If you want to study law in Spain, you usually start with a bachelor's degree in law, then continue with a master's if you want to specialise or follow a professional route. The exact entry rules, language of teaching and fees depend on the university, so the best source is always the programme page and the university admissions office.
What law study looks like in Spain
In Spain, law is usually studied at university level as a bachelor's degree first. After that, you can continue with a master's degree in a specific area such as international law, business law, human rights, arbitration, tax law or public law.
- Bachelor's degree in law - the usual first step for most students.
- Master's degree in law or legal studies - for specialisation after a first degree.
- Doctorate - for research and academic careers.
Some students also look at double degrees, for example law plus business or law plus international relations. These can take longer and may have different entry rules.
Typical entry requirements
Universities set their own entry rules, but international applicants are usually asked for secondary school or previous university documents, proof of language level, and a passport or ID. If your documents are not in Spanish, you may need sworn translations.
- For a bachelor's: completed secondary education or equivalent.
- For a master's: a relevant bachelor's degree, often in law or a related subject.
- Language proof: Spanish for many programmes, or English for some international tracks.
- Additional documents: motivation letter, CV, references, or entrance tests, depending on the university.
If you are applying from outside Spain, check whether your diploma needs recognition or validation. The official source for this is the Spanish Ministry of Education or the university admissions page. Rules can differ between bachelor's and master's programmes.
Spanish, English and bilingual options
Many law degrees in Spain are taught mainly in Spanish. This is important because law uses legal language, and you will read statutes, cases and academic texts in the teaching language.
- Spanish-taught programmes: the most common option.
- English-taught programmes: available at some private universities and some master's programmes.
- Bilingual programmes: a mix of Spanish and English, often with some subjects in each language.
Before you apply, check the programme page carefully. Look for the language of teaching, the required language certificate, and whether internships or exams are also in Spanish.
Tuition: what students usually pay
Fees vary a lot by university type, study level and whether you are an EU or non-EU student. Public universities in Spain are usually cheaper than private universities, but the exact fee depends on the region and the programme.
- Public universities: often lower tuition, usually charged per credit or academic year.
- Private universities: typically higher tuition, sometimes much higher.
- Master's programmes: can be cheaper or more expensive than bachelor's studies, depending on the university.
As a general guide, public bachelor's tuition is often in the low hundreds to a few thousand euros per year, while private universities can be several thousand euros or more per year. Master's fees can range widely, from moderate to very high. Always check the official programme page for the current fee and ask whether there are extra charges for registration, student services or exams.
For EU and non-EU students, the fee difference depends on the university. Some public universities charge similar tuition, while others use different rates or ask non-EU students to pay more. Do not guess - check the admissions page of the specific university.
Living costs in Spain
Your living costs will depend on the city. Madrid and Barcelona are usually more expensive than smaller university cities. Most students need to plan for rent, food, transport, books, insurance and personal expenses.
- Housing: the biggest cost, especially in large cities.
- Food and transport: usually manageable, but still important.
- Study costs: books, printing, photocopies and computer needs.
A realistic monthly budget for a student can be quite different from one city to another, but many students plan for several hundred euros per month at minimum, and more in larger cities. Check local student housing prices and use the university's international office guidance if it is available.
Application timeline and visa steps
Start early. For many students, the process takes several months because you may need translations, recognition of documents, admission decisions and, if needed, a student visa.
- 6 to 12 months before start: research programmes and language requirements.
- 4 to 8 months before start: prepare documents and apply.
- After admission: confirm your place, arrange housing and check visa or residence steps if needed.
If you need a visa, check the Spanish consulate or the national immigration authority in your country and follow their instructions. Do not rely on old advice, because document rules and processing times can change.
How universities find candidates
Universities do not only wait for direct applications. Admissions offices, programme coordinators and international recruiters also look for students in databases and student registers, especially for master's and international programmes.
- They search for your field of interest, study level and language skills.
- They may contact you if your profile matches a programme.
- They still need the full application later, so contact is not admission.
This is helpful if you are still comparing options. It can bring you first contact from universities that are looking for candidates like you.
Common questions
Can I study law in Spain in English?
Yes, but the choice is limited. English-taught options are more common at some private universities and in some master's programmes. Always check the programme page for the language of teaching.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
For many law degrees, yes. Even if some classes are in English, legal study often needs Spanish for reading laws, taking exams and later working in Spain.
Will a Spanish law degree let me work as a lawyer?
Not automatically. The path to legal practice depends on the country and the role you want. If you plan to practise in Spain or elsewhere, check the professional rules with the university, the bar or the official legal authority.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
This makes it easier to be seen by universities before you apply, especially if you are looking for law programmes in Spain.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.