Degrees in Spain

The larger cities in Spain will offer the greatest choice regarding programs at universities in Spain taught in English. However, beyond the metro areas of Madrid and Barcelona, are dozens of smaller cities each boasting their own distinctive cultural flavor, as well as reputable universities through which to earn your pursue your Spanish master’s program abroad. 

Madrid. Spain’s capital and largest city in the country is the third largest city in the European Union. Top-ranked schools including the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid are just a few of the universities in Madrid, Spain.

Barcelona. The capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia, Barcelona is another popular destination to study abroad in Spain. The country’s second largest city is located on the Mediterranean coast and offers a sublime combination of buzzing culture and relaxed temperament. Top Spanish universities such as Universitat de Barcelona (University of Barcelona) and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Autonomous University of Barcelona) are also located in this gem of the Mediterranean.

College degrees in Spain cover almost every major, so whatever your area of interest you'll be able to find a place to complete your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Spain. A Bachelor’s in Spain degree will take about 3-years of full-time study, and a Master’s in Spain degree will require at least 12 months.

Spanish Language. While you are studying in Spain, consider taking advantage of your cultural immersion and international setting by pursuing a degree in Spanish Language and Culture or European Studies. 

Business. Madrid and Barcelona, being centers of European government and commerce, there are multiple opportunities to soak it all in through earning a Bachelor in Business in Spain. Focuses can include International Business or European Union studies, or you might even attend the Mediterranean Agribusiness School. 

Design. From a one year course in Interior Design to entire Master’s programs in Spain taught in English there are many programs in design, architecture and the studio arts to choose from. Supplement your studies with trips to iconic landmarks like the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim museum in Bilbao or Gaudi’s Casa Batllo in Barcelona. 

EU-students are able to pursue degrees 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, 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. Another option is to attend an American university in Spain, such as Saint Louis University or NYU which both have campuses in Madrid.

Many international students choose to live in student dormitories to immerse themselves in university life and make friends with Spanish and other international students. Later in their degree program, students may want to live in an apartment. Obviously, housing costs vary greatly by location but expect costs of independent living to generally be less expensive outside of the major cities.

International students will also need to organize a student visa in order to attend degree programs in Spain. Visa applications will usually require students to produce a criminal background check to gain permission for an extended stay, and students will also need to exchange their visa for a residency permit upon arrival. Most host universities or degree programs in Spain will help guide students through the visa process. Check out GoAbroad’s Embassy Directory for more information.

Studying your entire degree in Spain will be the adventure of a lifetime. Not only will you improve leaps and bounds in your preferred area of knowledge and expertise, you will also be exposed to one of the world’s most influential cultures—not to mention languages. Annnnnd... the churros are plenty. SI!

Completing a degree abroad in Spain won’t just be an investment in your future but one of the best experiences of your entire life. You’ll return (if you can bring yourself to leave!) with a quality degree, stronger language skills, and a lifetime of memories. There are tons of top-notch universities in Spain for international students—take your pick!

Meager student budgets are challenging no matter where you study, but nowhere else can you enjoy the buena vida on the cheap, like you can in Spain. Experiences like weekends at the beach, tapas with friends, and strolling down Las Ramblas don’t cost a ton of money but are simple pleasures that the Spanish have always appreciated.