How to Enroll in a University in Spain and Get a Student Visa

Spain is one of the most popular European destinations for international students. Around 180,000 foreign students study in the country each year, largely due to relatively affordable tuition fees.

However, the admission process itself is not simple. The education in Spain has a number of specific features related to foreign students. For this reason, we have prepared a guide explaining how the Spanish education system works and which study options are available to foreigners, including schools, universities, and language courses.

The Education System in Spain

The education system in Spain is not centralized. While there is a general national framework for educational programs, a significant share of authority is delegated to the autonomous communities. This results in unified core principles across the country, but differences exist in the language of instruction, university tuition fees, regional scholarships, and administrative procedures.

The first level is early childhood education (Educación Infantil), which is divided into two stages:

• from 0 to 3 years old, non-compulsory and usually fee-based;
• from 3 to 6 years old, also formally non-compulsory, but attended by around 95% of children. This stage is publicly funded.

Next comes primary education (Educación Primaria). It covers children aged 6 to 12 and is compulsory. In public schools, it is free of charge.

Core subjects include Spanish language, mathematics, natural sciences, and a foreign language. In autonomous regions where a local language has official status, instruction is partially or fully conducted in Catalan, Basque, or Galician.

Secondary education is also divided into two stages:

• compulsory secondary education (ESO) from 12 to 16 years old;
• upper secondary education, either Bachillerato or vocational training FP, from 16 to 18 years old.

The stage after the age of 16 often becomes the main entry point into Spain's education system for international students.

Higher education in Spain includes:

• undergraduate programs (Grado) lasting 3 to 4 years;
• master’s programs (Máster) lasting 1 to 2 years;
• doctoral programs (Doctorado).

Spanish universities regularly appear in international rankings. The most notable institutions include the University of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Madrid, Complutense University of Madrid, and the University of Navarra.

Pros and Cons of Studying in Spain

Primary, secondary, and higher education in Spain for international students offer not only a number of advantages but also certain drawbacks. As usual, let us start with the benefits.

Preschool, Primary, and School Education in Spain

We have already reviewed education in Spain in general terms. Now it is time to examine each level in more detail, focusing on the specific requirements and nuances for international families.

Preschool Education in Spain

Preschool education in Spain is divided into two cycles. The first cycle covers children aged 0–2. It is usually fee-based and has moderate participation, with only 41% of children enrolled. At the same time, the state is actively expanding the network of municipal and autonomous early childhood centers.

The second cycle covers children aged 3–5. Earlier we mentioned a participation rate of 95%, but official statistics indicate an even higher level: approximately 96.6% for three-year-olds, 97.9% for four-year-olds, and 98.5% for five-year-olds.

Kindergarten in Spain is available to foreign children on the same terms as for Spanish nationals, provided that the parents are legally residing in Spain.

Key requirements:

• the child must have a NIE or be registered with the local municipality;
• confirmed residence in the autonomous community where the application is submitted;
• for public centers for children aged 3–5, proof of income is not required, as education is state-funded;
• for the 0–2 cycle, family income may affect admission priority and the amount of fees.

The child’s citizenship is not relevant for Spanish kindergartens; the decisive factor is the legal right of residence. Applications are submitted through the regional online portals of the autonomous communities, typically in the spring. Knowledge of Spanish is not required from the child, as language adaptation takes place during the learning process.

In practical terms, this means that families of international students or legal residents can enroll their children in the Spanish preschool system immediately after obtaining legal status and completing local registration.

Primary Education in Spain

Primary education in Spain is compulsory for children aged 6 to 12 and is provided free of charge in public schools. It lasts six academic years and is divided into three two-year cycles.

The curriculum is defined at the national level, while its specific content and the language of instruction are regulated by the autonomous communities. The compulsory core subjects include Spanish language, mathematics, natural and social sciences, physical education, and a foreign language.

Most children attend public schools in Spain, but there are also private schools and concertado schools. These are mixed-type institutions that receive partial state funding but may charge additional fees.

Children of foreign nationals have the right to compulsory schooling in Spain on the same basis as Spanish citizens, regardless of citizenship or country of origin. The basic enrollment requirements include:

• family residence in Spain;
• registration at the place of residence (empadronamiento);
• a document confirming the child’s identity;
• age compliance with the assigned grade.

A key nuance is that for compulsory education between the ages of 6 and 16, Spanish law guarantees access even for children whose parents do not hold long-term residence status, provided the family is actually living in the country.

Knowledge of Spanish is not required at the time of admission. In many regions, adaptation programs and language support are available for foreign children.

Placement in public schools depends on the place of residence. Even in the case of relocation, families cannot freely choose a public school, as placement is assigned by the autonomous community authorities.

For families of international students and legal residents, this means that a school-age child can enter the primary education system immediately after local registration, without the need to confirm language proficiency or citizenship.

Secondary School Education in Spain (ESO and Bachillerato)

Secondary education in Spain is divided into two stages: ESO (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria) for students aged 12 to 16, and Bachillerato. The first stage is compulsory, while the second is not. However, Bachillerato is required for admission to Spanish universities. Together, these two stages cover the age range from 12 to 18, but around 33% of students complete their education at 16, and only 67% continue beyond that point.

ESO lasts four academic years and concludes with the award of the Graduado en Educación Secundaria diploma. The right to study in ESO is guaranteed to all minors residing in Spain, regardless of citizenship or country of origin.

If a child does not speak Spanish, this cannot be grounds for refusal of admission. On the contrary, educational institutions are required to provide support measures, including adaptation classes or enrollment in language schools in Spain.

The university preparation stage, Bachillerato or high schools in Spain, lasts two years and is divided into academic tracks. The most in-demand tracks include:

• humanities and social sciences;
• natural sciences;
• technology;
• arts.

Admission requires confirmation of:

• legal residence in Spain;
• completion of a previous level of education equivalent to ESO;
• a sufficient level of proficiency in the language of instruction.

Unlike ESO, schools may refuse admission if there are no available places or if academic requirements are not met. Language proficiency is critical at this stage, as most programs are taught in Spanish or in a regional language. As an alternative, international and private schools in Spain are available, but tuition fees for such institutions are high, typically ranging from €4000 to €14,000 per year.

For international students over the age of 16, completing Bachillerato in Spain is not always mandatory. As an alternative, students may choose vocational education programs (FP) at intermediate or advanced levels.

Best international schools in Spain:

• International College Spain – Highly rated international school offering full IB programs (PYP, MYP, DP) in English, strong track record of university placement.
• International School San Patricio Toledo – Private international school in the broader Madrid region.
• St. Peter's School, Barcelona – Offers IB curriculum and bilingual education; recognized for strong academic standards.
• St. George's British School – British curriculum school with solid reputation in Barcelona.
• The British International School of Marbella – Offers British–international education on the Costa del Sol.
• Sotogrande International School – IB and British curriculum option in southern Spain.

Higher Education in Spain

Higher education in Spain is part of the pan-European framework and is fully integrated into the Bologna Process. The country has over 80 universities, including around 50 public and more than 30 private institutions. The quality of higher education in Spain is considered high, as confirmed by the presence of five Spanish universities in the top 100 in Europe.

Higher education is structured into three main levels:

• Grado (Bachelor’s degree);
• Máster (Master’s degree);
• Doctorado (Doctoral studies).

Spanish universities are divided into public and private institutions. Public universities form the backbone of the higher education system and are funded by the autonomous communities, which also set tuition fees. As a result, the cost of the same academic program can vary by two times or more depending on the region.

For international applicants from non-EU countries, admission to public universities is almost always linked to the recognition of secondary education through UNEDasiss and proof of language proficiency at B2 level or higher.

Private universities have greater autonomy in admissions and more frequently offer programs taught in English.

Their key characteristics include:

• higher tuition fees;
• simplified admission procedures;
• more flexible requirements regarding prior education;
• a strong focus on international students.

Bachelor’s Degree (Grado) in Spain

Bachelor’s programs in Spain typically last four years (240 ECTS), and more rarely three years. A key feature of the Spanish bachelor’s system is that eligibility for admission is determined not only by the diploma itself but also by its academic equivalence to the Spanish Bachillerato.

For international applicants from non-EU countries, the main requirements are as follows:

• Completed secondary education. Proof of secondary education equivalent to the Spanish Bachillerato. This may be a school leaving certificate, a secondary vocational diploma, or a combination of documents confirming 12 years of education.
• Recognition of education. In most cases, the UNEDasiss system is used to confirm eligibility for admission to Spanish universities. During this process, grades are converted into the Spanish grading scale and a final competitive score is calculated.
• Language of instruction. For programs taught in Spanish, a minimum B2 level is required, confirmed by an official certificate such as DELE, SIELE, or an equivalent qualification.

Admission to public universities in Spain is based on competitive scoring. The final score is calculated from the average grade of the secondary school certificate and, where applicable, additional subjects recognized by the university. The required cut-off score varies by autonomous community, university, and field of study. As a result, even with formal eligibility, admission is not guaranteed, particularly at large universities in Madrid and Barcelona.

Due to the lengthy UNEDasiss processing times, potential mismatches between school curricula and specific university requirements, and the limited number of English-taught bachelor’s programs, undergraduate studies are rarely chosen as a basis for obtaining a Spanish education visa.

Master’s Degree (Máster) in Spain

Master’s programs in Spain are the most popular level of higher education among international students. The proportion of foreign students at the master’s level exceeds 25%, and at some universities and English-taught programs it reaches 40–50%.

Master’s programs last one or two academic years (60–120 ECTS). Unlike bachelor’s programs, admission does not require recognition of secondary education through UNEDasiss.

The basic admission requirements include:

• Higher education diploma. A bachelor’s or specialist degree issued by a formally recognized institution. Formal equivalence to a Spanish degree is assessed by the university itself rather than by a state authority.
• Academic relevance. Universities assess whether the applicant’s previous field of study corresponds to the chosen master’s program. If there is partial misalignment, additional coursework may be required.
• Language of instruction. For programs taught in Spanish, a B2 level of Spanish is required. For english speaking universities in Spain, the same level of English must be confirmed by certificates such as IELTS or TOEFL.
• Additional documents. Depending on the program, a motivation letter, CV, letters of recommendation, and sometimes an interview may be required.

Public universities are more affordable than private ones, but competition for places is higher and academic requirements are stricter. A significant share of programs is taught in Spanish. Private universities and business schools generally have more flexible admission procedures and are more strongly oriented toward practical training and the needs of the local labor market.

An additional advantage of master’s programs is that they:

• allow legal employment for up to 30 hours per week;
• are more frequently used as a basis for changing student status to a work status after graduation;
• fully meet the requirements for obtaining a spanish visa for students and subsequent student residence status.

Doctoral Studies (Doctorado) in Spain

Doctoral studies in Spain represent the third level of higher education and are primarily focused on an academic and research career. Depending on the study format and the individual research plan, doctoral programs typically last three to four years.

For international candidates, the following basic requirements apply:

• Master’s degree. Completion of a master’s program equivalent to the Spanish Máster, with a research component. Recognition of the degree is carried out by the university through its internal procedures.
• Research proposal. Applicants must submit a preliminary research plan, including a justification of the topic and the proposed methodology.
• Academic supervisor. In most cases, prior consent from a professor at a Spanish university to act as the dissertation supervisor is required.
• Language of instruction. The language depends on the field and the specific project. Humanities and social sciences generally require Spanish, while English is commonly accepted in STEM fields and international research projects.

An important nuance is that doctoral studies do not always come with funding. Possible options include:

• a doctoral employment contract with a university or research center;
• national and regional grants for studying in Spain and conducting research;
• self-funded doctoral studies.

Doctoral candidates obtain a student residence permit under the standard procedure, but their status is often closer to that of a researcher rather than a traditional student. In such cases, official employment is only possible within the framework of a research contract, which serves as a strong basis for later switching to a work residence status.

Best spain universities for international students:

• University of Barcelona (Universitat de Barcelona, UB). The University of Barcelona is consistently ranked among the top 200 universities worldwide.
• Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). UAB is one of Spain’s leading research institutions and frequently ranks among the top three universities in the country.
• Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM). UAM is a key academic center of the Spanish capital, known for its strong research schools and active international collaboration.
• Complutense University of Madrid. Complutense is highly regarded for its programs in humanities and social sciences, journalism, education, and research.
• Polytechnic universities (for example, Polytechnic University of Valencia and Polytechnic University of Catalonia). Spain’s technical universities stand out in engineering and technological disciplines.
• University of Granada. This university is also among the national leaders in academic performance and international exchange. It is particularly popular with international students due to its active participation in Erasmus+ programs.

Cost of Education in Spain

The cost of education in Spain depends directly on the level of study, the type of institution, and the autonomous community. In public universities, tuition fees are regulated by regional authorities and calculated per ECTS credit, while private universities and schools set their own prices.

Tuition fees at public universities in Spain:

The wide price range is explained by higher tuition fees in major autonomous communities such as Madrid, Catalonia, and Navarre. Programs in medicine, engineering, architecture, and other high-demand fields are also more expensive. In some regions, tuition fees for non-EU students are 1.5 to 2 times higher, while in others the official rates are the same for all students.

Private universities are not subject to regional fee caps. Tuition is usually set per academic year or for the full program.

Tuition fees at private universities:

Local language courses that help students learn Spanish in Spain. They are one of the most popular options for international students, as they can serve as a basis for obtaining a student visa.

Cost of Spanish language courses in Spain:

A student visa for language courses in Spain is granted only if the program is on-site, with a minimum of 20 hours per week. The institution offering the course must be state-accredited. Online learning and short-term courses do not qualify.

On average, the total monthly living cost in Spain for international students ranges from €800 to €1100 outside Madrid and Barcelona, and is higher in major cities. 

Cost of schooling in Spain:

Additional expenses usually include meals, school uniforms, and educational materials, which are paid separately.

Grants and Scholarships for Studying in Spain

Spain offers several levels of financial support for students, including state, regional, university, and international programs. However, it is important to clarify one key point from the outset: most basic state-funded grants are primarily intended for Spanish and EU citizens.

The Ministry of Education grants (Becas MEC) is the main state financial aid program for students in Spain.

Key eligibility criteria for scholarships in Spain include:

• Spanish or EU citizenship;
• permanent residence in Spain;
• compliance with family income thresholds and academic performance requirements.

For international students from non-EU countries, this option is generally unavailable. Exceptions are possible only for those holding long-term residence status.

Autonomous communities offer their own student support programs. Requirements vary significantly by region, but some programs allow participation by foreign nationals, usually not those holding a student visa.

The most realistic source of financial support for international students comes from university-based grants and tuition discounts. Private universities and business schools actively use Spain scholarships for international students as a tool to attract international students. Tuition reductions typically range from 10% to 50% of the total cost of study.

Student Visa in Spain

For citizens of non-EU countries, studying in Spain requires obtaining a student visa or student residence permit. The official legal status is Estancia por Estudios. The form of authorization depends on the duration of studies: up to 90 days for a short-term study visa, and more than 90 days for a long-stay Type D student visa in Spain. The latter is required for university programs, master’s degrees, and language courses lasting six months or longer.

The basis for application is official enrollment in an educational institution that:

• is registered in Spain;
• is authorized to provide on-site education;
• meets visa requirements, including mandatory state accreditation for language schools.

Spain student visa requirements:

• International passport. Its validity must cover the entire period of study.
• Letter of acceptance. Indicating the program, duration, and number of study hours.
• Proof of tuition payment. Full or partial, depending on the institution.
• Financial means. Proof of funds equivalent to at least 100% of IPREM per month, which is approximately €600 per month. For a 12-month program, this amounts to around €7200 in a bank account.
• Health insurance. With full coverage for the entire duration of studies.
• Criminal record certificate. Required for programs longer than six months.
• Medical certificate. Issued in the prescribed format.
• Proof of accommodation. Rental contract, booking confirmation, or invitation letter.

The consulate may request additional documents, including a motivation letter.

The total cost of getting a student visa for Spain includes the consular fee, document translations, health insurance, and the fee for the TIE residence card. On average, it ranges from €400 to €800, excluding tuition fees and accommodation costs.

A student visa allows residence in Spain for the duration of studies and legal employment for up to 30 hours per week. The status can be renewed without leaving the country as long as the studies continue. Time spent in Spain under this status does not count toward permanent residence.

The official review period after submitting a complete Spanish student visa application in the consulate is generally about 1 month. However, this can extend to 5–8 weeks depending on local consulate workload and seasonal demand.