Cheapest Universities in Spain for International Students

If you’re an international student considering higher education in Spain and looking for Cheapest Universities in Spain for International Students, this article is designed to meet your needs.

The rich culture, lively lifestyle, and high-quality education system of Spain make it a popular place for foreign students looking for cheap schooling. Finding the cheapest universities in Spain for international students is important for people who are trying to save money. For those considering other destinations, Canada also offers several universities with cheap master’s degrees.

Higher education at these colleges is very high while also being affordable, which makes them popular choices for students from all over the world. 

When contemplating studying in Spain, international students need to understand the expenses involved, including living costs and tuition fees. Exploring affordable university options allows students to pursue their academic goals without sacrificing quality or facing financial strain.

Top 8 Cheapest Universities in Spain for International Students

1. University of Salamanca

The University of Salamanca holds the distinction of being Spain’s oldest university and one of the oldest in Europe. It was founded in 1218. There are 28,269 full-time students, so the society is very diverse. There are 5,088 foreign students at the school, which is 18% of all the students.

The university is right in the middle of Salamanca’s ancient old town, which makes it a great place to learn. It gets a lot of exchange and foreign students every year because of its modern facilities and long history of academic excellence. 

The University of Salamanca is still one of the most affordable in Spain, even though it has a great name. Salamanca has an average cost of living for students of €950, which makes it a good choice for both Spanish and foreign students who want to get a good education in a diverse setting. 

Key information:

• Founded in 1218, one of the oldest universities in Spain and Europe.
• Attracts a substantial international student body, with around 5,000 students in recent years.
• The average cost of living for students in Salamanca is €950 per month, covering rent, food, transportation, and leisure activities.
• Reputation: Highly regarded for academic excellence and research contributions, particularly in humanities, social sciences, and language studies.
• Location: Located in the historic city of Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a rich cultural and architectural heritage.

2. University of Navarra 

The University of Navarra is a well-known private, non-profit school that has been around since 1952 and is located in Pamplona. One of the best schools in Spain is the University of Navarra, even though the country doesn’t have many private schools. 

Even though it’s not very big, the University of Navarra has a great name around the world for its research. It also encourages partnerships with prestigious universities around the world, like the University of Edinburgh and Hong Kong University.

Key information 

• Founded in 1952, located in Pamplona, Spain.
• Private, non-profit institution with a strong reputation in Spain’s private education sector.
• Over 12,000 students, 1,500 international students.
• Recognized for global research contributions.
• Ranked #280 globally in 2024.
• Average tuition fees: 16,200 euros annually.
• Top programs include Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s programs, and Doctoral programs.

3. University of Granada

The University of Granada is one of the best schools in Spain. It is located in the middle of Granada and offers a wide range of programs and degrees. The cost of tuition for international students is pretty low, though it depends on the school and the level of the degree. 

The university offers a wide range of degree options, including more than 100 master’s degrees, over 70 bachelor’s degrees, and 28 doctoral degrees. 

Because it is in a great spot in Granada, students can easily get to the Mediterranean Coast and other useful places. 

Key information:

• Full-time enrollment: 50,604 students.
• Number of international students: 5,060.
• Percentage of international students: 10%.
• The average cost of living in Granada: is €900.
• Offers diverse programs and degrees with affordable tuition fees.
• Located in Granada, offering proximity to the Mediterranean Coast and high-quality services.

4. University of Alicante

The University of Alicante is in Alicante, Spain, and has a lively community of about 30,000 people. There are 24,760 of them who are registered full-time. The school is proud of its creative approach to teaching and has a wide range of programs, including about 200 courses that are taught fully in English.

In Spain, the university is one of the best in many areas, including economics, chemical engineering, tourism and hospitality, and health studies. Many people think that its site is one of the best in Europe because of how modern it is.

The University of Alicante puts a lot of stress on community service and social responsibility in addition to academics. Students are urged to get involved in social groups and volunteer projects, which builds their sense of civic duty and empathy. 

Key information:

• Located in Alicante, Spain, with approximately 30,000 students.
• Offers diverse programs, including around 200 English-only courses.
• International presence, with 2,228 students, making up 9% of the total student population.
• Ranked in economics, chemical engineering, tourism, hospitality, and health sciences.
• Emphasizes social responsibility and community engagement, encouraging volunteering and social associations.
• Organizes cultural events and offers affordable living.

5. Pompeu Fabra University

More than 11,000 students attend Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona full-time. Of these, 1,542 are from outside of Spain, making up about 13% of the total student body. People all over the world praise the university for its high standards of teaching and study.

Public transportation makes it easy to get to Pompeu Fabra University, which is right in the middle of Barcelona. The cost of living in Barcelona is about €700 a month, which makes it a pretty cheap place for students to live compared to other European towns.

The bachelor’s classes at Pompeu Fabra University stress how theory can be used in real life through seminars, which creates a good learning environment. Innovative teaching methods and small class sizes make schools better and give students the skills they need for successful jobs. 

Key information:

• There are 11,863 full-time students enrolled, though this number changes a bit each year.
• 1,542 students from other countries have applied, making up 13% of all students.
• It is in the city center of Barcelona and can be reached by public transportation.
• Discounts and scholarships: 20% of first-year college students get grants, and 40% get lower tuition costs.
• Small classes and seminars stress putting theory into practice.
• Well-known around the world in business, communication, economics, the arts, and the social sciences.
• Research: It is known for its academic achievements. 

6. University of Zaragoza

The University of Zaragoza has a strong full-time enrollment of 27,953 students. It was founded in 1542 and is located in the area of Aragon in Spain. One thousand five hundred sixty-six of them are foreign students, making up about seven percent of all the students.

The University of Zaragoza is proud of its diverse and multicultural atmosphere, which is made better by the nearly 2,000 international students. The university provides programs for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

The cost of living in Zaragoza is about €600 a month, which makes it a pretty cheap place for students to live compared to other European towns. The University of Zaragoza is a shining example of high education in Spain. 

Key information:

• Founded in 1542, Zaragoza University is situated in Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain. 
• A total of 27,953 full-time students are enrolled, and there are 1,956 students from other countries.
• Provides programs leading to the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees.
• It emphasizes research, innovation, and education of a high standard.
• There is an average cost of living of €600.
• The institution is distinguished by its academic excellence, its historical relevance, and its multicultural environment. 

7. University of Santiago de Compostela

The University of Santiago de Compostela is known for being affordable and appealing to students from all over the world. It is located in the city of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. With almost 25,000 students, including more than 2,200 foreign students, it has a lively, multicultural feel. 

The school is proud of its modern scientific facilities, which make it easy for students to do cutting-edge study and do well in school. Students can use cutting-edge resources that give them useful research chances and hands-on experience. 

With an average cost of living of about €850, Santiago de Compostela is a great place for students to live on a budget. Aside from schoolwork, students can immerse themselves in the city’s rich cultural history, making lasting relationships and feeling at home in this friendly setting. 

Key information:

• Located in Galicia, Spain, with nearly 25,000 students, including over 2,200 foreign students.
• Offers a multicultural, affordable environment with over 3,000 new students each year.
• Features modern scientific facilities for cutting-edge study and research opportunities.
• The average cost of living is approximately €850 per month
• Students can also immerse themselves in the city’s rich cultural history and make lasting relationships.

8. University of A Coruña

The University of A Coruña was established in 1989 and is in the city of A Coruña in Galicia. It has a lively academic atmosphere and a wide range of programs to meet the needs of all students. 

The university has campuses in Coruña and Ferrol, with faculties, schools, and research centers spread out. It offers traditional single majors, double degrees, foreign study programs, degrees taught in English, and many master’s and doctoral programs.

There are 14,735 full-time students at the University of A Coruña right now, and 740 of them are from outside of Spain, making up 5% of the total student group. The average cost of living in A Coruña is only about €900, the school stands out as one of the most affordable choices for international students in Spain. 

Key information:

• Founded in 1989, located in A Coruña, Galicia.
• Offers diverse academic programs across Coruña and Ferrol campuses.
• Offers single majors, double degrees, international study programs, English-taught degrees, master, and doctoral programs.
• Full-time enrollment of 14,735 students, with 740 international students.
• Affordable for international students due to the modest cost of living in A Coruña.
• Convenient public transport connections for easy access to both campuses.

FAQs

Conclusion 

Compared to other European countries, these schools have low education fees and low costs of living. Also, many universities in Spain offer scholarships to foreign students, which makes it even easier on their wallets. 

There are differences in the cost of living from city to city, but overall, Spain is a pretty cheap place to go to college. With its rich cultural history and top-notch academic programs, Spain is a great place for foreign students who want to get a good education at a low cost.