How much does it cost to study in Spain for International Students?

Spain has become an increasingly popular destination for international students, thanks to its vibrant culture, top-tier educational institutions, and lower living costs compared to other Western European countries.

Study in Spain: Tuition Fees

Tuition fees in Spain are among the most affordable in Europe, especially for EU/EEA students. However, they can vary depending on whether you’re studying at a public or private institution, the level of your degree (undergraduate or postgraduate), and the field of study.

• Public universities:
•  If you’re international student from outside the EU/EEA, you’ll likely pay higher tuition fees at public universities, ranging from €1,500 to €4,000 per year for a Bachelor’s degree, and €2,000 to €5,500 for a Master’s or Doctorate.
• Private universities:

 

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Spain is quite reasonable compared to other European countries, but it can vary significantly depending on the city.

• Accommodation: Rent is often the biggest expense for students. In major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, expect to pay between €300 and €600 per month for a room in a shared apartment. Renting an entire apartment can range from €700 to €1,200 per month. In smaller cities like Granada or Valencia, rent can be significantly lower, ranging from €200 to €400 per month for a shared apartment.
• Utilities: If your rent doesn’t include utilities (electricity, water, internet), you can expect to pay an additional €50 to €100 per month.
• Food: Spain offers a variety of affordable dining options, especially if you stick to local markets and supermarkets. On average, you might spend around €200 to €300 per month on groceries. Eating out is also affordable, with many restaurants offering a “menú del día” (daily menu) for around €10 to €15.
• Transportation: Public transportation is well-developed in Spanish cities, and student discounts are often available. A monthly transport pass can cost between €20 and €55, depending on the city.
• Health insurance: EU/EEA students with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can access public healthcare in Spain. Non-EU/EEA students are required to have health insurance, which can cost between €50 and €150 per month, depending on the coverage.

Additional expenses

In addition to major costs like tuition and daily living expenses, there are several additional expenses you should consider when studying in Spain.

Books and study materials can represent a significant expense, depending on your chosen course. The annual cost of textbooks can range from €200 to €500. Some programs may also require special equipment or software, which could increase this expense.

Social life is an important part of the student experience in Spain. The country is known for its lively social scene, and enjoying the local culture is essential. It’s important to budget for social activities, such as dining out, entertainment, and travel. Depending on your lifestyle, these expenses can vary between €50 and €150 per month.

If you’re a non-EU/EEA student, you’ll also need to consider costs related to your visa and other administrative procedures. These include visa application fees, typically around €60, and the cost of obtaining a residence permit, which can be approximately €18. Additionally, you may need to cover expenses for translating or notarizing documents, adding more to your budget.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

While studying in Spain is relatively affordable, it’s always helpful to seek out scholarships and financial aid. Various scholarships are available for international students, offered by the Spanish government, individual universities, and other organizations.

• Spanish Government Scholarships: These include scholarships for academic excellence, as well as specific grants for international students from certain countries.
• University scholarships: Many Spanish universities offer their own scholarships, which can cover part or all of your tuition fees, as well as provide a stipend for living expenses. You can see the details of scholarship offer of HTL International school for Bachelor and Master degrees here.
• Erasmus+ Program: For students from the EU/EEA, the Erasmus+ program offers financial support for studying abroad in Spain as part of their degree program.

 

How to cut the costs

International students in Spain can work part-time or do a full-time paid internship during their studies, which can help offset some of the costs. Non-EU/EEA students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during holidays, provided they have a work permit.

The other great option to cut the costs of your education is to study in virtual classroom, connecting and being present in a real-time class with teacher and classmates without the necessity to move from your house. 

At HTL International school, we are committed to providing the best service and education to our students. We understand that finding suitable accommodation can be one of the biggest challenges when studying abroad. That’s why we are here to help you every step of the way, offering assistance in finding the perfect place to live that fits your budget and needs.