Applying for a Bachelor’s degree in Spain (2026)
Gran Vía + Metrópolis by Álvaro Ibáñez, CC BY 2.0, modified
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| 34 | universities offer Bachelors in Spain in English |
| 216 | Bachelors are available |
Looking for a Bachelor in Spain is an exciting option, but it does come with a few things you should know from the start.
While Spain does offer some English-taught Bachelor’s programmes, these are still relatively limited at public universities. In contrast, private institutions are much more likely to offer fully English-taught degrees, especially in fields like business, international relations, and hospitality.
That said, studying in Spain is far from restrictive for international students. In fact, the country has one of the largest and most active international student communities in Europe. This is shaped by a mix of factors, from globally connected cities and international companies, to the huge presence of Erasmus students and the constant flow of tourists from all over the world. As a result, you’ll find yourself in a very multicultural environment both on and off campus.
The official Study.eu database lists more than 100 Bachelors in Spain that are completely taught in English. Find yours today!
Study.eu is the right place to start your search for a Bachelor’s degree abroad.
Before applying for a Bachelor’s degree in Spain, it’s important to get a clear idea of how tuition fees work, since they can vary quite a bit depending on the type of institution and your nationality.
At public universities, Bachelor’s programmes are generally quite affordable compared to many other European countries. For EU students, fees often range roughly between €800 and €3,000 per year. Non-EU students may pay more, but this really depends on the region and the specific university. Spain doesn’t have a single national pricing system, so costs can differ quite noticeably from one autonomous community to another.
Private universities, where you’ll also find most English-taught Bachelor’s degrees, tend to be significantly more expensive. Fees can start around €6,000 per year and go up to €20,000 or more.
Note that tuition fees in Spain are not fixed, but they are an estimate that assumes that you take the “normal” amount of courses (worth 60 ECTS credits points per year). So the final cost depends on how many credits and courses you take each year. Most universities publish the annual estimate for guidance to help you plan ahead.
Study.eu Tip: In Spain, retaking exams or repeating a failed course usually isn’t free, and in some cases the fee can be double or triple the original cost; so make sure to leave some room for unexpected costs.
Applying for a Bachelor’s degree in Spain works a bit differently depending on whether you’re aiming for a public or private university.
In the public system, applications are usually managed at the regional level rather than through a single national platform, which means each autonomous community has its own pre-registration process. Here are a few examples:
Private universities have their own independent application processes, so you usually apply directly through the university’s online platform. Because they manage admissions internally, their teams are often quite supportive and available to guide applicants through each step.
Finally, keep in mind that application or pre-enrolment fees for public universities are usually around €30 to €50, while private institutions can charge closer to €100 depending on the application process.
Getting your documents ready is one of the most important steps, and the exact requirements can vary depending on where you apply, your nationality, and the university.
Depending on the autonomous community may require slightly different combinations of documents or validation processes. However, the core academic requirements are broadly similar across regions and all applicants will need:
Most universities will also ask for a translated and officially recognised version of your qualifications (often via sworn translation and, in some cases, apostille/legalisation).
For EU students, the process is more straightforward as you may only need to provide your recognised secondary school qualifications (such as the Bachillerato equivalent).
For non-EU students, additional steps are often required. This may include having your qualifications officially validated (homologación) and in some cases submitting entrance exam results or equivalent credentials. If you are applying from outside Spain, you may also need to show the university the documents required for your student visa.
For private universities, you’ll usually also need to submit a motivation letter and, in some cases, take part in an interview as part of the admissions process.
As mentioned above, the application process will vary depending on the type of university you choose.
For public universities in Spain, meeting the application deadlines is absolutely crucial, as late submissions are generally not accepted. Each autonomous community sets its own schedule, but most Bachelor’s applications take place between spring and early summer, typically from March to July depending on the region.
Private universities work differently and are usually much more flexible. For example, at institutions like Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM), you can often apply on a rolling basis as long as places are available. Some international-focused schools, such as EU Business School, even offer multiple intakes throughout the year.
Scholarships in Spain can be a bit tricky to navigate at first.
Many of them have specific eligibility requirements (often linked to your nationality, region, or the programme you’re applying for). On top of that, a lot of opportunities are published mainly in Spanish, even if the degree itself is in English, which can make the search feel a bit more challenging.
That said, there are definitely options out there. Government-funded programmes like MAEC-AECID are among the best known and can cover things like tuition, living costs, and even travel (though they’re usually aimed at students from certain regions, especially Latin America and Africa). You might also come across broader initiatives like “Becas España”.
Many universities in Spain also offer their own scholarships, often based on academic performance. These are worth checking directly on your university’s website, but keep in mind they can be quite competitive.
Overall, it takes a bit of research (and sometimes patience), but combining different funding options can really help make studying in Spain more affordable.
When it comes to housing, most students in Spain end up choosing between shared flats and student residences (residencias). Both are popular, and each comes with its own trade-offs.
Student residences are usually the easiest option to sort out, especially if you’re coming from abroad. They’re typically more expensive, but you get a lot in return: cleaning, meals, and a ready-made social environment with other students. If you want something simple and hassle-free for your first months, this can be a great choice.
Shared flats, on the other hand, are often cheaper and give you more independence. That’s why a lot of students prefer them in the long run. The downside? Finding a room can be tricky, particularly in bigger cities where demand is high. You might need some patience, and it’s important to stay alert for scams. Never send money before viewing a place or signing a proper contract.
In the end, it really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want an easy, social start, a residence is a solid option. If you’re more focused on saving money and don’t mind a bit of searching, a shared flat could be the better fit.
If you’re coming to study in Spain, your visa situation depends on where you’re from.
Students from the EU/EEA or Switzerland don’t need a visa, but you’ll still need to register as a resident within your first 90 days at the local Foreigners’ Office (Oficina de Extranjería) or a police station.
If you’re a non-EU/EEA student and planning to stay longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a long-stay (Type D) student visa before you travel. This is done through the Spanish consulate in your home country and it can take a few weeks or even longer.
Here’s what you’ll typically need for your application:
Keep in mind that documents from abroad often need to be legalised or apostilled, and officially translated into Spanish if they’re in another language. Visa fees usually fall somewhere between €60 and €160, depending on your nationality.
Once you arrive in Spain, there’s one more important step: If you came on a visa, you’ll need to apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) within 30 days. This will be your official residence card while you’re studying in Spain.
Once you’ve secured your place at a university in Spain, it’s time to start planning your move.
First, book your flight into one of Spain’s main international airports, like Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia. From there, it’s usually pretty easy to continue your journey by train or bus.
If you can, try to arrive a few days before your course starts. It gives you time to explore your new city and take care of practical things like getting a local SIM card, opening a bank account, and settling into your accommodation.
It’s also worth using that time to get organised for admin tasks, such as registering your address, or sorting out your residence permit (TIE), if needed. Having both digital and printed copies of important documents (passport, admission letter, insurance, etc.) can really come in handy.
Bachelor's tuition fees at public universities in Spain range from €800 to €2,500 per year for EU/EEA students, while non-EU students often pay higher rates of €2,500 to €4,000 annually. At private universities, tuition fees can go up to €15,000 per year.
Bachelor's degrees in Spain typically last 4 years, consisting of 240 ECTS credits.
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