Study in Spain 2026

After you've picked your university and program of choice, you'll need to fill out a few forms. Follow the steps below to learn how to apply to a university in Spain correctly.

EU/EEA/EFTA students

Applications for EU Students are completed through SNUDE, the Spanish National University for Distance Education. Usually, the application (Solicitud de inscripcion) opens in April. You may be asked to submit a copy of your passport, identity card, or school leaving certificate along with your application. If your application is successful, you'll receive a Credencial de Accesso within three months. This can be mailed to the university you wish to attend.

Non-EU students

If you're from a country outside the EU, you need to have a recognized high school certificate. This certificate confirms that your diploma is valid according to Spanish requirements. You can easily have your diploma validated at the Spanish embassy in your country. Spanish embassies will provide you with a Volante Accreditation, which you can use to apply to the university of your choice.

Entry requirements for Bachelor’s programs

Entrance exam required: Yes

Entrance exam: Selectividad or Pruebas de Acceso a la Universida

Frequency: offered twice a year

Where: your home country

Assessment:

• Text Analysis in Spanish.
• Questions about Spain’s History or Philosophy.
• Foreign Language Exam: You can pick between French, English, German, Portuguese or Italian.
• Personal Choice: The final part of the exam is up to you. The choices offered include subjects related to Art, Fine Arts, Dance and Music; or subjects related to Science and Technology.

Additional requirement(s): varies

Entry requirements for Master's programs

Entrance exam required: No

Additional requirement(s):

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Relevant transcripts (translated into Spanish)
• Valid passport

Entry requirements for PhD programs

Entrance exam required: No

Additional requirements:

• Master's degree or equivalent
• Relevant transcripts
• Valid passport
• Various course-related requirements, like a research plan, proof of funding, etc.

Is Spain the perfect study-abroad destination for you, but are you worried about the costs?

We have good news! The Spanish government sets university tuition fees, some of the lowest in Europe.

Tuition format: pay-per-credit

Other factors:

• Type of university – public universities usually charge by the credit, whereas private universities charge by the term or semester
• Level of study – you’ll pay different fees if you study at the undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral level
• Subject – STEM and medical subjects normally cost more than humanities, social sciences, and the arts
• Repeating a course – since public universities charge by the credit, repeating a course will cost extra
• Where you study – public university fees are determined by the local municipality
• Your citizenship – EU/EEA/EFTA students pay different fees than students from outside the EU/EEA/EFTA

Tuition fees for EU/EEA/EFTA students

• Usually pay local tuition fees
• Average tuition: €2,000-4,500 per year
• Application fee: €30-50/public or up to €200/private
• Books/supplies: up to €900 per year

Tuition fees for all other international students

• Pay international tuition fees
• Vary by institution
• Application fee: €30-50/public or up to €200/private
• Books/supplies: up to €900 per year

Quick facts about tuition fees in Spain

• Spanish universities follow the Bologna Process, and each student must complete a minimum of 60 (ECTS) credits for one year at university. Tuition fees are calculated and presented according to credits.
• A Bachelor's program can cost between €2,100-4,700 per year at a public university.
• Masters or Doctoral degrees at a public university can vary between €600-2,600 per year.
• Fees to attend a Bachelor's program in a private university can vary between €2,400-30,000 per school year.

Grants and Scholarships

Several options are available for students seeking financial help with their Spanish-based studies. These include loans, scholarships (some even offered by the Spanish government), and various grants. You can find scholarships to study in Spain in our free Scholarship Directory.

One of the most important things for students in Spain is finding adequate housing.

Some Spanish universities provide student accommodation in student residence halls (Colegios Mayores) or student apartments. At others, living in private or off-campus accommodations is the norm. Rent and accommodation costs vary depending on your chosen location, amenities, and other factors.

Average rental private rental prices for cities in Spain:

Types of Student Accommodation in Spain