Spain
Regional public systems and recognised degree structures.
Study overview
Spain has public and private universities offering grado, máster and doctoral qualifications. A grado commonly takes four years. Public tuition is influenced by the autonomous region, credit load, subject and student fee category. The Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) example illustrates one non-EU, non-resident fee schedule.
Tuition / Year
UC3M 2026/27 example: non-EU, non-resident undergraduate, 60 first-enrolment credits; administration extra. This is not a national tariff.
Living / Month
European Commission planning: smaller cities EUR 700-900; Madrid/Barcelona around EUR 1,000-1,200. Housing and lifestyle change the total.
Typical degree length: Bachelor’s: usually 4 years
Master’s: 1–2 years
Medicine: 6 years
Fields: Business; engineering; hospitality; humanities; design.
Official references
Study and admission
Qualifications and course choices
Official university degrees, regional admission systems and programmes taught in Spanish, co-official languages and English.
The official degree structure
Spain’s principal university awards are the Grado, Máster Universitario and Doctorado. Most bachelor’s degrees comprise 240 European credits over four years. Qualifications regulated by European professional requirements can extend to 300 or 360 credits; medicine normally takes six years. Official master’s degrees comprise 60, 90 or 120 credits. The Registro de Universidades, Centros y Títulos is the national register of universities, centres and official qualifications. Its degree records distinguish an official award from a course advertised under a similar informal English title.
Official master’s and continuing education
A university can provide both official degree programmes and its own continuing-education awards. Spain’s regulations identify the Máster de Formación Permanente within continuing education; it is not the same qualification as a Máster Universitario. This distinction matters for doctoral entry and regulated academic progression. Universities can also offer shorter specialist and expert awards. A private university may award official degrees, while a public university may offer institution-specific continuing education: ownership alone does not establish the status of a particular course.
Official references
Subjects and the language of delivery
The national study-information service covers arts and humanities, sciences, health sciences, social and legal sciences, engineering and architecture. English-language and bilingual options are available, but the language is identified at programme level. Spanish is not the only language used in public higher education: universities in autonomous communities may teach in a co-official regional language. At Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, language evidence is linked to the chosen programme’s teaching language. An institution’s international website therefore does not mean that all classes are delivered in English.
Public and private admissions are different
Public-university places are commonly allocated through regional pre-enrolment systems using the relevant admission score and course capacity. UNEDasiss, the foreign-qualification accreditation service of Spain’s National University of Distance Education, publishes institution-specific admission requirements. Private universities can operate their own selection procedures alongside the academic requirements for university access. Accreditation establishes qualifications or scores; it does not reserve a place. Double degrees also have their own curriculum and workload, rather than representing two standard degrees completed with no additional academic commitment.
Foreign entry and student costs
The school system determines the entry route; the autonomous community, fee category and course determine the tuition.
School systems lead to different routes
UNEDasiss separates applicants according to the education system in which they obtained their qualifying studies. International Baccalaureate, European Baccalaureate and specified foreign-system applicants do not all follow the same route. For many applicants from other school systems, recognition as equivalent to the Spanish Bachiller qualification forms part of access. This recognition is called homologación. The university may then require UNEDasiss accreditation and an admission score. Nationality and residence alone are insufficient to identify the correct academic route because the qualifying school award is central.
Official references
How subject examinations affect entry
The Pruebas de Competencias Específicas, or PCE, are subject examinations used in specified international admission routes. UNEDasiss permits registration in up to six subjects and recommends at least four for relevant applicants outside the automatic-access systems who seek public-university admission. The useful combination depends on the degree and the university’s subject-weighting rules. Mathematics for economics, for example, is not interchangeable with every science subject. Universities publish their own criteria for incorporating these examinations into the admission score; an examination result is not a nationwide admission guarantee.
A public-university tuition example
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid publishes different 2026–27 prices for non-European Union students without qualifying resident status. For a first enrolment of 60 credits, its schedule gives EUR 6,822.60 for degrees including Business Administration and Economics, EUR 7,714.20 for several engineering degrees, and EUR 8,186.40 for Biomedical Engineering and Neuroscience. Administrative charges are separate. This is a named Madrid example rather than a Spanish national fee range. Public fees differ by autonomous community, student category, subject and whether credits are being repeated.
Granada as a city-budget example
The University of Granada gives an indicative student living range of EUR 650–850 a month. Its international accommodation guidance describes approximately EUR 300 a month for a room in a shared apartment and notes that property agencies can charge a fee equivalent to one month’s rent. These are Granada examples, not equivalent budgets for Madrid or Barcelona. Rent, utilities and agency charges are different items; the first payment can exceed an ordinary month’s living costs. University accommodation services provide information and options without making every admission offer a housing allocation.
Entrance and language assessments
PCE subject examinations
Applies to: Specified foreign-school routes, especially public-university entry
UNEDasiss subject tests can form part of the admission score. The number, subject combination and weighting follow the applicant’s route and the admitting university’s rules.
DELE Spanish diploma
Applies to: Programmes requiring Spanish-language evidence
Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera certifies Spanish proficiency. Universidad Carlos III de Madrid accepts relevant certificates for its specified Spanish-language admission routes; this is not an English-programme requirement.
https://www.uc3m.es/ss/Satellite/Grado/es/TextoMixta/1371212954314/
SIELE Spanish assessment
Applies to: Programmes accepting this Spanish-language certificate
The Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española certifies Spanish proficiency. Acceptance and the required result are programme-specific, rather than a universal national entrance test.
https://www.uc3m.es/ss/Satellite/Grado/es/TextoMixta/1371212954314/
English-language evidence
Applies to: English or bilingual programmes
International English Language Testing System (IELTS), TOEFL or other accepted evidence may be required. Carlos III’s foundation-to-degree route specifies English evidence for English-taught degrees; requirements are route-specific.
https://www.uc3m.es/C3IS/international-foundation-program-en
Scholarships and funding routes
Spanish Ministry general university grants
Support: Eligible tuition credits plus possible income, residence, achievement and variable components, depending on the annual rules.
Eligibility: Academic, household-income and asset tests apply, together with Spanish, EU or qualifying non-EU residence requirements.
Application: Applications are submitted through the Ministry’s electronic grant system during the annual call, with household and study information.
Conditions: A non-EU student stay authorisation alone is insufficient under current rules. At private universities, tuition support is capped by the corresponding public price.
Fundación Carolina postgraduate scholarships
Support: Coverage is programme-specific and may include part of tuition, living support, travel and medical insurance.
Eligibility: Primarily graduates who are nationals and residents of eligible Latin American countries; some calls include Portugal.
Application: The Foundation’s scholarship portal receives programme selections and academic and professional documentation.
Conditions: This is a postgraduate scheme with geographic eligibility limits. Some awards require a student contribution and a commitment to return home.
IE University undergraduate scholarships
Support: Awards and scholarships are applied toward tuition; amount depends on the award and applicant assessment.
Eligibility: Admitted undergraduate applicants meeting the specific merit, financial-need, nationality or other award criteria.
Application: Admitted applicants submit the IE Financial Aid form, together with award-specific essays and supporting evidence.
Conditions: Awards apply to tuition and do not cover the place-reservation fee. Living costs and the unpaid tuition balance remain outside the award.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Support: Competitive scholarships can cover participation costs and contribute to living, visa and travel costs.
Eligibility: Applicants worldwide with a qualifying bachelor’s degree or final-year status, subject to the joint programme’s academic and language requirements.
Application: The joint-master consortium receives admission and scholarship applications directly; a Spanish university forms part of the programme partnership.
Conditions: Joint-master study normally takes place in several countries. The consortium determines the mobility sequence and scholarship allocation for each funded intake.
Selected university profiles
Selected 20 universities. RUCT is the authoritative public register for Spanish universities, centres and official bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
Complutense University of Madrid
Complutense University of Madrid provides education in humanities, social sciences, health, experimental sciences and the arts. Teaching takes place principally at Moncloa and Somosaguas. Its faculties deliver official undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, with doctoral programmes, research institutes and university libraries supporting academic study.
- Subjects
- Humanities; Social sciences; Health sciences; Science; Arts
- Address
- Avenida de Séneca 2, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Website
- https://www.ucm.es/english
- infocom@ucm.es
Official references
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid is based principally at Cantoblanco, with medical teaching at a separate Madrid campus. Its portfolio includes sciences, law, economics, humanities, psychology and medicine. The university works with Spain's national research council through the UAM–CSIC research campus.
- Subjects
- Science; Law; Economics; Humanities; Medicine
- Address
- Calle Einstein 3, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Website
- https://www.uam.es/
Official references
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid teaches social sciences, law, humanities, business and engineering. Its campuses include Getafe, Leganés, Colmenarejo and Madrid's Puerta de Toledo. Undergraduate and postgraduate provision includes Spanish, bilingual and English-taught programmes, with engineering concentrated particularly at Leganés.
- Subjects
- Economics; Business; Law; Engineering; Social sciences
- Address
- Calle Madrid 126, 28903 Getafe, Madrid, Spain
- Website
- https://www.uc3m.es/home
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid specialises in engineering, architecture and related applied sciences. Its schools cover fields including computing, telecommunications, agriculture, civil engineering and industrial engineering. Teaching and research are distributed across Madrid campuses, with undergraduate, master's and doctoral programmes.
- Subjects
- Engineering; Architecture; Computer science; Agricultural sciences; Design
- Address
- Calle Ramiro de Maeztu 7, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Website
- https://www.upm.es/
University of Barcelona
The University of Barcelona provides education in humanities, sciences, health, law, economics and related disciplines. Its faculties occupy several Barcelona-area campuses rather than one central site. The degree portfolio includes undergraduate, master's and doctoral study, supported by university research institutes and laboratories.
- Subjects
- Humanities; Science; Health sciences; Law; Economics
- Address
- Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 585, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- Website
- https://web.ub.edu/en/
- sae@ub.edu
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona is centred on Bellaterra, with additional teaching locations. Its faculties include science, humanities, social sciences, veterinary medicine and health disciplines. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees alongside exchange programmes, international study tracks and summer-school courses.
- Subjects
- Science; Humanities; Social sciences; Veterinary medicine; Health sciences
- Address
- Edifici A, Plaça Acadèmica, 08193 Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Website
- https://www.uab.cat/
- informacio@uab.cat
Pompeu Fabra University
Pompeu Fabra University teaches social sciences, humanities, health, communication and information technologies. Its Barcelona campuses include Ciutadella, Poblenou and Mar. Academic provision includes bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes, with economics and law, communication and engineering, and health study occupying distinct university locations.
- Subjects
- Economics; Law; Communication; Health sciences; Engineering
- Address
- Carrer de la Mercè 12, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
- Website
- https://www.upf.edu/en/
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, known as BarcelonaTech, specialises in engineering, architecture and applied sciences. Its schools operate across Barcelona and other Catalan cities. Degree fields include civil engineering, telecommunications, informatics and building construction, alongside master's programmes and doctoral research.
- Subjects
- Engineering; Architecture; Computer science; Applied sciences; Design
- Address
- Carrer Jordi Girona 31, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Website
- https://www.upc.edu/en
- info@upc.edu
Universitat de València
Universitat de València offers humanities, science, health, law, economics and engineering through specialist faculties and schools. Its principal Valencia campuses include Blasco Ibáñez, Burjassot-Paterna and Tarongers. The portfolio spans undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, with doctoral education and research institutes.
- Subjects
- Humanities; Science; Health sciences; Law; Economics
- Address
- Avenida Blasco Ibáñez 13, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Website
- https://www.uv.es/
Universitat Politècnica de València
Universitat Politècnica de València combines engineering and architecture with computing, fine arts and business. Its established Spanish campuses are in València, Alcoi and Gandia. Schools and faculties deliver undergraduate and master's programmes, supported by research institutes and doctoral education.
- Subjects
- Engineering; Architecture; Computer science; Fine arts; Business
- Address
- Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
- Website
- https://www.upv.es/
Official references
University of Granada
The University of Granada teaches humanities, sciences, health, engineering and social sciences. Its university activity extends across Granada and campuses in Ceuta and Melilla. Academic provision includes bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes, with language education and international exchange study among its additional offerings.
- Subjects
- Humanities; Science; Health sciences; Engineering; Social sciences
- Address
- Avenida del Hospicio s/n, 18010 Granada, Spain
- Website
- https://www.ugr.es/en
- informa@ugr.es
University of Seville
The University of Seville combines engineering, humanities, sciences, health and law across multiple city campuses. Its academic structure includes faculties, schools, departments and research institutes. Undergraduate and postgraduate teaching is complemented by doctoral education, university libraries, cultural provision and links with employers.
- Subjects
- Engineering; Humanities; Science; Health sciences; Law
- Address
- Calle San Fernando 4, 41004 Seville, Spain
- Website
- https://www.us.es/
Official references
University of Salamanca
The University of Salamanca provides undergraduate, master's and doctoral education in humanities, languages, law, sciences and health. Teaching extends beyond Salamanca to regional campuses, including Zamora. Its international courses provide Spanish-language education, while faculties and research institutes organise degree teaching and scholarship.
- Subjects
- Humanities; Languages; Law; Science; Health sciences
- Address
- Patio de Escuelas 1, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
- Website
- https://www.usal.es/
Official references
University of Zaragoza
The University of Zaragoza operates across Zaragoza, Huesca and Teruel. Its faculties and schools teach engineering, science, health, law, economics and humanities. The university provides undergraduate, master's and doctoral qualifications, with research institutes and participation in the regional Campus Iberus alliance.
- Subjects
- Engineering; Science; Health sciences; Law; Humanities
- Address
- Calle Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Website
- https://www.unizar.es/
- ciu@unizar.es
Official references
University of Santiago de Compostela
The University of Santiago de Compostela has campuses in Santiago and Lugo. Its portfolio includes science, health, humanities, law and veterinary medicine, with veterinary teaching based in Lugo. Faculties and schools provide undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, supported by research centres and doctoral education.
- Subjects
- Science; Health sciences; Humanities; Law; Veterinary medicine
- Address
- Colexio de San Xerome, Praza do Obradoiro s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Website
- https://www.usc.gal/
University of the Basque Country / Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea
The University of the Basque Country operates campuses in Álava, Biscay and Gipuzkoa. It teaches engineering, sciences, humanities, social sciences and health disciplines. Its public university structure includes faculties, engineering schools, research centres and doctoral education, with provision in Basque and Spanish.
- Subjects
- Engineering; Science; Humanities; Social sciences; Health sciences
- Address
- Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
- Website
- https://www.ehu.eus/en/
Official references
University of Navarra
The University of Navarra is a private university with its principal campus in Pamplona. Its fields include medicine, business, law, communication and architecture. Degree education is complemented by research institutes, the Clínica Universidad de Navarra and the university's IESE Business School.
- Subjects
- Health sciences; Business; Law; Communication; Architecture
- Address
- Campus Universitario, 31009 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
- Website
- https://en.unav.edu/
- info@unav.es
University of Deusto
The University of Deusto is a private Jesuit university with campuses in Bilbao and San Sebastián. Its portfolio includes business, law, engineering, psychology and social sciences. It provides undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, doctoral education, language study and professional continuing education.
- Subjects
- Business; Law; Engineering; Social sciences; Psychology
- Address
- Avenida de las Universidades 24, 48007 Bilbao, Spain
- Website
- https://www.deusto.es/en/home
- nuevosestudiantes@deusto.es
Official references
IE University
IE University teaches in Madrid and Segovia. Its degree portfolio includes business, law, international relations, architecture, design and data-related subjects. Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are supported by academic schools, laboratories and professional-development services, with distinct residential and urban campus settings.
- Subjects
- Business; Law; International relations; Architecture; Data science
- Address
- Calle Cardenal Zúñiga 12, 40003 Segovia, Spain
- Website
- https://www.ie.edu/university/
- university@ie.edu
Official references
Comillas Pontifical University
Comillas Pontifical University is organised around specialist centres including ICAI for engineering and ICADE for business and law. Its wider provision includes humanities, social sciences, theology, canon law, nursing and physiotherapy. Degree programmes include single-subject and combined double-degree routes.
- Subjects
- Business; Law; Engineering; Humanities; Social sciences
- Address
- Calle Alberto Aguilera 23, 28015 Madrid, Spain
- Website
- https://www.comillas.edu/en/
Official references
Further institutions
| Institution | Location and type | Official website | Book page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mondragon Unibertsitatea | Arrasate-Mondragón / Private university | https://www.mondragon.edu/ | 217 |
| Universidad a Distancia de Madrid | Madrid / Private university | http://www.udima.es | 217 |
| Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio | Madrid / Private university | https://www.uax.es/ | 217 |
| Universidad Antonio de Nebrija | Madrid / Private university | https://www.nebrija.com | 217 |
| Universidad Camilo José Cela | Madrid / Private university | http://www.ucjc.edu | 217 |
| Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir | Valencia / Private university | http://www.ucv.es | 217 |
| Universidad Católica de Ávila | Ávila / Private university | https://www.ucavila.es | 217 |
| Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia | Murcia / Private university | http://www.ucam.edu | 217 |
| Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera | Valencia / Private university | https://www.uchceu.es | 217 |
| Universidad CEU San Pablo | Madrid / Private university | https://www.uspceu.com/ | 217 |
| Universidad de Alcalá | Alcalá de Henares / Public university | https://www.uah.es/ | 217 |
| Universidad de Alicante | Alicante / Public university | http://www.ua.es | 217 |
| Universidad de Almería | Almería / Public university | https://www.ual.es | 217 |
| Universidad de Burgos | Burgos / Public university | https://www.ubu.es | 217 |
| Universidad de Cantabria | Santander / Public university | http://www.unican.es | 217 |
| Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha | Ciudad Real / Public university | https://www.uclm.es | 217 |
| Universidad de Cádiz | Cádiz / Public university | https://www.uca.es | 217 |
| Universidad de Córdoba | Córdoba / Public university | http://www.uco.es | 217 |
| Universidad de Extremadura | Badajoz / Public university | https://www.unex.es | 217 |
| Universidad de Huelva | Huelva / Public university | http://www.uhu.es | 217 |
| Universidad de Jaén | Jaén / Public university | https://www.ujaen.es | 217 |
| Universidad de La Laguna | San Cristóbal de La Laguna / Public university | https://www.ull.es/ | 217 |
| Universidad de La Rioja | Logroño / Public university | https://www.unirioja.es/ | 217 |
| Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria | Las Palmas de Gran Canaria / Public university | http://www.ulpgc.es | 217 |
| Universidad de León | León / Public university | https://www.unileon.es | 217 |
| Universidad de Murcia | Murcia / Public university | http://www.um.es | 217 |
| Universidad de Málaga | Málaga / Public university | http://www.uma.es | 217 |
| Universidad de Oviedo | Oviedo / Public university | http://www.uniovi.es | 217 |
| Universidad de Valladolid | Valladolid / Public university | http://www.uva.es | 217 |
| Universidad Europea de Madrid | Madrid / Private university | https://universidadeuropea.com/ | 218 |
| Universidad Europea Miguel de Cervantes | Valladolid / Private university | http://www.uemc.es | 218 |
| Universidad Francisco de Vitoria | Madrid / Private university | http://www.ufv.es | 218 |
| Universidad Internacional de Andalucía | Sevilla / Public university | https://www.unia.es | 218 |
| Universidad Internacional de La Rioja | Logroño / Private university | https://www.unir.net/ | 218 |
| Universidad Internacional de Valencia | Valencia / Private university | https://www.universidadviu.com/es/ | 218 |
| Universidad internacional Menéndez Pelayo | Madrid / Public university | http://www.uimp.es | 218 |
| Universidad Loyola Andalucía | Córdoba / Private university | https://www.uloyola.es | 218 |
| Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche | Elche / Public university | https://www.umh.es/ | 218 |
| Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia | Madrid / Public university | http://www.uned.es | 218 |
| Universidad Pablo de Olavide | Sevilla / Public university | http://www.upo.es | 218 |
| Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena | Cartagena / Public university | https://www.upct.es/ | 218 |
| Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca | Salamanca / Private university | https://www.upsa.es | 218 |
| Universidad Pública de Navarra | Pamplona / Public university | http://www.unavarra.es | 218 |
| Universidad Rey Juan Carlos | Madrid / Public university | http://www.urjc.es | 218 |
| Universidad San Jorge | Zaragoza / Private university | https://www.usj.es | 218 |
| Universidade da Coruña | A Coruña / Public university | http://www.udc.es | 218 |
| Universidade de Vigo | Vigo / Public university | http://www.uvigo.es | 218 |
| Universitat Abat Oliba CEU | Barcelona / Private university | https://www.uaoceu.es/ | 218 |
| Universitat de Girona | Girona / Public university | http://www.udg.es | 218 |
| Universitat de les Illes Balears | Palma de Mallorca / Public university | http://www.uib.es | 218 |
| Universitat de Lleida | Lleida / Public university | http://www.udl.es | 218 |
| Universitat de Vic | Vic / Private university | https://www.uvic.cat/ | 218 |
| Universitat Internacional de Catalunya | Barcelona / Private university | https://www.uic.es/ | 218 |
| Universitat Jaume I | Castellón / Public university | http://www.uji.es | 218 |
| Universitat Oberta de Catalunya | Barcelona / Private university | http://www.uoc.es | 218 |
| Universitat Ramon Llull | Barcelona / Private university | http://www.url.es | 218 |
| Universitat Rovira i Virgili | Tarragona / Public university | http://www.urv.cat | 218 |