payment or enrollment documentation, prepare funds in the accepted format, complete English/medical requirements where applicable, and then submit the visa application. NexStudy treats 4-8 weeks as the visa decision window, not the full admission-to-flight timeline.
| Step | Recommended Buffer |
|---|---|
| University offer and acceptance | 4-8 weeks before visa filing |
| Financial documents and fee receipts | 2-4 weeks before visa filing |
| Visa application decision | 4-8 weeks |
| Travel booking and accommodation | After visa grant, unless refundable |
Funds must be traceable, sufficient, and consistent with tuition plus living cost requirements.
Your SOP should explain course choice, academic progression, career goals, and India ties.
Names, dates, marksheets, bank letters, and offer details must match across the file.
Students should be able to explain the university, course, budget, and post-study plan clearly.
Average salaries for international graduates in Spain
| Role | Average Salary | Growth Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | EUR 38,000 | +14% |
| Digital Marketing Specialist | EUR 32,000 | +16% |
| Tourism Manager | EUR 30,000 | +8% |
| Renewable Energy Engineer | EUR 40,000 | +20% |
| Business Analyst | EUR 35,000 | +10% |
In most cases, Indian students can work part-time in Spain if their student visa permits it. Common student jobs include campus assistant roles, hospitality, retail, tutoring, delivery support, and entry-level tech or admin roles. Students should always follow the work-hour rules printed on their visa conditions.
Part-time work should be treated as support income, not the main funding source. The stronger plan is to show full financial capacity first, then use part-time income for living flexibility, local experience, and networking.
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Studying in Spain can support long-term settlement only when the student chooses an eligible course, maintains visa compliance, gains relevant work experience, and meets immigration criteria at the time of application. A degree alone should not be treated as a guaranteed PR pathway.
Job Search Residence Authorisation gives graduates time to gain local work exposure. Students targeting settlement should compare occupation demand, salary thresholds, regional rules, language scores, and work visa conversion routes before choosing a university or city.
Monthly expenses breakdown for international students
| Expense | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR Madrid/Barcelona) | EUR 700-1,200/mo |
| Rent (1BR Smaller Cities) | EUR 350-600/mo |
| Groceries | EUR 150-250/mo |
| Transport | EUR 40-60/mo |
| Dining Out | EUR 8-15/meal |
| City | Average Rent | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | EUR 900/mo | Design, Tech, Tourism |
| Madrid | EUR 800/mo | Business, Finance, Law |
| Valencia | EUR 550/mo | Sciences, Engineering |
| Seville | EUR 450/mo | Arts, History, Tourism |
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The European School of Economics Madrid Spain is a private university located in Madrid, Spain. It was founded in 1990 and is known for its focus on economics, business, and social sciences. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, and it is recognized for its strong international student body and research capabilities.
The Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) is a public research university located in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It was founded in 1990 and is named after the Catalan economist and politician Pompeu Fabra. UPF is known for its interdisciplinary approach to education and research, with a strong emphasis on the humanities and social sciences. The university has a diverse student body and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. UPF is also home to several research centers and institutes, contributing to its reputation as a leading institution for research and innovation in Spain.
📍 Madrid, Spain
EAE Business School - Madrid is a private business school located in the heart of Madrid, Spain. Established in 1990, the school offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business administration, finance, marketing, and international relations. The school is known for its strong industry connections, practical approach to education, and emphasis on developing students' leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
📍 MADRID & BARCELONA, Spain
EAE Business School is a private higher education institution ... [2-3 paragraphs] ...
📍 BARCELONA, Spain
IBERONEX - PLANETA FORMACION Y UNIVERSIDADES is a private university in Spain, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It is known for its innovative teaching methods and strong focus on practical learning. The university has a diverse student body and offers numerous opportunities for international students.
📍 Barcelona, Spain
United International Business Schools (UIBS) is a private higher education institution with a global network of campuses. The Spain campus offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and executive programs in business administration. With a focus on international business and management, UIBS provides students with a comprehensive education and prepares them for successful careers in the global marketplace.
📍 BARCELONA, Spain
Barcelona Culinary Hub (BCH) is a specialized culinary arts and gastronomy school located in Barcelona, Spain, operating under Planeta Formación y Universidades, the higher education network of Grupo Planeta. The institution focuses on providing advanced training in culinary techniques, pastry, and restaurant management, blending traditional culinary arts with modern innovation and technology. BCH aims to prepare students for leadership roles in the global gastronomy sector through hands-on experience, a curriculum designed by industry professionals, and its strategic location in one of the world's leading culinary capitals.
📍 Barcelona, Spain
EU Business School - Barcelona is a leading international business school located in the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain. It is known for its comprehensive programs in business administration, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship, designed to prepare students for the global business environment. The university offers a unique blend of academic excellence, practical experience, and cultural immersion, providing students with a holistic learning experience. EU Business School - Barcelona is committed to fostering innovation, creativity, and ethical leadership, with a focus on sustainable business practices and social responsibility.

📍 Valencia, Spain
Universidad Europea de Valencia is a private Spanish university and part of the Universidad Europea group, which operates campuses in Madrid, Valencia, and the Canary Islands. The Valencia campus offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with particular strengths in health sciences, sports, business, and social sciences. It is known for a practical, employability-focused educational model that emphasizes internships, clinical placements, and industry connections. As a private institution, the university maintains modern facilities and relatively small class sizes compared to many public universities in Spain. It attracts students seeking an internationalized environment and programs aligned with professional practice. The degrees are officially recognized within the Spanish university system.

International Business School (IBS) Budapest is a prestigious private university located in Budapest, Hungary. It is renowned for its strong focus on international business and management education. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including MBA, MSc, and PhD options. IBS Budapest is known for its modern facilities, experienced faculty, and strong industry connections, providing students with a comprehensive and practical education in the field of international business.
📍 Barcelona, Spain
EAE Business School is a private business school located in Barcelona, Spain. It was founded in 1953 and is known for its high-quality business education. EAE offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including MBA, executive MBA, and master's degrees in various fields.
📍 Barcelona, Spain
Note: I cannot perform live web searches. 'Planeta Formación y Universidades' is not a single university in Spain; it is the private education division of Grupo Planeta that manages a network of universities and higher education institutions. In Spain, its portfolio includes Universidad Europea de Madrid, Universidad Europea de Valencia, and Universidad Europea de Canarias, among other educational assets. The network emphasizes internationalization, employability, and innovative educational models across its institutions. Because it is a group rather than one campus, metrics such as total student enrollment, acceptance rate, and campus size vary by individual institution and are not reliably attributable to the group as a whole.

UPC Barcelona (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya) is a public university located in Barcelona, Spain. It is one of the most prestigious and renowned technical universities in the country, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, architecture, and other related fields. The university is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, and it has a significant international presence with a large number of students and faculty from around the world.
📍 BARCELONA, Spain
OBS Business School is a private business school located in Barcelona, Spain. It is part of the Planeta Formación y Universidades group, which also includes other educational institutions. The school offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business administration, marketing, finance, and international business. OBS Business School is known for its international faculty and student body, as well as its focus on practical, hands-on learning. The school is accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science, and it is also a member of the International Assembly of Business Schools (IABS).

📍 MADRID, Spain
CEDEU Centro de Estudios Universitarios is a private university located in Madrid, Spain. It was founded in 1990 and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields such as Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Social Sciences. The university is known for its modern facilities, experienced faculty, and strong focus on practical learning and research. CEDEU has a diverse student body, with a significant number of international students from around the world. The university is committed to providing a high-quality education and fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning environment.
📍 Madrid, Spain
The Complutense University of Madrid (Universidad Complutense de Madrid, UCM) is one of Spain's oldest and largest public universities. Its origins trace back to the late 13th century in Alcalá de Henares, where it was founded as a center of higher learning before being re-established in 1499 by Cardinal Cisneros. The institution moved to Madrid in 1836 and assumed its current name in 1970. Today, UCM is a major research and teaching institution with a strong reputation across the humanities, sciences, law, medicine, and social sciences.
📍 BARCELONA, Spain
Fundació Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) is a public university located in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It was founded in 1968 and is one of the largest universities in Spain. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields, including humanities, social sciences, law, economics, business, science, and engineering. UAB is known for its strong research activities and has a significant number of international students.
📍 Murcia, Spain
ENAE Business School (Escuela de Negocios y Administración de Empresas), also known as ENAE International Business School, is a private business school based in Murcia, Spain. Founded in 1988, it operates in close collaboration with the University of Murcia and specializes in postgraduate business education, including MBA programs, specialized master's degrees, and executive education. The school is recognized as one of the leading business schools in southeastern Spain and focuses on practical, management-oriented training for professionals, entrepreneurs, and executives. ENAE offers programs aimed at both Spanish and international students, with courses typically taught in Spanish and several international-oriented offerings. The institution emphasizes innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the connection between academic knowledge and the business world, maintaining strong ties with regional and national companies. Its educational model combines theoretical foundations with case studies, projects, and professional networking opportunities.
📍 Madrid, Spain
The Autonomous University of Madrid (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, UAM) is a public research university located in Madrid, Spain. It was founded in 1990 and is known for its strong focus on research and innovation. The university is part of the Spanish system of universities and is recognized for its high academic standards and diverse student body.
📍 Barcelona, Spain
The Barcelona School of Economics (BSE) is a prestigious private university located in Barcelona, Spain. It is known for its strong focus on economics, business, and social sciences. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, attracting students from around the world. BSE is committed to providing a high-quality education and fostering an environment of innovation and research.
Estimate your admission tier for Spain. This is guidance, not an admission guarantee.
Explore top student-friendly cities and their living costs
Compare costs, career fit, and student lifestyle before shortlisting a campus city.
| Average rent | EUR 900/mo | EUR 800/mo |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Design, Tech, Tourism | Business, Finance, Law |
| Part-time job availability | Medium to high in student areas | Medium to high in student areas |
| Indian community | Check campus societies and neighborhoods | Check campus societies and neighborhoods |
| PR/job opportunity index | High for tech roles | Course-dependent |
Some universities in Spain may waive IELTS when the student has strong English-medium education proof, alternate tests such as PTE/TOEFL/Duolingo, or university-specific English assessments. Waivers are university-specific, so students should not assume every programme accepts a no-IELTS route.
The safest strategy is to shortlist universities by course first, then verify English waiver rules, visa acceptability, and scholarship impact. A low English score can sometimes be offset by a pathway or pre-sessional English programme, but it may increase visa or admission complexity.
MBBS in Spain should be evaluated carefully against recognition, licensing pathway, clinical exposure, total cost, language of instruction, and the student’s plan to practise in India or abroad. Students must verify current NMC and local medical council requirements before applying.
For medical applicants, NexStudy recommends a separate licensing checklist before deposits are paid: degree recognition, internship rules, exam pathway, hospital rotations, language requirements, and total living cost over the full programme duration.
MS in Computer Science in Spain is usually strongest for students with a solid quantitative background, coding portfolio, internship experience, and interest in software, AI, data, cybersecurity, or cloud roles. ROI depends heavily on university tier, city, tuition, and job-search execution.
Students should compare curriculum depth, co-op/internship access, alumni hiring, local tech clusters, and post-study work rules. A lower-cost university with strong employability can outperform a high-fee option with weak career support.
An MBA in Spain is best suited for students with clear career goals, leadership evidence, strong communication skills, and preferably work experience. Freshers should compare specialised business master’s degrees before choosing a general MBA.
The best MBA outcomes usually come from schools with strong employer networks, internships, career coaching, alumni access, and location advantage. Applicants should calculate ROI using tuition, living cost, opportunity cost, and realistic post-MBA salary ranges.
Engineering in Spain can be a strong pathway when the student chooses a discipline linked to local industry demand, such as computer, mechanical, civil, electrical, renewable energy, robotics, or biomedical engineering. Accreditation and internship access matter as much as rankings.
Students should compare lab facilities, capstone projects, industry placement, co-op options, and post-study work eligibility. For regulated engineering roles, verify local professional registration requirements before finalising the course.
Compare student residences, shared apartments, commute time, and lease rules before paying deposits.
Look for campus Indian societies, grocery access, festivals, temples/community groups, and peer networks.
Start LinkedIn, internships, faculty networking, and portfolio work in the first semester, not after graduation.
Calculate your return on investment for studying in Spain
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Difficulty: Moderate
Outcome: High salary potential
Budget: Good fit
Difficulty: High
Outcome: High salary potential
Budget: Good fit
Difficulty: Moderate
Outcome: High salary potential
Budget: Good fit
Amount: Partial tuition
Deadline: Varies
Level: UG/PG
Amount: Need/merit based
Deadline: Before intake
Level: PG
Yes, Indian students can pursue undergraduate programmes in Spain after completing their 12th standard. Most universities require a minimum of 60% marks in 12th, English proficiency (IELTS 6.0+), and valid financial documentation.
Popular undergraduate programmes include Engineering, Business, Computer Science, and Nursing. Some universities offer foundation year programs for students who do not meet direct entry requirements. Application deadlines vary by intake — check specific university pages on NexStudy for detailed eligibility.
Indian students typically need €EUR 700–€1,200 per year for tuition and living expenses, depending on the university, course, and city.
| Expense Category | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR Madrid/Barcelona) | EUR 700-1,200/mo |
| Rent (1BR Smaller Cities) | EUR 350-600/mo |
| Groceries | EUR 150-250/mo |
| Transport | EUR 40-60/mo |
| Dining Out | EUR 8-15/meal |
Spain offers strong ROI for Indian students, especially in STEM and business fields. The Job Search Residence Authorisation (1 year) provides valuable work experience after graduation. Use the ROI Calculator above to calculate your personal return on investment.
| Expectation | Reality Check |
|---|---|
| Part-time job will cover everything | Part-time work can support expenses, but visa compliance and academic performance come first. |
| Any university will give the same outcome | Course quality, city, internships, alumni network, and career services change outcomes. |
| Visa is automatic after admission | Admission helps, but financial proof, intent, documentation, and compliance still decide the case. |
| PR is guaranteed after study | Settlement depends on changing immigration rules, occupation demand, salary, work experience, and language scores. |
Get a free profile evaluation, personalized university shortlist, and expert visa guidance from our counselors.
There are 72 active university profiles in Spain on NexStudy. Browse, filter and compare programs, fees, scholarships and admission requirements.
Most universities in Spain require IELTS 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate programs and 6.5–7.0 for master's programs. Top-tier universities may require 7.0+ overall.
Yes — universities in Spain offer merit-based and need-based scholarships, plus government-funded awards. NexStudy's scholarship finder matches you to relevant scholarships based on your profile.
Monthly living costs in Spain vary by city. Rent (1BR Madrid/Barcelona): EUR 700-1,200/mo. Rent (1BR Smaller Cities): EUR 350-600/mo. Groceries: EUR 150-250/mo. Transport: EUR 40-60/mo. Dining Out: EUR 8-15/meal.
Spain offers the Job Search Residence Authorisation with a duration of 1 year. Completed degree from a Spanish university.
You need the Student Visa (Type D). Application fee is EUR 80 with processing time of 4-8 weeks. Key documents include: Valid passport, Letter of admission, Proof of accommodation, and more.