15 Cheapest Universities in Spain for International Students

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In Spain, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Spain without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Spain, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 75 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Spain, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Spain for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Spain ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of Santiago de Compostela 591 Euros - 836 Euros 87%
University of the Balearic Islands 671 Euros - 1,071 Euros 85%
University of A Coruña 739 Euros - 1,045 Euros 84%
University of Huelva 757 Euros 83%
University of Granada 758 Euros 83%
Polytechnic University of Valencia 842 Euros - 1,040 Euros 81%
Rovira i Virgili University 995 Euros - 1,061 Euros 78%
King Juan Carlos University 1,015 Euros - 1,241 Euros 77%
University of Lleida 1,061 Euros - 1,107 Euros 76%
Autonomous University of Barcelona 1,061 Euros - 1,107 Euros 76%
University of Girona 1,061 Euros - 1,108 Euros 76%
University of Valencia 1,535 Euros - 2,081 Euros 65%
Polytechnic University of Catalonia 1,800 Euros - 6,360 Euros 59%
UIC Barcelona 4,500 Euros - 12,300 Euros -3%
CEU Cardinal Herrera University 4,620 Euros - 7,995 Euros -5%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 4,368 Euros for universities in Spain.

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1. University of Santiago de Compostela

The University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) is a public university in Spain with a rich heritage. With a history of more than five centuries, USC has a great cultural and scientific legacy. The university has two campuses, home to plenty of natural and architectural heritage. Committed to knowledge creation and transference, USC aims to be socially responsible and serve the needs of the Galician society.

2. University of the Balearic Islands

The largest among the Balearic Islands, Majorca, is home to the prestigious University of the Balearic Islands. This world-class institution has made a reputation for itself, leading to rankings in elite university assessments like Times Higher Education and US News. The university provides undergraduate to doctorate education, with some of its courses accredited by entities like EQANIE and ENAEE. These courses may be taught in Palma or at off-campus centers in Ibiza and Formentera, and Minorca.

3. University of A Coruña

The University of A Coruña is a public university in A Coruña, Galicia, Spain. It was established in 1990 and has two campuses in A Coruña and Ferrol. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in various fields of study including language studies, architecture, engineering, health sciences, and social sciences.

4. University of Huelva

The University of Huelva has 9 Double Bachelor’s, 30 Bachelor’s, 4 Double Master’s, and 36 Master’s programs open to all eligible applicants. The university was founded in 1993 and promised research innovations in economic, environmental, and cultural development. It has 4 campuses with over 12.000 students attending in total. A Buddy Program is present to integrate international students into the Spanish environment, and an Internship system for career opportunities.

5. University of Granada

Founded over 400 years ago, the University of Granada has a long history of academic excellence and positive contributions to society. It is located in the scenic city of Granada and is known to be the top university destination for international students in Europe. The university began as a humble institute for logic and philosophy. Although it has grown exponentially since then, these roots are still evident in its programs, research, and activities.

6. Polytechnic University of Valencia

The Polytechnic University of Valencia, known as the Universitat Politècnica de València in Spanish (UPV), is a leading technical university in Spain. Established as Instituto Politécnico Superior de Valencia, UPV is a relatively young public university that has seen exponential growth in the five decades since its establishment. It offers a wide range of programs at its three campuses in Alcoy, Gandia, and Vera, equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and innovative teaching spaces.

7. Rovira i Virgili University

Rovira i Virgili University is shortly known as URV, the acronym for its Catalan name. It was named after a Spanish icon, Antoni Rovira i Virgili, a journalist and former president of Catalonia’s Parliament from 1940 to 1949. Catalonia is an autonomous region in Spain with a distinct language and culture. Thus, by studying at this university, you do not just get exposed to the Spanish language and culture but also Catalan vocabulary and history. Indeed, several of the URV’s courses are taught in a combination of Spanish, English, and Catalan (or all three for one class). This unique experience and world-class education quality make URV one of the most sought-after in Spain.

8. King Juan Carlos University

Named after Juan Carlos I of Spain, King Juan Carlos University has provided quality education for 28 years. The university offers over 160 Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs conducted both online and in-person. It follows the motto “Not new things, but in a new way” to achieve the university goal of quality culture and favorable student learning. A 2030 Agenda was laid out by its administration, promising continued growth and improvement.

9. University of Lleida

The University of Lleida (UdL) is a public university in Lleida, Catalonia, Spain. It was founded in 1300 and is considered Catalonia’s first university. The university provides 38 bachelor’s degrees in 14 different fields, including agriculture, forestry, natural sciences, mathematics, law, and social work. UdL is a leading research and education institution in Spain in the fields of agronomy, food technology, and forestry.

10. Autonomous University of Barcelona

The Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) is a leading public university in Spain, consistently ranked as one of the best in the country and within the top 200 in the world. Founded on the values of autonomy, democracy, and social commitment, UAB has grown exponentially over the decades to offer programs across multiple disciplines.

11. University of Girona

Initially founded as the Estudi General in 1446, the University of Girona is a public university reestablished in 1991. It offers undergraduate and graduates degree programs in a variety of disciplines. Some of these programs are in the field of Philosophy, Theology, Law, and Medicine. Students may also acquire scholarships and grants if they are eligible and choose.

12. University of Valencia

The University of Valencia is a leading public university in Spain, with a rich history of more than five centuries. Initially offering education in law, medicine, humanities, and theology, the university has grown exponentially, particularly in the last two decades, to become a modern university offering programs across all fields of knowledge. An integral part of the social and cultural fabric of Valencia, the university aims to be a global university committed to Valencian society and its development. 

13. Polytechnic University of Catalonia

The Polytechnic University of Catalonia, or Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña (UPC) in Spanish, is a public university in Spain. Also called BarcelonaTech, it is one of Europe’s leading technical universities, offering a wide range of engineering and technology programs. UPC is committed to building a sustainable and fair world and contributing through research, knowledge dissemination, and technology transfer. It aims to produce graduates who are lifelong learners, possessing the ability to think critically, work in diverse teams and adapt well to change. The university has a major presence in Catalonia, with nine campuses spread across Barcelona and nearby towns.

14. UIC Barcelona

UIC Barcelona is a private university in Catalonia, founded in 1997, offering a wide range of Bachelor’s, master’s, and postgraduate programs with an international outlook and strong industry connections. Based in Barcelona and Sant Cugat, it combines academic rigour, small-class teaching, and practical experience with more than 350 collaboration agreements with companies to prepare students for global careers.

15. CEU Cardinal Herrera University

The CEU Cardenal Herrera University (CEU UCH) is a private university in Spain’s Valencian Community. There are campuses in Valencia, Castellón, and Elche. The university was founded in 1970 and is associated with Valencia’s first private law school. CEU UCH currently offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the humanities, engineering, business, law, and health sciences.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Spain for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Spain ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of Huelva 205 Euros - 410 Euros 94%
University of Lleida 553 Euros - 830 Euros 83%
Polytechnic University of Valencia 578 Euros - 15,400 Euros 82%
University of Santiago de Compostela 591 Euros - 836 Euros 82%
University of A Coruña 739 Euros - 1,045 Euros 77%
University of Granada 821 Euros 75%
University of the Balearic Islands 938 Euros - 1,753 Euros 71%
University of the Basque Country 965 Euros - 5,806 Euros 70%
King Juan Carlos University 1,015 Euros - 1,241 Euros 68%
Menéndez Pelayo International University 1,581 Euros - 3,300 Euros 50%
Rovira i Virgili University 1,805 Euros - 2,913 Euros 43%
Autonomous University of Barcelona 1,980 Euros - 4,980 Euros 38%
CEU Cardinal Herrera University 2,000 Euros 37%
University of Girona 2,470 Euros - 3,952 Euros 22%
Complutense University of Madrid 3,026 Euros 5%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 3,161 Euros for universities in Spain.

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1. University of Huelva

The University of Huelva has 9 Double Bachelor’s, 30 Bachelor’s, 4 Double Master’s, and 36 Master’s programs open to all eligible applicants. The university was founded in 1993 and promised research innovations in economic, environmental, and cultural development. It has 4 campuses with over 12.000 students attending in total. A Buddy Program is present to integrate international students into the Spanish environment, and an Internship system for career opportunities.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, University of Huelva should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 205 Euros to 410 Euros annually for their master's degree.

2. University of Lleida

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is University of Lleida. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at University of Lleida is 553 Euros to 830 Euros.

The University of Lleida (UdL) is a public university in Lleida, Catalonia, Spain. It was founded in 1300 and is considered Catalonia’s first university. The university provides 38 bachelor’s degrees in 14 different fields, including agriculture, forestry, natural sciences, mathematics, law, and social work. UdL is a leading research and education institution in Spain in the fields of agronomy, food technology, and forestry.

3. Polytechnic University of Valencia

The Polytechnic University of Valencia, known as the Universitat Politècnica de València in Spanish (UPV), is a leading technical university in Spain. Established as Instituto Politécnico Superior de Valencia, UPV is a relatively young public university that has seen exponential growth in the five decades since its establishment. It offers a wide range of programs at its three campuses in Alcoy, Gandia, and Vera, equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and innovative teaching spaces.

The tuition fee at Polytechnic University of Valencia for incoming international master’s students is 578 Euros to 15,348 Euros. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. University of Santiago de Compostela

Another affordable university to consider in Spain is University of Santiago de Compostela.

The University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) is a public university in Spain with a rich heritage. With a history of more than five centuries, USC has a great cultural and scientific legacy. The university has two campuses, home to plenty of natural and architectural heritage. Committed to knowledge creation and transference, USC aims to be socially responsible and serve the needs of the Galician society.

The tuition fee in University of Santiago de Compostela for master’s program for foreign students starts from 591 Euros.

5. University of A Coruña

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, University of A Coruña has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 739 Euros yearly.

The University of A Coruña is a public university in A Coruña, Galicia, Spain. It was established in 1990 and has two campuses in A Coruña and Ferrol. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in various fields of study including language studies, architecture, engineering, health sciences, and social sciences.

6. University of Granada

Founded over 400 years ago, the University of Granada has a long history of academic excellence and positive contributions to society. It is located in the scenic city of Granada and is known to be the top university destination for international students in Europe. The university began as a humble institute for logic and philosophy. Although it has grown exponentially since then, these roots are still evident in its programs, research, and activities.

7. University of the Balearic Islands

The largest among the Balearic Islands, Majorca, is home to the prestigious University of the Balearic Islands. This world-class institution has made a reputation for itself, leading to rankings in elite university assessments like Times Higher Education and US News. The university provides undergraduate to doctorate education, with some of its courses accredited by entities like EQANIE and ENAEE. These courses may be taught in Palma or at off-campus centers in Ibiza and Formentera, and Minorca.

8. University of the Basque Country

The University of the Basque Country is a relatively young public university in Spain. With three campuses across Basque Country in Araba, Bizkaia, and Gipuzkoa, it is an important part of the region’s scientific and technological progress. The university’s motto is ‘Give and spread knowledge’, and it believes in the role of education as the foundation of a free society. The university is committed to producing excellent research, creating knowledge, and disseminating it to the public.

9. King Juan Carlos University

Named after Juan Carlos I of Spain, King Juan Carlos University has provided quality education for 28 years. The university offers over 160 Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs conducted both online and in-person. It follows the motto “Not new things, but in a new way” to achieve the university goal of quality culture and favorable student learning. A 2030 Agenda was laid out by its administration, promising continued growth and improvement.

10. Menéndez Pelayo International University

The Menéndez Pelayo International University (UIMP) is a public university in Spain. Its main administrative headquarters are in Madrid, and it has campuses in Santander, Valencia, Barcelona, Cartagena, and other cities throughout Spain. The university grants Master’s degrees in the arts, humanities, engineering, architecture, health sciences, social sciences, and law.

11. Rovira i Virgili University

Rovira i Virgili University is shortly known as URV, the acronym for its Catalan name. It was named after a Spanish icon, Antoni Rovira i Virgili, a journalist and former president of Catalonia’s Parliament from 1940 to 1949. Catalonia is an autonomous region in Spain with a distinct language and culture. Thus, by studying at this university, you do not just get exposed to the Spanish language and culture but also Catalan vocabulary and history. Indeed, several of the URV’s courses are taught in a combination of Spanish, English, and Catalan (or all three for one class). This unique experience and world-class education quality make URV one of the most sought-after in Spain.

12. Autonomous University of Barcelona

The Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) is a leading public university in Spain, consistently ranked as one of the best in the country and within the top 200 in the world. Founded on the values of autonomy, democracy, and social commitment, UAB has grown exponentially over the decades to offer programs across multiple disciplines.

13. CEU Cardinal Herrera University

The CEU Cardenal Herrera University (CEU UCH) is a private university in Spain’s Valencian Community. There are campuses in Valencia, Castellón, and Elche. The university was founded in 1970 and is associated with Valencia’s first private law school. CEU UCH currently offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the humanities, engineering, business, law, and health sciences.

14. University of Girona

Initially founded as the Estudi General in 1446, the University of Girona is a public university reestablished in 1991. It offers undergraduate and graduates degree programs in a variety of disciplines. Some of these programs are in the field of Philosophy, Theology, Law, and Medicine. Students may also acquire scholarships and grants if they are eligible and choose.

15. Complutense University of Madrid

The Complutense University of Madrid is Spain’s largest and oldest university, consistently ranked as one of the best public universities in the country. It has two campuses in Madrid: a sprawling campus in Moncloa and a second campus in Somosaguas, with some additional premises in the city center. The university has a vast and influential alumni network, including political leaders, Nobel laureates, and leading intellectuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Spain?

Applying to cheap universities in Spain requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Spain for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Spain?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Spain. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Spain is the Autonomous University of Barcelona, which offers Geology, Mathematics, and Art History to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Autonomous University of Barcelona offers Advanced Genetics, Aeronautical Management, and Egyptology.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Spain, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Spain as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Spain for international students was helpful!