Spain

Your overseas Consultant

About Spain

There are many advantages to studying abroad and Spain ticks so many of those boxes, offering international students from a wide variety of academic and national backgrounds, both outstanding higher education and exchange opportunities.

Warm weather, people who are as warm and friendly, low cost of living, a vibrant nightlife and its laid-back atmosphere are just some of the perks of studying here. Situated between Portugal and France along the Mediterranean, Spain is a prime choice to spend a semester, summer, or entire academic years. The universities here are a class apart, no doubt about it. But here’s what you’ll gain other than a world-class education – unique travel experiences, a culture rich with arts and history, plenty of time for flamenco, fiestas and siestas.

Accomodation

One of the most important things for students in Spain is finding a good place to stay. However, finding the right place to call home while you study is not easy. Except when you’re with Vidyabroad. There are 2 types of accommodation to pick from:

On-campus: Student accommodation is generally provided by Spanish universities in student residence halls (Colegios Mayores) or student apartments. Rent costs vary depending on the location you choose, amenities offered and other factors. In general, if you pick Madrid or Barcelona, the prices are a bit higher than in other cities. Typically, an apartment in Barcelona is around €850, while in Madrid the one bedroom apartment costs around €1000 per month. But you should also think of the other costs like public transportation, food, and other utilities. Given their low cost and excellent location however, these are in demand quite often, so you have to move fast.

Off-campus: Rentals in the form of studio apartments are one of the most common options that students go for. They come with everything including on-site laundry, TV, internet and much more. This, however, is not cheap. Studio apartments are available at rentals for a period of 30 days to 12 months and cost anywhere from €250, all the way up to €2500 and more per month.

International students can also stay with a host family. They provide an authentic Spanish life, amazing food and an enjoyable experience that is unique to each household. Home-stays in Madrid, Barcelona, and other cities typically cost about €7 to €60 per night.

A private apartment can also be rented, but most students don’t go for this option since it is far more expensive.

Contact your Vidyabroad counsellor to help you get started on student accommodation for Spain.

Cost of Education

Among all the European countries to study abroad, Spain might be one of the most underrated and affordable ones.

Tuition fees vary based on different factors, such as the type of higher education institution (private or public), the kind of degree, the location, and your nationality. The metropolitan cities are usually considered more expensive than the rest. There are also a large number of scholarships (sometimes offered by the government) available for international students, in the form of tuition fee waivers or financial aid. Apart from this, you’ll have to consider living expenses and day-to-day expenses. If financial planning and excel sheets give you a headache, Vidyabroad will definitely cure it.

Safety & Indian Community

Spain ranks much higher than the US and the UK when it comes to safety and peace, according to the 2020 Global Peace Index.

Having said that, it’s always good to take the usual precautions like studying your area, walking on well-lit streets and having someone accompany you when you’re roaming around at night. When travelling, it’s always a good idea to have your country’s embassy contact details on hand, should you run into any problems.

Communicate and stay in touch with your family and friends, both in and out of the country. You’ll find that most Indians stay in Barcelona or Mallorca, and you’ll also find plenty of Indian restaurants when you’re craving some homemade spice. Plus, home is just a flight away.

For emergencies, call these toll free numbers:

Visa

The visa you will have to apply for will be based on the duration of your course. They can be classified as two types:

Most Indian students apply for the Type D visa. This makes you eligible for the Residence Card for foreign students (TIE). This is a temporary permit which allows you to stay in the country for the duration of your course. The validity of TIE is for a maximum of one academic year and you can renew it every year till you finish your studies. But you must apply at least 3 months in advance before your program’s start date.

Essential documents required

Applying for a visa can be an overwhelming process. With Vidyabroad, it will be anything but. When applying for your student visa, you will need the following documents:

Completed visa application form
Passport which is valid for the intended period of your stay
2 passport size photos
Certificate of acceptance from the Spanish university
Information about the study program such as the name of the degree and hours of study per week
Health insurance valid for the whole period of your studies
Proof of having the required financial resources to cover your living expenses during your course of study
Medical certificate
Proof of having paid the visa application fees
Criminal record certificate to prove you have no cases

You may be asked to appear for a visa interview at the consulate. These are basic requirements, please speak with your Vidyabroad counsellor for a detailed list of documents required for your visa processing.