Top Universities in Spain for International Students

Spain is on many students bucket lists as the place to study abroad. That’s why there are so many universities in Spain for international students. And it’s not difficult to see why studying in Spain is so popular.

Spain is warm and sunny for much of the year. It’s got a fascinating history and interesting cultural activities. And it’s got amazing mountain ranges, vibrant cities, and stunning coastlines and it’s true that Spanish people make it so easy for international visitors to feel part of the community.

It is simply a fantastic place to study. And if you’re an international student looking for a great place to complete your university education in Spain, you have plenty to choose from.

But we also know that selecting which university to attend can get sometimes overwhelming. So, we thought we’d share our favourite universities in Spain for international students to help you choose,We know our list will help you feel confident that you’re picking a place that fits who you are.

But before we offer some of the best universities, we can offer you a repudiation of life in Spain.

Top Student Cities in Spain for International

Spain has earned its reputation as one of the best European countries for international students, over 224,000 international students thrive in its universities, including more than 53,000 in mobility programs.  

The country’s pristine beaches, sun-soaked cities, diverse regional identities, mouth-watering food, and centuries-old rich history make it a hotspot for international students and other expats.Plus, with Spain being quite large, you have a wide range of places to pick from. Whether you prefer the buzz of big cities, quiet smaller towns, or something in between, there’s a city for you to study in.  

Every part of Spain has its attractions, but we’ve researched and narrowed down the top 5 Spanish cities for international students in 2024. 

Let’s explore these exciting study destinations together!

The best cities in Spain for international students based on our Study in Spain score are: 

1- Madrid

2- Barcelona

3- Valencia

4- Seville

5- Valladolid   

The advantages of each city are outlined below:  

1- Madrid 

Madrid is the top choice for international students in Spain, thanks to it being much more affordable than other major European cities like Berlin, London, and Paris while still offering all the perks of a capital city. 

With a selection of 17 universities, including the popular Complutense University of Madrid, students are spoiled for choice.

The city enjoys plenty of sunshine, around 2,769 hours per year, making it the sunniest capital in Europe. This sunny weather is perfect for exploring outdoor spaces like Casa de Campo Park, Retiro Park, and the Royal Botanical Gardens.

If you’re a foodie, don’t miss Casa Botín, the world’s oldest restaurant serving traditional dishes since 1725. Art lovers can explore masterpieces at the Prado Museum, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, featuring works by famous artists like Velázquez, Francisco Goya, and Picasso. And for football enthusiasts, a visit to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a must!

2- Barcelona

Barcelona is the second-best pick for international students, and it’s no secret why! 

As the capital of Catalonia, it’s bursting with Catalan culture, from its language to traditions. You’ll find most fellow international students at the University of Barcelona—the city’s largest university and the best in Spain.

The city is famous for its stunning architecture, like Sagrada Família and Park Güell by Gaudí. Plus, being on the Mediterranean coast means you’re just a hop away from beautiful beaches like Barceloneta or Bogatell.

And let’s not forget the food scene – indulge in delicious tapas before experiencing the vibrant nightlife with clubs and live music. Football fans will also love Camp Nou, Europe’s biggest stadium, right here in Barcelona!

3- Valencia

Often overlooked in favor of the bigger cities, Valencia is a fantastic cultural hotspot and place to be for international students. Home to the historic University of Valencia, the city also ranks as the, considering factors like ease of settling in, working abroad, and essential services.

In 2022, Valencia was named the World Design Capital. Its innovative designs are best seen in iconic attractions like the City of Arts and Sciences. Valencia is also known as the birthplace of paella, the mouthwatering Spanish dish everyone loves.

The city comes alive each year with the UNESCO-recognized Las Fallas festival, known for its colorful parades, detailed “ninot” sculptures, fireworks, music, and traditional clothing.

4- Seville

Tucked in the heart of Andalusia, Seville is perfect if you love the buzz of cities like Barcelona and Madrid but don’t want to empty your wallet. It’s also a hub for students at the renowned University of Seville, known for its broad range of courses and a warm welcome for international students.

If you’re into colorful festivals and cultural experiences, don’t miss the Feria de Abril, where you can enjoy flamenco dancing, traditional music, and tasty local eats. Speaking of flamenco, Seville is a center for this passionate dance, especially during the Biennial of Flamenco Art. 

Seville is the warmest city in continental Europe, so you’ll have pleasant weather year-round, perfect for wandering through the UNESCO-listed Seville Cathedral, café hopping, or just soaking up the lively atmosphere.

5- Valladolid

Nestled in northwest Spain, Valladolid is the perfect spot for international students who want a slice of authentic Spanish life away from the usual tourist spots. 

As the vibrant capital of the Castile and León region, it’s packed with cultural events, from the prestigious Seminci International Film Festival to the lively International Street Theatre and Arts Festival.

History is just around the corner with places like the House of Cervantes, where the famed “Don Quixote” author lived, and the Christopher Columbus Museum, detailing the explorer’s life right where he passed away.

Places to Visit While Studying Abroad in Spain

There are countless places to visit while studying abroad in Spain and you can visit many of them depending on the duration of your stay. 

If you really want to experience the Spanish culture and traditions, make sure you travel as much as you can. Keep reading for more information in this regard. 

Here are the top places to visit in Spain as an international student:

1- Barcelona and Madrid 

Maybe not as budget-friendly as, let’s say, Zaragoza, Barcelona and Madrid are two Spanish cities loved and appreciated by international students and tourists alike. Often students do not know which one to choose first, whether it is when it comes to choosing a university or simply visiting. Both Barcelona and Madrid have more or less the same cost of living, which is largely more expensive than in other Spanish cities. However, they are both astounding when it comes to visit-worthy attractions, academic institutions, or social and nightlife. 

Dipped in rich history and an amazing culture, there is plenty to see and do in both these cities, whether you are looking for museums, art galleries, cinemas, or theaters. Do not forget to check for student discounts! While Spain’s capital Madrid, located almost in the centre of Spain, is known for its elegance, boulevards, and European art, Barcelona, located on the coast of northeastern Spain, is largely recognized for its expansive and outstanding architecture, especially the famous landmark known as Sagrada Família church. 

2- San Sebastián

Among places to visit in Spain for international students is also San Sebastian. As one of the most visited cities in Spain, San Sebastian is rich in beaches and food culture. The culinary experience is one of a kind in Spain’s San Sebastian, from pintxos to cider houses, to txokos. The food is a must-try here, and many suggest that the right way to grab a bite in San Sebastian is if you order one or two pintxos and drink per bar, and proceed to the next one. Try them all! From international film to jazz and food festivals, everything seems perfect to an international visitor. If you are wise with your finances, your visit might even be considered budget-friendly.

3- Valencia

Valencia, the third largest city in Spain, has so much to offer in terms of art, culture, beaches, nightlife, and festivals. As an international student looking for a destination in Spain where you could spend some quality time and feel fully immersed in the Spanish culture, Valencia would be a perfect choice. If you like the golden sand and sunshine as a way to relax and take a break from studying and exams, explore the Valencian coastline because it will not disappoint. The Old Town makes you feel at home and comfortable, and the street art and coffee shops will definitely compel you to come back some time in the future. Cobblestone streets, tiny churches, even tourist attractions (if you like following the curious crowd), and just plenty of unexplored sights. The locals are more than willing to offer directions. Make sure you do not leave without trying the famous paella dish – authentic to Valencia.

4- Ayamonte, Costa de la Luz

If you are interested in visiting a place that has not been touched by crowds of tourists, you should visit Costa de la Luz. Ayamonte has a typical Mediterranean climate, which ensures mild and sunny weather year round. This is among places you could visit if you want a nice and calm holiday, where the leisure activities are also plentiful. You could engage in water sports, sailing, and even biking and walking to enjoy the view. While in Ayamonte, make sure to visit the historic old town and take a walk through the centre. Located next to the town’s castle is the Church of the Divine Saviour (Iglesia del Salvador) built in mudéjar style, which is a compelling form of architecture.

5- Marbella, Costa del Sol

Surrounded by the warm Mediterranean and the Sierra Blanca, Marabella enjoys protection from harsh meteorological conditions. With approximately 320 days of sunshine, mild winters, and warm summers, this city in the Andalucian coast offers its visitors a wonderful and relaxing experience. With approximately 30km of beaches to choose from here, this city is an ideal place to enjoy leisure time. You will be able to find wonderful options of food, considering that the gastronomy is top-notch, and the Old Town with its cobblestone streets will make you feel like you are back in time. Whether you want to rent banana boats, kayaks, pedal boats, or jet-skis, you will find everything in Marbella.

Expenses and Living Costs

Living abroad is a bit challenging, and the very first challenge you will face is defining your budget and where you will spend it. Although Spain is a budget-friendly country for international students, you should not feel any financial pressure. Generally, for everyday and satisfying student life in Spain, you will need around 900€ if you choose to live in a modest city. On the other hand, if you desire to study in big cities of Spain such as Madrid or Barcelona, you should add a little extra to the mentioned budget.

Accommodation will consume most of your budget, as apparent as it is. The best solution to living a comfortable student life is to choose one suitable housing option for your living standard. For instance, student residence halls are the most inexpensive housing alternative. Its prices range from 360€ to 600€. In spite of this, you can always rent an apartment, which of course, is comfier and more aesthetically pleasing, but also tends to be more expensive.

Language and Communication

Though many international students will have to adapt to a new language and a new culture, which in this case is Spanish, that doesn’t necessarily imply that it will be difficult to embrace it. There are many tips for overcoming language barriers for international students. During your studies, you must fight against your insecurities of not knowing the Spanish language. Whenever you’re unsure about how to phrase anything, just say it. It’s okay if you need to restate your sentence a few times before someone fully gets you. Always keep in mind that practice makes perfect.

The positive aspect of learning a new language when you’ve moved to a country abroad is that it will improve your cognitive function. More importantly, your problem-solving skills, verbal and spatial abilities, as well as your memory function will drastically improve through learning the Spanish language. So struggling to express yourself if you still don’t have full command of the Spanish language is an indication that your left brain hemisphere, which is responsible for speech and abstract thinking, is facing a progression.

Exploring and Traveling Around

You will grow and learn a lot as you explore Spain’s landmarks. One of the best ways to meet new people and make friends is through trips and social gatherings. You can start your exploration with the famous city of Córdoba and Medieval Castle Almodovar. This visit will take you to Medival times and have you contemplate one of the most significant centers of art and philosophy.  When it comes to the beautiful Castle Almodovar, the Arabic fortress near Cordoba, which was built in the year 760 AD, you will enjoy all the architectural details surrounding the castle.

Valencia is a wonderful city in Spain that serves international students with some of the best views as it is located on Spain’s east coast. Without the crowds seen in other major Spanish towns, the 2,000-year-old city offers broad, sandy beaches, beautiful architecture, a vibrant culinary scene, and a rich cultural heritage. Although it is the third-largest city in Spain, the principal sights, such as the cathedral, Mercado Central, and the Unesco-listed Lonja de la Seda, are all within walking distance of one other in the town center. Albeit, Spain offers many other cities and regions to enjoy your time and appreciate life as you are spending your study years in this country.

Spanish Culture and Customs

The people in Spain are very friendly and welcoming, not only to each other but also internationals. Spanish families are warm and lively; gatherings are also quite fun – you will see people talking to one another (sometimes even loudly). Extended family members visit each other during the weekends, and you will often find older people playing checkers on the sidewalks. People in the village typically live in houses, while city life is more about flats. Teenagers usually attend sporting events, go to the movies, hang out in the city square, or simply hang out with friends in cafes during their free time. It is rather simple to feel at home in Spain precisely because people are welcoming, friendly, and warm.

Spain is known worldwide, for its artists, across several fields of art , painting, music, writing, etc. Diego Velazquez, Francisco Goya, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dali are only some of the names that have made the rounds in the world as inspiring artists. Spanish author, Miguel de Cervantes, wrote the famous classic Don Quixote around 400 years ago. Meanwhile, the famous Flamenco music and dance have their own special flair. Flamenco is a living art that has gained the attention of the world due to its uniqueness. It is characterised by hand-clapping, foot-stomping, and encouraging shouts which are just a few of the things that make it special.

The Best Spain Universities 

Spain is clearly the best destination for science and entertainment at the same time and MASA EDUCATION works with you to reach the best experience from the first moment to the moment of graduation and offers you the best universities of Spain to achieve your goals:

1- Universitat Politècnica de València

The Polytechnic University of Valencia specializes in the field of science and technology. It offers degree programs across different schools, including architecture, engineering (civil, design, industrial, telecommunications, etc.), business administration, and fine arts. The University of Valencia ranks among the top Spanish technological universities. It has study groups in three different languages, including Spanish, English, and Valencian, with more than 400 subjects being offered in English. The cutting-edge computer equipment is a great asset to the university of Valencia.

2- Universidad Europea 

The European University has campuses in two cities in Spain, both Madrid and Valencia. Each of these cities offers a bachelor’s in dentistry. The majority of enrollments at the European University in Valencia are international students. Moreover, the EUV has partnerships with over 3,000 institutions all over the world. When it comes to employment opportunities after graduation, the European University is known for its high percentage of graduates finding jobs in less than a year.

3- IESE Business School

IESE Business School is where students receive the personal and professional transformation crucial for success. After completing any other business programs at IESE, students will be able to overcome the challenges of the national as well as the global business world. At this institution, students learn to see companies and businesses from a general management perspective and boost their leadership skills alongside their confidence levels. IESE believes that to be a successful leader, you must have decision-making abilities, and this is exactly what you will learn at any of IESE’s degree programs. 

Benefits of studying at IESE Business School:

* Training by experts. 

* Cutting-edge technology.

* International student community. 

* High employability after graduation.

* Expand your networking skills.