Applying for a Master’s degree in Spain (2026)
Gran Vía + Metrópolis by Álvaro Ibáñez, CC BY 2.0, modified
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| 67 | universities offer Masters in Spain in English |
| 551 | Masters are available |
Spain has become one of the most popular destinations in Europe for Master’s degrees, attracting students from around the world with its combination of high-quality education, international outlook, and vibrant lifestyle.
Applying to a Master’s in Spain is generally a straightforward process, but it can vary depending on the university and programme. Understanding the application process, deadlines, and requirements early on is essential to securing your place, especially as some programmes have limited spots and rolling admissions.
The official Study.eu database lists more than 500 Masters in Spain that are completely taught in English. Find yours today!
Study.eu is the right place to start your search for a Master’s degree abroad.
Before applying for your Master’s degree, it’s important to understand how tuition fees work, since they can vary a lot depending on the university and your nationality.
Public universities are generally affordable, with fees often ranging from €1,000 to €3,500 per year for EU students. Some universities do charge higher non-EU rates, but the difference depends heavily on region and institution, and not every public university applies the same multiplier.
Private universities and Business Schools, on the other hand, can charge anywhere from €5,000 to €20,000+ per year, especially for business or specialised programmes.
One thing to keep in mind is that tuition fees in Spain are usually calculated per credit (ECTS) rather than as a fixed yearly amount, so the total cost depends on the length and structure of your programme. You’ll also often see prices listed per academic year on university websites, which makes it easier to estimate your total costs.
Overall, Spain is still considered an affordable destination in Western Europe, but it’s always worth checking each university carefully, as prices can differ quite a bit between regions and programmes.
Study.eu Tip: Make sure your budget has some flexibility, as failing courses and retaking exams in Spain can come with additional fees; sometimes even double or triple the original cost!
Once you’ve chosen your Master in Spain, it’s time to get your documents ready. The good news is that the requirements are very similar to other European countries.
Commonly requested documents include:
For certain Master’s (especially in creative fields such as architecture, design, fine arts, or media) a portfolio is an essential part of the application, as universities use it to assess your practical skills, creativity, and potential.
You will also need certified copies or official translations of your documents, especially if they are not in Spanish. To avoid delays, prepare your documents in advance and keep digital copies ready.
And make sure to join university webinars. They’re a great way to get first-hand information about the application process and all the required documents. Many sessions also include Q&As, so you can clarify requirements directly with admissions teams and avoid missing anything important.
Spain does not have a centralised application system for Master’s degrees, so each university manages applications through its own online admissions portal. As a result, deadlines and intakes can vary, making it important to check the specific dates for each programme.
As a general rule, applications for the September intake usually open in January and close between April and July. However, there are exceptions and some institutions, such as UCAM, offer rolling admissions, meaning you can apply until the programme is full.
Missing a deadline usually means waiting for the next academic year, although some private universities and several business schools in Spain (like EU Business School), offer multiple intakes throughout the year, giving more flexibility if you miss an initial deadline.
Most scholarships in Spain have specific eligibility criteria, often based on nationality, region, or programme. In addition, most funding opportunities are mainly published in Spanish (even if they’re available for students studying in English), which can make them harder to find for international students.
Some well-known options include government-funded programmes such as MAEC-AECID, which can cover tuition, living costs, and travel for students from certain regions (mainly Latin America and Africa). There are also broader initiatives like “Becas España”, although availability and conditions vary.
In addition, many universities offer their own scholarships, often based on academic merit. These can be a great option, but they are usually quite competitive.
You’ll also find funding from private foundations like La Caixa, which offers generous full scholarships for selected Master’s programmes. Lastly, if you feel that you cannot afford a full degree in Spain, consider Erasmus+ as provides support for international students through monthly grants and travel funding.
When it comes to student housing, most students choose between shared flats and university dorms (residencias) and each option has its pros and cons.
University dorms are usually the easiest option to arrange, especially if you’re moving from abroad. They tend to be more expensive, but they offer convenience, services (like cleaning or meals), and a built-in social life, since you’ll be living with other students.
Shared flats are generally cheaper and give you more independence, which is why they’re a popular choice. However, finding a room can be very challenging, especially in big cities where the housing market is extremely competitive. It’s also important to be careful of scams! Avoid sending money before seeing a place or signing a proper contract.
Overall, if you want a smoother and more social start, a dorm can be a great option, while shared flats are better if you’re looking to save money and don’t mind putting in a bit more effort during your search.
As always, EU/EEA/Swiss students do not need a visa to study in Spain but must register as residents within their first 90 days at the local Foreigners’ Office (Oficina de Extranjería) or police station.
Non-EU/EEA students planning to study in Spain for more than 90 days must apply for a Type D student visa (long-stay visa). This must be obtained before arrival, through the Spanish consulate in your home country.
Main requirements:
Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish. Visa fees typically range between €60 and €160, depending on nationality.
Once in Spain, students on a visa must apply for a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) within 30 days of arrival. This is your official residence card for the duration of your studies.
Once your place at a Spanish university is confirmed, it’s time to start thinking about your move. Planning your trip early will make the transition much smoother and help you settle in without stress.
Start by booking your flight into one of Spain’s main international airports, usually in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia. From there, you can easily continue your journey by train or bus to your final destination.
Arriving a bit earlier than your degree start date gives you time to get familiar with your new city, sort out practical things like a local SIM card and bank account, and preparing what documents you need for enrolment and residence registration.
Master’s degrees in Spain typically last 1 to 2 years, equivalent to 60-120 ECTS credits.
Tuition fees for Master’s at universities in Spain range from €1,000 to €6,000 per year for EU students and €3,000 to €12,000 for non-EU students, varying by region and institution.
Ready to study in Spain?
