Study in Salamanca

Studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain, means you will be part of a diverse and multicultural student population. Salamanca is an astonishing small city full of history and culture. Being home to the oldest university in Spain, Salamanca attracts thousands of international students every year. Apart from being an ancient university town, the city’s historic center has important Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance monuments. Although it is a smaller and quieter city, Salamanca has plenty to offer to its students. Besides, it is also one of the cheapest student cities in Spain!

Reasons to Study Abroad in Salamanca

1. The Oldest University in Spain

Salamanca is home to the oldest university in Spain, the University of Salamanca, founded in 1134 and given the Royal Charter in 1218. Apart from being the oldest university, the University of Salamanca is also among the top Spanish universities regarding quality of education and expertise. Numerous famous figures throughout history have studied or taught at this university, including Miguel Cervantes. This university stands at the forefront of innovation, boasting a multicultural environment and attracting students worldwide. 

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2. Incredible Student City

Salamanca is an incredible student city. Students come from all over the world to study in Salamanca. For example, at the University of Salamanca, international students make up almost 60% of the postgraduate student population. Students from seventy different nations study at this university. The city is small and full of history; however, it is also full of students, cultural events, concerts, and even nightclubs. Prospective students are guaranteed the best of both worlds in Salamanca: a quiet and an active lifestyle at the same time. 

3. Convenient Location

Located in northwestern Spain, Salamanca is only a 2-and-a-half hours bus ride away from Madrid. Its location is pretty convenient for day trips and excursions. Numerous towns and villages are in close proximity to Salamanca, where tourists can visit a wide range of historic buildings, outstanding museums, popular restaurants and experience great views and landscapes, including Alberca, Avila, etc. The city of Toledo is also within easy driving distance from Salamanca, boasting a handful of tourist attractions. 

4. Standard Spanish

Being located in the province of Castilla, known to be the cradle of original Spanish, people in Salamanca speak the purest and most correct form of Spanish. They do not have a specific location-based accent, which means many international students travel to this city to perfect their Spanish speaking skills. If you are already familiar with Spanish, you will have no problem understanding the language spoken here, which is a great reason to study abroad in Salamanca.

Cost of Living in Salamanca

The cost of studying and living in Salamanca is affordable and comparatively reasonable. If you compare Salamanca with the larger Spanish cities, like Madrid or Barcelona, you will find Salamanca to be a pretty budget-friendly study destination. Many students choose Salamanca due to its ideal student environment, diverse student population, and rich history. Salamanca’s affordability is often a great plus. 

Generally, the cost of living in Salamanca, Spain, for international students amounts to around €900 per month. Of course, factors like accommodation, spending habits, and lifestyle also play a significant role in general expenses. Rent is usually one of the largest expenses international students deal with in Spain. However, international students often choose more budget-friendly accommodation options, such as flatshares.

The cost of everyday expenses in Salamanca includes: 

Food and Drink
Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant)€10
Three-Course Meal for Two€30
A Loaf of White Bread€1.20
A Dozen Eggs€1.35
Chicken Fillets (1kg)€3.50
Beef Round (1kg)€5.50
Apples (1kg)€1.16
Tomato (1kg)€0.97
Regular Cappuccino€1.27
Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle)€1.93
Water (0.33-liter bottle)€1.02
Others
Local Transport Ticket€1.05
Fitness Club Monthly Fee€32
Cinema Ticket€7

Cost of University in Salamanca

The tuition cost at public universities in Spain is regulated by the government and is calculated on a pay-per-credit basis. The cost depends on the type of study program and level of study. Generally, tuition fees in Salamanca average around €2,500 per year for Bachelor’s degrees and approximately 5,000 per year for Master’s degrees. The tuition cost is usually higher for international students. Being part of the Bologna process, Spanish universities use the ECTS credit system, where one academic year equals 60 ECTS. 

The average credit cost in Salamanca is: 

  • Bachelor’s Degree: €12-30 per credit.
  • Master’s Degree: €16-45 per credit.
  • Doctoral Degree: ~€55 per credit. 

Note: Tuition fees increase if you withdraw from the program and enroll for the second/third time. 

Student Accommodation in Salamanca

International students can find accommodation of various types in Salamanca. Salamanca caters to international students, meaning accommodation options are plentiful for all budgets and preferences. Whether you prefer living with Spanish host families, on campus, with roommates, or entirely on your own – you will be able to find something of your liking here.

The main student accommodation types in Salamanca include: 

Spanish Host Families

This accommodation option is quite convenient for international students who want to be exposed to the Spanish language and culture as much as possible, even outside of the classroom. Usually, Spanish host families accommodate two or more students, depending on how much extra living space they have. The cost of living with a Spanish host family can go up to €750 per month, depending on meals included, location, and other amenities. 

Host family accommodation in Salamanca can be one of the following: 

  • Half-board (including breakfast and either lunch or dinner).
  • Full-board (including breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

Campus Residence

Living on campus is an ideal option for students who like to live among other students and socialize. Campus residence can be somewhat competitive to secure. These facilities usually include access to gym, TV rooms, terraces, etc. Some offer kitchen access, while others have a variety of catering options. The cost of this type of accommodation varies on specific circumstances and can range from €500 to €1,000 per month.

Shared Apartments

Shared apartments are one of the most common forms of accommodation for international students. These apartments include a shared bathroom, kitchen, and living room. Three to five students usually rent individual rooms and divide the cost of rent and utilities. The monthly price can range anywhere from €270 to €350 per person, plus utilities. This is one of the cheapest accommodation options in Salamanca.

Private Apartment

Private apartments are a good option when it comes to privacy; however, they can be expensive. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs an average of €450 per month and can go up to €600, depending on the apartment’s size. Renting an entire apartment means you will have to pay the cost of rent and utilities on your own. This type of accommodation, however, is not particularly popular among international students.