Master Guide To Study in Spain

Every year, millions of students visit to Study in Spain and embark on a transformative educational journey! Immerse yourself in vibrant culture, renowned universities, and language immersion opportunities. Explore tailored study programs in arts, humanities, science, and technology. Start your academic excellence in Spain today! in search of a fulfilling career. Spain's diversified landscape, combined with friendly people, sumptuous food, and pleasant weather all year, makes it the perfect place to start a new life. Spain is best known for its rich history and culture.

Nevertheless, higher education is also a prominent attraction among international students. Apart from all this, learning Spanish sets the trend in the global job market. Spanish delicacies are a hot favourite of many international students. Spain is one of the unique attractions among European countries to study master’s programs in almost every field of study.

Top universities to Study in Spain include ESADE Business School, I.e., Business School, The University of Barcelona, University Rovira I Virgil, Geneva Business School, University Carlos III de Madrid, University of Navarra, TBS in Barcelona, EADA Business School, ESCP Europe Business School – Madrid Campus. There are numerous job opportunities in Spain for graduates in several fields like management, consultancy, marketing, and information technology, to name a few. 

Why Study in Spain

Spain is best known for its rich history and culture. Nevertheless, higher education is also a prominent attraction among millions of international students. Apart from all this, learning Spanish sets the trend in the international job market. Spanish delicacies are a hot favourite of many international students. So let’s have a glimpse of the top reasons to study in Spain below:

1. Quality Education

Spain has one of the world’s best, well-organized educational systems. Furthermore, learning opportunities for students around the world are limitless. Spain is ranked as the third most popular destination for higher education. This obviously makes Spain one of the most famous educational hubs in the world, along with the USA, the UK, Italy, and France. 

2. Say hello to Spanish

Learning a new language sharpens one's language skills when studying in Spain. So, learning Spanish would benefit international students in two ways. First, international students can add the Spanish language and proficiency level to their resumes. Second, learning Spanish would benefit students in understanding the instruction of study in Spanish universities, as course instruction is bilingual.

3. Sumptuous Spanish Cuisine

Spain has the world’s best delicacies to suit every taste palette. Tapas, paella, churros, tortillas, and fabada are some of the top favourites among international students.

4. Affordable Education

When compared with the other most popular education destinations like the USA, UK, etc. Study in Spain is comparatively economical. Reasonable tuition fees and affordable living costs are the factors that vouch for affordable education in Spain. Many Spanish universities offer on-campus student accommodation as the most viable option for international students. Even if students wish to live free-spirited, they can opt for pocket-friendly accommodations outside their university campus.

5. Job opportunities 

International students can explore the job market in Spain right after their master’s in almost every sector like IT, medicine, engineering, teaching, or sales. Also, the average annual salary offered to fresh graduates is around €23,000. International students working part-time can earn around €450 as a minimum salary.

Top Colleges and Courses in Spain

Study in Spain, a premier destination for international students pursuing master’s degrees! With a diverse range of courses in engineering, biomedicine, business management, and more, Spain's universities offer quality education and abundant job opportunities. With 76 colleges attracting nearly 195,000 international students annually, Spain's allure lies in its vibrant culture, affordability, and academic prestige.

Top 10 universities to study Masters programs in Spain

Basic Admission Requirements for Master's Programs in Spanish Universities

Here are the below list of requirements:

• Academic Transcripts: Submission of comprehensive academic transcripts from high school to undergraduate level.
• English Proficiency Test: Depending on the language of instruction (English or Spanish), students must provide proof of proficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or DELE.
• GMAT/GRE: While not compulsory, a good score in GMAT (for management or MBA programs) or GRE (for technical fields) is advantageous.
• Statement of Purpose/Motivation: A 500-700 word statement explaining the student's motivation for choosing the specific university and program.
• Resume: An updated resume highlighting any relevant work experience, limited to one page.
• Student Visa: Depending on the type and duration of the program, you must obtain a student visa from the Spanish embassy or consulate.
• Application Fee: Pay the required application fee (€60).
• Proof of Funds: Demonstrate financial capability to cover living expenses (€10,903/year).
• Other Documents: Valid passport and proof of acceptance by the college/university.

Cost of Living in Spain for International Students

• Accommodation: In Spain, international students have various accommodation options. They can opt for university-provided residence halls, costing between €360 to €650 per month, or choose to rent apartments, with prices ranging from €200 to €1,000 monthly. Another option is living with Spanish families, where rents vary based on location and living conditions.
• Food: Exploring Spain's culinary delights, students can budget around €200 to €400 monthly for groceries. Dining out offers affordable options, with simple meals averaging €10 and three-course dinners at mid-range restaurants costing about €35. Economical supermarkets like Dia and Mercadona offer budget-friendly food choices.
• Transportation: Public transport in Spain is convenient, costing approximately €1.5 per regular trip. Monthly transport passes range from €42 to €54, depending on the city's size. Students can also enjoy weekend travel on the AVE speed train, priced at around €75 per trip, or opt for car rentals for city exploration and sightseeing.
• Additional Costs: Beyond living expenses, students should budget for additional necessities such as books, supplies, and learning materials. Health insurance, basic utilities (electricity, water, heating, garbage), and internet expenses are also essential considerations for maintaining a comfortable standard of living in Spain.

Scholarships for International Students

Study in Spain and explore affordable education options alongside scholarship opportunities to alleviate financial burdens. Spain boasts a renowned educational system and quality institutions. Discover government-sponsored scholarship programs for the 2021-2022 financial year, enabling students to pursue their academic aspirations in Spain. Dive into a list of scholarships provided by the Spanish government and unlock your potential in one of Europe's most dynamic study destinations:

1. Spain Government Scholarships

The Ministry of Education of Spain provides diverse education scholarship programs for local and international students looking to study in Spain. These scholarships cover bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Eligibility criteria and application details for government scholarships can be found on the Ministry of Education of Spain's official website. Start your journey to 'Study in Spain' with these valuable scholarship opportunities.

2. Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC) Barcelona Scholarship

The UIC scholarship program is open to international students seeking specialization in various fields, including Biomedicine, Bioengineering, Law, Business, Communication, Psychology, Nursing, and Physiotherapy. Regardless of nationality, students demonstrating academic excellence in these areas are eligible to apply. The deadline for applications is April 21, 2021. Successful applicants can benefit from a 20% tuition fee discount for undergraduate programs at UIC University.

3. European University of the Atlantic Scholarship program

The European University of the Atlantic grants this scholarship program to a maximum of 20 students wanting to study undergraduate programs. This scholarship program can cover 100% of the tuition fees of the intended program. The last date to apply for this scholarship program is 15 October 2021.

4. University of Granada Scholarship program

Study in Spain with the European University of the Atlantic's scholarship program! Open to undergraduate students, this opportunity offers full tuition fee coverage for up to 20 recipients. Act fast—the deadline to apply for this Study in Spain scholarship is October 15, 2021.

5. Spanish Studies Abroad Scholarship program

This scholarship program was rooted in 2001. It provides scholarships to students pursuing undergraduate and graduate programs in Spain, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Argentina. The students must submit a 400-500 word essay to get selected. This program grants a scholarship amount of 451.52 EUR.

6. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship program

This scholarship program is offered to students pursuing master’s degrees in Spain. A plus point, it supports students who are good at sports and training activities in the European Union. This scholarship program provides a monthly stipend of €1,000 for free travel, among many other benefits. 

7. EADA Business School Scholarship Program

In Barcelona, Spain, EADA Business School is a private university established in 1984. This university grants scholarship programs to MBA and graduate student scholarships who excel in academics. This university grants a waiver of 25-50% on tuition fees of the graduate program. 

Exploring Part-Time Job Opportunities for Students in Spain

Part-time jobs offer students in Spain a chance to earn extra income while gaining valuable experience. Here are some popular part-time job roles and their corresponding salaries:

• Tutor: Offering tutoring services can fetch around €15 per hour, providing assistance in various subjects or languages.
• Fitness Trainer: Fitness enthusiasts can work as trainers, earning approximately €16 per hour while helping others achieve their health goals.
• Social Media Expert: Students proficient in social media management can find roles paying around €16 per hour, assisting businesses in their online presence.
• IT and Technical Support: Skilled IT professionals can provide technical support services, commanding rates of approximately €20 per hour.

Guidelines for Securing Part-Time Jobs

Non-EU/EEA students must adhere to specific regulations to secure part-time employment in Spain:

• Part-time work is limited to 20 hours per week, and students can work up to 4 hours daily.
• Employers need to provide work permits for non-EU students, ensuring their studies are not compromised.
• EU/EEA students do not require work permits but should fulfil their work contracts responsibly.

Finding Part-Time Jobs

International students can explore various platforms to find part-time job opportunities:

• EURES: Designed for EU students, EURES offers job listings across Spanish cities.
• Expatica Jobs: This platform caters to international students with multilingual skills.
• Online Job Portals: Websites like The Local, The Guardian, and ThinkSpain list numerous part-time job options.
• Lingobongo and Spainwise: These platforms focus on teaching opportunities, requiring qualifications like TEFL.
• Graduateland, Primer Empleo, and iAgora: These portals offer diverse part-time job listings.
• Season Workers or think Spain: Ideal for students seeking seasonal employment opportunities.
  IAESTE UK and AIESEC UK: These portals provide internship and international job opportunities for students.

Pathways to Permanent Residency in Spain: Options and Procedures

Post completing their studies, international students in Spain have various options to obtain residency, depending on their nationality and circumstances.

EU Citizens

EU citizens can apply for a permanent residence permit, which allows them to reside in Spain legally for more than three months. This permit requires proof of financial stability (€6,000 in a bank account), private medical insurance, or evidence of salary.

Non-EU Citizens

For non-EU students, obtaining residency involves different processes:

• Student Visa: Students can enter Spain initially with a student visa, which can be valid for 3 to 9 months or even up to 4 years, depending on the program's duration. For longer-term programs, students can then obtain a foreign identity card (TIE).
• Business Visa: Non-EU citizens interested in starting a business can apply for an entrepreneur visa or a self-employed work permit, with varying requirements and durations.
• Non-Lucrative Residency Visa: Designed for individuals not engaging in economic activities, this visa requires proof of sufficient funds (€26,000) and private health insurance. Renewal is possible after residing in Spain for at least 183 days.
• Work Permit: Non-EU citizens can obtain a work permit as employees of a Spanish company, either as highly skilled workers with a high managerial position or through self-employment.
• Golden Visa: This visa is granted to those investing in real estate (minimum €500,000) or shares in Spanish companies, with additional financial requirements and health insurance coverage.
  Family Member of EU Citizen Visa: Relatives of EU citizens can benefit from simplified visa processes, such as marriage or civil partnership, allowing residency for five years without renewal.
• Family Regrouping Visa: Individuals residing in Spain for at least a year can bring their family members through this visa.
• Arraigo Procedure: After living in Spain for three years, those unable to meet other visa requirements can obtain residency through the arraigo procedure, based on social or family roots.
• Asylum and Red Card: These are offered to individuals from distressed countries. They allow temporary residency that is renewable until immigration authorities respond.
• EU Blue Card: Granted to highly qualified professionals, this card permits work in any EU country, with varying durations depending on employment.

To apply for permanent residency while studying in Spain, applicants must furnish essential documents like a valid passport, proof of a clean criminal record, and private health insurance. Conversion from temporary to permanent residency typically necessitates meeting residency duration criteria, such as five years for automatic permanent residency or ten years for citizenship eligibility. Explore the process of permanent residency while study in Spain today!

Jobs After Completing Studies

After completing a master's degree in Spain, graduates have access to diverse job opportunities across various sectors. Industries such as finance, consulting, marketing, technology, and business analytics offer promising career prospects.

• Consulting: Graduates can pursue roles in consulting firms, offering strategic advice and solutions to businesses. Salaries range from €29,131 to €79,473 annually.
• Tech: With Spain's growing tech industry, graduates can explore opportunities in software development, data analysis, and IT management, with salaries ranging from €18,472 to €129,264 per year.
• Marketing: There are ample opportunities in marketing roles, including digital marketing, brand management, and market research, with salaries ranging from €18,120 to €58,560 annually.
• Finance: Careers in finance encompass roles in banking, investment management, and financial analysis, with salaries ranging from €36,245 to €419,432 per year.
• Business Analytics: Graduates with expertise in data analysis and business intelligence can pursue roles in business analytics, with salaries ranging from €53,104 to €81,135 annually.

Average Annual Salaries of Graduates in Spain:

Some of the top industries are finance/banking, consultancy, and IT. International students can work at numerous multinational companies in Spain to start their careers in the management field. The most rewarding sectors for management roles in Spain are finance and IT. Companies offering the highest annual salaries to management graduates in Spain include Citigroup, Deloitte, KPMG, Mastercard, PwC, EY, Intel, IBM, and Accenture.

Conclusion

Study in Spain offers a wealth of opportunities across various disciplines and universities. With a well-structured educational system designed to cater to students of all backgrounds, Spain ranks high as a preferred destination for international studies, coming in third globally. As a foreign student, the experience extends far beyond academics, encompassing cultural immersion, culinary exploration, architectural marvels, and engaging with people from diverse backgrounds. From the rich tapestry of arts and literature to the intricate history and architecture, study in Spain promises a journey of academic enrichment and cultural discovery.