Cost of Living for International Students in Spain (Monthly)
Accommodation:
- University Dormitory: €300 – €700/month
- Private Apartment: €500 – €1,200/month (depending on the city)
- Shared Housing: €250 – €500/month
- Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona are more expensive than smaller cities like Granada or Valencia.
2. Food:
- Monthly Food Expenses: €150 – €300
- Meal a t a M i d – r a n g e R e s t a u r a n t : € 10 – €15
- Grocery Shopping: €30 – €50 per week
- Save money by cooking at home and buying groceries from local markets.
3. Transportation:
- Public Transport Monthly Pass: €40 – €60
- Single Bus/Metro Ticket: €1.5 – €2.5
- Bicycle Rental: €20 – €30 per month
- Many student cities are walkable, reducing the need for public transport.
4. Academic Expenses:
- Books & Study Materials: €50 – €100 per semester
- Internet & Phone Bills: € 20 – € 4 0 p e r m o n t h
Requirements for Studying in Spain for International Students (2025)
1. Academic Requirements:
- A high school diploma or equivalent, recognized by Spain through a process called Homologación.
- Language proficiency:
If the program is in Spanish, provide a certificate such as:
– DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera)
– SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española)
If the program is in English, provide a certificate such as:
– IELTS or TOEFL.
- An official acceptance letter from a recognized university.
2. Student Visa Requirements (Visa Type D):
- If the study period is more than 90 days, apply for a Student Visa from the Spanish Embassy in your country.
- Required Documents for the Visa:
1-Completed visa application form.
2-Valid passport.
3- University a c c e p t a n c e letter.
4- Proof of financial means (around €900 – €1,000 per month).
5-Health insurance covering your stay in Spain.
6- Medical certificate of fitness.
7- Criminal r e c o r d certificate.
8- Passport-sized photos.
- All documents must be translated into Spanish and officially certified.
3. Residence Permit Requirements:
After arriving in Spain:
- Apply for a Student Residence Permit (TIE) within 30 days of arrival.
- Register your address in Spain.
4. Working While Studying:
- International students can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies.
- A work permit is required if the job is related to your study program.
5. Additional Requirements for Certain Majors:
- Some programs like medicine, engineering, or law may require additional entrance exams or preparatory courses.
Application Steps Summary:
- Obtain university a c c e p t a n c e .
- Apply for a student visa.
- Prepare the required documents .
- Apply for a residence permit after arrival.
- Comply with visa a n d u n i v e r s i t y r e g u l a t i o n s during your studies.
Important Tips:
- Check the specific university requirements before applying.
- Visa requirements may vary based on the Spanish Embassy in your country.
- Apply early to avoid delays in procedures