15 Cheapest Universities in Spain for International Students

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!

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 86%
University of the Balearic Islands 671 Euros - 1,205 Euros 84%
University of Valencia 710 Euros - 1,040 Euros 83%
University of A Coruña 736 Euros - 1,044 Euros 82%
University of Huelva 757 Euros 82%
University of Granada 758 Euros 82%
Technical University of Valencia 935 Euros - 1,156 Euros 77%
King Juan Carlos University 1,015 Euros - 1,241 Euros 75%
University of Lleida 1,061 Euros - 1,107 Euros 74%
Autonomous University of Barcelona 1,061 Euros - 1,107 Euros 74%
Rovira i Virgili University 1,061 Euros - 1,108 Euros 74%
University of Girona 1,061 Euros - 1,108 Euros 74%
Polytechnic University of Catalonia 2,253 Euros - 6,360 Euros 45%
International University of Catalonia 4,500 Euros - 10,400 Euros -10%
CEU Cardinal Herrera University 4,620 Euros - 7,995 Euros -13%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 4,059 Euros for universities in Spain.

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 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. 

4. 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.

5. 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.

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. Technical University of Valencia

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.

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. 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. 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.

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. International University of Catalonia

The International University of Catalonia is a private university in Barcelona, Spain. It operates two campuses in Barcelona and San Cugat del Vallés. Currently, the university provides undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in economics, social sciences, communication sciences, humanities, and medicine, as well as a law school in collaboration with IONA College.

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 93%
University of Lleida 553 Euros - 830 Euros 79%
Technical University of Valencia 578 Euros - 1,178 Euros 78%
University of Santiago de Compostela 591 Euros - 836 Euros 78%
University of the Balearic Islands 610 Euros - 1,801 Euros 77%
University of Valencia 658 Euros - 1,342 Euros 75%
University of the Basque Country 724 Euros - 1,980 Euros 72%
University of A Coruña 736 Euros - 1,044 Euros 72%
University of Granada 821 Euros 69%
King Juan Carlos University 1,015 Euros - 1,241 Euros 61%
Rovira i Virgili University 1,108 Euros - 2,767 Euros 58%
University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia 1,440 Euros - 5,352 Euros 45%
Menéndez Pelayo International University 1,581 Euros - 3,300 Euros 39%
Autonomous University of Barcelona 1,980 Euros - 4,980 Euros 24%
CEU Cardinal Herrera University 2,000 Euros 23%

* Average Master’s International Tuition is 2,581 Euros for universities in spain.

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. Technical University of Valencia

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.

The tuition fee at Technical University of Valencia for incoming international master’s students is 578 Euros to 1,178 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 the Balearic Islands

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, University of the Balearic Islands 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 610 Euros yearly.

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.

6. 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. 

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

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. University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia

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. 

13. 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.

14. 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.

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.

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!