Best Public Universities in Spain for International Students: Full List!

13 min read

With 97,351 students from Asia choosing Spain for their studies in the 2023/2024 academic year, it’s clear that the country’s public universities are becoming a top destination for international education.

Known for its high-quality programs, affordable tuition fees, and vibrant multicultural environment, public universities in Spain offer a unique blend of academic excellence and rich cultural experiences.

Whether you’re exploring dynamic cities like Madrid and Barcelona or more affordable options across the country, Spain’s public universities provide diverse opportunities catering to various interests and career goals.

Discover why studying at a public university in Spain could be your perfect choice!

Key Highlights

This table captures the essential points from the blog, providing a quick overview of the key information and insights about public universities in Spain.

Topic	Details
Top Public Universities in Spain	University of Barcelona Autonomous University of Barcelona Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Popular Specialisations	Linguistics Film Law Arts History Biology Chemical Engineering Spanish Fine Arts
Best Public Universities in Madrid	Complutense University of Madrid Universidad Autónoma de Madrid Technical University of Madrid
Best Public Universities in Barcelona	University of Barcelona Pompeu Fabra University Polytechnic University of Catalonia
Cheapest Public University in Spain for International Students	University of Granada University of Salamanca University of Valencia
Application Process	Research programs Check eligibility Prepare documents Complete online applications Apply for a student visa.

What Are Public Universities in Spain?

Public universities in Spain are government-funded institutions that offer high-quality education at an affordable cost. As a student, you’ll benefit from diverse programs, experienced faculty, and extensive research opportunities.

With lower tuition fees than private universities and a vibrant multicultural environment, public universities in Spain provide an excellent option for international students studying in a dynamic and inclusive setting.

Tuition fees at public universities are often up to 70% lower than those at private institutions, offering substantial savings while maintaining high academic standards.

Top 5 Public Universities in Spain for International Students

If you’re looking to study in Spain, its public universities offer some of the best education at an affordable cost, making them ideal for international students like you. These institutions are recognised worldwide for their academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and diverse programs.

Here’s a list of the top public universities in Spain, along with their annual tuition fees and QS World University Rankings 2025.

University	QS World University Ranking 2025	Average Tuition Fees
Complutense University of Madrid	#164	INR 1.1L to 2.8L (EUR 1,200 to EUR 3,000 per year)
University of Barcelona	#165	INR 4.5L (EUR 4,900 per year)
Autonomous University of Barcelona	#175	INR 1.7L (EUR 18,46) in total
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid	#198	INR 36K (EUR 390)  annually for full-time students
Pompeu Fabra University	#265	INR 6.4L (EUR 6,911) in total

1. Complutense University of Madrid (UCM)

One of the oldest universities in the world, the Complutense University of Madrid, was established in 1293. Located in Madrid, UCM is known for its historical significance, diverse academic programs, and vibrant student community. 

Here are the popular courses.

• Journalism
• Psychology
• History
• Veterinary Medicine

Notable alumni include the following.

• Federico García Lorca: One of Spain’s most beloved poets and playwrights.
• Juan Carlos I: Former King of Spain.
• Pedro Almodóvar: Internationally acclaimed filmmaker and director.

Here are the eligibility criteria for applying to this university. 

Criteria	Details
Educational Qualifications	The minimum Complutense University of Madrid GPA requirement is 2.75 on a scale of 5.
Language Proficiency	Proficiency in Spanish (DELE B2 or equivalent) for Spanish programs; English proficiency for English-taught programs.
Application Requirements	Online application Academic transcripts Proof of language proficiency Personal statement.

2. University of Barcelona (UB)

The University of Barcelona, established in 1450, is the oldest university in Catalonia and one of most prestigious public universities in Barcelona for international students.. 

As a League of European Research Universities (LERU) member, UB is a leader in academic research in Spain and Europe, making it a prime destination for international students looking for a vibrant learning environment.

Here are the popular courses.

• Medicine
• Law
• Business Administration
• Biological Sciences

Notable alumni include the following.

• Isabel Coixet: Acclaimed Spanish film director known for her unique visual style.
• Jordi Pujol: Influential Catalan politician and former President of the Generalitat de Catalunya.
• Julia Otero: Renowned Spanish journalist and television presenter.

Here are the eligibility criteria for applying to this university. 

Criteria	Details
Educational Qualifications	Completion of secondary education equivalent to the Spanish “Bachillerato.”
Language Proficiency	B1 is the minimum level necessary of knowledge in at least one of the three languages (Catalan, Spanish or English).
Application Requirements	Online application, academic transcripts, proof of identity, and program-specific documents.

3. Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB)

Founded in 1968, the Autonomous University of Barcelona is located in Cerdanyola del Vallès, near Barcelona. UAB is recognised for its innovative research and a wide range of programs that cater to modern societal needs.

The university’s strong focus on internationalisation makes it an attractive option for students worldwide.

Here are the popular courses.

• Business Administration and Management (offered in English)
• Economics
• Law
• Tourism

Notable alumni include the following.

• Fernando Trueba: Academy Award-winning film director and screenwriter.
• Rosa María Calaf: Veteran Spanish journalist and former TVE correspondent.
• Luis López Guerra: Former judge at the European Court of Human Rights.

Here are the eligibility criteria for applying to this university. 

Criteria	Details
Educational Qualifications	University degree equivalent to an EHEA degree (minimum 180 ECTS credits), A minimum GPA of 2,75 (or equivalent).
Language Proficiency	For subjects taught in English, a B2-level certificate is required.
Application Requirements	Online application, academic transcripts, specific program requirements, and proof of language proficiency.

4. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM)

Located in the capital city, the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, founded in 1968, is known for its commitment to academic excellence and innovation. The university offers a wide range of programs and has a strong reputation in research, particularly in science and humanities.

Here are the popular courses.

• Physics
• Political Science and Sociology
• Economics and Business Studies
• Law

Notable alumni include the following.

• Pedro Duque: Spanish astronaut and Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities.
• José María Aznar: Former Prime Minister of Spain.
• Rosa Montero: Renowned journalist and author.

Here are the eligibility criteria for applying to this university. 

Criteria	Details
Educational Qualifications	Equivalent to Spanish “Bachillerato” or completion of comparable secondary education abroad.
Language Proficiency	English (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English, Trinity College, EOI (“Escuela Oficial de Idiomas”) with at least a B2 (or equivalent) level.
Application Requirements	Online application, relevant academic records, a copy of a valid passport, and a letter of motivation.

5. Pompeu Fabra University (UPF)

Established in 1990, Pompeu Fabra University is located in Barcelona and is one of Spain’s most modern and dynamic universities. The university is also recognised for its state-of-the-art facilities and innovative teaching methods, which integrate research-led learning and grow critical thinking. 

Here are the popular courses.

• Communication Studies
• Economics
• International Business
• Political and Social Sciences

Notable alumni include the following.

• Ada Colau: Mayor of Barcelona.
• Albert Rivera: Former leader of the political party Ciudadanos.
• Manuel Valls: Former Prime Minister of France.

Here are the eligibility criteria for applying to this university. 

Criteria	Details
Educational Qualifications	Students must have at least 30 or 100 recognised and validated credits in the studies they are applying for.
Application Requirements	Online application, certified transcripts, proof of language proficiency, and letters of recommendation.

Top 4 Public Universities in Spain for M.A. Programs

Spain offers excellent opportunities for students seeking Master of Arts (M.A.) degrees, with its public universities providing high-quality education at relatively affordable costs. 

Here is an overview of the top four public universities in Spain known for their M.A. programs and their average tuition fees for international students.

University	Average Tuition Fees	Popular M.A. Programs
University of Granada	INR 76K (EUR 821) per year	Art History Linguistics Philosophy Sociology
University of Salamanca	INR 4.6L (EUR 5,000)  per year	Literature Musicology History Cultural Studies
University of Valencia	INR 18.5L (EUR 20,000) in total	Linguistics Art History International Relations Philosophy
University of Seville	INR 93K to 1.8L (EUR 1,000 – EUR 2,000) per year	Political Science Literature History Art History

Top 4 Public Universities in Spain for M.S. Programs

If you want to pursue a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Spain, several public universities offer excellent programs at competitive tuition rates for international students. 

Here’s a list of the top public universities in Spain known for their M.S. programs and average tuition fees.

University	Average Tuition Fees	Popular M.S. Programs
Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM)	INR 36K (EUR 390) annually for full-time students	Computer Science Environmental Sciences Biotechnology Physics
University of Granada	INR 76K (EUR 821) per year	Data Science Engineering Biology Nanotechnology
Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC)	INR 6.1L (EUR 6,600) in total	Telecommunications Aerospace Engineering Data Science Robotics
Technical University of Valencia (UPV)	INR 2.6L (EUR 2,772) in total	Chemical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Computer Science

Specialisations Offered at Public Universities in Spain

When considering studying abroad, Spain’s public universities offer an incredible range of programs to fit your interests. Whether you’re looking to dive into an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll find exciting specialisations that can match your passion. 

Here are some of the most popular options you could explore.

• Linguistics: Imagine mastering the intricacies of language – phonetics, syntax, semantics — right in the heart of a country where Spanish is key.
• Film: Spain’s cinematic culture could be your playground if you’re a film enthusiast. You could study everything from screenwriting and cinematography to film history, surrounded by the inspiration of Spain’s rich film heritage.
• Law: Considering a career in law? You could specialise in international law, human rights, or commercial law.
• Arts: Are you passionate about the arts? Picture yourself exploring visual arts, music, dance, or theatre in a country with a deep cultural heritage.
• History: If you are fascinated by history, Spain offers a unique perspective on European, Mediterranean, and Latin American history.
• Biology: For those who love science, Spain’s diverse ecosystems are perfect for studying everything from genetics to marine biology.
• Chemical Engineering: Interested in engineering? Spain’s public universities offer strong programs in chemical engineering, where you can gain practical skills and knowledge that are highly valued in industries worldwide.
• Spanish: What better place to master Spanish than in Spain itself? You’ll become fluent and dive into the rich literature, culture, and history that make this language so fascinating and globally significant.
• Fine Arts: If you’re an aspiring artist, studying fine arts in Spain allows you to develop your craft in painting, sculpture, or digital arts.

Application Process for Public Universities in Spain

Applying to public universities in Spain involves several steps, and understanding the process can help you prepare thoroughly. 

Here’s a general guide on applying to the top public universities in Spain.

1. Research Your Program

Start by identifying the specific program you want to apply for at your chosen university. Each university offers various undergraduate and graduate courses with different requirements. Visit the university’s website to review the programs and understand the curriculum.

2. Check Eligibility Criteria

Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the program. 

This typically includes the following.

• A recognised secondary school diploma or a bachelor’s degree (for master’s programs).
• An IELTS score of 6.0-6.5 for English-taught programs or DELE B2/C1 for Spanish-taught programs.
• Additional requirements like entrance exams (e.g., PAU for undergraduate applicants) or specific prerequisite courses.

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3. Prepare Your Documents

Gather the required documents for your application. 

Common documents include the following.

• Academic transcripts and certificates.
• Proof of language proficiency (IELTS, DELE).
• Copy of your passport or national ID.
• 2-3 Letters of recommendation (usually for master’s programs).
• A personal statement or motivation letter explaining your interest in the program and university.

4. Complete the Online Application

Visit the university’s official application portal to create an account and complete the application form. Each university has a specific portal for applications.

5. Pay the Application Fee

Once you’ve completed your application, pay the non-refundable application fee, which typically ranges from INR 2.8K to 9.2K (EUR 30 to EUR 100), depending on the university and program.

6. Submit Your Application

After completing the required details and uploading all documents, submit your application online before the deadline. Be mindful of the application deadlines, which may vary depending on the program and intake (fall or spring).

7. Wait for the Admission Decision

After submission, universities will review your application. The review process may take several weeks to a few months. If shortlisted, you may be asked to attend an interview (primarily for graduate programs).

8. Receive Your Offer and Confirm Enrollment

You will receive an official offer letter via email or the application portal if accepted. Confirm your acceptance by following the instructions, which usually include paying a deposit to secure your place.

Top 4 Scholarships for Studying at Public Universities in Spain for Indian Students

If you’re looking to study at a public university in Spain, there are several scholarships available to help reduce the financial burden. These scholarships cater to a range of students based on merit, financial need, and specific fields of study, providing excellent opportunities for you to achieve your academic goals.

Here are the top 4 scholarships you should consider.

Scholarship	Awarded Amount	Eligibility
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships	Fully funded: Monthly stipend for travel, visa and living allowance.	Open to graduate students from India applying for joint master’s programs in Europe.
University Community Scholarships – Universitat Pompeu Fabra	Covers public registration fees and other related costs	Students facing significant financial difficulties are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
UIC Barcelona – International Excellence Scholarships	20% discount on tuition fees	Talented international students with an average GPA of 8 in upper secondary education.
Niyo Scholarship for Indian Students	EUR 2,000 per student (INR 1.8L)	Indian students starting their Bachelor’s or Master’s programs abroad can be combined with other scholarships.

Conclusion

Spain’s public universities provide diverse academic opportunities, making them ideal choices for international students seeking affordable, high-quality education. If you are interested in studying at public universities in Madrid, try exploring universities such as the Autonomous University of Madrid.

Explore amazing cities like Barcelona, where institutions like the Polytechnic University of Catalonia offer excellent programs in various fields of study.

These universities offer competitive tuition fees, a multicultural environment, a rich cultural heritage, and strong academic credentials. For those looking for the cheapest public university in Spain for international students, cities like Granada and Valencia also provide outstanding educational experiences at a lower cost.

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