Study in Spain for Indian Students

Why Study in Spain?

• Moderate fees at public universities: Official Master's degrees at public universities are priced per credit by each region, usually well below UK or US tuition — though non-EU students often pay a higher rate.
• Work up to 30 hours a week: Since May 2025, higher-education students can work up to 30 hours a week without applying for a separate work permit, as long as the job is compatible with their studies.
• Post-study job-search permit: Graduates of Spanish universities can apply for a residence permit of up to 24 months to look for work or start a business.
• Leading business schools: Spain is home to internationally known business schools and private universities offering English-taught MSc and MBA programmes.
• EU degree and Schengen mobility: Official Spanish degrees are part of the European Higher Education Area, and a Spanish student permit allows short trips within the Schengen area.

Masters in Spain for Indian Students

An official Master's degree in Spain (Máster Universitario) carries 60 to 120 ECTS credits, so most last one year and some two, ending with a Master's thesis (Trabajo Fin de Máster). Universities also offer their own non-official degrees (títulos propios), which can be useful but are not recognised in the same way — check which type you are applying for.

Admission is decided by each university, often through an online pre-registration (preinscripción) in several phases. Universities assess whether your Indian bachelor's degree gives access to postgraduate study and how closely it matches the programme. Documents usually need an apostille and, for Spanish-taught courses, an official translation.

Many programmes, especially in business, data science and engineering, are taught fully or partly in English and ask for IELTS, TOEFL or a similar test. Spanish-taught programmes normally require Spanish at around B2 level (for example DELE). The GRE is rarely required, while some business schools ask for the GMAT or their own admission test.

• Typical duration: 1 year (60 ECTS); some 1.5–2 years
• Main intake: September / October; limited February starts
• English tests: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or equivalent
• Proof of funds: 100% of IPREM — €600 per month (2026)
• Work while studying: Up to 30 hours a week, compatible with studies
• Work after study: Job-search permit of up to 24 months

Popular Master's programmes in Spain

• Master's in Data Science
• Master's in Artificial Intelligence
• Master's in Computer Science / Software Engineering
• Master's in Business Analytics
• Master's in International Business / Management
• Master's in Finance
• Master's in Marketing / Digital Marketing
• Master's in Tourism & Hospitality Management
• Master's in International Relations
• MBA

Best Universities in Spain for International Students

Spain has public universities, private universities and specialist business schools. The institutions below are among those Indian students commonly consider; check each programme page for language of instruction, fees and deadlines.

Private universities and business schools charge considerably higher fees than public universities, and fees at public universities differ by region.

• University of Barcelona (Barcelona, Catalonia): Sciences, economics, health sciences
• Complutense University of Madrid (Madrid): Humanities, economics, sciences
• Autonomous University of Madrid (Madrid): Sciences, computer engineering, economics
• Autonomous University of Barcelona (Bellaterra, Barcelona): Sciences, engineering, business
• Pompeu Fabra University (Barcelona, Catalonia): Economics, political science, information technologies
• Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) (Barcelona, Catalonia): Engineering, computer science, architecture
• Technical University of Madrid (UPM) (Madrid): Engineering, architecture, telecommunications
• Carlos III University of Madrid (UC3M) (Getafe / Leganés, Madrid): Engineering, economics, law
• University of Valencia (Valencia): Sciences, economics, health sciences
• IE University (Madrid and Segovia): Business, technology, international relations (private)

Popular Courses to Study in Spain

• Data Science, AI & Computer Science: English-taught Master's programmes in data science, AI and software at public and private universities.
• Business, Management & Finance: MSc and MBA programmes at business schools and university economics faculties.
• Tourism & Hospitality: Programmes linked to one of Europe's largest tourism sectors.
• Engineering: Telecommunications, industrial, civil and renewable-energy engineering at the polytechnic universities.
• International Relations & Law: Programmes in international relations, European studies and international law.
• Architecture & Design: Architecture, urban planning and design programmes, notably in Barcelona and Madrid.

Cost of Studying in Spain

The cost of studying in Spain depends heavily on whether you choose a public or private institution and on the region. Figures below are approximate for non-EU students; check each university's fees page.

The IPREM figure is the legal minimum for the visa; most students in Madrid or Barcelona spend more, so plan a realistic budget.

Tuition fees in Spain

• Public university — official Master's: approx. €3,000 – 10,000 per year, priced per ECTS credit by region
• Private universities: approx. €8,000 – 25,000 per year
• Business schools (MSc / MBA): approx. €20,000 – 40,000+; top MBAs higher

Living expenses in Spain

• Funds required for the visa: 100% of IPREM — €600 per month of stay (2026)
• Accommodation: approx. €400 – 900 per month (highest in Madrid and Barcelona)
• Food, transport and personal: approx. €300 – 450 per month
• Health insurance: private insurance with full cover required for the visa; approx. €40 – 80 per month

Eligibility to Study in Spain

Spanish universities set their own admission criteria. Indian applicants for a Master's in Spain usually need:

• Academic qualification: A bachelor's degree that gives access to postgraduate study in India and matches the programme's field.
• Grades: Programmes set their own minimum marks; competitive courses rank applicants by grades and profile.
• English proficiency: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or an equivalent for English-taught programmes.
• Spanish proficiency: Usually around B2 (for example DELE) for Spanish-taught programmes.
• Statement of purpose and CV: A motivation letter and CV are commonly requested.
• Legalised documents: Degree certificates and transcripts with an apostille, plus official translations where required.
• Work experience: Usually required for MBAs and some executive Master's programmes.

Documents usually required

• Passport
• Apostilled degree certificate and transcripts
• English (or Spanish) test score report
• Statement of purpose and CV
• Letters of recommendation where required
• Admission letter and proof of fee payment or enrolment
• Proof of funds (€600 per month) and health insurance for the visa

Intakes in Spain

Most Master's programmes in Spain start once a year:

Apply in an early phase where possible — popular public-university programmes fill up, and you need time for apostilles, the visa appointment and the visa decision.

• September / October intake: classes start September or October; apply Pre-registration often runs in phases from about January to June; business schools admit on a rolling basis
• February intake: classes start February; apply Limited programmes, mainly at private universities and business schools

Scholarships in Spain for Indian Students

Most Spanish government grants are aimed at residents or specific regions, so Indian students usually rely on these routes:

• Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters: EU-funded joint Master's programmes, many with a Spanish partner university; scholarship holders receive €1,400 per month plus participation and travel costs.
• University and business-school scholarships: Private universities and business schools offer merit- and need-based tuition reductions to international applicants.
• Public-university awards: Some public universities fund excellence or international-student grants for specific Master's programmes — check each university.
• Doctoral and research funding: Research contracts and fellowships, such as the "la Caixa" Foundation doctoral programme, for students going on to a PhD.

How to Apply to Universities in Spain

• 1. Choose your course: Decide on your field and whether you want an official Master's (Máster Universitario) or a business-school programme.
• 2. Shortlist universities: Compare language of instruction, fees, city and pre-registration phases.
• 3. Check eligibility: Confirm the degree, grade and language requirements for each programme.
• 4. Prepare language tests: Take IELTS or TOEFL, or a Spanish test for Spanish-taught programmes.
• 5. Apostille your documents: Get your degree certificates and transcripts apostilled and translated where needed.
• 6. Submit applications: Complete each university's online pre-registration or business-school application.
• 7. Accept your offer: Reserve your place and pay any enrolment deposit.
• 8. Arrange funds and insurance: Show at least €600 per month of stay and buy health insurance with full cover.
• 9. Apply for the study visa: Book an appointment with BLS International and submit your national (D) visa application.
• 10. Prepare for travel: Arrange accommodation, then apply for your TIE (foreigner identity card) after arrival.

Spain Student Visa for Indian Students

Indian students need a Spanish national (D) study visa for a course longer than 90 days. Applications are handled by the Embassy of Spain in New Delhi and the Consulate General in Mumbai, and are submitted through BLS International visa centres in India.

You must show means of subsistence of at least 100% of IPREM — €600 per month of stay in 2026 — plus public or private health insurance with full cover and no co-payments or deductibles. For stays over 180 days, a police clearance certificate and a medical certificate are also required.

After arriving, you apply for your TIE (foreigner identity card), usually within a month. Under the regulation in force since 20 May 2025, the student authorisation for higher education already includes permission to work part-time.

Spanish immigration rules changed in 2025 and the IPREM figure is updated periodically. Check the Embassy of Spain in New Delhi and BLS International before applying.

Visa document checklist

• Valid passport and completed national visa form
• Admission letter from a Spanish university
• Proof of funds (€600 per month of stay)
• Health insurance with full cover, no co-payments
• Police clearance certificate (stays over 180 days)
• Medical certificate (stays over 180 days)
• Academic certificates and proof of accommodation where requested

Working while studying in Spain

Higher-education students can work up to 30 hours a week, as an employee or self-employed, without a separate work permit, provided the work is compatible with their studies.

Working after your studies

After completing a degree at a Spanish university, you can apply for a residence permit of up to 24 months (non-renewable) to look for work or start a business. It does not itself allow you to work; once you find a job, you switch to a work permit. Apply between 60 days before and 90 days after your student permit expires.

Living in Spain as an Indian Student

• Accommodation: Student residences (colegios mayores and private halls) and shared flats are common; Madrid and Barcelona rents are high, so book early.
• Food: Groceries are affordable, and Indian stores and restaurants are available in Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia.
• Transport: Cities have good metro and bus networks with discounted youth and student passes.
• Language: English is enough for many programmes, but basic Spanish helps greatly with housing, part-time jobs and daily life.
• Student support: International offices help with admission, the TIE card and orientation.

Spain vs Italy for a Master's Degree

This comparison is useful if you are considering business, engineering and the choice of regional study locations in Spain alongside the two-year laurea magistrale and engineering, design or business in Italy. Programme titles, teaching language and entry rules differ by university, so compare the exact courses before weighing headline costs.

For Spain, start with business, engineering and the choice of regional study locations; for Italy, compare the two-year laurea magistrale and engineering, design or business. Then weigh the exact course content, total budget and the post-study route relevant to your career plans.

Indicative tuition (tuition only): Public university — official Master's: approx. €3,000 – 10,000 per year, priced per ECTS credit by region; Private universities: approx. €8,000 – 25,000 per year

Living-cost indications: Accommodation: approx. €400 – 900 per month (highest in Madrid and Barcelona); Food, transport and personal: approx. €300 – 450 per month; Health insurance: private insurance with full cover required for the visa; approx. €40 – 80 per month

Typical Master's duration: 1 year (60 ECTS); some 1.5–2 years

English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or equivalent English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Funding routes (not guaranteed): Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters; University and business-school scholarships Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Academic admission: Academic qualification: A bachelor's degree that gives access to postgraduate study in India and matches the programme's field.; Grades: Programmes set their own minimum marks; competitive courses rank applicants by grades and profile.

Intakes and planning: September / October intake: starts September or October; apply Pre-registration often runs in phases from about January to June; business schools admit on a rolling basis; February intake: starts February; apply Limited programmes, mainly at private universities and business schools

Student visa: Spain Student Visa for Indian Students. Valid passport and completed national visa form; Admission letter from a Spanish university

Post-study graduate route: After completing a degree at a Spanish university, you can apply for a residence permit of up to 24 months (non-renewable) to look for work or start a business. It does not itself allow you to work; once you find a job, you switch to a work permit. Apply between 60 days before and 90 days after your student permit expires.

Italy — Indicative tuition (tuition only): Public universities — laurea magistrale: approx. €1,000 – 4,000 per year, often based on income band; Private universities: approx. €10,000 – 20,000+ per year

Italy — Living-cost indications: Accommodation: approx. €350 – 800 per month (highest in Milan and Rome); Food, transport and personal: approx. €250 – 400 per month; Health cover and residence permit: health insurance or voluntary SSN enrolment, plus the residence-permit fee — check current amounts

Italy — Typical Master's duration: 2 years (laurea magistrale, 120 ECTS)

Italy — English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or equivalent (about B2) English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Italy — Funding routes (not guaranteed): Regional DSU support; MAECI Italian Government scholarships Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Italy — Academic admission: Academic qualification: A relevant bachelor's degree covering the subjects and credits the programme requires.; Grades: Universities set their own minimum grades or evaluate profiles competitively.

Italy — Intakes and planning: September / October intake: starts September or October; apply Many universities open applications for non-EU students from about November to April, often in several rounds; February / March intake: starts February or March; apply Very few Master's programmes; check each university

Italy — Student visa: Italy Student Visa for Indian Students. Valid passport and national visa form; Universitaly pre-enrolment summary validated by the university

Italy — Post-study graduate route: Graduates of Italian degrees, including the laurea magistrale, can apply for a residence permit of 9 to 12 months to look for work or start a business related to their studies, and can later convert to a work permit.

Last verified 21 September 2026. Tuition is not the total cost of study; visa proof-of-funds is not necessarily the same as actual living expenses. Scholarship names are competitive funding routes to investigate, not guaranteed awards. Confirm fees, admissions, visa rules and graduate permissions with the university and the relevant authority before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in Spain

Is Spain good for Indian students?

Yes. Spain offers moderate fees at public universities, English-taught Master's programmes, the right to work up to 30 hours a week while studying and a post-study job-search permit of up to 24 months.

How much does it cost to study in Spain?

Official Master's degrees at public universities cost roughly €3,000–10,000 per year for non-EU students, while private universities and business schools charge more. For the visa you must show at least €600 per month of stay.

What are the fees for a Master's in Spain?

Public-university fees are set per credit by each region, typically about €3,000–10,000 a year for non-EU students. Private universities charge about €8,000–25,000, and business-school MSc and MBA programmes more.

What is the eligibility for a Master's in Spain?

A bachelor's degree giving access to postgraduate study, the university's minimum grades, an English test for English-taught programmes (or Spanish at about B2), apostilled documents and a statement of purpose.

Can I study in Spain in English?

Yes. Many Master's programmes, especially in business, data science and engineering, are taught in English. Learning some Spanish still helps with daily life and jobs.

What are the intakes in Spain?

The main intake is September or October. Some private universities and business schools also start programmes in February.

How much proof of funds is needed for a Spain student visa?

You must show at least 100% of IPREM, which is €600 per month of stay in 2026, plus more for accompanying family members.

Can I work while studying in Spain?

Yes. Since May 2025, higher-education students can work up to 30 hours a week without a separate work permit, as long as the job is compatible with their studies.

Can I stay in Spain after my Master's?

Yes. Graduates can apply for a job-search residence permit of up to 24 months. It does not allow work by itself, but you can switch to a work permit once you find a job.

Are scholarships available for Indian students in Spain?

Yes, mainly Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters and scholarships from universities and business schools. Most Spanish government grants are limited to residents.