Espagne Moving to Spain

Residence Permit

Do you need an entry visa?

Students who are nationals of an EU country or a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) do not need an entry visa to study in Spain.

After arriving, you must complete your final university enrolment and register with the Central Register of Foreign Nationals. You will be issued a “Certificado de registro de ciudadano de la Unión” (Certificate of Registration as an EU Citizen), which also includes your Foreigner Identification Number (N.I.E.).

 Important: You must apply for this certificate within three months of your arrival in Spain

Health insurance

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides you with medical coverage and guarantees reimbursement for healthcare expenses.

It is recommended that students register with the relevant Spanish social security institution – Seguridad Social. Although healthcare costs are generally covered upon presentation of the EHIC, registration can simplify the reimbursement process.

If registration is not possible for any reason, necessary medical treatment can still be provided based on the EHIC. In such cases, care is delivered according to the legal provisions of the host country – in this case, Spain – and reimbursed according to the rates applied there.

For more information, visit the CNS (Caisse Nationale de Santé) website.

Accomodation

It can be difficult to find accommodation without being there in person. It’s advisable to arrange short-term housing at first (such as a youth hostel, a room in a private home, etc.).

As soon as your university admission is confirmed, get in touch with the university’s accommodation office (Servicio de alojamiento).

Student Halls

“Colegios Mayores” are student halls of residence. Rent typically ranges from €500 to €1,000 per month, depending on the location. These usually include meals and cleaning services in the price.

University Residences

“Residencias Universitarias” are generally more affordable, but places are limited. Prices vary from one residence to another.

Flat Shares – “Spanish-Style”

Flat sharing among students is very popular, so it’s important to start your search early – ideally as early as June for a September start.

Many websites offer listings for flat shares in Spain.

Budget

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees in Spain vary depending on the status of the institution (public or private) and the number of credits required to complete a degree. Therefore, the same programme may cost more or less depending on the university and the Autonomous Community.

• At public universities, fees typically range from €700 to €1,600 per year.
• At private universities, fees can range from €4,000 to €10,000 per year.

You can compare course fees on QEDU!

Public Universities

To calculate the total cost of a degree, multiply the number of required credits by the price per credit listed on the university’s website.

• 240 credits for a Grado (Bachelor’s degree)
• 60 or 90 credits for a Master’s degree

Depending on the course and university, the cost per credit for a Grado generally ranges from €13 to €25.

For Master’s degrees, the cost per credit varies even more widely: from €25 to €120.

Private Universities

Private institutions are free to set their own tuition fees, which can therefore be significantly higher.

Student Jobs & Internships

As a student who is a national of an EU or EEA country, you are allowed to work in Spain without needing a special work permit.

However, the job market in Spain can be quite competitive, and finding a student job is not always easy. You can post job requests on university noticeboards, in local shops, or place ads in newspapers such as Segunda Mano. It’s also worth checking job listings on the SEPE (Public Employment Service) website.

According to Luxembourgish legislation, if you work more than 10 hours per week, your income may be added to your parents’ income when calculating eligibility for the social grant.

Student Life

Student life in Spain can be very enriching, with plenty of opportunities to interact with other students. Spain remains one of the most popular destinations for Erasmus exchanges.

A small but important detail: several official languages are spoken in Spain – Spanish (Castilian), Catalan, Basque, and Galician. While Castilian is widely used at university, even in the autonomous communities, it is common for certain subjects to be taught in the regional language (such as in Catalonia, the Valencian Community, the Balearic Islands, the Basque Country, parts of Navarre, or Galicia).

Students with Special Needs

The Fundación ONCE, in collaboration with the National University of Distance Education (UNED), the Spanish Committee of Representatives of People with Disabilities (CERMI), and Spanish universities, has developed a university guide for students with disabilities.

The guide provides information on the resources available at both public and private universities to promote the inclusion of students with disabilities.