U.S. Students: Spanish Universities with most Americans

Thinking about studying in Spain as an American student? You won’t be alone. Over 10,000 U.S. students head to Spain each year for college or university!  

Spain is a top choice for a reason: You can earn a high-quality degree at respected universities, explore amazing cities like Barcelona and Madrid, and enjoy a fun, laid-back lifestyle. Plus, studying in Spain often costs way less than going to college in the U.S. - both for tuition and everyday living.

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🏆 Universities in Spain with most North American students:

The table below highlights the universities in Spain with the largest number of North American students. For statistical purposes it includes those from both the U.S. and Canada.

University	City	Degree students	Exchange students
Carlos III de Madrid	Madrid	18	1,925
Autónoma de Barcelona	Barcelona	9	1,675
Pompeu Fabra University	Barcelona	5	1,515
IE University	Madrid	368	762
Comillas Pontifical University	Madrid	13	961
Ramon Llull University	Barcelona	59	507
University of Navarra	Pamplona	142	350
University of Barcelona	Barcelona	19	333
Universidad Complutense de Madrid	Madrid	17	218
Universidad Europea de Madrid	Madrid	81	111

Source: UNIVBase Mobilidad and UNIVBase Grados y Ciclos for the 2022/23 academic year

You will notice that most American students choose to study in Spain as an exchange student for a semester or two. Your degree-seeking fellow Americans are primarily enrolled at the business schools. 

👩‍🎓 Where do most Americans study in Spain

The top 10 universities with the most Americans are almost all located in Madrid or Barcelona. That’s no surprise as these two cities are well-known for their tourism, culture, and wide range of English-taught degrees. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that these are also the most expensive cities in the country, especially when it comes to housing.

Finding accommodation in Spain can be competitive, particularly in central areas. If you're looking for a great study experience without the stress of high rent prices or overcrowding, you might want to consider cities like Pamplona, Murcia, and Salamanca, which offer a complete university experience, rich cultural life, and a lower cost of living. These cities are known for being student-friendly, with plenty of activities, and welcoming communities - making them excellent options for American students looking for a balance between quality education and everyday comfort.

💸 Tuition fees in Spain for US students 

One of the biggest reasons American students choose to study in Spain is the affordable tuition fees and cost of living, especially compared to the prices back home in the U.S.

At public universities in Spain, Bachelor’s programmes typically cost between $900 and $2,000 per year, depending on the region and the number of credits you take. For grad school in Spain, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $4,000 per year. That’s a huge difference compared to the average U.S. tuition fees, which can easily exceed $40,000 to $50,000 per year without even counting room and board.

Private universities in Spain have higher rates, with tuition often ranging from $6,000 to $20,000 per year, however they offer more English-taught programmes and personalized support. Some schools also offer scholarships or discounts specifically for international students, including Americans.

👍 Reasons to study where other Americans are studying

Choosing a university in Spain that already has a strong community of American students can make your transition easier and more fun. You’ll likely find support services tailored to international students, familiar faces in your classes, and even student organizations or clubs designed for U.S. or English-speaking students.

• Familiarity: It can be comforting to know others are going through the same experience - especially when adjusting to a new culture, language, or academic system.
• Network: Being part of a larger group of Americans also means you’ll have a built-in social network from day one. Whether it’s group trips, language exchange meetups, or just finding someone to talk homesickness with, having that shared background can help you settle in faster.
• Quality reassurance: Degrees from accredited Spanish universities are internationally recognized. That means your qualification will be valid not just back home in the U.S., but also across Europe and many other parts of the world. Seeing other students take the same path as you can be a great confidence boost. It’s a sign that Spanish universities are trusted and valued by international students who want a solid education and global career opportunities.

🤔 How to study abroad in Spain from the US 

Applying to a university in Spain as an American student might feel overwhelming at first, but the process is totally manageable once you know the steps. The exact requirements can vary depending on the university and whether you’re applying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, but here’s a general overview to get you started.

• Bachelor’s degree: You’ll usually need to have completed high school and submit your academic records - often with a GPA requirement. Most universities will ask for a credential evaluation which helps Spanish institutions assess your U.S. high school diploma. You may also need to prove your Spanish or English language skills, depending on the programme’s language of instruction.
• Master’s degree: If you're applying for a Master's, you'll typically need to show proof of your Bachelor's degree, a transcript, your CV/resume, and sometimes a motivation letter or reference letters. Each university has its own application portal or system, so it’s important to check the specific admissions requirements and deadlines on their website. 

And don’t forget about your student visa, you’ll need to apply once you’ve been accepted and have proof of enrollment! 

 

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