Where to Study Abroad in Spain in 2025?

Spain is literally carving a name for itself as one of the most student-friendly and affordable study-abroad options across Europe. From world ranking universities to Mediterranean lifestyles and vivid culture—here's why Spain should be on your list for 2025.

Why Spain Should Be Your Top Study Destination

• Last year, more than 200,000 international students were enrolled in Spanish universities, with Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Granada, and Seville as the front-runner cities. The data for 2024 shows Barcelona alone hosts 35,000+ internationals. 
• One of the cheapest European destinations: Tuition fees are just between €1,000 and €4,000 a year for bachelor studies in public universities and between €1,500 and €4,500 for master studies. 
• An increasing trend for Indian students: A 40% increase in interest in European universities like Spain for quality education and better visa/work-related options.
• New visa policies (June 2025) allow the fast-tracking of students who could not go to the US and give part-time work rights to these students as soon as they arrive.

Read More: What Is GPA and Why Is It Important in 2025?

Where to Study abroad in Spain: Top Universities to Study in Spain in 2025

University of Barcelona (UB)

• Established in 1450, UB is Spain’s largest and most prestigious university with ~63,000 students and ranked #160 in QS Europe 2025
• Strengths: Business, Medicine (#48 QS Medicine ranking), Engineering, Humanities
• Fees: €1,500–3,500/year

Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona

• Spain’s top-ranked university of 2025, especially known for Economics, Political Science, Communication & Media 
• THE World’s top 50 under-50 universities; strong English-taught master’s programs
• Tuition: ~€5,000–7,000/year (higher than public unis but worth the prestige)

Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB)

• Ranked around #149 in QS 2025; major public university focusing on research and sustainability 
• Offers 100+ UG and 300+ PG programs, ~15% in English
• Fees: €1,200–3,500/year

University of Granada (UGR)

• First-time entry into World Reputation Rankings 2025 (top 201–300 globally), the only Andalusian university to make the cut 
• Known for Language Studies, Engineering, Humanities; tuition as low as €800–2,500/year 
• Granada boasts a thriving Erasmus and international community with a lively student lifestyle

University of Salamanca

• Founded in 1218, one of Europe’s oldest universities and nicknamed the "Oxford of Spain" 
• Strong in Law, Spanish Literature, Humanities; tuition €900–3,000/year 
• A compact, student-centric city with historic charm and academic prestige

Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC)

• Ranked #97 in QS Engineering & Technology 2025; Spain’s leading tech university 
• Offers English-taught courses in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Architecture
• Fees: €1,500–4,000/year; strong industry ties in Barcelona

You might also read: Campus Spain: Study-Abroad in Spain

Which University Should You Choose?

See Also: Tips to Finance Your Education Abroad

Living Costs and Tuition Fees to Study in Spain

• Tuition at public universities: €800–4,000/year; private/business schools like IE, Navarra cost €25,000+ per year
• Living costs:
  • Accommodation: €300–600/month
  • Food & groceries: €150–250/month
  • Transport: €30–60/month 
  • Total annual cost: approx. €9,000–€12,000

Cities like Granada and Salvador are lower-cost and student friendly. Valencia is a sunny coastal favorite, while Madrid and Barcelona offer dynamic lifestyles but at the higher end of cost.

You might also like: Scholarships for Indian Students

Trending Fields & Career Pathways in Spain

• Top choices for international students in Spain: Business & Management (30%), Engineering & Tech (25%), Arts & Humanities (20%), Health Sciences (15%) 
• Fast growing English taught master’s programs now make up over 40% of PG courses in Spain

Internships & Post Study Work Rights

• Part-time work permitted for students (visa holders)
• Post study work visa up to 1 year does exist, and EU Blue Card options available if you secure a skilled job in the EU 
• New Spain migration policy speeds up university access and work eligibility for students blocked from the US visa system

Scholarships & Financial Aid Options

• Spanish government scholarships via Ministry of Foreign Affairs (covers tuition/living)
• Erasmus+ programmes for EU and non-EU students covering tuition and travel
• University-specific merit scholarships at Navarra, UPF, UGR, and others for high achievers
• Fundación Carolina scholarship offering €4,200/year to selected candidates

Read this also: Sustainability and Climate Change Courses

Cities in Spain

• Barcelona: UPF, UB, UAB—tech, business, design hubs by the sea; ~35,000 internationals 
• Madrid: Spain’s capital hosts UCM, Carlos III, UP Madrid; dynamic internships and cultural depth
• Valencia: UPV, UV—coastal city with affordable lifestyle, beach culture, and tech focused education 
• Granada: UGR—historic charm, low costs, strong Spanish immersion and Erasmus crowd
• Salamanca: Legendary academic traditions, student-centric environment, ideal for humanities and language students

Spain Checks All the Boxes in 2025: Reasons to Study in Spain:

• World class education at a fraction of what one would pay in other western destinations
• High academic rankings: including UB(top 160 Europe), UGR(top 300 worldwide), UPC(#97 Engineering), UPF (top under 50 young university)
• Cheap living and tuition even for non EU students
• English taught programs that maintain access even when fluent Spanish is absent
• Overflowing with culture: festivals, Mediterranean vibes and language development
• Profiled policy benefits: easier visa access, work opportunities for displaced US bound students

you may like: International Scholarship Application - Checklist

Are you ready to study in Spain?

Let SIEC guide you with:

• University shortlisting according to your objectives
• Admissions & scholarship assistance
• Visa processing & Pre departure coaching
• Arriving in Spain with confidence and feeling prepared

Book your FREE counselling and walk into your global future — in Spain!

Conclusion

Reach out to SIEC for Application inquiries and assistance.

Read more insightful articles:

Top 10 Highest Paid Jobs in IT Sector in 2025

Tips to Choose the Best University and Right Courses to Study Abroad

Top 10 Study Abroad Trends to Watch For in 2025

Career Counselling for Study Abroad

Top 5 Best Countries to Study Agriculture Abroad