Study in Spain for International Students: Complete Guide for 2026

Spain is best known for its beautiful weather and vibrant culture, but the country has also become an increasingly popular destination for international students looking to study in English. Spain offers relatively affordable study options compared to the U.K. and U.S., and its universities are growing in popularly, with many being internationally recognized.

If you’re an international student looking to study in Spain in 2026, you’ll find not only fantastic cultures and internationally recognized universities, but also degrees taught entirely or partly in English, particularly at master's level. To apply to these courses, you’ll likely need to demonstrate your English proficiency, this is where the TOEFL iBT® test can help.

This guide covers everything you need to know about how to study abroad in Spain in 2026, including English-taught programs, universities that accept the TOEFL iBT, typical TOEFL iBT requirements, scholarships, costs, student visas, and TOEFL® preparation for Spain.

As an international student, Spain gives you the opportunity to combine a high-quality university education with an exciting cultural and social experience.

From Madrid and Barcelona to Valencia, Seville and Granada, you can choose from a wide variety of university environments and lifestyles based on your interests. Here are some of the most common reasons students choose to study in Spain in 2026.

Spain offers a mix of public and private universities, with both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees available in English. To study an English-taught course, you’ll likely need to show your English proficiency. Each university and course sets its own requirements, making it important to research the accepted score for universities in Spain that accept TOEFL.

One of the biggest attractions for international students is the increasing availability of English taught programs in Spain.

According to Spain's Service for the Internationalization of Education (SEPIE), Spanish universities collectively offer more than 800 programmes taught fully or partially in English. This means you can study in Spain in English without necessarily needing to be fluent in Spanish, depending on their chosen program.

Popular subjects include:

• Business and Management
• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Economics
• International Relations
• Tourism
• Marketing
• Environmental Science
• Health Sciences

While some bachelor's degrees are taught in English, most English taught programs are at a master’s and doctoral level.

Compared to many popular study destinations, Spain offers fantastic value for money. Public universities have, on average, lower tuition fees than many global private institutions, though costs can vary by region, university, program, and nationality.

Spain is known for its warm climate, beautiful scenery, historic cities and relaxed lifestyle. As an international student you can enjoy:

• Mediterranean beaches
• Historic architecture
• Major sporting events
• Museums and galleries
• Extensive public transport
• Festivals and cultural events
• Affordable student activities

Spanish cities also give you the opportunity to learn Spanish, which can help you unlock new opportunities after graduation should you want to work in Spain or another Spanish-speaking country.

Spain offers a wide range of opportunities for students once they graduate, with growing industries like technology, renewable energy and manufacturing hiring graduates every year. In fact, Spain’s economy has been one of the fastest growing in Europe this decade, with one in four jobs added in the EU being in Spain.

As a student in Spain, you can build networks throughout university through internships, partnerships and work experience, all of which could increase your job opportunities post-graduation.

If you’re looking to study an English taught course in Spain, the TOEFL iBT could be your key to unlocking new opportunities. The TOEFL iBT tests your English skills across Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, while using university-based topics to help prep you for life during and after university.

As of 2026, there’s no minimum TOEFL iBT score in Spain that all universities require. Instead, universities and courses set their own requirements, making it crucial to complete thorough research before placing an application.

Why Spanish Universities Accept TOEFL

The TOEFL iBT gives Spanish universities an indication of your English ability, ensuring you can communicate effectively in a university environment.

The test measures:

• Reading
• Listening
• Speaking
• Writing

When applying to Spanish university courses teaching in English, a strong TOEFL iBT score demonstrates your ability to participate in lectures, discussions, and presentations, as well as your ability to complete academic writing in English.

Before sending your application, always make sure that your chosen university and course accepts the TOEFL iBT.

Undergraduate vs Postgraduate TOEFL Score Ranges

As of January 2026, TOEFL iBT scores are reported on a new 1–6 scale, aligned with the CEFR. During the transition period, your score report will also include a 0-120 overall score.

Since Spanish universities set their own requirements, there is no single score range that applies to every institution and degree.

That said, the following can be used as a general target rather than an admission requirement:

Actual requirements can be higher or lower. For example, IE University currently lists 5.0 as the new-scale equivalent of its 100 TOEFL minimum for certain programs.

Always check your chosen university's current requirements before applying.

English-Taught Programs & Disciplines

As an international student looking to study in Spain in English, you have a wide range of programs to choose from. Popular options include:

Business and Management

• International Business
• Finance
• Marketing
• Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Economics

Engineering and Technology

• Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Engineering
• Data Science
• Renewable Energy
• Telecommunications

International Relations and Social Sciences

• International Relations
• Political Science
• European Studies
• Economics
• Development Studies

Tourism, Hospitality and Creative Industries

• Tourism Management
• Hospitality
• Marketing
• Fashion
• Design

If you’ve decided you want to study in Spain, here are 6 steps to increase your chances of finding and being accepted by your dream university and program.

Step 1: Research Universities and Programs

Start by researching universities and finding a program that matches your academic goals. After finding universities, use their official website to look at:

• Degree programs
• Language of instruction
• Entry requirements
• TOEFL iBT requirements
• Tuition fees
• Application deadlines
• Location

If you’re unsure where to start, SEPIE provides access to official tools to help you find your dream Spanish university and course.

Step 2: Check Entry Requirements

Each institution sets its own entry requirements. In general, you will need to show:

• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificates
• Passport
• CV
• Motivation letter
• References
• Proof of English proficiency
• Additional admissions tests

Step 3: Submit Your University Application

Since Spanish institutions manage their own admissions processes, application methods and deadlines vary.

Some programs accept direct applications through the university, while others require additional procedures depending on the applicant's background and nationality. To make your application as smooth as possible, make sure you give yourself enough time to obtain your official documents.

Step 4: Take the TOEFL iBT Test

If your program requires English-language certification, complete your TOEFL iBT test well in advance of your application deadline.

Taking it early gives you time to:

• Prepare with confidence
• Receive your score in time
• Retake the test if necessary
• Send your official results

Step 5: Receive Your Admission Decision

If your application is successful, you'll receive confirmation from the university.

Before accepting your place, take the time to review:

• Tuition fees
• Enrolment deadlines
• Payment requirements
• Accommodation options
• Visa requirements

Step 6: Apply for Your Student Visa

As an international student you will need a Spanish student visa. As part of your student visa application, you may need to provide:

• Passport
• University acceptance letter
• Proof of enrolment/payment
• Proof of financial means
• Health insurance
• Other supporting documentation

Requirements can vary by nationality and consulate, so always check the Spanish consulate responsible for your application.

As an international student, financial aid can have a significant impact on your university experience. This is where scholarships can help. There are a wide range of scholarships for international students in Spain, with eligibility varying depending on nationality residency status, your chosen university, and program. Here are a few scholarship options you can consider.

Spanish Government Scholarships

Spain's Ministry of Education offers a general scholarship program covering university bachelor's and master's studies for eligible students. This scholarship includes tuition support, income-based funding, resident support, and academic-excellence payments. Eligibility rules for non-EU students vary based on your residency status, and therefore you should carefully check the eligibility rules before looking for government funding.

University Scholarships

Many Spanish universities have their own scholarship and financial-aid programs based on financial needs, nationality, academic performance, and extracurricular achievements.

Erasmus+

As an international student, you may be eligible to receive Erasmus+ funding, with opportunities available for higher education mobility and international cooperation.

How TOEFL iBT Scores Can Strengthen Scholarship Applications

A strong TOEFL iBT score can strengthen your academic profile when applying for English-taught programs. A competitive score showcases your English skills and shows that you’re prepared for an English-medium academic environment, thus helping you potentially stand out when applying for a scholarship.

The cost of studying in Spain can vary depending on your university, program, and city. Public universities generally offer lower tuition than private institutions, though fees vary based on your course and university.

Tuition Fees

As a broad guide:

These figures are indicative rather than universal. Always check your specific university and program before sending your application and budget.

Living Costs

Besides the cost of your degree, you need to consider your monthly and everyday living costs.

Typical expenses include:

• Rent
• Food
• Transport
• Utilities
• Health insurance
• Study materials
• Personal expenses

Larger cities like Madrid and Barcelona tend to have higher living costs, while cities like Valencia and Seville can offer lower living costs.

To manage your expenses, it’s important to create a monthly budget to prevent unexpected financial stressors.

Can International Students Work While Studying in Spain?

While studying in Spain international students can work, though this is subject to the conditions of your visa. For non-EU/EEA students, current Spanish guidance allows higher-education students to work, including self-employment, where the activity is compatible with their studies and does not exceed 30 hours per week.

Common student jobs in Spain include:

• Hospitality
• Retail
• Tutoring
• Customer service
• Administrative work
• Internships

Working while studying is a great way to gain real-world experience while supporting everyday expenses. That said, you need to make sure your work remains compatible with your academic commitments and visa conditions.

If you're planning to study in Spain in English, you need to start your TOEFL iBT preparation for Spain well in advance of your application deadline. This involves understanding the test format, taking advantage of free practice tests, and booking your test to ensure you get a spot that suits you.

While there are a wide range of resources available, we always recommend using official TOEFL prep. This prep was created by the same people who make the test, ensuring you’re prepared as possible for what comes up on test day.

You can find all our official TOEFL iBT test prep here: https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/prepare.html

Top Tip: Don’t simply aim for the minimum TOEFL score your chosen Spanish university requires. A higher score can give you more options and help you stand out during your application process.

Do I need the TOEFL iBT to study in Spain?

Not always. If you’re applying to an English-taught program, you’ll likely need to demonstrate your English proficiency, though each university decides its own requirements. Always search these requirements in advance before sending your application.

What is the minimum TOEFL iBT Score Spain universities require?

There is no universal minimum TOEFL iBT score all Spanish universities use. The requirements will vary by institutions and programs, making it important to check the scores before applying.

How do I send TOEFL scores to Spanish universities?

The process depends on the university you’re applying to. While some institutions require official scores to be sent from ETS®, others may let applicants upload documentation during the application process. Always check your university's admissions instructions before sending your results.

Which universities in Spain accept TOEFL?

A number of Spanish universities and institutions accept the TOEFL iBT for relevant programs, although the exact requirements vary by course. You can use our official TOEFL destination search to find institutions in Spain that accept TOEFL scores, then confirm the requirements using their official websites.

Are scholarships available for TOEFL test takers?

Yes. There are scholarships available for international students in Spain, including government, university and Erasmus+ opportunities.

Can international students work in Spain?

Yes. International students can generally work alongside their studies, subject to their immigration conditions. For higher-education students, current Spanish rules allow employment or self-employment compatible with studies up to 30 hours per week.

Choosing to study in Spain gives you the chance to earn an internationally recognized qualification, while experiencing one of Europe’s cultural hotspots. From the bustling streets of Barcelona to the holiday hotspots of the Costa Del Sol, you can immerse yourself in a wide range of cuisines, cultures, and experiences.

With the number of English-taught courses growing annually, the number of opportunities to study in Spain in English is increasing rapidly. That said, before applying make sure you research universities in Spain that accept the TOEFL iBT and compare the TOEFL scores for the Spanish universities you’re considering.

Whether you're interested in business in Madrid, technology in Granada, engineering in Valencia or another field elsewhere in the country, effective TOEFL preparation and careful planning can put you in a strong position to unlock new opportunities to start your next chapter.