Master’s Study in Spain – A Guide for 2025

Spain is quickly becoming one of the best places to study for a master’s degree in 2025. It offers top universities, affordable fees, and a relaxed, friendly lifestyle that many students love. For Indian students, especially, Spain gives a chance to study in English, explore a new culture, and build an international career, all without burning a hole in your pocket. 

In today’s competitive job market, a master’s degree can give you the edge you need, and studying in Spain helps you gain both academic knowledge and international exposure. So, if you’re looking for a country that offers great value, career opportunities, and an unforgettable student life, Spain should definitely be on your list. 

Why Study a Master’s in Spain? 

Spain is not just a beautiful country, it’s also a fantastic place to earn a master’s degree. Here’s why more and more international students, especially from India, are choosing master’s study in Spain: 

1. High-Quality Education 

Spanish universities are well-known across Europe and the world for their strong academic programs, especially in fields like business, engineering, tourism, and the arts. Many universities also rank in the QS World Rankings. 

2. Lower Living Costs Compared to Other European Countries 

Cities like Valencia, Seville, or Granada offer a lower cost of living compared to London, Paris, or even Amsterdam. You can rent a room, eat out, and travel around without spending a fortune. 

3. Less Competitive Entry Compared to the UK or US 

Getting admission to top programs in Spain is often less competitive than in the US or UK. This doesn’t mean lower quality, it just means fewer hurdles in the application process. 

4. Good Quality of Life for Students 

Spain is safe, relaxed, and socially active. Whether you enjoy cultural festivals, outdoor cafes, football, or weekend getaways, Spain has something for everyone. Mental health and work-life balance are taken seriously here. 

5. English-Taught Programs 

Spain now offers a wide range of master’s degrees in English, so you don’t need to know Spanish to study. However, learning the local language can be a bonus for daily life and future job opportunities. 

6. Growing Job Opportunities in Certain Fields 

Spain’s economy is expanding in sectors like IT, renewable energy, digital marketing, tourism, and healthcare. If your master’s is in one of these fields, your chances of finding a job locally or in nearby EU countries improve. 

Master’s Programs in Spain 

Official Master’s Degrees in Spain are recognised by the Spanish government and the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). They are more academic or research-focused and are often the first step toward a PhD or research career. 

• Offered by public and private universities. 
• Suitable if you want to work in public institutions, research, or continue with a doctoral program. 
• Approved by Spain’s Ministry of Education. 
• Accepted throughout Europe for further studies or public-sector jobs. 

University-specific Master’s Degrees (Títulos Propios) are designed by individual universities, often with input from industries and employers. They are more career-focused or specialised, perfect if you’re aiming to boost your skills and move directly into a job. 

Duration and ECTS Credits 

Most master’s programs in Spain last 1 to 2 years. 

They carry between 60 to 120 ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). 

60 ECTS = 1 academic year 

120 ECTS = 2 academic years 

Popular Master’s Programs in Spain 

Spain offers a wide range of programs in English, and some fields are especially popular with international (including Indian) students: 

1. Business and Management 

• Master in International Business 
• MBA (Master of Business Administration) 
• Master in Marketing and Sales 
• Master in Finance and Accounting 
• Master in Digital Business 

2. Engineering and Technology 

• Master in Civil Engineering 
• Master in Computer Science and Engineering 
• Master in Telecommunications Engineering 
• Master in Renewable Energy 
• Master in Data Science and Big Data 

3. Health and Life Sciences 

• Master in Biomedical Sciences 
• Master in Public Health 
• Master in Clinical Research 
• Master in Biotechnology 
• Master in Nutrition and Dietetics 

4. Social Sciences and Humanities 

• Master in International Relations 
• Master in Political Science 
• Master in Education and Teaching 
• Master in Psychology 
• Master in Sociology 

5. Arts and Design 

• Master in Fine Arts 
• Master in Graphic Design 
• Master in Architecture 
• Master in Fashion Design 
• Master in Film and Media Studies 

6. Law and International Studies 

• Master in International Law 
• Master in European Union Law 
• Master in Human Rights 
• Master in Criminal Law and Criminology 
• Master in Intellectual Property Law 

Top 10 Universities in Spain for Master’s (2025) 

To help you choose the best place for your master’s in Spain, here’s a list of the top 10 universities popular with Indian students: 

Tuition fees for master’s programs in Spain can range from €800 to over €10,000 per year. Public universities typically charge between €300 to €3,500 per year for master’s degrees, while private institutions may have higher fees. 

Eligibility Requirements to Study in Spain for Indian Students 

Before applying for a master’s degree in Spain, Indian students must meet a few important eligibility criteria. Here’s what you need to prepare: 

Bachelor’s Degree 

You must have a recognised undergraduate degree (typically 3 or 4 years) from a UGC-approved university in India or its equivalent. Your degree should be relevant to the master’s program you’re applying for. 

Academic Transcripts & Certificates 

Submit official transcripts, mark sheets, and degree certificates (translated into Spanish or English, if required). 

Language Proficiency 

If the program is taught in English: 

• You may need to submit IELTS (typically 6.0 or above) or TOEFL (around 80+) scores. 
• Some universities may waive this if your previous education was in English (you’ll need a medium of instruction letter). 

If the program is in Spanish: 

• You must demonstrate Spanish proficiency (usually DELE B2 level or equivalent). 

Letters of Recommendation 

Usually 1–2 letters from your professors or professional supervisors highlighting your academic or work achievements. 

Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Motivation Letter 

A clear, honest letter explaining why you want to study the program, your career goals, and why Spain. 

Proof of Financial Support 

You’ll need to show that you can cover tuition and living expenses for the duration of your stay. Bank statements or sponsorship letters may be required for the student visa. 

Application Process to Study in Spain 

Here is a step-by-step application process to study in Spain for international students applying to Master’s programs: 

1. Choose Your Program and University 

Research Spanish universities and select a master’s program that aligns with your academic background and career goals. 

2. Check Admission Requirements 

Visit the official website of your chosen university to review specific admission criteria. Common requirements include: 

• A recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent 
• Academic transcripts 
• Proof of language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL for English; DELE for Spanish) 
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Motivation Letter 
• Letters of Recommendation 
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume 
• Copy of passport 

3. Prepare and Submit Your Application 

Complete the online application form on the university’s official portal. Upload all required documents, ensuring they are translated into Spanish or English if necessary. 

4. Await Admission Decision 

Universities will review your application and notify you of their decision via email or through the application portal. If accepted, you will receive an official admission letter. 

5. Apply for a Student Visa 

Indian students planning to pursue studies in Spain for more than 90 days must obtain a Type D Long-Term Student Visa. This visa is mandatory for full-time academic programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, or professional training courses. 

All student visa applications must be submitted through the Spanish Consulate or Embassy in your home country. Applications from within Spain are no longer accepted for first-time applicants. 

Apply at the nearest Spanish Consulate/Embassy with: 

• Admission letter 
• Valid passport 
• Proof of financial means 
• Proof of accommodation 
• Health insurance 
• Visa application form and fee 

Application Submission: No earlier than 90 days before your intended travel date. If your stay exceeds six months, you must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card – TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) within 30 days of arrival in Spain. 

Note: Application deadlines and requirements may vary between universities and programs. Get in touch with study abroad experts at Shuraa Education for up-to-date information. 

Tuition Fees and Cost of Living in Spain 

 Before planning your master’s in Spain, it’s important to know how much it will cost, from university fees to your daily living expenses. Here are the estimated costs: 

A. Tuition Fees 

Public Universities 

• Bachelor’s Degree: €750 – €2,500 per year (approx. ₹63,000 – ₹2,10,000) 
• Master’s Degree: €1,000 – €3,500 per year (approx. ₹84,000 – ₹2,94,000) 

Note: Non-EU students, including Indian nationals, may incur slightly higher fees. 

Private Universities 

• Bachelor’s Degree: €2,400 – €30,000 per year (approx. ₹2,00,000 – ₹25,00,000) 
• Master’s Degree: €1,388 – €105,000 per year (approx. ₹1,15,000 – ₹30,00,000) 

B. Cost of Living in Spain (2025) 

Living expenses can vary depending on the city and lifestyle. Here’s an estimated monthly breakdown: 

Major Cities (Madrid, Barcelona) 

• Rent (1-bedroom apartment): €850 – €1,500 (approx. ₹75,000 – ₹1,25,000) 
• Utilities (electricity, water, internet): €120 – €150 (approx. ₹10,000 – ₹12,500) 
• Groceries & Meals: €180 – €250 (approx. ₹15,000 – ₹20,000) 
• Transportation: €60 – €70 (approx. ₹5,000 – ₹6,000) 
• Leisure & Miscellaneous: €150 – €220 (approx. ₹12,500 – ₹18,000) 

Smaller Cities (Valencia, Seville, Malaga) 

• Rent (1-bedroom apartment): €700 – €1,050 (approx. ₹60,000 – ₹85,000) 
• Utilities (electricity, water, internet): €100 – €120 (approx. ₹8,000 – ₹10,000) 
• Groceries & Meals: €150 – €180 (approx. ₹12,500 – ₹15,000) 
• Transportation: €50 – €60 (approx. ₹4,200 – ₹5,000) 
• Leisure & Miscellaneous: €100 – €150 (approx. ₹8,000 – ₹12,500) 

You can work part-time (20 hours/week) during studies and full-time during vacations to manage your expenses. Some universities and provinces in Spain also offer scholarships and fee waivers for international students. 

Scholarship Options for International Students to Study in Spain 

Spain offers several scholarships to support international students, including those from India, making it easier to manage tuition and living costs. 

A. Government Scholarships 

1. Spanish Ministry of Education Scholarships 

Covers tuition and may include living expenses for master’s students. 

2. MAEC-AECID Scholarships 

Offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it covers tuition, accommodation, and travel for non-EU students. 

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees 

Fully funded EU scholarships for joint programs across European universities. 

B. University-Specific Scholarships 

1. University of Granada (Erasmus Mundus Women and Gender Studies Scholarship) 

Fully covers tuition, travel, and provides a monthly stipend of €1,000. Aimed at students pursuing a Master’s in Women and Gender Studies. 

2. ESADE Business School – “Do Good Do Better” Scholarship 

Covers up to 75% of tuition fees for international undergraduate students. ESADE ranks 17th globally in Business and Management. 

3. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid Scholarships 

Offers scholarships covering tuition and living expenses for international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. 

4. University of Barcelona Master’s Scholarships 

Provides scholarships covering up to 100% of tuition fees and a monthly stipend for living expenses. 

Shuraa Education can assist you in identifying the right scholarships and guiding you through the application process to boost your chances of success. 

Make Spain Your Next Study Destination 

Your master’s journey doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. Spain gives you the chance to study at top universities, enjoy a great lifestyle, and open doors to global career opportunities, all in one place. It’s a smart choice for Indian students who want quality education with international exposure. 

Not sure where to begin? Shuraa Education can walk you through everything, from choosing the right university and applying to getting your visa, scholarships, and even a place to stay. Reach out to us today.