Study in Spain — Complete Guide

Bachelor’s Degree (Undergraduate)

Overview: Undergraduate degrees in Spain are typically 4 years (240 ECTS). Programs are offered in Spanish and, increasingly, in English (especially in business, engineering and international programs).

Structure & duration

• Standard duration: 4 academic years (usually 240 ECTS credits).
• Some professional/technical degrees may differ slightly; check the university page for exact syllabi.

Tuition fees (approx.)

Admission requirements

• Recognized secondary school certificate (equivalent to Spanish Bachillerato). International applicants often apply through UNEDasiss (credential verification) or university-specific recognition routes.
• Proof of language proficiency: DELE (Spanish) or IELTS/TOEFL (for English-taught programs).
• Translated and certified academic transcripts and diploma; some programs require entrance examinations or interviews.
• Statement of purpose and references for selective programs.

Living costs

Scholarships & funding

• National scholarships (for EU students) and university scholarships; some private foundations fund international students.
• Check Erasmus+ exchange opportunities if your home institution has partnerships.

University portal (information & official links): Ministry of Universities — Spain

Master’s Degree (Postgraduate)

Overview: Master’s programs usually last 1–2 years (60–120 ECTS). Spain offers a wide choice of English-taught MSc and MA programs, especially at major universities.

Duration & formats

• One-year (60 ECTS) or two-year (120 ECTS) master’s degrees.
• Full-time, part-time and research/industry-linked options available.

Tuition & estimated costs

Admission criteria

• Recognized bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Minimum GPA / academic transcript; some programs require relevant work experience.
• Language proof: IELTS/TOEFL for English programs or DELE for Spanish programs.
• CV, statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and sometimes a pre-interview or test.

Funding & scholarships

• University scholarships (merit-based), government grants, Erasmus Mundus (for specific masters) and industry scholarships.
• International students should check university pages and scholarship databases early (deadlines often months before start).

Note: Some universities limit master’s places and require selection processes — apply early and prepare a strong application packet.

PhD Degree (Doctorate)

Overview: Doctoral studies in Spain are research-based and typically last 3–5 years. Doctoral candidates usually work under the supervision of a research group and may be employed as predoctoral researchers.

Requirements & application

• Recognized master’s degree or equivalent that enables entry to doctorate studies.
• Research proposal and identification of a potential supervisor or research group.
• Research funding plan — funded projects, scholarships, or university employment are common.

Funding routes

• Predoctoral contracts (paid research positions) offered by universities or research institutes.
• Grants from national research organizations (e.g., Spanish Ministry of Science), EU H2020/Horizon Europe projects, or private funds.

Typical costs

Find doctoral programs and research groups on university websites and national research portals. Example portal: universidad.es

Student Visa & Residence — Step-by-step

Which visa?

• Short courses & visits (< 90 days): Schengen short-stay visa (if required for your nationality).
• Long stays (study > 90 days): Type D Student Visa (Visado de Estudiantes) — required for non-EU/EEA students enrolling longer than 90 days.

Before you apply

1. Obtain a formal Letter of Acceptance (admission) from a licensed Spanish university or recognized language school.
2. Check the exact document list on the Spanish Embassy / Consulate website where you will apply — requirements can vary by country.

Typical documents required

• Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages and validity for the intended stay).
• Signed visa application form and recent passport photographs.
• Official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the Spanish institution.
• Proof of financial means — commonly accepted examples:
  • Bank statements showing sufficient funds (guideline ≈ €600 per month); or
  • Proof of scholarship covering tuition + living costs; or
  • Sponsor letter with supporting bank documents.
• Health insurance valid in Spain (private coverage for the entire stay) or proof of public coverage where applicable.
• Criminal record certificate (may be required, often for stays > 6 months).
• Medical certificate stating fitness to study (no contagious diseases).

Application & processing

1. Apply at the Spanish Embassy / Consulate or Visa Application Center in your country. Follow the consulate's instructions (some require appointments online).
2. Pay the visa fee (approx. €60–€80 — check consulate for exact amount and exemptions).
3. Processing time: commonly 2–8 weeks (can be longer in busy periods). Apply early (2–3 months before start date recommended).

After arrival — Residency (TIE)

• Within 30 days of entry to Spain you must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE — Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) if your visa is for more than 6 months. Some shorter student visas will also require registration.
• Register with the local authorities (empadronamiento) — this is required for many administrative procedures.
• Work while studying: international students can work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) with prior authorization — rules vary, check your permit conditions.

Fees & costs (visa & residence)

Official consular & immigration resources:

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Spain
• Spanish Immigration & Social Inclusion portals
• SEPIE — Spanish Service for the Internationalization of Education