SPAIN
SPAIN
Spain is one of the most popular destinations for international students in Europe, combining world-class higher education with a vibrant cultural experience. Ranked among the top three destinations in Europe for international mobility, Spain welcomes more than 200,000 international students each year. With 76 universities – both public and private – and a strong research tradition, Spain offers a wide range of programmes at Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral level.
Why Study in Spain?
- High academic quality: Spanish universities are consistently ranked in international rankings for excellence in research, innovation and teaching.
- Affordable education: Tuition fees and living costs in Spain are highly competitive compared with other European destinations.
- English and Spanish options: Thousands of programmes are now taught in English, while studying in Spanish offers the added benefit of mastering the world’s second most spoken language.
- Lifestyle and culture: A safe and welcoming environment, Mediterranean lifestyle, historic cities and diverse landscapes make Spain an ideal study destination.
- Strategic global connections: As a member of the European Union and a bridge to Latin America, Spain offers international students strong professional and cultural networks.
Higher Education System
Spain’s higher education follows the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) framework (Bologna process):
- Bachelor’s degrees (Grado): usually 4 years.
- Master’s degrees (Máster): 1–2 years, with increasing availability in English.
- Doctoral studies (Doctorado): 3–5 years, research-focused.
Universities are complemented by specialised schools in areas such as business, hospitality, design, and engineering, offering globally recognised qualifications.
Capital
Madrid
Languages
Spanish
Size
505.990km²
Population size
49.153.849 (1 de Abril de 2025)
Living Costs
From 700 to 1,500 € (depending on the city)
Studying in Spain
Number of Institutions
The Spanish University System, in the 2023-2024 academic year, is made up of 96 universities (50 public and 46 private), in addition to 1,111 university centers including schools and faculties, 594 university research institutes, 61 doctoral schools, 57 university hospitals and 76 foundations. As member states of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), all official degrees issued by Spanish universities are recognized for academic and professional purposes in 53 countries around the world, 48 of them from the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). In addition, they are quality universities, well positioned in international rankings by specialty, and internationalized, as Spain is the favourite destination for ERASMUS+ students.
Number of Degree Programmes
5.211 degrees and double degrees
International Courses
Over 1,200s
Tuition Fees
The average price in Spain is around €2,000–€3,000 per academic year.
Scholarships and Support
International students can benefit from a variety of funding opportunities:
- Erasmus+ grants for exchange and degree mobility.
- Spanish Government Scholarships through MAEC–AECID.
- Regional and university scholarships across Spain.
- European and institutional scholarships open to students from Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Application Procedures
Visa and permits
Student life
You can work until 30h per week while studying
Life After Studies
Student Experience
Studying in Spain is not only about academic growth. From world-renowned cuisine and lively festivals to football and flamenco, Spain offers an enriching cultural immersion. Alumni consistently highlight the warm welcome, multicultural environment, and the chance to develop lifelong friendships.
Hear from Our Alumni
Claudia Porras – From Singapore to Madrid
“Studying at Singapore Managament University in Singapore and at Carlos III de Madrid gave me a unique academic and cultural experience. Coming from Spain, I believe Spain to be welcoming, affordable, and full of opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.”
— Claudia Porras, alumna of Universidad Carlos III – Madrid and SMU Singapore
Watch Claudia’s story
Chong Bei Zhen – A Singaporean in Barcelona
“My experience at Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona has been life-changing. Spain’s academic quality, cultural diversity, and vibrant student life made it an unforgettable journey.”
— Chong Bei Zhen, alumna of Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona
Watch Bei Zhen’s story
More information
Meet Us in Singapore
Visit the Spain booth at Study in Europe 2025
20 September 2025 | 10:00 – 15:00 | CHIJMES Hall, Singapore
Follow us on social media for updates: #StudyinSpain #EUSIE25 #EstudiarenEspaña @sepiegob
Copyright 2025 © European Union Delegation to Singapore.