Introduction
Are you an international student planning to study abroad in Spain? There is no doubt that Spain is a popular study-abroad destination. From tourism to academics, Spain is famous for all. Every student deserves to live an exciting student life, and Spain is definitely the best place to experience it. Being an international student, your first step is to find the ideal university in Spain for you. There are various universities that offer various programs, but which one is the best? In this article, you will get all the information that you need about studying in Spain as an international student. So, let’s begin.
Top Universities in Spain
In the table given below, the top universities in Spain, along with their rankings, are given.
University | QS World University Rankings 2025 | THE World University Rankings 2024 |
University of Barcelona | =165 | =152 |
Autonomous University of Madrid | =198 | 351-400 |
Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona | =265 | 201-250 |
UPM or Technical University of Madrid | =321 | 801-1000 |
University of Granada | =431 | 501-600 |
Complutense University of Madrid | 164 | 501-600 |
Autonomous University of Barcelona | 175 | 201-250 |
University of Navarra | 249 | 301-350 |
UC3M or Charles III University of Madrid | =285 | – |
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech (UPC) | =371 | 601-800 |
Why study abroad in Spain?
Many people worldwide think of tourism and vacation when someone says Spain. But did you know Spain is one of the leading study-abroad destinations? Let’s see a few reasons why it is the perfect place for international students.
- Quality Education: The universities in Spain have proved themselves every year, as they are ranked high in international university rankings every time. They offer international students with top-notch quality education and opportunities.
- Vibrant Student Life: International students get a chance to learn and grow in a country that is rich in art and history. The festivals, beaches, and parties in the country are worth visiting again and again.
- Affordable: One of the major concerns that stops students from studying abroad is the worry of expenses. However, studying in Spain is very affordable, since it has low tuition fees, as compared to other European countries.
Popular Courses in Spain
No matter which field your interest lies in, the universities in Spain will offer you them all. Given below are the most common and popular courses chosen by international students in Spain.
- Engineering: Since the universities in Spain focus on innovation, the universities offer excellent engineering courses to students, thereby giving chances to build careers in automotive, renewable energy, and other fields.
- Business & Management: Being a major European economy, the universities in Spain focus on providing students with top-notch skills in finance, business, marketing, and more.
- Arts & Humanities: For those who wish to engage themselves in rich artistic heritage, the popular art history programs are ideal for them.
- Tourism & Hospitality: Since Spain has become one of the most preferred and traveled countries in the world, it needs professionals in the hospitality field. From travel management to event planning, Spain is truly a hub for tourism.
Top 3 Universities for International Students
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Complutense University of Madrid:
Location: Madrid
Number of Students: 80,000+
Founded in 1293, this public research university is a prestigious academic institute in Madrid, Spain. The university is also one of the oldest operating universities in the whole world. Being the largest public university in Spain, the university has more than 85,000 students enrolled in different programs. Students from all over the world choose to study at Complutense University of Madrid for its diverse programs. The university currently offers students with 81 Bachelor’s, 152 Master’s and doctoral degrees in almost all degrees. Being ranked in the top universities every year, studying at CUM is truly a rewarding experience.
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University of Barcelona:
Location: Barcelona
Number of Students: 70,000
In the list of oldest operating institutions worldwide, this public research university was founded in 1450. The university serves more than 78,000 students currently from all over the world. Being one of the largest universities in the world, the University of Barcelona is an excellent choice for students from all over the world. With a deep focus on international collaboration and sustainability, the University of Barcelona is a major institution in Spain. With more than 100 Master programs and several PhD options, this university is the epitome of academic excellence and student welfare.
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Autonomous University of Barcelona:
Location: Barcelona
Number of Students: 30,000
According to many ranking systems, the Autonomous University of Barcelona has ranked second-best in Spain for its academics. This public research university is known worldwide for its innovation and research. The university offers several Bachelor’s and Master’s programs to students worldwide. Did you know? This university comes under the top 12% of the universities in the world. Students choose to study here for its focus on international collaboration, practical exposure, experience and quality of education. Subjects such as arts, science, humanities, engineering and more are taught here.
Conclusion
If you are an international student who is looking for the ideal study-abroad destination, then look no further. The information given above highlights the details of the top universities in Spain for international students. So, hurry up and apply to your dream university today. All the best!