How Much Does It Cost to Study in Spain for International Students?
Spain is more than just a sunny holiday spot; it is one of Europe’s most sought-after study destinations for international students. The blend of culture, Mediterranean lifestyle, affordable living costs, and globally recognised education makes it an attractive alternative to other European countries. Let’s break down the cost of studying in Spain, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and money-saving tips.
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Tuition Fees in Spain
Tuition fees in Spain vary significantly depending on the type of institution and your nationality. Here’s a detailed look:
Public Universities
- EU students: Annual tuition fees usually range from €800 to €2,500 per year.
- Non-EU students: Tuition fees in Spain for international students usually range from €3,000 to €12,000 per year. Fields like medicine or engineering may have slightly higher fees even for EU students.
Private Universities
Private institutions charge higher fees, offering smaller class sizes and specialised programmes. This can range from €6,000 to €20,000. Here’s a breakdown of average tuition fees by subject area:
- Business: €12,000-€25,000 per year
- Engineering: €10,000-€20,000 per year
- Finance: €5,000 – €24,000 per year
- Art & Design: €8,000-€15,000 per year
- Doctoral programmes: €5,000-€15,000 per year depending on the institution
Level of Study
- Undergraduate: €1,000–€6,000 (public) / €8,000–€20,000 (private) per year
- Postgraduate: €1,500–€6,000 (public) / €8,000–€20,000 (private) per year
- Doctoral: €1,500–€8,000+ (public/private) per year
Cost of Living in Spain
The good news for international students is that the cost of living in Spain is generally lower than in many Western European countries.
Accommodation
- Student Dormitories: University shared dormitories are the most common type of accommodation for first-year students. Costs can range from €300 to €600 per month, depending on the city and facilities.
- Shared Apartments: Sharing an apartment with other students is also popular, costing €250 to €500 per month depending on the city.
- Private Rentals: Renting a studio or one-bedroom apartment ranges from €400 to €900 monthly in smaller cities and €600 to €1,500 in Madrid and Barcelona.
- Additional Costs: Students should budget for deposits (typically one to two months’ rent), agency fees (one month’s rent), and initial setup costs for utilities and internet. This can total €500 to €1,200 upfront.
For students considering accommodation options in Spain, check out our options in Barcelona and explore housing solutions over at the BSBI Barcelona Campus.
Utilities
Monthly bills may include electricity, water, gas, and internet, which can range from €80 to €150, depending on the accommodation type, location, and season.
Food
- Groceries: On average, you might spend around €150 to €250 per month on groceries.
- Eating Out: A meal at an affordable restaurant typically costs €10 to €15, while a coffee or snack can be as little as €1 to €3.
Transportation
- Public Transport: Most Spanish cities offer excellent transportation with student discounts. Monthly passes for buses, trains, and metros range from €20 to €50, depending on the city.
- Biking and Walking: Most cities in Spain are pedestrian and bike-friendly, which can help significantly reduce monthly transport costs.
Health Insurance
EU students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), while non-EU students must purchase private health insurance, which costs around €50-€100 monthly. Many institutions offer insurance plans at discounted rates.
Average Monthly Cost of living in Spain as a Student
Additional Expenses to Consider
Beyond tuition and basic living costs, international students should also consider several additional expenses that may pop up.
- Student Visa and Residence Permit Fees: The student visa application fee is around €60 to €140, as well as the residence permit fee, which is approximately €15 to €20.
- Book and Study Materials: Academic materials vary by field, with students spending around €300 to €500 per year on textbooks, supplies, and digital resources.
- Social Life in Spain: Spain’s social culture is integral to the student experience. Budget around €100 to €300 monthly for cultural activities, travel, entertainment, and social events to fully embrace Spanish student life.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
There are options to reduce the cost of study in Spain for international students. Consider the diverse scholarship programmes through your institution, government initiatives, and international organisations.
- University Scholarships: Many Spanish institutions offer their own merit-based or need-based scholarships for international students.
- Spanish Government Scholarships: The Spanish government provides various scholarship programmes, including the MAEC-AECID, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. These focus on students from Latin America, Africa, and developing countries.
- Private Scholarships: Some private foundations and organisations offer scholarships for specific fields and nationalities. The La Caixa Foundation Scholarship and Fundación Carolina Scholarship are examples providing substantial support.
- Erasmus+ Programme Opportunities: Erasmus+ is a well-known EU programme that funds student exchanges and full-degree scholarships.
Cost Saving Tips for Students
If you’re considering studying abroad in Spain on a budget, these tips may be handy:
- Choose Accommodation Wisely: Consider shared apartments or dormitories in your first year to make friends and build your networks.
- Embrace Local Cuisine: Explore local markets, cook at home, and try Spanish dishes. Take advantage of the student menu deals and avoid touristy restaurants.
- Utilise Public Transportation: Purchase a monthly pass if you’re using transport a lot, which comes with student discounts. Consider cycling or walking rather than taking a taxi.
- Get Involved in Campus Life: Join university clubs, events, and societies that offer free or low-cost activities, plus you can make friends and practise Spanish.
- Seek Out Student Deals: Remember to carry your student ID, which can gain you access to discounts on museums, restaurants, cinemas and transport.
Comparison with Other European Study Destinations
Spain is generally known to be much more affordable than the United Kingdom, France, or Germany. For example, Germany may offer free tuition at public universities; however, higher living costs (€800-€1,200 monthly) make the total expenses comparable to Spain.
France also charges tuition fees similar to Spain for non-EU students, but overall living costs are higher (€1,200-€1,800 monthly). As for the United Kingdom, it remains one of the most expensive destinations for higher education, with tuition fees exceeding £10,000-£38,000 per year on top of high living costs of £1,000-£1,500 monthly in many major cities.
Conclusion
Studying in Spain offers international students a balance of affordable education and a vibrant lifestyle. From reasonable tuition fees to diverse living options, scholarships, and cultural experiences, the study in Spain cost is manageable compared to other European destinations, making Spain an affordable and attractive choice. If you’re exploring study opportunities, check out BSBI’s Professional Master’s programmes available in Spain and across Europe.