Introduction
At a glance
- Tuition per yearUG €1,000–27,000 · PG €2,700–43,000about ₹2.9 lakh – ₹45.6 lakh for a master's
- Living cost per year€9,000–14,000about ₹9.5 lakh – ₹14.8 lakh
- IntakesSeptember–October, February (selected courses)
- Part-time workUp to 30 hrs/week
- Post-study work24-month job-search permit
- Usual IELTS (overall)Bachelor's 6.0–6.5 · Master's 6.5–7.0
Typical figures from this guide, checked 22 Oct 2026. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ. Tap any box for the details and official sources.
Quick read
- Spain has 91 universities: 50 public and 41 private, with English-taught options mainly at private universities, business schools and some public master's courses.
- Public master's fees for non-EU students are often around €2,700–€9,300 a year, while private business school master's courses can cost €15,000–€43,000.
- Students in higher education can work up to 30 hours a week without a separate work permit, as long as the job fits around their studies.
- After a bachelor's or master's in Spain, graduates can apply for a 24-month job-search permit, but they need a different permit before they actually start work.
- For the student visa you must show at least €600 a month (2026 figure) in funds and hold full private health insurance from an insurer authorised in Spain.
- Spanish is the main language of daily life, jobs and most public bachelor's degrees, so learning it early makes a big difference.
Spain is one of Europe's larger study destinations, with a mix of big public universities, private universities and well-known business schools in Madrid and Barcelona. Indian students are still a small group here compared with Germany or the UK, which means less competition for some courses but also a smaller Indian community on campus.
Costs vary more than in most countries. A public master's can cost a few thousand euros a year, while a private business school can charge as much as a UK or US university. Living costs are moderate outside Madrid and Barcelona, and the climate and lifestyle are a draw for many families.
Rules for students were updated by a new immigration regulation in force since May 2025. Students can now work up to 30 hours a week, and graduates have a 24-month job-search permit. This guide explains what is in force today, what it costs, and the honest drawbacks, especially language and graduate salaries.
Why Indian students choose Spain
Most Indian students in Spain choose English-taught business, management, finance, hospitality and data programmes at private universities and business schools. Public universities attract fewer Indians because most of their bachelor's degrees are taught in Spanish, though some public master's courses are in English and cost much less.
Families often look at Spain as a lower-cost route into Europe, with a Schengen residence card, generous part-time work hours and a two-year window to look for work after graduating. The trade-off is that good jobs usually need at least some Spanish, and salaries are lower than in Germany or the Netherlands.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Indian students in Spain | About 1,190 | MEA, data as of 1 Jan 2025 |
| Universities in Spain (2023–24) | 91 (50 public, 41 private) | Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, Jan 2025 |
| International students arriving to study in Spain (2023–24) | 149,278 | Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, Jan 2025 |
| Work allowed for higher-education students | Up to 30 hours a week | Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, May 2025 |
| Job-search permit after graduation | 24 months | Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Sep 2025 |
| Minimum funds for a student visa (2026) | €600 a month | Embassy of Spain in India, 2026 |
Top universities in Spain
Universities Indian students often ask us about. Being listed here doesn't mean Admission Mantra represents the university; we'll tell you plainly how we can help with each application.
Photo: Luis García (Zaqarbal), CC BY-SA 3.0 PrivateIE University
Madrid and Segovia, SpainOften chosen for Business & Management, Law, Arts, Design & Media
Photo: Jordiferrer, CC BY-SA 3.0 PrivateEsade
Barcelona, SpainOften chosen for Business & Management, Finance & Accounting, Law
Photo: DigitalCompas, CC BY 4.0 PublicUniversity of Barcelona
Barcelona, SpainOften chosen for Life Sciences, Medicine & Health Sciences, Business & Management
Photo: Zarateman, CC0 PublicUniversidad Autónoma de Madrid
Madrid, SpainOften chosen for Life Sciences, Law, Engineering
Photo: Spanishstudent006, CC BY-SA 3.0 PrivateEU Business School
Barcelona, SpainOften chosen for Business & Management, Finance & Accounting
Photo: Jorge Franganillo, CC BY 3.0 PublicPompeu Fabra University
Barcelona, SpainOften chosen for Business & Management, Arts, Design & Media, Life Sciences
Photo: Lucía Díaz, CC BY-SA 4.0 PublicComplutense University of Madrid
Madrid, SpainOften chosen for Law, Medicine & Health Sciences, Life Sciences
Photo: CookiesBrownie, Public domain PrivateLes Roches Marbella
Marbella, SpainOften chosen for Hospitality & Tourism, Business & Management
Photo: Ferad Zyulkyarov, CC BY 2.0 PublicUniversitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)
Barcelona, SpainOften chosen for Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Data Science & AI
Photo: Gotesan, CC BY-SA 3.0 PublicUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid
Madrid, SpainOften chosen for Business & Management, Finance & Accounting, Engineering
Photo: Manuel Castells, CC BY-SA 2.0 PrivateUniversity of Navarra
Pamplona, SpainOften chosen for Business & Management, Medicine & Health Sciences, Law
- Private
Universidad Europea
Madrid, SpainOften chosen for Business & Management, Hospitality & Tourism, Medicine & Health Sciences
Popular courses
Programmes Indian students commonly choose in Spain. Exact course names, fees and entry rules vary by university.
- PostgraduateMaster in ManagementBusiness & Management
- PostgraduateMBABusiness & Management
- PostgraduateMaster in FinanceFinance & Accounting
- PostgraduateMaster in Big Data and Business AnalyticsData Science & AI
- PostgraduateMaster in Digital MarketingBusiness & Management
- UndergraduateBachelor in Business AdministrationBusiness & Management
- UndergraduateBachelor in Hospitality ManagementHospitality & Tourism
- UndergraduateBachelor in Computer Science and Artificial IntelligenceComputer Science & IT
Looking for something specific? Try the Course Finder.
Explore course guides: what each course covers, costs by country and careers
Benefits of studying in Spain
- 01
Low public fees
Public universities charge prices set by regional governments. Even with the higher rates for non-EU students, many public master's courses cost under €6,000 a year.
- 02
Generous work hours
Higher-education students can work up to 30 hours a week, and the right to work comes automatically with the student authorisation.
- 03
Two-year job-search window
Graduates with a bachelor's or master's from Spain can apply for a 24-month permit to look for work or start a business.
- 04
Strong business and hospitality schools
Madrid and Barcelona have private business schools with English-taught master's courses, and Spain's large tourism industry supports hospitality study and internships.
- 05
A useful second language
Studying in Spain is a practical way to learn Spanish, which is spoken across much of Europe and the Americas and adds value to a CV.
Eligibility and English tests
| Requirement | Bachelor's | Master's |
|---|---|---|
| Academic qualification | Class 12 from CBSE, ISC or a state board. | A recognised bachelor's degree, usually three or four years. |
| Recognition of Indian qualifications | Public universities usually ask for Class 12 to be recognised as equal to the Spanish Bachillerato (homologación), and often a UNEDasiss accreditation. | The university checks that your degree gives access to master's study in India; formal recognition is usually not needed before applying. |
| Marks | No national minimum. Private universities set their own bar; competitive courses expect strong Class 12 marks. | No national minimum. Many courses look for a good first-class or high second-class record. |
| English (English-taught courses) | IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or Duolingo, as set by each university; often around IELTS 6.0–6.5. | IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge or Duolingo; often around IELTS 6.5–7.0 for business schools. |
| Spanish (Spanish-taught courses) | Usually B2 level, shown with DELE or SIELE. | Usually B2 level, shown with DELE or SIELE. |
| Tests and interviews | Private universities often use their own tests or interviews. Public universities may use subject tests (PCE) for the admission score. | Some business master's courses ask for GMAT or GRE, plus an interview. |
| Course length | 4 years (240 ECTS credits) for most bachelor's degrees. | 1 year (60 ECTS) is common; some courses run 1.5–2 years (90–120 ECTS). |
English tests commonly accepted
- IELTS Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- Duolingo English Test (accepted by some universities)
- DELE (for Spanish-taught courses)
- Indian documents usually need an apostille from the Ministry of External Affairs and, where asked, an official translation into Spanish.
- Check whether a master's is an official degree (máster universitario) or a university's own title (título propio). Official degrees are easier to get recognised later in Spain and the EU.
- Each university sets its own deadlines, and popular private courses fill early, so apply 8–10 months ahead.
Intakes and application timeline
Main intakes: September–October, February (selected courses).
Shortlist programmes and check language of instruction
10–12 months before intake
Take an English or Spanish test
8–10 months before intake
Submit applications and start any document recognition
6–9 months before intake
Accept an offer and pay the deposit
4–5 months before intake
Apply for the student visa at the Spanish mission in India
3 months before intake
Cost of studying in Spain
Fees in Spain depend on whether the university is public or private and which region it is in. Public universities apply higher prices to non-EU students who are not residents, but these are still low by international standards. Private universities and business schools set their own fees, which can be high.
| Tuition | In EUR | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Public university, bachelor's (non-EU)In Madrid, Complutense charges non-EU non-residents about €114–€136 per credit in 2026–27, or roughly €6,800–€8,200 for 60 credits. Some regions charge less. | €1,000–8,500per year | ≈ ₹1.1 lakh – ₹9 lakh |
| Public university, master's (non-EU)Examples: UPC Barcelona charges non-EU students €45 per credit; Complutense charges €84 per credit for most master's in 2026–27, more for some professional courses. | €2,700–9,300per year | ≈ ₹2.9 lakh – ₹9.9 lakh |
| Private university, bachelor'sTop private universities sit at the upper end; for example, IE University lists €26,500 for 2026–27 on one bachelor's course. | €10,000–27,000per year | ≈ ₹10.6 lakh – ₹28.6 lakh |
| Private business school, master'sEsade lists €39,000 for its one-year MSc courses and €43,200 for its Global Master's (2027–28 intake). | €15,000–43,000per year | ≈ ₹15.9 lakh – ₹45.6 lakh |
Other costs before you fly
| Item | In EUR | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa fee and BLS service chargeCharged in rupees: INR 9,599 visa fee plus INR 1,802 BLS service charge (BLS Spain India, October 2026). | €110–120one-off | ≈ ₹11,660 – ₹12,720 |
| Funds to show for the visa€600 a month for the student in 2026, plus €450 a month for the first family member. Prepaid accommodation can reduce this. | €7,200per year of stay | ≈ ₹7.6 lakh |
| Private health insuranceMust come from an insurer authorised in Spain and cover the same risks as the public health system. Our estimate; prices vary by age and insurer. | €500–900per year | ≈ ₹53,000 – ₹95,400 |
| Seat or reservation deposit (private universities)Usually deducted from the first year's fees. Public universities normally ask for fees at enrolment instead. | €1,000–5,000one-off | ≈ ₹1.1 lakh – ₹5.3 lakh |
| Rental depositBy law a housing deposit is one month's rent, but landlords may ask for extra guarantees. | €500–1,600one-off | ≈ ₹53,000 – ₹1.7 lakh |
| Apostilles, translations and police and medical certificatesOur estimate for MEA apostilles, sworn Spanish translations and certificates. | €100–400one-off | ≈ ₹10,600 – ₹42,400 |
Fees change every year and each university publishes its own price list. Always check the official fee page for your exact course and intake. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Plan my monthly living costsCost of living in Spain
Most students spend about €800–€1,400 a month. Madrid and Barcelona are the most expensive, mainly because of rent. Cities such as Granada, Salamanca and Seville cost noticeably less.
| Per month | In EUR | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Room in a shared flatUpper end in Madrid and Barcelona; student residences often cost more. | €350–800per month | ≈ ₹37,100 – ₹84,800 |
| Food and groceries | €200–320per month | ≈ ₹21,200 – ₹33,920 |
| Utilities (share of electricity, water, internet) | €40–90per month | ≈ ₹4,240 – ₹9,540 |
| Local transportIn the Madrid region the under-26 Abono Joven costs €10 for 30 days in 2026. | €10–40per month | ≈ ₹1,060 – ₹4,240 |
| Mobile phone | €10–25per month | ≈ ₹1,060 – ₹2,650 |
| Books, personal costs and leisure | €100–200per month | ≈ ₹10,600 – ₹21,200 |
| Rough monthly total | €710–1,475 | ≈ ₹75,260 – ₹1.6 lakh |
These are our estimates for a careful student. The €600 a month that the visa requires is a legal minimum, not a realistic budget for Madrid or Barcelona.
Not sure what your budget covers?A counsellor can match universities and cities to your budget.
Scholarships
Private universities and business schools in Spain offer merit-based scholarships, and Erasmus Mundus joint master's programmes, which are open to students worldwide, include some Spanish universities. Check each institution's website for current options.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships
European Commission
Value: Full scholarship covering participation costs, with contributions to travel, visa and a monthly living allowance
Who it's for: Master's applicants from any country; many joint programmes include Spanish universities. Apply to each programme, usually between October and January.
Official page (opens in a new tab)INPhINIT Incoming doctoral fellowships
"la Caixa" Foundation
Value: Paid doctoral fellowship (30 places per call) at research centres in Spain or Portugal
Who it's for: PhD candidates of any nationality in science, technology, engineering and maths. The 2026 call closed on 28 January 2026.
Official page (opens in a new tab)Esade MSc Excellence Awards
Esade Business School
Value: Typically 10%–50% of tuition (average about 26% in the last intake)
Who it's for: Admitted MSc candidates, including an Asian Talent Award for strong applicants from Asia.
Official page (opens in a new tab)IE Foundation scholarships and financial aid
IE University
Value: Partial awards; amounts depend on merit and financial need
Who it's for: Bachelor's, master's and doctoral students at IE who show strong potential and need help with fees.
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Student visa: Student visa (national visa, type D) and long-stay authorisation for studies
Indian students on a course of more than 90 days need a national student visa, applied for through BLS International visa centres for the Spanish Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate in Mumbai. For stays over six months you then apply for a foreigner identity card (TIE) in Spain within a month of arriving.
| Key fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | INR 9,599 plus INR 1,802 BLS service charge (October 2026) |
| Decision time | One month by law, longer if an interview or more documents are needed |
| Funds required | €600 a month for the student; €450 for the first family member, €300 for each extra one (2026) |
| Health cover | Private or public insurance from an insurer authorised in Spain, covering all public-system risks |
| When to apply | At least two months before the course starts |
| After arrival | Apply for the TIE card within one month for stays over six months |
How to apply
- Get an admission letter for a full-time course at an authorised institution, showing start and end dates and total cost, and pay the fees or deposit.
- Arrange proof of funds (at least €600 a month for 2026) with six months of sponsor bank statements and a sponsorship letter.
- Buy private health insurance from an insurer authorised in Spain that covers all risks covered by the public health system.
- Get a Police Clearance Certificate from the Regional Passport Office and a medical certificate, and have both apostilled by the MEA.
- Fill in the national visa form online, book an appointment at a BLS centre and pay the visa fee and service charge.
- Submit your documents and biometrics at least two months before your course starts; the legal decision time is one month.
- After arriving, book an appointment and apply for your TIE card within one month, and register your address with the local council.
Documents checklist
- Completed and signed national visa application form
- Passport valid for the planned stay, with two blank pages, plus copies of the data page and previous visas
- Recent colour passport-size photo on a light background
- Admission letter with course dates and total cost, and proof of fee payment
- Proof of financial means: sponsor bank statements for six months, sponsorship letter and sponsor ID
- Health insurance certificate from an insurer authorised in Spain
- Police Clearance Certificate, apostilled by the MEA (for adults staying over 180 days)
- Medical certificate stating no disease of public-health concern, apostilled by the MEA (stays over 180 days)
- Proof of residence in the consulate's area, such as a recent utility bill or lease
- Visa fee payment receipt
Working while you study
Under the immigration regulation in force since May 2025, students in higher education can work as employees or self-employed without a separate work permit, as long as the work is compatible with their studies. Working beyond the limit can lead to the student authorisation being withdrawn.
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Hours allowed | Up to 30 hours a week, alongside studies |
| Permit | Automatic for higher-education students; no extra application needed |
| Where you can work | In the region (autonomous community) where you study, plus nearby towns across a border |
| Internships | Curricular internships that are part of your course need no extra permit |
| Minimum wage (2026) | €1,221 a month in 14 payments for full-time work, or €17,094 a year; part-time pay is pro rata |
Post-study work visa: Residence authorisation for job search or starting a business
Graduates who studied at a higher-education institution in Spain at bachelor's level or above can apply for a 24-month permit to look for work related to their studies or to start a business. It cannot be extended, and it does not itself allow you to work: once you find a suitable job you apply for the right work permit.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 24 months, not extendable |
| Who qualifies | Holders of a Spanish student authorisation who finished studies at EQF level 6 or above (bachelor's, master's, PhD) |
| When to apply | In the 60 days before your student authorisation ends (late applications within 90 days risk a fine) |
| Requirements | Funds of €600 a month (2026), health insurance and a clean criminal record |
| Working | Not allowed on this permit; you switch to an employee, highly qualified or self-employment permit when you find work |
| Leads to | Work and residence permits, and later long-term residence once you meet the residence period |
Announced changes
Jobs and career opportunities
Madrid is Spain's centre for finance, consulting and corporate headquarters, while Barcelona is strong in technology, start-ups and life sciences. Tourism and hospitality employ large numbers across the country. English-only jobs exist in tech and international firms, but most roles expect at least working Spanish.
| Sector | Typical roles | Typical salary |
|---|---|---|
| Technology and software | Software developer, QA engineer, cloud support | Around €24,000–€35,000 a year (starting) |
| Data and analytics | Data analyst, business intelligence analyst | Around €25,000–€35,000 a year (starting) |
| Consulting and finance | Business analyst, junior consultant, finance analyst | Around €26,000–€40,000 a year (starting, Madrid) |
| Engineering and renewable energy | Project engineer, solar or wind energy analyst | Around €24,000–€33,000 a year (starting) |
| Marketing and e-commerce | Digital marketing executive, growth or content specialist | Around €20,000–€28,000 a year (starting) |
| Tourism and hospitality | Hotel operations, guest relations, revenue management trainee | Around €18,000–€24,000 a year (starting) |
| Life sciences and pharma | Lab technician, clinical research associate | Around €22,000–€30,000 a year (starting) |
Salaries are our indicative gross ranges for graduate roles and vary by city, company and language skills. The legal minimum wage in 2026 is €17,094 a year for full-time work.
Planning to study in Spain?Get a free shortlist of universities and courses that fit your marks, budget and timeline.
Best student cities in Spain
Madrid
The capital, with major public universities, IE and other private schools, and the largest job market for finance, consulting and corporate roles.
Most expensive for rent: about €23.4 per m² a month in September 2026; a room often costs €550–€800.
Barcelona
Home to Esade, UPF, UB and UPC, with a strong tech, design and start-up scene and an international feel.
About €20.1 per m² a month (September 2026); rooms often €500–€750, and demand is high.
Valencia
A large coastal city with good public universities, growing tech firms and lower costs than Madrid or Barcelona.
About €16.3 per m² a month (September 2026); rooms often €400–€550.
Seville
Andalusia's capital, with the University of Seville, a historic centre and a lower cost of living.
About €13.4 per m² a month (September 2026); rooms often €350–€450.
Granada
A popular student city with the University of Granada, a large international student population and low costs.
About €10.8 per m² a month (September 2026); rooms often €300–€400.
Salamanca
One of Europe's oldest university towns and a well-known place to learn Spanish, with a compact and affordable centre.
About €10.6 per m² a month (September 2026); rooms often €280–€380.
Spain vs other study destinations
| Spain | Germany | Netherlands | Malta | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master's tuition (non-EU) | About €2,700–€9,300 public; €15,000–€43,000 private | Mostly no tuition at public universities, plus a semester fee | About €15,000–€25,000 a year | About €8,000–€20,000 a year |
| Living cost | About €800–€1,400 a month | About €1,000–€1,300 a month | About €1,100–€1,500 a month | About €750–€1,100 a month |
| Typical master's length | 1 year (some 1.5–2) | 2 years | 1–2 years | 1–2 years |
| Part-time work in term | Up to 30 hrs/week | Up to 20 hrs/week (140 full days a year) | 16 hrs/week, or full-time June–August | Limited, with a work permit |
| Post-study stay | 24-month job-search permit | 18-month job-search permit | 1-year orientation year | Limited; check current rules |
| Main teaching language | Spanish; English at private and some public master's | German; many English master's | Dutch; many English courses | English |
| Typical English test | IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo | IELTS, TOEFL | IELTS, TOEFL | IELTS, TOEFL |
| Main intakes | September–October; some February | October; some April | September; some February | October; some February |
Figures for Germany, the Netherlands and Malta are short summaries; see each country's guide for sources and details. Rules change, so check official sites before deciding.
Challenges to plan for
- Spanish matters for jobsYou can study in English, but most part-time jobs, internships and graduate roles expect some Spanish. Start learning before you arrive.
- Lower salaries and a tougher job marketGraduate pay is lower than in Germany or the Netherlands, and Spain's unemployment rate is still close to 10%, higher for young people.
- Slow paperworkAppointments for the TIE card and other local formalities can be hard to get in big cities, so book them as soon as you arrive.
- High rents in Madrid and BarcelonaRooms are in short supply in the two biggest cities. Look early, use university housing services and be wary of scams asking for money before a viewing.
- Job-search permit is not a work permitThe 24-month graduate permit lets you stay and look, but you need a separate permit before starting a job, which takes planning.
Is Spain right for you?
A good fit if you…
- You want an English-taught business, management or hospitality master's in Europe at a school with a strong name.
- You are happy to learn Spanish and want a language that opens doors in Europe and Latin America.
- You want a low-cost public master's and can find one taught in English or in Spanish at B2 level.
- You value a two-year window after graduation to look for work in the EU.
Think twice if you…
- You need to earn high salaries straight after graduating to repay a large loan.
- You do not want to learn a new language for work or daily life.
- You are set on a bachelor's at a public university but do not speak Spanish yet.
- You are comparing on tuition alone; private business schools in Spain can cost as much as UK courses.
About Spain
Spain is one of Europe's largest countries, with a strong tourism, business and services economy and some of the world's best-known business schools in Madrid and Barcelona. Indian students mostly come for business, management, hospitality and tech-related master's programmes, many of them taught in English at private institutions.
Fees vary a lot by type of institution. Public universities set fees per credit, and non-EU students usually pay a higher rate than EU students, though it is still often around EUR 5,000–9,000 a year for a master's. Private universities and business schools charge much more, typically EUR 25,000–45,000 a year. Spanish is very useful for part-time work and daily life, and in Catalonia you will also hear Catalan.
| Spain | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Official language(s) | Spanish (Castilian); Catalan, Galician and Basque are also official in their regions |
| Population | about 49.8 million (1 July 2026, INE) |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Climate | Mostly Mediterranean: hot, dry summers (often above 30°C inland in Madrid and Seville) and mild winters on the coast, colder inland |
| Time difference with India | IST is 3 hrs 30 min ahead of mainland Spain (4 hrs 30 min in winter); the Canary Islands are a further hour behind |
| Flight time from Delhi | usually about 11–14 hours with one stop (e.g. via the Gulf or another European hub) |
| Largest cities | Madrid (capital), Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Zaragoza |
| Indian community | around 75,000, mainly in Catalonia, Valencia, Madrid and the Canary Islands (Ministry of External Affairs, April 2026) |
Studying in Spain: FAQs
Can Indian students work while studying in Spain?
Yes. Students in higher education can work up to 30 hours a week without a separate work permit, as long as the job fits around their studies. Working more than this can put your student status at risk.
Can I stay in Spain after my degree?
Graduates with a bachelor's or higher from a Spanish institution can apply for a 24-month job-search permit in the 60 days before their student authorisation ends. It does not allow work, so you apply for a work permit once you get a job offer.
How much money must I show for the visa?
For 2026 the minimum is €600 a month for the student, or €7,200 for a year, plus extra for family members. Real living costs in Madrid or Barcelona are higher, so plan a bigger budget.
Is IELTS required for a Spanish student visa?
The visa itself does not ask for an English test. Your university decides; English-taught courses usually ask for IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo, while Spanish-taught courses ask for DELE or SIELE at about B2 level.
Do I need to speak Spanish to study in Spain?
Not for an English-taught course, but most public bachelor's degrees are in Spanish. For part-time work, internships and jobs, some Spanish makes a large difference.
How long does the Spanish student visa take?
The legal decision time is one month from the day after you apply, but it can be longer if extra documents or an interview are needed. Apply at least two months before your course starts.
Is Spain cheaper than Germany for a master's?
Public master's fees in Spain for non-EU students are usually around €2,700–€9,300 a year, while most German public universities charge no tuition. Living costs in smaller Spanish cities can be lower, and Spain lets students work more hours.
Can my spouse come with me?
Family members can apply for their own visas after the student visa is granted. You must show extra funds, €450 a month for the first family member in 2026, plus their own health insurance.
Sources
- Embassy of Spain in India: Study visa (opens in a new tab)
- Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration: Work rights for students (Hoja 4 bis) (opens in a new tab)
- Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration: Job-search residence permit (Hoja 20) (opens in a new tab)
- BOE: Royal Decree 126/2026 on the 2026 minimum wage (opens in a new tab)
- Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities: Spanish university system report (Jan 2025) (opens in a new tab)
- Ministry of External Affairs (India): Data on Indian students abroad (opens in a new tab)
- BLS Spain Visa India: National visa (opens in a new tab)
- INE (National Statistics Institute): headline indicators (opens in a new tab)
- Study in Catalonia (Government of Catalonia): University tuition fees (opens in a new tab)
- Complutense University of Madrid: Master's prices (opens in a new tab)
- Complutense University of Madrid: Bachelor's prices (opens in a new tab)
- UPC: Lower tuition fees for non-EU master's students (July 2025) (opens in a new tab)
- UNEDasiss: Access to Spanish universities for international students (opens in a new tab)
- Consorcio Regional de Transportes de Madrid: Tickets and fares (opens in a new tab)
- idealista: Rental price reports (September 2026) (opens in a new tab)
Rules and fees change
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Study abroad intakes explained: how to plan your timeline
What an intake is, how start dates differ by country, and a simple way to work backwards from your course start date.
, 5 min read
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