How to Study Abroad in Spain
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There’s more to studying abroad than choosing a business school. If you choose to live abroad for a year or two, you will also spend plenty of time outside of class.
Spain is an ideal destination for just this as you can balance a relaxed lifestyle with an intensive business program. Not only are lively cities like Madrid and Barcelona home to some of Europe’s best business schools, but you can also spend time soaking up the incredible food, culture, and history.
If you’re wondering how to study abroad in Spain, this guide is for you. We’ll cover:
- The best business schools in Spain
- How to get a student visa
- How much it costs to study in Spain
- Scholarships for international students in Spain
Why Study Abroad in Spain?
There’s a reason that more than 85 million people visit Spain every year (the second-most visited country in Europe). The country is world-renowned for its gastronomy, weather, and vibrant culture, and there are plenty of ways to fill your free time during your study abroad experience.
Many international students in Spain come to learn or study the language, which is one of the most spoken in the world. Learning Spanish connects you with 600 million speakers worldwide, in Europe, Latin America, and the US.
However, Spain is also an attractive study abroad destination thanks to its low cost of living and quality of life. In Barcelona, for example, you can take a break from studying to relax on the beach, while in Madrid, there are plenty of famous cultural sights to take in, including the Museo Nacional del Prado and the Royal Palace and Gardens.
Is Spain Good for Business Students?
It’s not just the sunny lifestyle and incredible cultural sights that draw people to Spain. It’s also an ideal place in Europe to study business, especially if you’re looking to attend a top-ranked business school.
One of the best places to study in Spain is Madrid, where many of Spain's best business schools are located. IESE Business School, for example, ranks third globally for its MBA program and 16th for its Master's in Management program, according to the Financial Times 2025 rankings for the programs. Meanwhile, ESADE Business School has a campus in Madrid, and is ranked third for its MBA and 16th for its Master’s in Management program. IE Buisness School is also ranked in the top 30 for both programs.
Spain’s capital is an ideal place to start your management career after business school. It’s the major financial center of Spain and also has large IT, energy, and life sciences industries.
Barcelona is an equally exciting business school destination, home to the previously mentioned ESADE and IESE Business School, both of which are among the top-ranked in the world. The city also boasts a growing startup ecosystem, ranking seventh in the world in the Emerging Ecosystems Ranking 2025, which should appeal to students interested in pursuing entrepreneurship.
What do I Need to Study Abroad in Spain?
As in other European countries, to study abroad in Spain at the postgraduate level, you’ll apply directly through your chosen business school or university.
However, EU students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business will need to apply through the Spanish National University for Distance Education (SNUDE), a standardized application form used by all Spanish universities. If you’re not from the EU, you’ll have to begin your undergraduate application with the Spanish Embassy in your country.
For postgraduate applications, your business school or university will likely ask for specific documents, including:
- University diploma
- Academic transcript
- Professional recommendations (typically two)
- CV
- Copy of your passport
For most master’s and MBA programs at a business school, you’ll also have to submit a GMAT score with your application. The GMAT can be taken online or at a global testing center.
If you’re a non-native English speaker, universities will likely ask for proof that you have sufficient English language skills. The most commonly accepted English language exams are the TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge certificates.
How Do I Get a Student Visa for Spain?
After you’ve been accepted to a Spanish university or business school, you can apply for your Spanish student visa (EU citizens are exempt from the visa requirement). Most likely, you’ll be applying for the Long-Term Student Visa, which allows you to stay in the country to study for longer than six months.
To apply for a Spanish student visa, you’ll need:
- A photograph
- A valid passport (minimum validity of one year)
- Letter of acceptance
- Criminal record check certificate
- Medical certificate
- Confirmation of health insurance
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
The application for a Spanish student visa typically costs €60; however, the cost may be higher depending on your country of origin. You should apply at least two months before your course starts, but ideally much earlier.
Is Spain Affordable for International Students?
If you’re wondering how to study abroad in Spain on a budget, then there’s no reason to be worried. The country is one of the most affordable in Europe, and you can spend just €1,000 (approximately US$1,170) per month on all living expenses.
Naturally, your outgoings will be higher in a city than in a town. For example, Barcelona is known as the most expensive city in Spain, where private apartment rentals can cost between €800 and €1,500 per month. Living in Madrid can be equally unaffordable—it’s the second-most expensive city in the country.
However, many of Spain’s best business schools are located in these cities, so you may have to weigh up the choice of spending less or attending a top-ranked business school.
Renting a room in a student residence hall can help keep costs down, as can buying food rather than eating out. International students are also required to purchase health insurance during their stay, which typically costs between €40 and €80 per month.
Here are some typical monthly costs for a student in Spain:
- Rent: €450–€1,000
- Groceries: €150–€300
- Transport: €40–€80
- Restaurant meal: €10–€20
- Gym membership: €40
Data gathered from numbeo.com, universityliving.com
What are the Tuition Fees for International Students in Spain?
Spain offers significantly more affordable tuition fees for business studies compared to other countries in Western Europe.
For example, a bachelor’s or master’s degree can cost between €10,000 and €35,000 (US$12,000–US$41,000) per year. Fees for specialized business master’s are usually a little more than this—the Master in Management program at IESE Business School costs €52,000 (US$61,000).
An MBA in Spain can cost upwards of €70,000 (approximately US$82,000) per year, which is lower than the cost for comparable courses in the UK or the US.
Who Can Apply For Scholarships in Spain?
Most business schools and universities in Spain offer scholarships to international students. However, these will usually come with stipulations, for example, that you hold a particular nationality or are enrolled in a specific program. Additionally, they may not always be full-paid scholarships, so make sure you review the details carefully.
Other European organizations (including Santander) offer scholarships for international students to study in Spain. These may be worth checking if you fail to receive a scholarship from your university or business school.
A Spanish student visa also allows you to work part-time during your studies for a maximum of 30 hours per week. However, visa rules state that this cannot be your sole source of income, which makes sense, given that 30 hours is only a part-time contract.
Alternatively, some companies, such as Prodigy Finance, offer loans to international students without a co-signer. However, you should carefully review the requirements and details for these loans.
TL;DR: How to Study Abroad in Spain
- Spain is an attractive study destination due to its relaxed lifestyle, vibrant culture, and top-ranked business schools, many of which are located in cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Learning Spanish also connects you with 600 million speakers globally.
- For postgraduate studies, you'll apply directly to your chosen school, while non-EU undergraduate students must start their application through the Spanish Embassy in their home country. Required documents often include a university diploma, academic transcripts, a CV, and a copy of your passport.
- Non-EU citizens must apply for a Long-Term Student Visa, which allows for stays longer than six months. To apply, you’ll need a valid passport, proof of funds, and confirmation of health insurance.
- Spain is one of the most affordable countries in Europe for living costs, with an average monthly expense of just US$1,170. Tuition fees for a Master's in Management program can reach US$61,000, while MBA programs often have fees that are lower than those of comparable programs in the UK, US, or France.
Interested in studying in Spain? Connect with top business schools and learn about your study options at a GMAC Tour. Find out more
