Bachelor's degree in Spain:
the complete guide for families

Spain represents a particularly attractive study destination, combining cultural proximity, quality of life and academic excellence. Its range of universities and private schools offers numerous quality programmes, often accessible in Spanish or English, within a particularly dynamic international environment.

However, choosing the right institution and the most suitable programme for each student's profile remains a decisive step. Expat Student puts its expertise at your service to support your child throughout their project, from guidance and the selection of private institutions to the admission procedures and settling into Spain.

Application support

A bespoke 100 % support programme involving face-to-face meetings with the student.

Mastery of
process

A comprehensive assessment of admissions and the deadlines to be met.

Installation assistance and
to local life

Comprehensive support to guide you step-by-step, right up to the first day of term!

Access the training of your dreams at a prestigious university with Expat Student!

Choosing Spain for a Bachelor's degree offers multiple advantages. The geographical proximity to France allows for short and affordable travel, with no time difference, thus making family visits easier.

Spain also offers the possibility of following numerous courses in English, particularly within private universities and schools. Studying in English in Spain also gives students the opportunity to learn Spanish locally and thus become truly trilingual, a valuable asset for their academic and professional career.

The cost of living in Spain remains generally lower than that in France, offering a pleasant living environment across a wide choice of vibrant university cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia.

Professionally speaking, Spanish legislation is very favourable to students: a student residence permit allows them to work up to 30 hours a week. Lastly, upon completing their studies, recent graduates can benefit from a one-year residence permit to look for a job or start their own business.

Thanks to Tania and Louise who helped me over the past two years to apply to various universities in many countries. They supported me even when I didn't meet my conditions and were a huge help to me.

Katie D.

Offer received from IE Madrid for Business Management

Understand the country's higher education system

Spain is home to some of Europe's most renowned business schools, notably IE University in Madrid and ESADE in Barcelona, internationally recognised for the excellence of their management, finance, entrepreneurship and business courses.

The country is also distinguished by the quality of its medical and health science training programmes, offered by several renowned private universities such as CEU Cardenal Herrera and benefiting from an international academic environment.

It is important to note that in Spain, the Bachelor's degree cycle (known as a Grado) generally lasts four years, compared to three years in France. This difference in duration is an essential factor to take into account when planning your academic project and family budget.

How Expat Student supports you through your bachelor's degree

Expat Student’s support is designed to offer a smooth and tailored journey, guaranteeing the best chances of success. Our involvement begins with an in-depth guidance assessment. This initial step makes it possible to evaluate the student’s language proficiency and clarify their plans.

Our team supports the student methodologically and ensures strict adherence to the schedule. 

Bachelor's degree in Spain

Bachelor degree in Spain: cost of living and local expenses to anticipate, visas and procedures

For the 2026-2027 academic year, tuition fees in private universities and schools in Spain generally range between €21,000 and €45,000 per year, depending on the institution, city and chosen course of study.

It is therefore essential to factor in tuition fees from the career guidance stage in order to select the institutions best suited to the academic project and the family budget.

The cost of living

The monthly cost of living is estimated to be between €700 and €1,200, depending on the city of residence. Madrid and Barcelona are the most expensive cities, whereas destinations such as Valencia are more affordable.

Administrative procedures

Regarding administrative procedures, EU citizen students do not need a visa, but must register locally if their stay exceeds three months. For non-EU students, the Student Visa is compulsory. Obtaining it requires proof of sufficient resources (around €600 per month) and health insurance. The processing time varies from 4 to 8 weeks. Once in Spain, these students must obtain their NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) and their TIE card. Since the 2022 reform, the student residence permit allows working up to 30 hours per week.

Prestigious private universities in Spain

ranking IE Madrid, ESADE, 

Our parent testimonials
Expat Student support

Thanks to Tania and Louise who helped me over the past two years to apply to various universities in many countries. They supported me even when I didn't meet my conditions and were a huge help to me.

Katie D.

Offer received from IE Madrid for Business Management

Louise was a great help to us in enrolling our daughter in a veterinary school. We wanted to have peace of mind during the admission procedure and so we let Louise handle it. Her guidance and support were of a very high standard.

A big thank you! Our daughter is starting at CEU in Valencia in veterinary school in September 2025!!

Christophe D.

Father of a student accepted into Veterinary Medicine at CEU Cardenal Herrera, Spain

Louise and her team are genuinely committed to the success of their students. Indeed, they are always attentive and available to answer even the slightest questions. You can feel confident about your interviews: the preparation is intensive yet effective! A very good rapport from the beginning and a working relationship based on complete trust!

Sophie V.

Veterinary Medicine degree at CEU Cardenal Herrera (Valencia, Spain)

The questions parents ask themselves about a bachelor's degree in Spain

The courses we offer are taught 100% in English.

It is therefore not necessary to speak fluent Spanish at the start of the course.

PCE (Specific Competencies Tests) are supplementary exams to the baccalaureate. They are used by public Spanish universities to calculate an admission mark and rank candidates. 

For private universities, PCEs are not required.

Yes. Since the 2022 reform, Spanish legislation has allowed international students (including those from outside the EU) who hold a study residence permit to work up to 30 hours a week.

After graduation, your child has the option to apply for a one-year residence permit, allowing them to look for a job or start their own business in Spain.

Most of our students go on to study for an international Master's degree.

Bachelor's degree in Spain

Discover our Google reviews

The Expat Student support step by step

Expat Student offers comprehensive and bespoke support for students wishing to enter a prestigious university, guiding them through every stage of their academic project. From defining the ideal path to final admission, the team provides tailored expertise to help each student enhance their profile, choose the institutions best suited to their ambitions and maximise their chances of success.

1. The initial consultation is without obligation

2. The selection of courses and universities

3. Assistance with drafting the cover letter

4. Planning and preparation of each application

5. The final decision

Job opportunities and careers in the country

Obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Spain opens up great prospects. Graduates from non-EU countries have the opportunity to apply for a one-year residence permit specifically dedicated to job hunting or starting a business in Spanish territory.

This opportunity constitutes an excellent stepping stone for gaining significant initial professional experience in Europe. It can lead to an international career or facilitate a return to France, particularly in dynamic sectors such as tourism, international trade or new technologies, which are growing strongly in hubs such as Madrid and Barcelona.

Bachelor's degree in Spain

Expat Student, your partner for study abroad success

We are working
for you!

We are working
for you!

We do not receive commission from the universities you apply to. Our advice is independent and you can be sure that we have only your best interests at heart.

A world
of possibilities

A world of possibilities

Our support service is aimed at secondary school students in France or abroad, regardless of the track and educational system followed—French Baccalaureate, International Baccalaureate, A levels, etc. We help you to select, from the very wide variety of courses offered by foreign universities, the one that best suits you.

One-to-one and tailored support

One-to-one and tailored support

We develop a strategy tailored to each candidate's personality, skills and wishes. At Expat Student there are no group meetings. We guide you individually through every stage of your application.

Excellent relations with universities

Excellent relations with universities

Over the years, we have developed excellent professional relationships with the top universities. You can count on us to represent you with them whenever necessary.

A recognition of your career path

A recognition of your career path

We work with you to ensure your personal statement is glowing, impactful and sincere, all in perfect English. It is a key element of your application that can make the difference between two candidates.

A helping hand for your installation

A helping hand for your installation

Our services do not stop once you have received an offer from the university of your choice. We provide you with practical advice to make your settlement in your new country and your integration into the university easier.

We support you with the bachelor's degree in other countries!

Expat Student's expertise is not limited to Spain; we also offer bachelor's degree support in other countries:

Bachelor's degree
Netherlands

Bachelor's degree
Canada

Bachelor's degree
Italy

Bachelor's degree
United Kingdom

Not yet certain of the country?

Book a call