Studying in Spain
Studying in Spain has been one of the best options for Iranian students in recent years due to the possibility of admission without a language certificate and affordable costs. The diverse scholarships, pleasant climate and warm people make it an attractive experience for Iranians. Most importantly, the job opportunities and the possibility of residency after graduation give you the opportunity to continue your professional path in a developed country.
Increasing the number of international students
Spain continues to be a popular destination for international students in 2025. In the 2022/2023 academic year, Spain hosted 241,777 international students , a significant increase over the previous year.
Increase in working wages for students
Under new rules, international students enrolled in universities and business schools will be able to work up to 30 hours a week . The policy change makes Spain more attractive to students looking to finance part of their education.
Why Spain? Advantages and Challenges
One of the main advantages of studying in Spain is the ability to apply and gain admission without having to take difficult and cumbersome entrance exams. Obtaining a student visa is relatively easier than in other Schengen countries and the reasonable cost of living and accommodation are other factors that have made Spain a popular place to study among applicants. Spanish universities offer low-cost or even free education to international students by providing the opportunity to receive various scholarships.
Challenges
Benefits
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Doctorate
Schools
Studying in Spanish schools
Bachelor's degree in Spain
Studying a Master's Degree in Spain
Studying a PhD in Spain
Cost of studying in Spain
Spain is one of the most beautiful and popular countries in Europe, with a large number of people deciding to immigrate to the country every year. One of the reasons why Spain is a suitable study destination is the low cost of studying there compared to other European countries. The cost of studying medicine in Spain is higher than other fields.
Most of the teaching hours for a PhD in Spain are spent in the first year, so the tuition fee for the first year is around €2,200-3,600 ($2,470-$4,050). From the second year onwards, tuition fees decrease significantly, reaching €200-600 ($225-$675) per year.
The cost of living and studying in Spain is on average 79.7% higher than in Iran. The cost of living in Spain for one month for one person, excluding rent, is about 753 euros.
You can live a comfortable student life in Spain on around €1,000 (€1,200) per month. Of course, it is possible to live a student life in Spain for less. Madrid and Barcelona are considered to be the most expensive cities in Spain.
Top Universities in Spain
To study in Spanish universities, let’s get acquainted with its top universities. Spain has a total of 79 universities, of which 57 are public universities and 22 are private universities. According to the 2026 QS World University Rankings , out of the 79 Spanish universities, 14 are among the top 500 universities in the world. Of the approximately 1.6 million students in Spain’s higher education sector, approximately 194,743 international students are enrolled in Spanish universities, of which 56,892 are international students.
Steps for studying in Spain
Free initial consultation
Method selection
Contract conclusion
Start the process
Reviewing options and choosing
Collecting and completing documents
Full flight and deployment
Requirements and documents required to study in Spain
The required documents and conditions for studying in Spain vary depending on your university, field of study and level of study. Fortunately, the educational conditions and requirements are listed on each university’s website. However, for your convenience, we provide the general documents required for admission to Spanish universities:
Your academic qualifications must be validated and recognized by the Spanish National Identification Information Center (NARIC) at the Spanish embassy or consulate.
GPA requirement for studying in Spain
To study in Spain, the GPA requirement varies depending on the level of study and the type of university (public or private).
To enter some courses at public universities, it is mandatory to take an entrance exam or complete a one-year pre-university course in Spain.
Age requirements for studying in Spain
To study in Spain, the GPA requirement varies depending on the level of study and the type of university (public or private).
The most important point regarding the age requirements for studying in Spain is having valid educational qualifications and appropriate academic conditions, and age alone will not be an obstacle to studying in Spain.
Cities suitable for studying in Spain
Madrid , Barcelona and Valencia are three popular cities in Spain among international students. Madrid, with its major European business centers, is home to Spain’s oldest university, the Complutense University of Madrid.
The University of Barcelona, Spain’s top university, is located in the student city of Barcelona, and Valencia is a smaller city with lower tuition and living costs. Universities in Valencia are very affordable. For example, the University of Valencia has an average tuition fee of €2,600 ($2,920) per year. Seville and Granada are also among the other popular student cities in Spain.
Student dormitories and residences in Spain
Students studying in Spain have a variety of accommodation options. They can live with Spanish host families, choose Spanish student residences on campus, or choose shared and non-shared apartments in the city.
Living with Spanish families has advantages such as faster familiarization with the Spanish language and culture and lower living costs. Because some families do not charge students rent in exchange for helping with household chores! On the other hand, Spanish universities also offer student dormitories in the form of apartments. The costs of renting and staying in dormitories vary depending on various conditions such as the chosen location and the facilities provided, but are affordable.
Another option for students is small apartments, or studios. Studio apartments are found all over Spain and are a great option, especially when first arriving in the country. These apartments are more expensive than university dormitories, starting at €390 ($438) per month.
Studio apartments cover all the amenities a student needs, from a living space to a bedroom, a kitchenette, on-site laundry, cable TV, and a telephone.
It is possible to rent a studio apartment in Spain for a minimum period of 30 days and a maximum of 12 months.
Student work in Spain
A Spanish student visa allows students to work part-time during their studies. The maximum working hours for a student in Spain cannot exceed 20 hours per week and the job the student is seeking must not interfere with their studies.
Conditions for residence in Spain through study
One of the most important questions for applicants to study in Spain is the conditions for working and residing in Spain through studies. The good news is that upon the end of the Spanish study permit, the Spanish government allows students to stay in the country and find work for 12 months. To receive this one-year opportunity, it is better to apply 60 days before the expiration of your student permit or 90 days after the end of your studies in Spain.
After completing your study stay in Spain and within 12 months, you are not allowed to work, and you can only apply for a Spanish work visa if you find a job offer from a Spanish employer .