Study in Spain

Non-EU/EEA students need a national long-stay study visa (visado de estancia de larga duración por estudios) for study stays exceeding 90 days. You must be admitted to a recognised higher-education institution for a full-time programme, and the application must include proof that the relevant enrolment or registration fees have been paid. Study stays of up to 90 days do not use this visa; depending on your nationality, a Schengen short-stay visa may be required.

For 2026, the minimum financial means for a student applying alone is 100% IPREM, which is EUR 600 per month, corresponding to EUR 7,200 for 12 months. The requirement is calculated according to the period of stay, so it is not a fixed annual figure for every study period. This is a proof-of-funds requirement, not an estimate of actual living costs.

Official SEPIE guidance places many public-university Grado (Bachelor's) fees at approximately EUR 700-1,800 per academic year. Private universities set their own fees and may charge considerably more. Tuition varies by programme, region and institution, so check the exact fees with your chosen university.

SEPIE guidance estimates average student expenditure at below EUR 1,100 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle. This is separate from the IPREM-based visa proof-of-funds requirement of EUR 600 per month, which is an immigration threshold rather than an estimate of actual living expenses.

Yes. Under the current Spanish immigration framework, holders of a long-stay study authorisation for higher education may work as an employee or as self-employed without an additional work authorisation, provided the activity is compatible with their studies, up to a maximum of 30 hours per week.

The legal decision period is generally one month from the day after submission, but may be extended if additional documents, an interview or further checks are required. Applications submitted from outside Spain should generally be made at least two months before the start of your studies.

Eligible higher-education graduates who have achieved at least Level 6 of the European Qualifications Framework can apply for a non-extendable residence authorisation of up to 24 months to seek suitable employment related to their level of study or to develop a business project. This is not an automatic permanent-residence route and not an automatic work permit - the appropriate residence or work authorisation must then be obtained.

For study stays longer than six months, students must apply personally for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE - Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) within one month of entering Spain. The long-stay study visa incorporates the initial authorisation to stay, but it does not replace the TIE for the entire long-term stay.