25 Best Universities In Spain For International Students 2026

If you are looking to study in Spain, you are surely making a great choice. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 75 universities and colleges in Spain, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 75 universities in Spain, University of Barcelona and Complutense University of Madrid are the top-performing schools in Spain. This list covers both public and private institutions in Spain.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Spain. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Spain.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Spain?

Applying to the universities in Spain involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Spain to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Spain?

Tuition fees at Spain’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 591 Euros to 43,800 Euros , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 553 Euros to 27,900 Euros. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Spain!

As we cover the best universities in Spain for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Spain for International Students

The University of Barcelona (UB) is a public university in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It was founded in 1450 and is considered one of the country’s oldest and largest universities. As Spain’s top university, UB is home to world-class research foundations and facilities. Undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs are available from 18 faculties at the university.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

The Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) is a leading public university in Spain. Marked by a strong social commitment, the university promises an education that combines excellent teaching and intensive research with good placement opportunities. UAM offers most of its courses at its Cantoblanco Campus, designed to offer a complete university experience with not just essential services like housing and healthcare but also valuable resources like museums, exhibition halls, and sports and recreation centers.

Pompeu Fabra University is renowned for its excellent research, high-quality programs, and outstanding faculty. It is considered one of the most prestigious universities in Spain and consistently belongs among the nation’s top 5 in various university rankings. As it continues to grow, the university seeks to contribute to social change by providing an academic environment where knowledge and culture can evolve.

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.

The University of Seville is a public university in Seville, Spain. It was founded in 1505 as the Colegio de Santa Maria de Jesus. Currently, the university is well-known for its research in science and technology, as well as its motto of “Equality, Liberty, Justice, and Pluralism.” It offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in a variety of fields of study.

The University of Navarra is regarded as the best private university in Spain. Located in Pamplona, the university was founded in 1952 as a school for legal education. Programs in other fields were eventually developed by the faculty, all rooted in the Christian faith and traditions. The University of Navarra is most popular for its programs in business, philosophy, and medicine.

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 Technical University of Madrid (UPM) is a public university in Madrid, established by the merger of many engineering schools. The origins of the institute go much further back than its modern form, with the schools being some of the country’s earliest institutes to train students in architecture and different engineering subjects. One of the best technical universities in the country, UPM offers programs in several engineering and related subjects at its four campuses and associated centers in Madrid.

The University of Salamanca (USAL) is a leading public university in Spain founded by King Alfonso IX. With more than eight centuries of uninterrupted history of producing and transferring knowledge, it is one of the world’s oldest universities. The university has nine teaching and administrative campuses, some of which house important material heritage such as historic buildings, ancient manuscripts, and famous works of art. With its incredible history, the university has been home to many illustrious figures who have made significant contributions to the world in many varied fields, including science and technology, law, and linguistics.

The University of Zaragoza is a public university in Aragon, Spain. With a history of more than 400 years, the university has campuses in all three provinces of the region. Its main campus is in Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon and a key city for southeast Europe. Many of the country’s important figures have roamed the ancient halls of the university; in the 20th century, too, it has produced prolific humanists, scientists, and statesmen. 

The University of Murcia is a public university in Murcia, Spain. Its origins date back to 1272 with the establishment of Universitas Studiorum Murciana, but the modern university was established in 1915. It is the thirteenth-oldest university in the world. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in a variety of fields, including arts, science, economics, business, law, and medicine.

The University of Alicante (UA) is a public university in Alicante, Spain. It was founded in 1979 on the foundation of the 1968 University Study Centre. Over fifty degrees are available as undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the university. Almost all classes are taught in Spanish, specifically the Valencian language.

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.

IE University was established as a business school in Madrid, offering innovative MBA programs. It has grown significantly over the decades, expanding the programs offered and building international partnerships and a strong reputation. The university, which started offering undergraduate programs in 2006, has two campuses: in the bustling cosmopolitan Madrid and the historic Segovia. IE also offers notable blended learning and online programs, such as its renowned Global Online MBA program.

The University of Malaga, or Universidad de Málaga, has been operating as a public university in Spain since 1972. It is home to more than 35,000 students across its undergraduate and postgraduate degree and mobility programs. The university also has two campuses in the city, with the majority of its degree programs offered at its Teatinos campus.

The rich history of the University of Oviedo began through the implementation of an archbishop’s will. Centuries later, the humble institution that only had three faculties in 1608 became a full-fledged university with seven campuses across Asturias, Spain. Undergraduate and graduate degrees in nearly all disciplines are provided, from arts to engineering. All these, along with stellar education and curricula, have earned the university recognition in and out of the country. In Spain, it is one of the first to be accredited as a Campus of International Excellence. Internationally, it fares well in global university rankings and assessments.

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.

Jaume I University, or Universidad Jaime I in Spanish, is a public university in Spain that offers over 151 degrees and has provided education for more than 30 years. These educational opportunities are open to students seeking a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree. Aside from its regular admission process, international students may opt to study here through Mobility Programs, or International Double Degree Programs. Additionally, the university consistently ranks among the best universities in the world, according to multiple international ranking organizations.

Considered the first University in Spain, University of Valladolid is a public university founded in 1346. It offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs. These programs are divided into five departments: Social and Legal Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Engineering and Architecture, Health Sciences, and Sciences. Student accommodations are also available such as student flats and university halls.

The University of La Laguna is a premier, research-centric institution in the Canary Islands. These islands sit at the intersection of three continents, thus, exposing the university to various cultures and knowledge. ULL is the oldest university in the region, with centuries of history.

As the first university in the area, many students eagerly enrolled, quickly surpassing the institution’s initial capacity. Since then, the university has maintained such a bustling crowd of enthusiastic learners as it welcomes thousands of students annually.