Cheapest Universities in Spain for International Students

Studying in Spain is a wholesome experience, academically, culturally, and socially. Thousands of students worldwide are interested in pursuing their studies in Spain. One of the factors that makes Spain an ideal destination to pursue a degree is that Spanish universities, apart from their academic excellence, are also affordable, especially when compared to major study abroad destinations, like the US or Australia.

Keep in mind that public universities in Spain are usually cheaper than private universities. So, if you are looking for a more affordable option, public universities might be what you need. The tuition fees for international students are higher in Spain than for domestic/EU students. But overall, the average tuition fees are reasonable and affordable, especially when matched with the cost of living and rent in Spain.

In the following sections, we have listed some of the cheapest universities in Spain for international students, to simplify the process of choosing a university. Note that at public universities in Spain, tuition fees are set by the respective Autonomous Community.

Before you continue: To better understand how tuition (cost per credit) works at public universities in Spain, go through our cost of studying in Spain guide.

Please remember: Universities are ranked according to the cost per credit in the first enrollment in each respective Autonomous Community. However, since the cost per credit in the first enrollment changes depending on the degree program, there could be discrepancies in ranking — meaning the cheapest university for humanities may not necessarily be the cheapest for degrees in health sciences or architecture.

Here are the cheapest universities in Spain for international students: 

1. University of Salamanca
2. University of Valencia
3. University of Alicante
4. University of Jaén
5. University of Granada
6. University of A Coruña
7. University of Santiago de Compostela
8. University of Zaragoza
9. Autonomous University of Madrid
10. Pompeu Fabra University

1. University of Salamanca

Full-Time Enrollment: 28,269

Number of International Students: 5,088

Percentage of International Students: 18%

Average Cost of Living in Salamanca: €950

The University of Salamanca was founded in the year 1218, making it the oldest university in Spain, and among the oldest in Europe. While it is among the most affordable universities in Spain, it attracts thousands of exchange and international students every year, due to its expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and multicultural atmosphere. This university is a leading institution for teaching the Spanish language to international students, and it has been providing courses of this kind since 1929. The university courses occur at the center of Salamanca’s old town, where the student population is high, and the infrastructure is exceptional.

Here’s a table with the cost per credit in the community of Castile and León:

Area	First Enrollment	Second Enrollment	Third Enrollment	Fourth+ Enrollment
Range Depending on Area of Studies	€12,59 – €22,32	€25,61 – €45,38	€55,49 – €98,32	€76,83 – €136,14

2. University of Valencia

Full-Time Enrollment: 50,601

Number of International Students: 6,578

Percentage of International Students: 13%

Average Cost of Living in Valencia: €950

The University of Valencia, located in Valencia, is one of Spain’s oldest surviving universities. At this university, you will be part of a diverse and welcoming environment that promotes science, culture, and society’s democratic values as a whole. The University of Valencia has a diverse range of study programs to choose from and a rich history (with significant expertise in teaching, innovation, and research). Apart from obtaining knowledge and lifelong skills, students get to be part of an institution that values quality, evaluation, and improvement.

Here’s a table with the cost per credit in the community of Valencia:

Area	First Enrollment	Second Enrollment	Third Enrollment	Fourth+ Enrollment
Range Depending on Area of Studies	€13,16 – €20,00	€26,26 – €40,07	€55,71 – €85,01	€74,27 – €113,34

3. University of Alicante

Full-Time Enrollment: 24,760

Number of International Students: 2,228

Percentage of International Students: 9%

Average Cost of Living in Alicante: €700

The University of Alicante is one of Spain’s most innovative universities, encompassing 30,000 students. This university ranks among the best in Spain in economics, chemical engineering, tourism and hospitality, health sciences, etc. It also offers around 200 courses fully taught in English. With a campus ranked among the best in Europe, the University of Alicante is also known for its education quality. This university aims to promote social commitment by inviting its students to participate in volunteering actions and social associations. It also organizes various cultural events, related to theatre, music, cinema, art, etc.

Here’s a table with the cost per credit in the community of Valencia:

Area	First Enrollment	Second Enrollment	Third Enrollment	Fourth+ Enrollment
Range Depending on Area of Studies	€13,16 – €20,00	€26,26 – €40,07	€55,71 – €85,01	€74,27 – €113,34

4. University of Jaén

Full-Time Enrollment: 14,241

Number of International Students: 1,139

Percentage of International Students: 8%

Average Cost of Living in Jaén: €850

Also among universities with the lowest tuition fees for international students in Spain, the University of Jaén is located in Jaén, Andalucía. As a relatively young university, this university has attracted thousands of students to its educational premises due to its services, teaching methods, and efficiency. It has over 40 degrees in humanities and education, experimental sciences, health and social sciences, law, and engineering, taught in English and Spanish. Its library contains over 480,000 digital publications, and apart from its main campus in Jaen, it also has satellite campuses in Linares and Ubeda. 

Here’s a table with the cost per credit in the community of Andalusia:

Area	First Enrollment	Second Enrollment	Third Enrollment	Fourth+ Enrollment
Philologies, Humanities, History, Legal, Economic-Business	€13,68	€27,35	€52,13	€69,51
Fine Arts, Geography, Mathematics, Educational Sciences	€13,68	€27,35	€55,08	€73,44
Engineering and Architecture	€13,68	€27,35	€59,26	€82,06
Experimental Sciences	€13,68	€27,35	€59,26	€82,06
Health Sciences	€13,68	€27,35	€59,26	€82,06

5. University of Granada

Full-Time Enrollment: 50,604

Number of International Students:  5,060

Percentage of International Students: 10%

Average Cost of Living in Granada: €900

Located in the heart of Granada, this university is among the best universities in Spain, where tuition fees for international students are quite affordable, depending on the study program and degree level. It offers a wide array of courses and degrees, including over 70 undergraduate degree programs, over 100 master’s degrees, and 28 doctoral programs. It has a perfect Granada location with proximity to the Mediterranean Coast, high-quality services, and a rich historical and cultural legacy. Granada features numerous cultural activities, either in jazz, tango, poetry, or dance.

Here’s a table with the cost per credit in the community of Andalusia:

Areas	First Enrollment	Second Enrollment	Third Enrollment	Fourth+ Enrollment
Philologies, Humanities, History, Legal, Economic-Business	€13,68	€27,35	€52,13	€69,51
Fine Arts, Geography, Mathematics, Educational Sciences	€13,68	€27,35	€55,08	€73,44
Engineering and Architecture	€13,68	€27,35	€59,26	€82,06
Experimental Sciences	€13,68	€27,35	€59,26	€82,06
Health Sciences	€13,68	€27,35	€59,26	€82,06

6. University of A Coruña

Full-Time Enrollment: 14,735

Number of International Students: 740

Percentage of International Students: 5%

Average Cost of Living in A Coruña: €900

Besides being among the cheapest universities in Spain for international students, this university also offers courses that continuously meet students’ needs. University of A Coruña was established in 1989, and it is located in the city of A Coruña, Galicia. This university offers traditional single majors, double degrees, international study programs, English-taught degrees, and numerous masters and doctoral programs. Its faculties, schools, and research centers are divided between the Coruña and Ferrol campuses, with perfect public transport connections.

Here’s a table with the cost per credit in the community of Galicia: 

Area	First Enrollment	Second Enrollment	Third Enrollment	Fourth+ Enrollment
Sciences, Health Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Fine Arts	€13,93	€19,30	€31,21	€39,79
Humanities, Social and Legal Sciences	€9,85	€13,62	€22,04	€28,06

7. University of Santiago de Compostela

Full-Time Enrollment: 24,795

Number of International Students: 2,231

Percentage of International Students: 9%

Average Cost of Living in Santiago: €850

Among the cheapest universities in Spain for international students, this university is located in the city of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. This university attracts around 3,000 international students every year due to its international character, academic quality, and wide range of degree programs. It has modern scientific facilities which make excellent research training available and efficient. You will find yourself in a comfortable environment where you will learn about your professional career’s essentials, meet different people, learn about other cultures, and simply feel at home.

Here’s a table with the cost per credit in the community of Galicia:

Area	First Enrollment	Second Enrollment	Third Enrollment	Fourth+ Enrollment
Sciences, Health Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Fine Arts	€13,93	€19,30	€31,21	€39,79
Humanities, Social and Legal Sciences	€9,85	€13,62	€22,04	€28,06

8. University of Zaragoza

Full-Time Enrollment: 27,953

Number of International Students: 1,956

Percentage of International Students: 7%

Average Cost of Living in Zaragoza: €600

The University of Zaragoza, founded in 1542, is located in Spain’s Aragon region. It offers degree programs at all three levels, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate. With almost 2,000 international students in its total student population, the University of Zaragoza provides a diverse and multicultural environment where education and knowledge simply thrive. This university is recognized for its commitment to quality education, innovation, and research. Students at this university, get to reside in a city that is rich in history, known for its Roman and Arabic influences. 

Here’s a table with the cost per credit in the community of Aragon:

Area	First Enrollment	Second Enrollment	Third Enrollment	Fourth+ Enrollment
Health Sciences	€21,30	€33,95	€78,70	€112,34
Fine Arts, Geography, Mathematics, Educational Sciences	€16,00	€23,52	€51,73	€73,07
Engineering and Architecture	€21,10	€32,01	€71,64	€102,24
Experimental Sciences	€13,68	€27,35	€59,26	€82,06
Social Sciences	€13,50	€19,60	€43,39	€61,31

9. Autonomous University of Madrid

Full-Time Enrollment: 29,813

Number of International Students: 4,471

Percentage of International Students: 15%

Average Cost of Living in Madrid: €1,000

Internationally recognized for its education, services, and research, the Autonomous University of Madrid is also among the most affordable universities in Spain for international students. This university has international exchange agreements with some of the world’s best universities, where over 1,000 UAM students enjoy study visits abroad. The Autonomous University of Madrid takes pride in its environmentally sustainable campus, as it pays special attention to the environment and recognizes its importance. Students enjoy various cultural activities, including summer courses and contemporary humanities courses, which play an essential role in students’ social and cultural growth.

Here’s a table with the cost per credit in the community of Madrid:

Area	First Enrollment	Second Enrollment	Third Enrollment	Fourth+ Enrollment
Sciences, Health Sciences, etc	€26,14	€48,03	€98,75	€136,44
Architecture, Engineering, etc	€24,55	€45,25	€92,86	€128,57
Humanities, Social Sciences, Fine Arts, etc	€21,39	€40,02	€82,30	€113,71
Master’s Degrees (All Areas)	€24,24 – €32,86	€42,00 – €58,75	€91,00 – €122,21	€126,00 – €169,21

10. Pompeu Fabra University

Full-Time Enrollment: 11,863

Number of International Students: 1,542

Percentage of International Students: 13%

Average Cost of Living in Barcelona: €700

Pompeu Fabra University is known for its excellent conditions and services. The quality of teaching and research at Pompeu Fabra University is renowned internationally. Around 20% of its undergraduate students are awarded scholarships whilst 40% qualify for discounts on tuition fees. Located in Barcelona’s center, this university is accessed easily using public transport. Its bachelor programs include seminars designed to promote the practical application of theory and make learning easier. Students learn the necessary skills for a successful career, facilitated by small classrooms and exceptional teaching and learning methods. 

Here’s a table of the tuition fees for EU and Non-EU students at this university:

Area	EU Students	Non-EU Students
Biomedicine	€27,67	€93,5
Translation and Language Sciences	€27,67	€93,5
Humanities	€27,67	€93,5
Economics and Business Sciences	€27,67	€93,5
Education	€27,67	€93,5

Still Can’t Decide?

It is difficult to decide, especially when it comes to a country full of outstanding (and affordable) universities. Often, the cost of studying at a particular university is not the only factor affecting someone’s choice of university. If this is the case with you and you’re still undecided, you should know that some universities in this list overlap with universities listed as the best universities in Spain for international students. Such universities include the University of Valencia and the University of Salamanca, to name a few.

Why Study in Spain?

Spain is one of the most attractive places to study abroad, and that is for plenty of reasons. Earning your higher education from a Spanish university not only will provide you with endless career opportunities but it will help you grow enormously. You will easily embrace Spain’s culture and history during your studies. Your experience will get better and better once you realize that many festivals, siestas, and Flamencos await you. 

Here’s why you should study in Spain as an international student:

• Learn the Spanish language. During your stay in Spain, you can take advantage of studying Spanish. As the second most spoken and famous language in the world it will surely open you unimaginable possibilities. The best way to enhance your speaking skills is to have conversations with native speakers. 
• Explore the culture and history of Spain. There is more to Spain than Medieval and Renaissance art. Of course, you would love to see paintings of famous artists such as Picasso, Goya, and Salvador Dali but there are many fragments of ancient Rome culture around the corner.
• Experience festivals and fiestas in Spain. Throughout Spain, you will find many music festivals and meet a lot of new people. During the summer holidays when the weather is just nice and sunny many cool activities will get your attention. Azkena Rock Festival, Mad Cool Festival, BBF: Barcelona Beach Festival, and Festival Cruïlla are just a few of them that you shouldn’t miss out on. 
• Taste the wonderful cuisine of Spain. The Spanish cuisine is simply appetizing. Spain is, after all, known to have the most unique cuisine in the world. When you get to taste Spanish food, your study experience will definitely enhance. Traditional dishes are not something to avoid. Give yourself a treat by eating Spanish omelets, Pisto, or Paella.