Spain: A Comprehensive Education System Rooted in Tradition and Future-Readiness

An increasing number of degree programmes are being offered in English. (Representative image)

Photo : iStock

— Saurabh Arora

Spain has emerged as a vibrant and attractive study-abroad destination, offering international students a rich blend of culture, history, and academic excellence. The country is home to 59 universities featured in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, with the University of Barcelona ranking the highest. Spain’s universities hold strong international reputations, with notable institutions such as the Complutense University of Madrid and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.

An increasing number of degree programmes are being offered in English. For business students, Spain stands out with three of Europe’s top ten business schools-IESE Business School, IE Business School, and Esade Business School—renowned for producing top global executives. Moreover, Spain’s warm climate, friendly atmosphere, and scholarship opportunities make it both an academically rewarding and culturally enriching experience.

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Spain Student Enrolment Data for 2023-24

As a new entrant in the study abroad ecosystem, Spain’s student population is predominantly domestic, with local students accounting for nearly 96 per cent of the total enrollment. While Indian students represent only a small portion of the international student body, their presence highlights Spain’s growing appeal as a destination for higher education.

Additionally, India’s outbound student numbers are expected to rise steadily, with a projected increase of over 280 per cent by 2030.

Top Universities and Courses Attracting Indian Students

Spain is home to many prestigious and well-acclaimed universities. According to the QS World University Rankings 2019, 25 top universities were featured, highlighting Spain’s growing prominence in the study abroad ecosystem.

Some of the well-known Spanish universities are:

University of Barcelona

Complutense University of Madrid

Autonomous University of Madrid

University of Valencia

Pompeu Fabra University

These universities are popular providing education in medicine, architecture, and social sciences streams.

Cost of Living

If a student is planning to live and study in Spain, the cost of living may vary depending on the city and their spending habits.

According to University Living’s European Student Landscape: Beyond Beds and Benches report, the average cost of living in Madrid and Barcelona is approximately €1,265 and €1,165, respectively, with accommodation accounting for 43 per cent and 39 per cent of the total expenses. However, other Spanish cities are relatively more affordable, with the average cost of living ranging around €875.

To encourage more international students, the Spanish government provides merit-based scholarships to deserving students, especially Indians, such as the Erasmus+ Scholarship, Universidad de Alcalá International Scholarships, Pompeu Fabra University Scholarships, and MAEC-AECID Scholarship.

Accommodation

Spain offers a diverse range of student housing options, catering to various preferences and budgets. From on-campus accommodations and private rentals to Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and homestays, students can choose the ideal living situation to enhance their academic experience and social integration.

On-campus accommodation is affordable and conveniently located near academic facilities but often has limited availability. Prices typically range from €200 to €700 weekly.

Off-campus housing provides greater independence, though it usually comes with higher costs and a competitive rental market, especially in major cities. The cost varies between €400 and €1,300 weekly.

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) features modern amenities and security but tends to be more expensive and less readily available. Its cost ranges from €500 to €1,500 weekly.

Homestays offer cultural and language immersion experiences but provide less privacy and require students to adjust to living with a host family. The cost typically falls between €500 and €1,000 weekly.

Post-Study Opportunities: Students with a valid student visa are allowed to work up to 30 hours per week during their studies, but they must obtain a work permit from their employer. After completing their studies, Spain offers a one-year residency permit for graduates. Recently, there has been a growing demand for jobs in the healthcare and tourism sectors. Students who wish to stay beyond their visa’s validity can renew their student visa by applying for an extension before it expires.

Spain’s combination of affordable education, low living costs, and rich cultural experiences makes it a highly attractive destination for international students. As Spain continues to welcome a growing number of international students, its investment in student housing—particularly in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia—will help ensure that it remains a competitive and desirable study-abroad destination.

(The writer is Founder & CEO, University Living)

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