Best Public Universities in Spain for International Students: Full List!

Spain has quickly become one of the top European destinations for international students—thanks to its affordable public universities, globally ranked programs, Mediterranean lifestyle, and English-taught degrees.

Whether you're planning to study Business, Engineering, Psychology, Arts, or Data Science, Spain’s public universities provide high academic quality at a fraction of the cost compared to other European countries.

This guide gives you a complete, EEAT-optimized overview of the best public universities in Spain, along with tuition fees, top programs, scholarships, and the admission process—especially useful for Indian students planning 2025–2026 intakes.

What Are Public Universities in Spain?

Public universities in Spain are government-funded institutions known for:

• World-class education

• Affordable tuition fees

• Strong research output

• High international rankings

• Multicultural campus environments

Most public universities offer programs in Spanish, and an increasing number now offer English-taught Bachelor's and Master’s degrees—making them a popular choice for global students.

Top 5 Public Universities in Spain for International Students (2026)

These universities consistently rank high globally and offer excellent programs for Bachelor’s and Master’s students.

Why these universities stand out:

• Strong research and innovation culture

• English-taught Master’s programs

• Beautiful campuses in Madrid & Barcelona

• Affordable compared to UK & USA

Top 3 Public Universities in Spain for M.A. Programs

If you come from Humanities, Arts, or Social Sciences, these MA universities are excellent options:

These programs are highly respected, especially in academic and research circles.

Top 4 Public Universities in Spain for M.S. Programs

Spain’s STEM and engineering programs are globally competitive:

Best for STEM Students:

UPC and UPV are especially known for:

• Engineering excellence

• High employability

• Industry partnerships

Specialisations Offered at Public Universities in Spain

Spain offers a wide range of programs at both UG and PG levels:

Popular Specialisations

• Business Administration

• Data Science & AI

• Computer Science

• Mechanical, Civil & Aerospace Engineering

• Psychology

• International Relations

• Medicine & Nursing

• Linguistics

• Art, Literature & History

• Biotechnology

Both English and Spanish options are available depending on the university and level.

Application Process for Public Universities in Spain

A clean, simple step-by-step guide:

1. Shortlist Programs & Universities

Choose based on:

• Language of instruction

• Tuition fees

• City living costs

• Campus reputation

2. Prepare Required Documents

Most universities require:

• Academic transcripts

• Passport

• IELTS/PTE/TOEFL (if English-taught)

• DELE/SIELE (if Spanish-taught)

• Letter of Motivation

• Recommendation Letters (PG)

3. Apply Online

Submit the application through the university portal.

4. Receive Admission Decision

If accepted, you’ll get an official acceptance letter.

5. Apply for Spain Student Visa

Submit:

• Admission letter

• Financial proof

• Health insurance

• Accommodation proof

6. Fly to Spain & Begin Your Program

Attend orientation and complete enrollment.

Top Scholarships for Indian Students Applying to Public Universities in Spain

1. Erasmus+ Scholarships

• Fully funded

• Available for joint Master’s programs

2. Spanish Government Scholarships (MAEC-AECID)

• Covers tuition + monthly stipend

3. University-specific Scholarships

Offered by:

• University of Barcelona

• UAM

• Pompeu Fabra University

4. Fundación Carolina Scholarships

• Popular among Indian master’s students

• Provides full/partial funding

These scholarships significantly reduce tuition and living expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. How much is the cost of living for international students in Spain?

International students typically spend INR 64.8K–1.1L/month (EUR 700–1,200) depending on the city.
Barcelona & Madrid cost more; Valencia & Granada are cheaper.

Q. Are scholarships available for international students?

Yes! Spanish government & university-level scholarships are available for:

• Merit

• Financial need

• Master’s programs

Q. What is the admissions process?

Submit:

• Online application

• Academic transcripts

• English/Spanish test scores

• SOP & LORs (for PG)

Each university has its own deadlines.

Q. What are the popular programs in Spain?

Top programs include:

• Business

• Engineering

• Computer Science

• Arts & Humanities

• Social Sciences

• Medicine

Q. How do universities support international students?

They offer:

• Orientation sessions

• Language support

• Accommodation help

• Visa guidance

• Student mentorship

Q. Which are the cheapest public universities in Spain?

• University of Granada

• University of Valencia

• University of Salamanca

Q. Which are the best public universities in Barcelona?

• University of Barcelona

• Pompeu Fabra University

• Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC)

Q. Which are the top public universities in Madrid?

• Complutense University of Madrid

• Universidad Autónoma de Madrid

• Technical University of Madrid

Q. Why choose public universities in Spain?

Because they offer:

• Low fees

• Globally recognized degrees

• Safe & vibrant environment

• English-taught programs

• High quality of life

Q. What are public universities in Spain?

They are government-funded institutions offering affordable, high-quality education to both local and international students.

Ready to Study in Spain?

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