There are several advantages of studying in Spain if you are from Latin-America. Apart from the obvious language advantage there are plenty of additional reasons why Spain is a great student destination.

Spain is one of the most popular study destinations among European countries to pursue a degree for international students. It’s the ideal destination for all international students who value century-old educational expertise, a beautiful climate, and golden beaches. Given the many advantages for South Americans, thousands of students from Latin America chose to study in Spain every year. 

Not only will students from Latin America feel right at home given the proximity with the culture goes beyond having a common language which is without doubt a valuable integration element not only during the University stage but also in order to find employment opportunities. 

We’ve put together a student guide for studying in Spain including things to consider such as educational programs, different student cities, cost of living and student accommodation options. 

Do I Need A Student Visa for Studying i Spain?

A Spain Student Visa allows you to study or train, take part in a student exchange, or to work as an unpaid intern for more than three months in Spain. EU and Swiss citizens are free to go to Spain to study without a visa. There are different types of Spanish Student Visas which are valid for different lengths of time. Students need to apply at a Spanish embassy or consulate and provide a range of paperwork. It is necessary to be accepted onto a course before applying. Those coming from Latin America which do not qualify for visa-free entry need to apply for a Schengen Student Visa. To study in Spain, applications need to be made at a Spanish embassy or consulate in the home country of the student.

Is Spain a good place to study?

Want to study in Spain? Study in Spain for international students will not only provide first-class education, students also have the opportunity to secure employment after graduating.

Spain has around 80 universities, among which the vast majority are public universities funded by the state, which means there are tuition-free universities in Spain for international students, and the others are private universities. Some of the best universities in Spain are largely located in Madrid and Barcelona, but other areas have their share of universities as well. Many Spanish universities are ranked among the top worldwide universities, which means their academic expertise is recognised and valued around the globe. Spain is also home to the Universidad de Salamanca, which is one of the oldest universities in the world.

What is the cost of Living In Spain

Living is Spain is much more affordable than in most European countries. If this were not enough, the climate is milder than in cold and humid countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany or even France. This way you will not have problems to adapt to Spanish winters especially if you choose Valencia or Barcelona as destination.

Since Spain is a relatively affordable country international students shouldn’t feel financially pressured. You’ll need between 900 – 1,100 EUR to live in Spain. Costs are higher if you choose Madrid or Barcelona, which are the most expensive Spanish cities. In cities like Valencia, Seville or Cadiz, you can enjoy cheaper costs of living, around 700 – 900 EUR/month on average.

For your monthly groceries, you would normally spend between 200 and 400 EUR. Some of the cheapest supermarkets in Spain are Lidl and Mercadona.

A 3 course lunch (menu del dia)  in an inexpensive restaurant costs around 8-10 EUR

Affordable student cities in Spain 

There are several affordable cities in Spain offering outstanding university courses and a lower cost of living compared to the main cities such as Madrid and Barcelona.

If you consider the South of Spain, or Andalucia as the region is called, there are a few cities to choose from such as Seville, Granada, and, of course, Cordoba Spain (not to be confused with the city in Argentina having the same name).

Over 600 foreign students a year choose Cordoba as their study destination making it a popular Spanish city for international students. The Roman city is located 1.5 hours drive north of Seville. The city is full of history and goes back all the way to Roman times. If you are an avid Game of Thrones fan you might have caught a glimpse of the ancient city from watching the TV series. Not only is it a beautiful and historical city with several famous sights. It’s a city with a well-regarded university, affordable student accommodation, tasty local food, and lots of things going on. The city is also easy to get around and well connected to other parts of the country. Although being a relative ‘new’ university it’s regarded as one of the most important universities in Spain and one of the best-equipped ones in Europe. At the Rabanales Campus, you’ll find the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (which is the most prestigious in Spain), as well as the Agronomy School. The two faculties together make up the university’s scientific departments.

Seville (or Sevilla in Spanish) is the capital of the Spanish region and province of Andalusia. It has a population of around 700,000, making it the fourth largest city in Spain and a city packed with history, heritage, culture. Seville is home to three public universities; University of Seville, University Pablo de Olavide and International University of Andalusia. And the good news for students is that the tuition fees in Spain are among the lowest in Europe. The tuition fees for Bachelor programmes range from 750 EUR to 2,500 EUR per year, and tuition fees for Master programmes are around 1,000 to 3,500 EUR per year – making Spain a cheap destination for international students.

Granada is a beautiful city featuring a mix of architectural styles, breathtaking scenery, and fascinating history. Although the city is relatively small, it has plenty to offer in terms of sightseeing, culture, and warm weather and attracts thousands of students from around the world.

International students in Granada are never bored since there is always something interesting to see and do, from local celebrations to museums and cultural events.

International students have plenty of opportunities to grow and advance and can choose from a variety of Erasmus study programs Granada. The University of Granada provides programs in Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences and Law, Sciences and Health Sciences, as well as Technology, Engineering, and Architecture. The university also offers study + internship programs that international students can choose from at a convenient cost. The university hosts students from all over Spain and the world and organises plenty of social and cultural activities to foster interaction between international and Spanish students.

Prospective students can find over 70 undergraduate degree programs, including 12 double degrees and 12 international dual degrees in Granada. For those interested in postgraduate studies, the University of Granada offers more than 100 master’s degrees, including 5 bilingual programs and 3 programs entirely in English. You can find approximately 28 Ph.D. programs at this university, as well as numerous language courses, summer schools, and online courses.

Student Accommodation in Spain

The student housing in Cordoba, Granada and Seville are more affordable compared to cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. Whether you are looking for a student room studio or apartments, the number one thing to consider is which area of the city you would like to live in.

Regardless of which city or neighbourhood you would like to live in, at studentroomrentals.com we can help with student accommodation Spain. We have a large selection of student rooms, shared apartments, and private studios. Browse through our accommodation options and learn more about how easy, hassle-free and safe it is to book with us.

Or contact our friendly customer support team and let them help you to start the process of finding your perfect student accommodation today.