25 Best Universities In Spain For International Students 2023

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, IE University and University of Barcelona 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 25,000 Euros , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 205 Euros to 26,100 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

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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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 Vic – Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC) is a leading private university in Spain. The university employs a unique model of private management with public sector supervision, governed by a board comprising representatives from the Catalan Government, municipal bodies, civil society, and the university. Even though the university’s roots can be traced back to 1599 when it was the Literary University of Vic, the modern university was only established in 1997, formed by citizens’ efforts to continue the university’s rich legacy. UVic-UCC aims to enhance knowledge and drive innovation to serve the region of Catalonia while maintaining a distinctive global outlook. 

The Technical 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.

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.

If there’s a word to describe the University of Cantabria, it’s consistent. It consistently provides top-tier education, reflected in its stellar rankings and academic performance. This consistency keeps them in the elite 10 Spanish universities and helps them produce quality and innovative research.

UC is also consistent in its advocacy of social progress, making it the ultimate goal of its training and education of students. It has always provided students with essential resources and opportunities to cultivate unique skills, such as foreign languages. All these and more make the university a consistent dream school of many.

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 University of Deusto is a leading private Spanish university, established more than a century ago by the Society of Jesus in the Basque Country. It is committed to serving society based on a Christian vision of reality and aims to contribute to the social, cultural, technical, and economic development of Basque society. Offering a range of programs across multiple disciplines, the University of Deusto is particularly recognized for its programs in Education, ranking second among Spanish universities in the subject. 

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 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.

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 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 Charles III of Madrid (UC3M) is a small public research university in Spain, founded to provide high-quality teaching and have a strong focus on research. Its many schools are spread across four campuses in Getafe, Leganés, Colmenarejo, and Puerta de Toledo. The university aims to contribute to the betterment of society through excellent teaching and innovative research.

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 Alcalá is a public research university in Madrid, founded by Cardinal Cisneros more than five centuries ago. Located in the historic city of Alcalá de Henares, the university offers programs in all fields of knowledge. Many great figures of Spanish culture and history have studied at the university, which has historically been a major center of academic excellence in the country. Recognizing its contribution to history and the beauty of its buildings, UNESCO declared the university a World Heritage Site In 1998.

Ramon Llull University offers 120 official degrees in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs. The university focuses on student development and growth, providing them grant and scholarship opportunities. Additionally, it has top notch facilities which includes 13 faculties, and 3 academic institutes. Quality of life services are also afforded to student like the University Smart Card, Eduroam Wifi connection, and Career Services and Job Banks.