Affordable and Culturally Enriching: Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Spain
Number of English-taught bachelor’s programs:
According to the Spanish Service for the Internationalisation of Education (SEPIE), Spain's higher education system comprises 87 universities, of which 50 are public and 37 are private. Among the 3,749 programs offered, 88 are taught entirely in English. For students with a B2 level of Spanish—such as those who completed at least three years of intensive Spanish courses in high school—there are even more options available. Many undergraduate programs are partially taught in English, requiring only a B2 level of Spanish for admission. Here is the Link to the SEPIE database on all university programs in Spain.
Use the interactive tool below to learn more about English-taught programs in Spain.
Admission Process:
The admission process for international students in Spain involves applying directly to the university, along with proof of secondary education qualifications, which may need to be validated through a process called homologación for non-EU students. Language proficiency is required, typically at a B2 level for Spanish-taught programs, demonstrated through tests like the DELE, or for English-taught programs, via IELTS or TOEFL. While Spain does have competitive programs with selective admissions, it is generally less formalized and rigid than the Numerus Clausus (NC) system. Admissions in Spain depend more on the specific university and program you’re applying to, rather than a nationwide, standardized system like in Germany. Some programs in Spain may have specific admission requirements based on academic performance, similar to how NC prioritizes higher grades in Germany for popular programs.
Tuition:
Although universities in Spain are not free of tuition, public universities are very affordable, with annual fees ranging from €500 to €2,000. Private universities, on the other hand, can be considerably more expensive, with fees typically ranging from €5,000 to €18,000 annually. Some private institutions, such as IE University, may charge tuition fees exceeding €20,000 to €30,000 per year, reflecting their higher costs rather than necessarily their academic standing. Additionally, Spain offers several financial aid options, such as the Becas Generales scholarship, which covers tuition and living expenses for eligible students. Regional governments also provide grants, further easing the financial burden for both Spanish and international students.
Subjects:
Spanish universities offer a wide range of programs. The top 10 subjects are:
According to data from SEPIE, nursing, business, law, physiotherapy, computer science, and education are among the most popular undergraduate programs in Spain. However, fields like nursing, law, and education can be more challenging to translate into U.S. qualifications. On the other hand, degrees in computer science and engineering tend to have fewer obstacles for students looking to pursue careers in the United States after graduation.
That said, pursuing a degree in nursing, law, or education in Spain offers distinct advantages. First, graduates have the option to stay in Spain or elsewhere in Europe and build a life abroad. Second, the return on investment is often better; tuition fees for these programs are generally much lower in Spain compared to the U.S. Finally, certain Spanish programs can help students stand out. For example, numerous physiotherapy degrees in Spain collaborate with prominent local football clubs in La Liga. Imagine gaining hands-on experience with elite athletes at FC Barcelona’s training academy—an impressive addition to your resume after just four years of undergraduate study.
My Personal Takes
I didn’t attend college in Spain myself, but I got a glimpse of the vibrant student life while traveling in Madrid and visiting university campuses. Students are deeply integrated into the local community. The little details—like interacting with landlords, living with roommates who might be studying or working elsewhere, cooking for yourself, or going out with classmates to a bar after 9 PM—create a unique experience that contrasts with studying at a liberal arts college in the United States. In Spain, one thing stands out: you're not confined to a dorm room in the middle of nowhere. If you're willing to step out of your comfort zone, adventure is just around the corner.
In addition, getting around in Spain without knowing Spanish can be difficult. Unlike in other European countries, such as Germany and the Netherlands, local residents typically do not speak fluent English. This creates a highly productive environment for international students who want to learn Spanish. For those interested in majoring in Spanish, earning a college degree in Spain—regardless of the subject— is worth considering. Given the immersive language experience and the affordability of studying in Spain, especially at public universities, I believe there is no better option.
During my interview with Ivonna, an international student coordinator at San Pablo University in Madrid—and a former international student from Serbia—I learned about her personal experience of studying in Spain. Here is a part of our conversation:
Jacob: What was it like studying in Spain?
Ivonna: I'm completely in love with Spain. I love the Spanish language. Since I was a kid, I wanted to study Spanish. Serbia is a small country, and if you don't know languages, you basically cannot move around. So I was sure about that, but once I heard Spanish, I was totally amazed. I knew that this was something that I wanted to study. For me, because I was so happy to study Spanish, it was easy. Also, coming from Serbian, which is quite difficult, made Spanish easier to learn.
Jacob: Do you see a lot of international students coming to Spain, especially from the U.S.?
Ivonna: Right now, I think the number is growing. Every year, there are more. For U.S. students, Spain is a great option, but I think the challenge is reaching them and making sure they have the right information about studying here. Once they do, they come, and the number keeps increasing.
Jacob: What about students from Latin America? Do you see many of them here?
Ivonna: Yes, absolutely. A lot of students from Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and the Dominican Republic come to Spain. For them, it's interesting because it's the same language, making it an easier transition. Besides Latin America, we also have many students from the U.S. and Europe, especially France.
Jacob: That’s great! I love studying with international students. It must be a very enriching experience.
Ivonna: Yes, it's so enriching. It gives you a new perspective. You meet people from different places, learn about their cultures, and it broadens your understanding of the world. It can only be good for you.
