While being one of the most visited countries of the world, Spain is a preferred study destination for many students from the EU who wish to taste a bit of such an interesting culture. The Kingdom of Spain has a rich history, provides enchanting experiences whether in large cities the countryside, or the beach.

Spain is the kind of place where you can enjoy both a good holiday and a degree programme. But what is there to know more about Spain? Well, Spain is home to some of the best universities worldwide, including famous business schools and student life is always entertaining.In addition, Spain is one of the top options for international students due to its low living costs and tuition fees; within Spanish universities, tuition fees are the same for both EU and non-EU students.

 University tuition fees in Spain

Course fees in public universities are some of the lowest in Europe and they are set by the Spanish government authorities for each area.

Tuition fees are calculated on the pay-per-credit format and this is the reason why the amount could change if you withdraw and enrol the second or third time in the same programme. Mainly, to calculate the annual tuition fee, you would have to multiply the number of credits with 60 – the number of credits (ECTS) each student is required to complete during one year of study, based on the Bologna university system.

 Student living costs in Spain

Generally, Spain is an affordable country, where international students should not feel the financial pressure.

  • Madrid and Barcelona claim the titles of the most expensive Spanish cities, where you would need around 1,300 EUR/month for all your monthly expenses.
  • On the other hand, in cities like Valencia, Seville or Cadiz, you can enjoy cheaper living costs, 800 – 850 EUR/month on average.
Student accommodation costs
  • Student residence – prices range from 360 to 650 EUR/month.
  • Rent an apartment – prices for rent are between 650 and 880 EUR/month. Renting an apartment in Madrid and Barcelona costs around 860 – 1,350 EUR/month.
  • Home stay – rates are around 700 – 800 EUR/month, with meals included.
Other costs associated with accommodation

Renting a private apartment or studio does not necessarily mean that its monthly cost covers all expenses. You would have to add extra expenses to the rent price, such as:

  • basic utilities (electricity, water, heating, garbage): 120 EUR/month
  • internet: 35 EUR/month
Food costs

In Spain, you will find plenty of choices from the local cuisine, such as “paella”, “escabeche” or “merienda”. For your monthly groceries, you would normally spend between 180 and 300 EUR. Some of the cheapest supermarkets in Spain are Dia, Bally, Dani and Mercadona.

A meal in an inexpensive restaurant costs around 10 EUR, while a three-course meal for two at a medium restaurant has an average of 40 EUR.

Transportation costs

A regular trip by public transport usually costs 1.5 EUR, and a monthly transport pass is 45 EUR and a little over 50 EUR in large cities.

You can travel within Spain and see its lovely cities with AVE (speed train): average price for a trip are 75 EUR. With the youth travel card, you can get major discounts.

If you prefer private transport over walking, you also can rent a car from a local company.

Extra costs
  • Books, supplies and other learning materials: 900 EUR/year
  • Special classes with different fees: from 30 EUR to around 200 EUR
  • Medical insurance: between 70 and 180 EUR/year.
Funding & student support

If you need support in order to build your future career through education, you have several options in Spain, including loans, scholarships (some offered by the Spanish government) and various grants.