collageTuition free universities in Spain for international students: many choose to study abroad in an effort to get the most input for their money. Yet, there are others who are more attracted to the variety of unique Spanish courses that you can take that you cannot find anywhere else.
Tuition fees in Spain are among the lowest in Europe, making it an attractive destination for international students looking for affordable options to study abroad. The cost of Bachelor programmes ranges from 750 EUR to 2,500 EUR per year, while Master programmes typically range from 1,000 to 3,500 EUR per year. With an impressive presence in international rankings, Spain boasts roughly a dozen colleges in the top 500 and hundreds more in the top 1,000. The country’s leading institutions are primarily located in Madrid and Barcelona, offering students access to top-notch education in vibrant urban settings.
For admission to Bachelor and Master programmes in Spain, international students typically need to meet certain requirements. These may include submitting academic transcripts and certificates, proof of language proficiency (usually in Spanish or English), letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and in some cases, passing an entrance examination or interview. Each university and programme may have specific requirements, so it is important for students to carefully review the admission criteria for their desired course of study.
The admission process for universities in Spain typically involves submitting an online application through the university’s website, along with all required documents. Once the application is received, universities will review the submitted documents and may conduct interviews or assessments to determine the candidate’s eligibility. Accepted students will receive an official admission letter, which they can then use to apply for a student visa and make arrangements for housing and enrollment in the respective programme. Students are advised to start the application process well in advance to ensure a smooth transition to studying in Spain.
Cost of Studying at Best Public Universities in Spain for International Students
Ah, the burden of costs to study in abroad countries. Worried about the expenses involved in studying at public universities in Spain? Given below is a breakdown of the same.
| Expenses | Cost (in EUR) | Equivalent Costs in INR |
| Average Tuition Fees | 3,000 – 5,000 / Academic year | 2,52,060 – 4,19,810 / Academic year |
| Accommodation | 360 – 650 / month | 30,120 – 54,380 / month |
| Food | 200 – 400 / month | 16,730 – 33,460 / month |
| Transportation | 42 – 54 / month | 3,510 – 4,520 / month |
| Basic Utilities | 150 / month | 12,550/ month |
Universidad de Granada
- Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: from EUR 758 ($907) per year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: from EUR 821 ($982) per year
- Established in 1531 by Emperor Charles V
- 5 campuses in Granada and 2 more in Melilla and Ceuta
- Offers programs in various fields
- Ranked 13th in Spain
- Student population of 56,000+ students
- 12% international student body
- Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: from EUR 831 ($994) per year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: from EUR 897 ($1,073) per year
- Founded in 1979
- Located in Alicante
- Offers programs in various fields
- 8% international student body
- Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: from EUR 1,062 ($1,270) per year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: from EUR 1,729 ($2,067) per year
- Founded in 1991
- Located in Tarragona and Reus
- Offers programs in various fields
- Ranked 20th in Spain
- 12,000+ students with 12% international student body
- Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: from EUR 1,283 ($1,535) per year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: from EUR 1,455 ($1,740) per year
- Founded in 1293
- Located in Madrid
- Offers programs in various fields
- Ranked 8th in Spain
- 61,000+ students with 12% international student body
- Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: from EUR 1,283 ($1,535) per year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: from EUR 1,455 ($1,740) per year
- Founded in 1989
- Located in Madrid
- Offers programs in various fields
- Ranked 24th in Spain
- 17,000+ students with 16% international student body
- Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: from EUR 1,535 ($1,835) per year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: from EUR 1,729 ($2,067) per year
- Founded in 1968
- Located in Barcelona
- Offers programs in various fields, including English-taught programs
- Ranked 2nd in Spain
- 31,000+ students with 17% international student body
- Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: from EUR 1,620 ($1,937) per year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: from EUR 1,659 ($1,984) per year
- Founded in 1499
- Located in Alcala de Henares
- Offers programs in various fields, including English-taught Master’s programs
- 522 years old university
- Historical branch with other campuses in Science & Technology and Guadalajara
- 12.50-30
- 15-55
- Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona
- 12.50-30
- 15-55
- University of Cadiz
- 12.50-30
- 15-55
- Pompeu Fabra University
- 12.50-30
- 15-55
- Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona
- 12.50-30
- 15-55
- Pompeu Fabra University
- 15-55
- University of Cadiz
- 15-55
- Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona
- 15-55
- University of Cadiz
- 15-55
- Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona
- 15-55
- University of Cadiz
- Excellent academic performance
- Financial need
- High GPA
- Contribution to community
- Demonstrated interest in hospitality industry
- Leadership skills
- Work experience in business field
- Strong academic background
- Enrolled in University of Valencia
- Good academic standing
- Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: from EUR 758 ($907) per year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: from EUR 821 ($982) per year
- Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: from EUR 831 ($994) per year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: from EUR 897 ($1,073) per year
- Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: from EUR 1,062 ($1,270) per year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: from EUR 1,729 ($2,067) per year
- Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: from EUR 1,283 ($1,535) per year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: from EUR 1,455 ($1,740) per year
- Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: from EUR 1,283 ($1,535) per year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: from EUR 1,455 ($1,740) per year
- Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: from EUR 1,535 ($1,835) per year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: from EUR 1,729 ($2,067) per year
- Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: from EUR 1,620 ($1,937) per year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: from EUR 1,659 ($1,984) per year
Universidad de Alicante
Universitat Rovira i Virgili
Universidad Complutense Madrid
Universidad Carlos III Madrid
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Universidad de Alcala
Tuition free universities in spain for international students
Spain is a renowned tourist destination as well as a destination for international students. It’s no surprise that thousands of people flock to the land of fiestas because of its low living costs, pleasant weather, and fascinating culture. If you’re a student looking for a university that offers affordable tuition, you’ll want to learn more about the university tuition costs paid by Spanish higher education institutions. So take a look at the table below to compare tuition costs by degree level, discipline, and university.
Spain has around 70 higher educational institutions and fees at public universities are set by education bodies at a regional level according to the Spanish General Assembly for University Policy. This means that fees have a minimum and a maximum tier according to each region in Spain. In addition, tuition increases if you withdraw and enrol the second or third time in the same programme.
Private universities can set their tuition according to their rules, usually not exceeding 18,000 EUR/year for a degree course, except for business schools that may sometimes charge higher tuition.
In Spain, tuition fees are calculated and presented according to credits (or pay-per-credit format) which have to be multiplied with 60, the number of credits (ECTS) needed to complete during one year of study, based on the Bologna university system.
| Discipline | Bachelor Level Tuition Fees (EUR/credit) | Postgraduate Level Tuition Fees (EUR/credit) | Estimated Annual Tuition Fees (EUR) | Examples of Leading Universities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Law | Under 2,000 | |||
Education | Under 2,000 | |||
Nursing | Under 2,000 | |||
Economics | Under 2,000 | |||
Biomedicine | Under 2,000 | |||
Social Sciences | Under 3,000 | |||
Languages | Under 3,000 | |||
Mathematics | Under 3,000 | |||
History | Under 3,000 | |||
Neurosciences | Under 3,000 |
Doctoral study programmes offer an opportunity for individuals to further their education and specialize in a specific field of interest. What some may not realize is that these programmes can be surprisingly affordable, with certain fields such as economics, political sciences, law, geology, and biomedicine costing under 1,000 EUR per year. This makes pursuing a doctoral degree not only feasible but also within reach for many aspiring academics and professionals.
In order to be considered for admission into a doctoral programme in fields like economics, political sciences, law, geology, or biomedicine, applicants typically need to meet certain basic requirements. These may include having a relevant master’s degree or a strong academic background in the field of study, along with fulfilling any language proficiency requirements. Additionally, some programmes may require applicants to submit letters of recommendation, a research proposal, and/or take part in an interview as part of the admissions process.
When applying for admission to a university offering affordable doctoral programmes in the aforementioned fields, applicants should carefully review the specific admission process and requirements of the institution in question. This may involve submitting an online application, providing official transcripts and proof of relevant qualifications, and paying an application fee. Additionally, applicants should ensure they meet any specific deadlines for submission of required documents and follow up with the university regarding the status of their application. By taking these steps, prospective doctoral students can increase their chances of successfully gaining admission to a programme that fits their academic and financial needs.
Tuition Fees at Top Universities in Spain
The University of Santiago de Compostela is the cheapest university in Spain for international students. The University of Santiago de Compostela, located in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain, stands out as one of the most affordable universities in Spain for international students. If you consider enrolling at some of the best universities in Spain, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have to pay the highest fees. Here are a few examples of top Spanish universities and the average tuition for all fields of study.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Application Process | Amount Available |
|---|---|---|---|
Universitat Internacional de Catalunya Scholarship | Complete online application form | Up to 50% of tuition fees | |
Pompeu Fabra University Scholarship | Submit essay and letters of recommendation | Partial tuition coverage | |
CETT School of Hotel Management and Tourism Scholarship | Interview process | Varies depending on qualifications | |
EAE Business School Scholarship | Submit resume and essay | Partial to full tuition coverage | |
University of Valencia Scholarship | Contact financial aid office | Various amounts available |
Costs for Extra Study Materials
Apart from paying the tuition, books and other learning materials will be added to your monthly budget that can be at least 50 EUR. In case you’ll want to attend special classes, such as Spanish language lessons or other, you will also have to pay a fee that can be as low as 40 EUR, but it can also lead to a few hundred EUR.
cheapest university in spain for international students
1. Universidad de Granada
The University of Granada or UGR is one of Spain’s oldest universities. Established in the year 1531 by Emperor Charles V, it currently has 5 campuses in Granada – and 2 more in the Spanish territories of Melilla and Ceuta. With a tuition fee of less than $1000 a year, the Universidad de Grenada is the cheapest university in Spain for international students.
UGR has many schools, faculties, and departments throughout its multiple branches. All in all, it offers programs in the fields of Engineering, Architecture, Information Technology, Fine Arts, Science, Sports Science, Economics & Business, Education, Political Science, Health Science, Labor Studies, Communications, Law, Pharmacy, Philosophy, Medicine, Dentistry, Psychology, Social Work, and Translation.
UGR, which is ranked 13 in all of Spain, has a big student population of more than 56,000+ students. It also has a sprawling international body of 12% – many of whom have named UGR as the best Spanish university for foreigners.
2. Universidad de Alicante
The links above to the undergraduate tuition and graduate tuition will lead to a list of academic programs that you can choose from. Since the tuition fee is different for varying academic programs, click on your preferred academic major for detailed information regarding your academic fees.
The University of Alicante or UA was founded in the year 1979. This cheap university in Spain serves to continue the legacy of the University of Orejuela, which operated from 1610 to 1808.
Located at San Vicente del Raspeig in Alicante, UA is listed as one of Spain’s top universities. Through its 70+ departments, students may specialize in the fields of Law, Social Science, Experimental Science, Education, Liberal Arts, Health Science, and Technology.
Most of the courses are taught in Spanish, though some are taught in English (the Graduate Program in Economics, for example). This bilingual nature has helped UA attract many international students. To date, they represent 8% of the school’s 24,500+ students.
3. Universitat Rovira i Virgili
The University of Rovira Virgili or URV is a public Catalan university founded in the year 1991. It is named after Antoni Rovira i Virgili, the former Catalonian parliament president.
URV has various faculties spread throughout its 6 campuses in Tarragona and Reus, Spain. The Faculties of the Arts, Law, and Nursing, for one, are housed in Campus Catalunya.
Campus Sescelades, which is located north of Tarragona, houses the Faculties of Educational Science & Psychology, Chemistry, & Oenology, and the Schools of Engineering & Chemical Engineering.
Campus Vapour Neu in the Reus City Center has the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, while the Faculty of Tourism & Geography is located in Campus Vila-Seca. The Faculty of Business & Economics and the School of Architecture can be found at Campus Bellissens.
URV, which is ranked 20th in Spain, currently has 12,000+ students – 12% of which are foreign.
4. Universidad Complutense Madrid
The Complutense University of Madrid is one of the affordable universities in Spain for international students. It was founded in Alcala by Cardinal Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros in the year 1293. It then moved to its present location in the year 1836 following the order of Queen Regent Maria Christina.
Named the 8th best university in Spain, the institution has a large number of students at 61,000+. It also has a big foreign community that corresponds to 12% of the total enrollment rate.
Complutense students are dispersed through the university’s historic faculties of Fine Arts, Biology, Chemical Science, Commerce & Tourism, Computer Science & Engineering, Dentistry, Economics & Business Administration, Education, Geography & History, Geology, Language, Law, Library Science, Mathematics, Media, Medicine, Nursing & Physiotherapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Philosophy, Political & Social Science, Psychology, Social Work, Statistics, and Veterinary Medicine.
5. Universidad Carlos III Madrid
The Carlos III University of Madrid or UC3M is a public institution founded in the year 1989. This cheap university in Spain has 4 campuses in Madrid where its various faculties are located.
The Getafe Campus, for example, houses the Schools of Law, Social Science, Humanities, and Communications. The School of Engineering can be found in the Leganes Campus, while the Graduate School is in the Madrid-Puerta de Toledo Branch. The rest of the departments, on the other hand, are situated at the Colmenarejo Campus.
Ranked the 24th-best university in all of Spain – and one of the best ‘young’ universities in the world – UC3M currently has 17,000+ students. It also has an ever-increasing foreign student community of 16%.
6. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
The Autonomous University of Barcelona or UAB is a prestigious school nestled in the neighborhood of Cerdanyola del Valles, Barcelona. Founded in the year 1968, it is currently ranked the second-best university in all of Spain.
UAB offers programs in the fields of Science, Health Science, Biosciences, Arts & Humanities, Social Science & Law, and Technological Sciences. It also offers 5 bachelor’s degrees in English, namely Artificial Intelligence, Business Administration, Economics, Primary Education, Tourism, and English Studies.
There are even more English-taught Master’s programs, including that of Data Science, Labor Economics, and Photonics, to name a few.
UAB currently has 31,000+ students. Foreign enrollees represent 17% of this population.
7. Universidad de Alcala
The University of Alcala, home of the Cervantes Prize, is one of Spain’s oldest institutions at 522 years old. Established in the year 1499, it is currently located in Alcala de Henares – in the former buildings of the now Madrid-based Complutense University.
Apart from this ‘historical’ branch, the affordable universities in Spain also have a Science & Technology campus and another one in Guadalajara.
The former Studium Generale – as sanctioned by King Sancho IV of Castille – presently offers degrees in Arts & Humanities, Health Sciences, Education, Architecture & Engineering, Law & Social Science, and Science.
It also has Master’s programs taught in English, such as North American Studies, Photonic Engineering, Finance & Banking, International Business Administration, and Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
university of valencia tuition fees
Studying at Valencia College is a great way to save money on a U.S. education. Our tuition is 40% less than a Florida public university’s and just a fraction of the cost of many private schools. In fact, 90% of Valencia’s international students cited low cost of study as a factor for choosing Valencia College.
International Student Tuition Rates
(Fall 2022 – Spring 2023)
Cost of Attendance Per Credit Hour
Average costs for out-of-state tuition, fiscal year 2023. Source: Florida College System, State University System Board of Governors and Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance.
| Valencia College | Florida Public University | |
|---|---|---|
| A.A./A.S. Tuition | $390.96 | $688 |
| Bachelor’s Tuition | $427.59 | $688 |
Scholarships
Valencia’s F-1 international students are eligible to receive scholarships through the International Linkage Institute of their country or region to cover the out-of-state portion of tuition.
Associate Degree
Estimated Annual Expenses for International Students
Based on rates for the 2022-2023 academic year. These rates are subject to change. Books and supplies: $1,252
| ITEM | COST |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $9,576 |
| Living Expenses | $12,512 |
| Mandatory Insurance | $2,492 |
| TOTAL | $24,580 |
School Policies
Valencia College has an extensive list of official policies and procedures that pertain to all students. Some of the most important policies are outlined here.
Bachelor Degrees
Estimated Annual Expenses for International Students
Based on rates for the 2022-2023 academic year. These rates are subject to change. Books and supplies: $1,252
| ITEM | COST |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $10,464 |
| Living Expenses | $12,512 |
| Mandatory Insurance | $2,492 |
| TOTAL | $25,468 |
Intensive English Program Fees
The tuition rates and fees listed above do not apply to the Intensive English Program. To see those rates, please visit Intensive English Program.
Proof of Finances
Degree-seeking international applicants must prove that they have adequate finances to fund their studies. Applicants must submit show proof of finances, along with supporting documentation, prior to the issuance of Form I-20 at the time of the application or via post submission form through the application portal.
Amount:
Financial documents must total $24,580 for Associate Degrees. Additional family members, such as a spouse and/or child, will require certification of additional funds in the amount of $4,500 per person.
Sources of Funding:
Funds can come from a family/sponsor, government or personal savings.
Supporting Documentation:
Supporting bank statements or letters should be in English with indication that funds are immediately accessible to the student (i.e. checking or savings account, certificate of deposit, etc.).
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