Yes, you can study in Spain in English. Plenty of Spanish and international universities teach full courses — and even entire degrees — in English, so you can earn credit in Madrid, Barcelona, or Seville without being fluent in Spanish. The trick is knowing where those English-taught courses actually live.
That's good news if you've fallen for Spain's beaches, food, and late-night plazas but your Spanish stops at “hola.” Your options run from direct enrollment at a Spanish university, to a study abroad provider that handles the logistics, to an American campus in Madrid, to a one-year master's taught entirely in English. Studying abroad here is also one of the most meaningful ways to spend a semester in Europe, not just a checkbox on your transcript.
Below, we'll walk through how English-taught study in Spain works, which universities and programs to look at, where English goes furthest, and how much Spanish you'll really want before you go.
English-taught study in Spain at a glance
| University or program | City | Level / focus | Taught in English? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study Abroad at UAB: Pre-Established Courses | Barcelona | Semester / short courses (~40 subjects) | English or Spanish, by subject |
| NYU Madrid | Madrid | Semester (anthropology, business, politics) | English |
| Saint Louis University–Madrid Campus | Madrid | Semester, summer, or full degree | English |
| ESEI International Business School | Barcelona | Master's & MBA (business, IR, marketing) | English |
| Oxford TEFL – CELTA, Central Barcelona | Barcelona | TEFL / CELTA certification | English |
| Spanish Studies Abroad – Summer in Seville | Seville | Summer term | English |
Here's how to turn that shortlist into a plan.
Can you study in Spain in English?
Short answer: yes. You don't need to speak Spanish to study in Spain, because hundreds of courses — and some full degrees — are taught in English for international students.
Most English-taught courses in Spain cluster in a few fields: business, economics, international relations, communications, engineering, and the health sciences. You'll find them three ways: at Spanish universities that run English-language tracks, at American and international university campuses based in Spain, and through study abroad providers that package English-taught courses with housing and support.
One honest caveat: “taught in English” isn't always all-or-nothing. Some programs teach every class in English; others mix English and Spanish by subject, or expect a little Spanish for daily life. Always confirm the language of instruction course by course before you commit — we'll cover how at the end.
Studying in Spain in English is possible!
5 ways to study in Spain in English
There’s no single “English-taught” button to press. Here are the five routes students actually take, from most independent to most supported.
1. Directly enroll at an English-speaking university in Spain
Direct enrollment means applying straight to a Spanish university and taking its courses, including the English-taught ones. It's usually the most affordable and independent route, which cuts both ways: you'll arrange your own visa, housing, and credit approval. Check with your home study abroad office first so your credits transfer, and apply early.
2. Go through a study abroad program provider
Prefer a safety net? A provider bundles English-taught courses with housing, orientation, and on-the-ground staff. Big names like CIEE, IES Abroad, CEA CAPA, and AIFS run semester and summer programs across Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and Granada, many taught in English with an optional Spanish class on the side. Browse and compare study abroad programs in Spain to see what’s running now.
3. Study at an American or international campus in Spain
Several U.S. and international universities run their own campuses in Spain, where English is the default language of instruction. Two worth a look: NYU Madrid, with English-taught courses in anthropology, business, and politics, and Saint Louis University's Madrid campus, one of Spain's longest-running English-language campuses, with semester, summer, and full-degree options in business, communications, computer science, and the health sciences.
Looking for a study abroad program can be easier with friends or in a session.
4. Enroll in a master’s program taught in English
Thinking past a semester? Spain runs one- and two-year master's degrees fully in English, especially in business and international fields. Barcelona's ESEI International Business School, for instance, offers one-year master's programs and an international MBA in areas like international relations, marketing, and innovation. For the full set, search English-taught master's programs in Spain directly.
5. Add a TEFL certification or language-assistant route
If your goal is to live in Spain rather than earn home-campus credit, two English-first paths stand out. A TEFL or Cambridge CELTA certificate — like Oxford TEFL's four-week CELTA in central Barcelona — qualifies you to teach English in Spain and worldwide. TEFL in Malaga also runs a full-time, onsite Trinity CertTESOL in Málaga on the southern coast, another English-taught route to a teaching qualification. Or apply to Spain's North American Language and Culture Assistants program, a government scheme that places English speakers in Spanish schools.
English-taught universities in Spain
Spain has steadily expanded its English-language offerings, and a growing list of universities now teach degrees and individual subjects in English. A few that international students ask about most:
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB): Its Study Abroad at UAB program lets you take around 40 subjects in English or Spanish over 3 to 12 weeks, with no Spanish required to start.
- Universidad Carlos III de Madrid: Offers English-taught tracks in economics, business, and engineering.
- Universidad Pablo de Olavide (Seville): A public university popular with international students for its mix of English and Spanish courses.
- Pompeu Fabra University (Barcelona): Runs English-taught courses in economics, business, and the social sciences.
Many more Spanish universities now offer at least some English-taught degrees. It’s worth comparing the English-speaking universities in Spain before you choose, since offerings change year to year.
Where to study in Spain in English
English goes further in some Spanish cities than others. If you want to get by in English from day one, bigger and more international cities are your friends.
Study in Barcelona in English
Barcelona is Spain's easiest landing spot for English speakers — a startup hub and international-student magnet where English-taught options are everywhere, from UAB courses to business schools like ESEI to CELTA training with Oxford TEFL. It's also just a good place to live while you study.
Explore More Study Abroad Programs in Barcelona
Madrid, Seville, and beyond
Madrid, the capital, hosts American campuses like NYU and Saint Louis University and a deep bench of English-taught courses. Seville and Granada feel more Spanish day to day but still run English-taught summer and semester options — like Spanish Studies Abroad’s summer study abroad in English in Seville. San Sebastián and Salamanca are gorgeous but lean more Spanish, so confirm the language of instruction before you fall for the view. Still torn? Our take on Barcelona vs. Madrid for study abroad can help you decide.
4 study abroad programs in Spain taught in English (2026)
Spain has so much to offer international students!
Ready to see real options? These English-friendly programs are currently listed on GoAbroad and reviewed by past participants. They span a semester abroad, a business master’s, a TEFL certificate, and a city full of choices — compare them with the wider best study abroad programs in Spain as you narrow things down.
1. Study Abroad at UAB: Pre-Established Courses in Barcelona with Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
“Going abroad has been the most rewarding, exciting and thrilling thing I’ve ever done.” — Katerina Ontko, GoAbroad verified review (Sept. 2025)
Take roughly 40 subjects in English or Spanish across 3 to 12 weeks, with a UAB certificate you can validate for credit at home.
- Where: Barcelona
- When: Fall, Spring, May, or Summer start dates
- Who's it for: Students who want real university courses, with or without Spanish
- Cost: From $1,360 for a 3-week block
Explore More Study Abroad Programs in Barcelona
2. NYU Madrid in Madrid with New York University
“I never really thought I would be going to Madrid, but after going and spending a year there, I fell in love.” — Alice Kang, GoAbroad verified review (Oct. 2022)
Study anthropology, business, politics, and more in English at NYU’s long-running Madrid campus, with optional Spanish and for-credit internships.
- Where: Madrid
- When: Fall, Spring, or Summer
- Who's it for: Students who want a U.S.-style campus in the Spanish capital
- Cost: Contact provider for current pricing
Explore More Study Abroad Programs in Madrid
Seville is a complete gem tucked away in Spain.
3. Master’s & MBA Programs in Barcelona with ESEI International Business School
Earn a one-year master’s or international MBA in English in fields like international relations, marketing, innovation, and tourism management.
- Where: Barcelona
- When: One-year programs (MBA extendable to 18 months)
- Who's it for: Graduates who want a career-focused degree taught in English
- Cost: Contact provider for current pricing
Explore More Degree Programs in Spain
4. CELTA Course in Central Barcelona with Oxford TEFL
“I have only good things to say about the Oxford House Barcelona staff.” — Niamh Crowley, GoAbroad verified review (May 2019)
Earn an internationally recognized Cambridge CELTA in four weeks, with observed teaching practice and job-search support, so you can teach English in Spain and beyond.
- Where: Barcelona
- When: Year-round, four-week intensive
- Who's it for: Future English teachers who want to base themselves in Spain
- Cost: Contact provider for current pricing
Explore More Teaching Programs in Spain
Editor’s Note: Program details were accurate at the time of writing. Confirm language of instruction, dates, and costs on each program’s GoAbroad listing before applying.
Do you need to speak Spanish to study in Spain?
No — you can study in Spain with no Spanish at all, as long as your courses are taught in English. But here's the honest version: a little Spanish makes everything better, from ordering lunch to making friends who aren't in your program.
You don't need fluency, or even an elementary class under your belt, to start. Plenty of students arrive with zero Spanish and pick up the basics as they go. What matters is effort. Even broken Spanish tends to land better than assuming everyone will switch to English for you, and it's a simple way to show respect for the place that's hosting you.
A few low-lift ways to build some Spanish while you're there:
- Add a Spanish language course to your schedule — most providers and universities offer one.
- Find a language exchange, or intercambio, where you trade an hour of English for an hour of Spanish.
- Use an app like Duolingo or Babbel on your commute.
- Pick one café and become a regular; ordering “lo de siempre” is its own kind of fluency.
Explore English-speaking study abroad programs in Spain
Frequently asked questions about studying in Spain in English
Can you study abroad in Spain without speaking Spanish?
Yes. Many Spanish and international universities teach courses, and some full degrees, entirely in English, so you can enroll and earn credit without speaking Spanish. Learning a few basics still helps with daily life and is worth the effort.
Are there universities in Spain that teach in English?
Yes. A number of Spanish universities run English-taught tracks or individual subjects in English, and several American and international universities operate English-language campuses in Spain. Always confirm which specific courses are taught in English before enrolling.
Can you study in Barcelona in English?
Barcelona is one of the easiest Spanish cities to study in using English. You’ll find English-taught university courses, business-school master’s programs, and TEFL certifications there, plus a large international-student community.
Which subjects are most often taught in English in Spain?
Business, economics, international relations, communications, engineering, and the health sciences tend to have the most English-taught options. Humanities and local-culture courses are more often taught in Spanish, so check each course’s language.
Can you earn a full degree or master’s in Spain in English?
Yes. Spain offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees taught fully in English, especially in business and international fields, often as one-year master’s programs. Confirm the language of instruction for every required course before applying.
Do you need Spanish to live in Spain as a student?
Not to study, but a little goes a long way for errands, housing, and friendships outside your program. You can arrive with none and build it through a language class, an exchange partner, or daily practice.
How do you confirm a course in Spain is actually taught in English?
Check the program’s language-of-instruction details on its listing, then email the provider or university to confirm the specific courses you want. Reading recent participant reviews can also tell you how much English and Spanish you’ll really use.
How can you compare English-taught programs in Spain on GoAbroad?
You can compare programs side by side on GoAbroad, filter by city and term, and read verified reviews from past participants before you choose. Saving your favorites to MyGoAbroad lets you keep your shortlist in one place.
Experience all the fun awaiting you in Spain!
Ready to study in Spain in English?
Whatever your Spanish level, there's a program in Spain with your name on it. GoAbroad is your pre-departure HQ. Compare thousands of study, volunteer, teach, and intern abroad programs, read verified reviews from past participants, and save your favorites in MyGoAbroad.
