Study in Spain

Life in Spain

Spain is a member of the European Union located in southwestern Europe, with Madrid as its capital. It has a rich culture, a rich history, and a diverse climate. Spain is known for its lively student atmosphere and affordable cost of living, making it a popular destination for international students. The country offers a strong education system with over 83 universities and higher educational institutes, many of which are ranked highly globally. The country has over 4,700 international students, with a majority of them being undergraduate students. 

Spain offers a wide range of study options, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, language programs, and exchange programs, with an increasing focus on English-taught programs in the fields of business, economics, and engineering. Get ready to immerse yourself in a unique culture and education system with Spain as your study destination.

Climate of Spain

Spain has a diverse climate due to its large size and varied topography. The northern regions have a moderate climate, while the southern regions have a Mediterranean climate. Coastal areas generally have mild winters and warm summers, while inland areas can be much hotter during summer and colder in the winter. In Spain, the annual temperature varies between 40 °F (4 °C) in the winter and 75 °F (24 °C) in the summer. Overall, Spain is known for its sunny weather and mild temperatures.

What does studying in Spain offer?

Spain is a popular destination for international students due to its strong education system, rich culture, and affordable cost of living compared to other Western European countries. As of stats, Spain has over 4,700 International students out of which 69% are UG students while 31% of them are PG students.

Spain has a large number of universities, many of which hold great reputations and are ranked high under worldwide rankings. Although, the primary language is Spanish, with the coming years the universities in Spain are focusing more on offering English-taught programs, especially in the fields of business, economics, and engineering.

Spain is known for the quality of its education system and the universities in Spain are recognized globally. There are about 83 universities and higher educational institutes, out of which 55 universities hold high rankings. In addition, more than 640 Study programs are presented to national and international students. Some of the most reputable top-ranking universities in Spain include the Autonomous University of Barcelona (178th Ranking), the University of Barcelona (233rd Ranking), and the University of Madrid (488th Ranking). 

Advantages of studying in Spain

Many advantages to studying in Spain make it a selective place including-

1. Spain houses 55 out of 83 higher educational institutions that hold top-ranking positions on a global level.
2. Spain has a sturdy education system and, its universities are recognized globally for their high-quality education.
3. Spain offers a wide range of study options, from undergraduate and graduate degrees to language programs and exchange programs.
4. The country has a strong economy and many international companies have their headquarters in Spain, making it a great destination for students who want to start their careers in the country.
5. Getting a Schengen Visa, allows you to move and travel freely within the Schengen Area including 26 participating countries.
6. In addition, some Spanish Universities grant internship opportunities to students depending on their grades and added criteria.

Moreover, studying in Spain creates an immense opportunity to improve your Spanish language skills, which certainly will be an asset in your future career or personal life.

Medium of Instruction in Spain

Spain offers an extensive range of study programs for local and foreign students. Speaking of the language of instruction in Spanish Universities, the majority of higher educational institutes and universities employ English as their primary teaching language. Besides this, the general medium of instruction is Spanish, however, some exceptional programs are also offered in Catalan, a regional language of Spain.

Popular Programs in Spain

• Management Programs in Spain – If you are a student planning to enroll for a Business degree, Spain might be for you. In addition, Spain is home to numerous top-ranking business schools, while 3 out of Europe’s top 10 business schools are situated in Spain. The IESE Business School, IE Business School, and Esade Business School are well-reputed institutions.
• Engineering Programs in Spain –  In Spain, some of the global-ranking universities that offer engineering programs include the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, University of Seville, Polytechnic University of Valencia, Polytechnic University of Madrid, University of Zaragoza, University of the Basque Country, and the University of Granada. There are some specialized programs such as Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Technologies, etc
• Medical & Paramedical Programs in Spain –Some of the Medical & Paramedical Programs in Spain include Dietician, Nutritionist, ENT, Anesthesiology, Fitness and Health Care Expert, General Medicine, Health, Homoeopathy, Dental Sciences, and so on.
• Hospitality and Tourism Programs in Spain – CEDEU University is one such popular hospitality management university in Spain. Some of the other hospitality management universities in Spain, for instance, are C3S Business School, University College of Hotel Management and Culinary Arts, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, ESEI International Business School, CIS - The College for International Studies.
• Natural Science Programs in Spain – Universities in Spain, that offer programs in natural science are Autonomous University of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Complutense University of Madrid, University of Murcia, University of Seville, Polytechnic University of Madrid, etc.
• Arts & Science Programs in Spain – Some of the best universities in Spain comprises of the Autonomous University of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, PompeuFabra University, University of Valencia, University of the Basque Country, etc.

Popular Universities in Spain

Some of the highest-ranked universities in Spain are listed below-

Eligibility Criteria for Admission

For admission to Spanish universities, the candidate must meet the requirements stated below-

• A minimum score is 55% and above in the 10+2 Standard.
• The student should have attained 18 years of age or above.
• Any English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL are not mandatory.
• Some Universities may ask for higher academics or additional qualifications depending on their program.

Documents Required

For admission, the students are required to submit the following documents mentioned below –

• Transcripts or records of grades (High school and/or University Leaving Certificate)
• Passport or ID card (with validity to the duration of your stay)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Motivation letter or statement of purpose (if asked by the university)
• Proof of English-language proficiency.
• Application fee.

The cost of Study in Spain vs India

The cost of studying in Spain is generally higher compared to India. Tuition fees in Spain can range from 1000 to 2000 Euros per year for a Bachelor's degree and from 1000 to 3000 Euros per year for a Master's degree. In contrast, tuition fees in India can range from 10,000 to 200,000 INR per year for a Bachelor's degree and from 50,000 to 500,000 INR per year for a Master's degree. Hence, we can say that the overall cost of study in Spain is relatively far above the ground than that of India. 

In addition, Indian students get the added benefit of comprehensive work experience and realistic organizational skills. However, it is important to note that these costs can vary greatly depending on the specific institution, location, and personal lifestyle.

Hostel or Accommodation in Spain 

Many universities in Spain offer student housing or accommodation services for international students. These options are usually the most affordable but also the most basic. The average monthly rent for a single room on a shared basis would range from EUR 200 – EUR 350. Besides this, also low-cost quality food is offered by many institutions within the campus. One must check with the University for the availability of dormitories/room in advance, as the ease of access might differ from University to University.

Accommodation options for international students in Spain include university-provided dormitories, student housing, and private apartments. However, renting a private apartment is the most popular option for international students in Spain. These options may be a bit more expensive than university housing and also offers more privacy and freedom. Note that, when looking for accommodation, students should take into account the location, price, distance from the University, and the services offered.

Cost of Living

Compared to other Western European countries such as the UK, Canada, and the US, the cost of living in Spain offers relatively affordable living costs, making it a popular destination for international students. The total cost of living for international students for basics (including food, accommodation, travel, etc.) approx would be €250 – €300. 

On average, one can expect to spend €600-€800 per month as rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center. Additionally, students can typically find more affordable accommodation options, such as shared apartments or dormitories. It should be noted that prices may be higher in larger cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, and lower in smaller towns or countryside. Certainly, the cost of living in Spain can vary depending on the location and lifestyle of the individual.

Indian Students in Spain

Spain is a popular destination for Indian students looking to study abroad. Education in Spain features excellent academics, and low-cost degree programs with high-quality life, which attracts countless international students. According to data from the Spanish government, over 5,000 Indian students were studying in Spain in the academic year 2019-2020. As of statistics, over 1,500 students in the universities of Spain are from India.

Many Indian students choose to study in Spain because of its reputation for high-quality education and its location in Europe, allowing easy travel throughout the continent. Additionally, Spain offers a variety of programs taught in English, making it a more accessible option for students who may not be fluent in Spanish.

Part-Time Jobs for Indian Students

As an international student in Spain, you may be able to work part-time while you are studying. However, note that there may be restrictions on the number of hours you are allowed to work, and you will need to have a valid student visa and work permit to be able to work legally.

Indian Students can explore a bunch of options available for part-time jobs in Spain as tutoring services, retail and hospitality jobs, language teaching, Paid internships, online freelancing, and so on. Most importantly, keep in mind to check with the University's international office or career center for more information on job opportunities and the legal requirements for working in Spain as an international student.

Visa Processing in Spain 

The Embassy and the Consulate of Spain take 4 working days on average. However, the Embassy and the Consulate can take up to 15 days to assess an application and, in exceptional cases, up to 45 days.

And hence it is suggested to apply for a Spanish Schengen visa up to 3 months before your intended journey. The processing time may take up to 15 days from the day of your application.However, it's always best to do so two months before students plan on moving to Study in Spain.

Post Study Visa

International students in Spain may be eligible for a post-study visa after completing their studies. The specific requirements and process for obtaining a post-study visa will depend on the student's country of origin and the length of their program of study. The Spanish "Authorization for Stay for Employment Purposes" allows students who have completed their studies to stay in Spain for up to 1 year to look for work.

Additionally, if the student finds a job related to their studies, they can apply for a work visa, in that case, the requirements and process are different, including the need for a job offer and the employer's agreement to process the work visa.

Scholarship in Spain

There are several scholarships available for international students who want to study in Spain. These scholarships are offered by the Spanish government, universities, private organizations, and foundations. With these scholarship programs, meritorious students can easily get benefitted through the student exchange program. Spain offers scholarships for the students such as the –

• Spanish Studies Abroad Merit-Based Scholarship, 
• Global Experiences Generation Study Abroad Scholarship, 
• Erasmus+ Program
• CIEE Scholarships and Grants, 
• UIC Barcelona Scholarship, 
• European University of the Atlantic, 
• Erasmus Mundus Scholarship.  
• EADA Scholarship
• The Fulbright Program.

To find scholarships, it is recommended to check with the university's international office, the Spanish embassy in your country, or search online for scholarships specifically for international students studying in Spain.

Program Intake

The program intake for admission to Spanish universities varies depending on the institution and the program of study. 

• For undergraduate programs, the primary intake is usually in September, and applications are open from January to June. However, some universities may also have a January intake for specific programs. 
• For graduate programs, the intake is usually in September, but some universities may also have a January intake. 
• The application deadlines for graduate programs are usually earlier than for undergraduate programs and may be as early as April or May for September intake.

Job Opportunities

In Spain, as an international student, there may be fewer job opportunities available immediately after completing your degree. Hence, to increase your chances of getting a job after graduation, it is recommended to start researching job opportunities and networking as soon as possible.Furthermore, the utmost international students tend to gravitate towards bigger cities, where positions are more readily available. 

Additionally, having a degree from a Spanish university may give you an advantage when applying for jobs in Spain, as employers may be more likely to trust the quality of your education. You can also consider doing an internship while you study, which would help you gain experience and build a network of contacts in your field of interest, which could lead to job opportunities after you graduate. 

Living and working in the country of your higher education will hand in the opportunity to learn the second most common language in the world, allowing you to level up in the future. However, the job market in Spain can be competitive, and the availability of jobs may depend on your field of study, language skills, and level of education.

Some popular job sectors for international students in Spain include:

• Tourism and hospitality
• IT and technology
• Business and Finance
• Marketing and communications
• Teaching and Education