Study where others holiday: Spain not only offers a pleasant climate, hospitable people, and excellent food, but also a number of outstanding universities that are among the oldest in Europe. Studying abroad in Spain is very popular worldwide. Are you also thinking about studying or spending a semester abroad on the Iberian Peninsula? Then find out everything you need to know about studying in Spain here – ¡vamos allá!
Spain's higher education landscape is dominated by Universidades, with virtually no other type of higher education institution. The approximately 80 universities are divided into state and private institutions, with the majority being state-run. The universities also include the Escuelas Universitarias (Politécnicas) and, depending on their location, the Colegios Universitarios. The Escuelas Universitarias (Politécnicas) offer more practice-oriented education than the universities and are similar to universities of applied sciences – with the difference that they are not independent types of higher education institutions. The addition of Politécnicas indicates a focus on technology and natural sciences. There are also entire Universidades Politécnicas. The Colegios Universitarios, on the other hand, award vocational qualifications. Spain's universities are therefore structured as “integrated higher education institutions,” some of which provide not only academic but also vocational education. The few types of higher education institutions that are not universities include private design schools and business schools. Speaking of business schools, Spain has a lot to offer in this area, with some of the most renowned business schools in Europe located here, such as IE in Madrid and ESADE in Barcelona. But Spain's universities are also impressive. Several Spanish universities regularly rank among the top 500 universities worldwide according to various international university rankings.
Studying in Spain means internationality. With over 135,000 international students, the country ranks among the top 10 most popular European countries for studying. Out of a total of 1.6 million students at Spanish universities, this corresponds to an internationality rate of eight percent. This percentage is relatively high compared to other European countries. Studying in Spain is particularly popular among students from the European Union, for example from France, Italy, and Germany, who make up 45% of international students, and among students from Latin America. For most Latin American students, studying abroad in Spain offers a major advantage: they can gain experience abroad without having to learn a new language.
Munich Business School collaborates with selected universities in Spain that are renowned for their high academic standards and international environment. Here you will find the most important information about our partner universities. Discover your options for a semester abroad in Spain.
Are you already fired up about studying in Spain, or do you feel apprehensive about leaving your comfort zone? That's understandable; it's definitely a big step. But trust us: it's worth it! If you take a closer look, you'll quickly see that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. We've listed five reasons why studying in Spain is worthwhile – pretty convincing, right?
Since the Bologna university reform in 2002, degrees in the higher education sector in Europe are no longer differentiated. However, the length of time required to obtain a particular degree can vary from country to country. In Spain, for example, it takes four years to obtain a bachelor's degree (Grado in Spanish), compared to three years in Germany. However, it usually only takes one year to complete a master's degree in Spain. There are also two-year master's programs, but they are less common. A doctorate, the highest academic degree, usually takes three years to complete in Spain.
The academic year in Spain is divided into two semesters. The winter semester runs from mid-September or early October to the end of January. The summer semester begins in early February and ends in June. Exams are taken at the end of each semester. During the hot summer months, there are no lectures or exams, and students can enjoy their free time.
If you want to study in Spain, it is advisable to have at least a basic knowledge of Spanish. This will give you the widest choice of courses, as Spanish is the main language of instruction at Spanish universities. Due to the special status of Galicia, Catalonia, and the Basque Country as autonomous regions with a second official language, courses are often also held in the respective regional languages. This multilingualism is a special feature of the Spanish higher education system. In recent years, the range of English-language degree programs and courses has increased, making it even easier for international students to study in Spain.
Spain uses a numerical grading system with numbers from 1 to 10, with 10 being the best grade. A grade between 9.0 and 10 is called Sobresaliente and corresponds to a very good grade. Grades between 7.0 and 8.9 are called Notable and represent good performance. Scores between 5.0 and 6.0 are graded as Aprobado, which means that the exam has been passed. If the grade is below 5.0, it is referred to as Suspenso, which corresponds to a failed result.
How these grades are converted into other grading systems, for example in the US or the UK, cannot be generalized and varies from institution to institution.
Depending on where you come from, you may quickly get the impression that studying in Spain feels a bit like being back at school. There is often a fixed timetable for everyone on the course and the choice of electives is rather limited. This has the advantage of providing a well-structured daily routine, but the disadvantage is that you have less flexibility.
Classes themselves may also be different from what you are used to. Teaching is more lecturer-centered, which means that the lecturers dictate the content and classes tend to be frontal lectures. The focus is often on teaching theoretical basics, with discussion rounds or group work being less common. Exams often involve reciting memorized knowledge rather than applying it in practice.
But don't worry: this is slowly changing! Since the Bologna higher education reform in 2002, many universities – especially in Master's programs and at the Escuelas Universitarias (Politécnicas) – have been increasingly focusing on more modern teaching methods that encourage students to actively participate.
Bottom line: Spain is still a bit more traditional when it comes to teaching. But that doesn't mean you'll be bored in class while studying abroad in Spain. You'll definitely have chances to critically analyze what you're learning, work on projects, and take more initiative. Of course, the teaching format also depends heavily on the university, the school, the program, and the course.
As in many other European countries, studying in Spain is not free. Individual universities charge tuition fees for both national and international students. The amount of these fees is determined each year. But the good news is that studying in Spain is not as expensive as studying in the US, England, or Australia! If you only want to study in Spain for one or two semesters and not complete an entire degree program, there are also ways to save on fees altogether – more on that below.
The amount of tuition fees depends on various factors:
To give you an idea of what tuition fees you can expect when studying in Spain, here are a few figures:
If you are studying abroad for a Bachelor's degree in Spain, you can expect tuition fees of between €500 and €2,000 per academic year. Non-EU students pay between €2,000 and €6,000. Master's programs in Spain can cost up to €4,000 or €8,000 for non-EU students. At private universities, the cost of studying ranges from €5,000 to €15,000 per year.
In addition to tuition fees, there are also living expenses, although these are quite moderate in Spain. As usual, costs are higher in lively student cities such as Madrid or Barcelona than in smaller towns or rural areas. Based on student experience, you should expect to pay between €800 and €1,500 per month.
One way to study in Spain more affordably is to not opt for a full Bachelor's or Master's degree, but instead to spend a semester abroad in Spain. If you only study in Spain for a shorter period of time, you will of course have lower living and accommodation costs. Since you will take fewer courses during a semester abroad in Spain than you would during a full degree program abroad, you will only have to pay a portion of the tuition fees. If you are studying at a partner university of your home university in Spain as part of the Erasmus+ program, you will not have to pay any tuition fees at all. You can find out more about the various external funding options for international students in the next section. So don't let tuition fees stand in the way of your dream of studying abroad in Spain! Contact the International Office at your university to find out about the options for studying in Spain for a semester abroad.
When studying in Spain, there are costs associated with exams. Regular exams are usually included in the semester fee. However, additional exams and retakes cost extra, often even several times the original price! Passing on the first attempt is therefore doubly worthwhile: both in terms of completing your studies on time and in terms of your wallet.
With Munich Business School (MBS), your dream of studying abroad in Spain can come true! At MBS, stays abroad are an integral part of the bachelor's and master's programs. Here, internationality is not only taught, but also lived. Of course, Spain is also represented in MBS's global network of partner universities. Get an overview of the universities in Spain where you can study with MBS.
Even though studying in Spain is relatively inexpensive, studying abroad usually costs more than a study in your home country. At the same time, there are a number of ways you can finance your study in Spain, including tuition fees and living expenses. Here are a few ideas:
If you want to study abroad in Spain, you need to know more than just how you are going to finance your studies. There are also a few things to bear in mind when it comes to applying and being admitted – from study requirements to legal basics. To ensure you are well prepared, we have put together the most important information for you here:
You want to study abroad—that much is clear. But where should you go? It feels like the whole world is at your feet, and you’re spoiled for choice. North or south? A prestigious university that will give your career a real boost, or a semester abroad that feels more like a vacation than work? Ideally, you’d have it all. How on earth are you supposed to decide?
Our information pages will help you find the right destination and university for your study abroad adventure—whether in Europe, the U.S., or overseas:
Studying in Spain is a dream for many young adults – and with good reason! At the same time, studying abroad in Spain is a big step that needs to be well planned and financed. To provide you with the best possible support in organizing your stay, this FAQ section provides answers to frequently asked questions about studying in Spain.
Studying abroad in Spain is a unique and valuable experience. Spanish universities have an excellent reputation and offer a high standard of education. Spanish university degrees are internationally recognized and in high demand. While studying in Spain, you will have the unique opportunity to learn a new language or improve your Spanish skills. Did you know that Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world after Chinese? Spanish is also becoming increasingly important in business. Studying in Spain will not only advance your academic career. You will also grow immensely as a person: you will become more independent and confident, hone your intercultural skills, and build an international network. The hard and soft skills you acquire while studying abroad in Spain will give you a real head start, allowing you to benefit from increased career opportunities in the global job market. Spain is also a good choice if studying or spending a semester abroad in the US, the UK, or Australia is too expensive for you. You won't have to compromise on quality of life: Spanish friendliness, cuisine, nature, and culture offer you very special experiences and leisure activities.
On average, international students from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland pay between €500 and €2,000 per year in tuition fees for a bachelor's degree in Spain and up to €4,000 for a master's degree. For students from non-EU countries, the costs are higher, ranging from €2,000 to €6,000 for a bachelor's degree and up to €8,000 for a master's degree. However, there is no general answer to the question of costs. How much it costs to study abroad in Spain depends on various factors, such as the university or how long you study in Spain. In general, it is cheaper to study in Spain for a semester or a year than to complete a full degree program. If your home university has a partnership with a university in Spain and both participate in the Erasmus+ program, your tuition fees will be waived completely and you will save a lot of money. The region in which you study in Spain also has an influence on tuition fees. Catalonia, the region in which Barcelona is located, is one of the regions with higher tuition fees. The cost of living in Barcelona is also slightly higher than in smaller cities or rural areas.
Tuition fees apply when studying in Spain. So, there is no such thing as free education in the traditional sense in Spain – neither for local nor international students. However, there are some exceptions and financial support options that can help you study in Spain for (almost) free. Here are a few ideas:
Since bachelor's degrees in Spain take four years instead of the standard three, master's degrees usually only take one year to complete. There are also two-year master's programs, but these are much less common.
That's a tough question! Spain has several universities that enjoy an excellent reputation and offer very high educational standards. According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, these are the best universities in Spain:
These five universities are among the top 500 universities worldwide. And don't forget the business schools. Spain is home to some of the most prestigious business schools in Europe, such as IE in Madrid and ESADE in Barcelona.
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