With numerous private and public universities across the country, Spain is filled with excellent education opportunities from coast to coast.
When it comes to choosing the right university, how can you know where to start looking for the right university?
And for those hoping to study abroad, what about Spanish universities for international students?
We’ll help you tackle these questions head on as we look at the…
Best Spanish Universities for International Students
In our list, we’ll help you sort out which university might be the perfect fit for you by providing some brief rankings and reviews on nine of the best Spanish universities for international students.
Check out this list and you might just find the perfect university to make your study abroad dreams come true!
1. Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) consistently ranks as one of the top universities in Europe.
According to the 2025 QS Europe University Rankings, UC3M is ranked 119 (up from 125 th) among universities throughout Europe.
Keep in mind, there are thousands of higher-education institutions throughout Europe, and UC3M ranks high for a reason.
It offers multiple programs in areas such as Engineering, Law, Social Sciences, and Economics.
Students have access to internship opportunities and a high rate of job placements upon graduation.
The UC3M International Foundation Program provides students with a pathway to a Bachelor’s Degree at without taking the National University Access Exams in Spain (PCE/EvAU/EBAU/PAU).
It also has excellent programs for international students, built to drive educational language and culture opportunities across countries.
2. Complutense University of Madrid
Ranked #6 on the U.S. News & World Report, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) is another renowned institution in Spain.
This university cooperates with over 900 different institutions across 77 countries to develop international bonds with students, researchers, teachers, and personnel.
The university was technically founded in 1499 but has a history dating back to 1293! It has stood as a marker for academic excellence ever since.
The university offers cutting-edge facilities, innovative academics, and a commitment to internationalization.
The International Foundation Program at UCM provides students a way to enhance their Spanish language skills all while receiving a top tier education.
UCM offers many academic programs, including Engineering, Science, Law, Health Sciences, and more.
3. Nebrija University
Nebrija University lands third on our list of one of the best universities in Spain for international students.
A small, private institution with all of the global perks of a university in Madrid, Nebrija is a university that boasts a more personalized approach to higher education.
The student to faculty ratio is 10 to 1, which means students will receive more of a personalized approach to learning.
Classes at Nebrija are taught in Spanish, as well as a combination of English and Spanish.
Forbes recently named Nebrija University as one of the 25 best Spanish universities, and is also accredited by the Spanish Agency for Quality Assessment (ANECA).
ANECA evaluates and provides accreditation to higher education institutions in Spain and is funded by the Spanish Ministry of Education.
It’s no wonder Nebrija is a top choice for international students – it offers a wide variety of exchange programs and focuses on multicultural cooperation.
4. Universidad Europea
Universidad Europea is one of the top Spanish universities for international students for a reason. It holds over 6,000 agreements with various organizations and businesses across Spain.
It also offers students over 300 internship agreements in multiple countries.
For international students, Universidad Europea is an excellent choice when it comes to higher education in Spain.
The university is known for providing students with crucial internship opportunities to work with both national and international companies.
This program sets students off on the right foot in their careers.
Students are able to take courses in a wide variety of majors, including aeronautics, architecture, psychology, criminology, and many more.
5. GBSB Global Business School
We couldn’t get away without mentioning GBSB Global Business School on our list of top Spanish universities for international students.
This international business school has a variety of campuses, with two of those campuses located in Barcelona and Madrid.
This school spends time ensuring students are successfully prepared for careers in a variety of industries.
It focuses on innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, and prides itself on a high employment rate after graduating.
Classes are fully taught in English, with schooling provided in the form of group workshops, coaching sessions, networking opportunities, career counseling, and more.
With over 100 different nationalities joining campuses across Europe, students from around the world attend this accredited school on an annual basis.
6. EU Business School
Another business school worthy of mention is the EU Business School located in Barcelona.
This private university is recognized for its excellent academic programs in business, making it an easy choice for one of the best Spanish universities for international students.
It’s long been a leader in providing an international education to business leaders and entrepreneurs.
The small class sizes at EU Business School help prepare students with in-depth approaches to business simulations, conferences, and company visits.
The 100+ nationalities that attend the school allow for students to learn from a multicultural, global perspective.
Not to mention, they’ve got a 27,000+ alumni network, allowing for ample networking opportunities in Spain and beyond.
Courses are taught in English with a direct approach to business education.
Both undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs are offered at EU Business School.
7. EAE Business School
EAE Business School is a private institution located in the cities of Madrid and Barcelona.
The school focuses on training business professionals to succeed in a variety of different sectors and at different levels of business.
Courses range from part time to full time, with undergraduate and graduate degree offerings.
Students can take classes in a wide variety of modalities including project management, marketing, finance, innovation & tech, and more.
In 2023, over 3,000 students from 120 countries studied at EAE.
International students came in from countries throughout Europe, Latin America, North America, Asia, and more.
The school consistently ranks high on many World University Rankings lists and holds an accreditation from the Project Management Institute.
It’s also certified by EOCCS, which is a prestigious organization that promotes and improves management development.
8. ESIC Business & Marketing School
One of Spain’s leading business schools, ESIC Business & Marketing School is another top choice for international students.
ESIC as a whole is currently listed as one of the Top 25 best universities in Spain according to Forbes, and #3 in Spain for its International Orientation according to Multirank.
This business & marketing school has been a leader in Spain for more than fifty years.
It prepares students to become skilled professionals in the business and marketing world.
It focuses on teaching students how to engage with the current labor market and how to stay up to date on global trends.
Overall, the real-world applications of ESIC’s teachings fully prepare students to be successful in a variety of business fields.
Students are able to study for bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fields such as technology, finance, marketing, digital business, and more.
With multiple top-ranking placements from various organizations, it’s no surprise that ESIC Business & Marketing School rounds off our list of best universities in Spain for international students.
9. HTL International School
Another Barcelona-based school is the HTL International School, with additional campuses in Madrid and Valencia.
For international students looking to get into hospitality, tourism, and business, this is the place to be.
Schooling focuses on providing students with practical experience, along with a global education and a diverse community.
Each academic program at HTL includes an internship study module to prepare students for work after graduation.
A bonus for hopeful international students is that HTL offers online classes! All degrees at HTL International School can be completed fully online.
Roll Call – Best Spanish Universities for International Students
From Barcelona down to Seville, higher education opportunities abound in Spain.
Is Spain on your study abroad bucket list?
If so, we understand why and would love to help you study in this amazing country!
Message us here for guidance. We’d be happy to answer any of your questions on the top Spanish universities and which might be the right fit for you.
Which universities in Spain are a good option for international students?
There are many universities throughout Spain that provide students with excellent education. From marketing specialties to dual language classes, there are plenty of options to choose from. For example, Nebrija University is highly ranked and offers classes in English and Spanish.
Do I have to be fluent in Spanish to take university classes in Spain?
No! Spanish fluency is not required to take classes in Spain. However, it does help to have some knowledge of the language as many classes are taught in Spanish.
Is it expensive to go to university in Spain?
It depends on where you go. However, Spain does have private and public universities, with costs varying between them. Some public undergraduate degrees have low tuition costs compared to other European countries.
