Spain is the stuff of study abroad fantasies. Mediterranean climate, gorgeous beaches, a vibrant food and music culture, and opportunities for language immersion make studying abroad in Spain the dream of many sun-starved undergrads. But what about that student budget? Is studying abroad in Spain a dream within reach for those struggling to save up a few Euros? Not only is it possible to study abroad in Spain for cheap, it’s feasible to study in Spain for free! Scholarships in Spain for foreign students are definitely a thing and make living in Spain on the cheap no problemo.
With our handy guide to low cost study abroad in Spain, you can walk the beautiful streets of Barcelona, worry (and maybe Euro?) free!
Western Europe is not typically associated with an affordable cost of living, but the buena vida can be had in Spain for much less (and with better weather) than in neighboring countries, especially if you're smart about it. Take a savvy approach to researching how to study abroad in Spain for cheap and you’ll be snacking on tapas while perfecting your Spanish in no time. ¡Vamos!
Is it hard to live cheap in Spain as a student?
It is possible to study abroad in Spain for cheap, and it’s easier than you think. However, the cost of living during your study abroad in Spain will largely depend on what type of program you choose and in which city you temporarily make your home. In general, costs in the larger, more cosmopolitan cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Bilbao will have higher rents and associated costs, than in smaller and less touristic cities like Seville, Granada, and Valencia. However, no matter where you choose to study in Spain, Spain’s major cities typically cost significantly less than neighboring European capitals.
For example, the cost of living in Barcelona is 30% cheaper than Paris and getting settled in Madrid will be 39% less than in London. Coastal towns and cities, such as San Sebastian, that are popular with tourists will also command a higher price tag. Luckily, there is no shortage of charming Spanish towns with easy access to the beach for you to choose from to study abroad in Spain for cheap.
*Makes note to self to memorize ways to study abroad in Spain for cheap*
What will have the biggest impact on my overall costs to study in Spain?
The biggest impact on your costs will be the tuition costs of the host program, as well as the length of the program. A year-long program, associated with a prestigious university, will cost significantly more than a 5-week immersive language program in a rural part of Spain.
For example, the NYU program in Madrid estimates that total living expenses in Spain will be between $7,500 and $10,700 each semester, not including tuition, which is calculated at NYU’s Arts and Sciences program rates (about $1,500 per credit hour). While certainly not cheap, it’s worth noting that this study abroad program in Madrid offers the third lowest cost of living among NYU’s 14 global campuses. (It’s actually cheaper to attend NYU Madrid, then NYU in New York City.)
At the other end of the spectrum, a 5-week language immersion program in the coastal city of La Coruña costs under $4,000 including tuition, accommodation, insurance, and several day trip excursions. That’s only $114 a day, including everything except food and your flight to Spain.
This could be you, in Spain, saving money.
Accommodation types and prices will vary by the type of program and in which city in Spain you choose to study. Typically program accommodation will be either a shared apartment with other program participants or a homestay with a local Spanish family. Room and board in a homestay may include two meals a day, or simply kitchen privileges, in addition to laundry service.
If you choose to live in self-catered accommodation during your study abroad program in Spain, expect to spend approximately $1,400 per semester on restaurants and groceries. Luckily, Spain has wonderful food markets as well as the delicious traditions of tapas and pintxos which offer ways to save while still immersing yourself in the Spanish culture.
This is Bilbao, and it’s gorgeous! So there’s really no wrong option when it comes to choosing a city.
10 cost-saving tips to help you study in Spain on a budget
1. Choose a shorter program over a semester-long program.
In general, the longer the program is, the more it is going to cost. So don’t let the price of a full year abroad put you off your dream of studying abroad. Research alternative study abroad terms, like immersive 5-week summer programs, January programs, and short programs designed to be completed during spring break! A shorter program will cost less, but still give you a chance to experience another culture, improve your language skills, and add something impressive to that resume.
2. Study abroad in Spain, but avoid the big cities.
Spain is a big and diverse county with 76 universities, not to mention countless language schools and other educational programs. There’s no need to limit yourself to the cosmopolitan, yet expensive cities of Madrid and Barcelona. Instead, look for programs located in smaller cities and towns, like Bilbao, Granada, or La Coruña, where both the cost of tuition and living expenses in Spain will certainly be cheaper.
Fulfill your life dream and experience Spain’s culture by seeing flamenco dancers live!
3. Avoid schools with expensive tuition.
Just like at home, different study abroad programs in Spain will have varying tuition rates. Keep an open mind about which location you hope to study in, and shop around for the most competitive program fees. Also, look into small educational exchange programs, or even direct enrollment with a Spanish university.
4. Consider enrolling in a Spanish university for your full degree.
Why go for just a semester, when you could complete your entire degree in Spain? EU-students are able to study abroad in Spain for free by enrolling in a Spanish university. Even if you have to pay tuition, the undergraduate fees at public universities in Spain for international students are reasonable, costing anywhere between 680-1,280 Euros per year. To be considered for scholarships in Spain for foreign students, so don’t forget to plan in advance to apply. Strong Spanish language skills will likely be required to be successful here, but some institutions do offer classes in English.
5. Choose a program with a homestay option that includes meals.
Since your living expenses in Spain will contribute to the bulk of your costs, a homestay is an excellent choice. If your program of choice has the opportunity to stay with a local Spanish family, your accommodation costs may be lower than if you shared a rental apartment. Also, homestays often include several meals and even laundry service included. Homestays are also a great opportunity to deepen your immersion into Spanish culture while keeping the costs of your accommodation in the local economy.
Home-cooked Spanish meals every day?! Sign us up!
6. Apply for scholarships to study abroad in Spain.
This is a no-brainer. If you want to study abroad in Spain for free, or as close to it as possible, apply for every scholarship for which you are eligible. To be considered for external funding, you must plan ahead and apply for it. The old mantra, if you don’t ask, you don’t get, certainly applies here. Visit the scholarship or study abroad office at your home college for any scholarships you might be eligible for, and of course, do research online. Be sure to look into scholarships in Spain for foreign students at the host universities you are considering. Don’t forget to visit the GoAbroad Travel Scholarships section for details.
7. Interested in learning Spanish? Consider a work-study program.
If your primary motivation for studying abroad in Spain is to learn Spanish (rather than earning college credits) look into a work-study program in Spain, instead! You’ll be able to combine work, with Spanish study, resulting in a complete language immersion and earning some extra cash to finance weekend travels around Spain. Nikitas Language School has a great program option like this to consider.
Escape for the weekend to a gorgeous beach like the one in Illa Roja, Spain.
8. Use your student work visa.
For any studies in Spain longer than 90 days, Non-European citizens will need a student visa, in which case you’ll be eligible for a student work permit, allowing up to 20 hours a week of employment. Working while you study will accelerate your language skills, allow you to befriend more locals, and fund your weekend adventures.
9. Take advantage of Spain’s excellent weather and food culture to enjoy the good life on the cheap.
Weekend picnics at the beach. Evening strolls down historic streets. Enjoying tapas with friends. Live like the Spanish do! Slow down, take a breath, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures (which also don’t happen to cost a ton of money!).
Shop at the local market, enjoy amazing architecture, and chat with locals!
10. Start a fundraising campaign with FundMyTravel.
Who wouldn’t want to contribute to your educational and personal growth through studying in Spain abroad? Creating a fundraising campaign on FundMyTravel is an excellent way to not only make your study abroad dream achievable but invites your community of friends and family to get involved, also. Who knows, maybe you’ll inspire someone else to pursue a travel dream!
Study in Spain, but don’t go broke while doing it
Studying abroad in Spain, whether for a summer or your entire graduate degree, will be one of the best experiences of your life. Don’t let a meager budget hold you back from pursuing your dream of studying in Spain as an international student. Living expenses in Spain are very moderate compared to many other destinations in Europe, and it’s definitely possible to have a blast while you study in Spain on a budget. By being flexible about your location and duration of the program, you’ll have the best chance to find a study abroad experience in Spain that will not only be financially affordable, but afford you the cultural experience of a lifetime.
It doesn’t get much better than this—no matter how much you spend on studying in Spain, it will be worth every euro.
The bottom line, studying abroad in Spain will be an investment in your future. You’ll return more confident, with stronger language skills, impressive experiences for your resume, and not to mention, a lifetime of memories. By taking the time to research, apply for scholarships, and maybe even save up a little travel fund, you’ll be on the adventure of a lifetime, studying abroad in Spain (maybe for free!), before you can say adios to your roommates and family at home. So don’t delay, get started on those applications for scholarships for foreign students in Spain today!
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