Spain is a popular place to study international relations because many universities offer international programmes, active student life, and access to the EU academic area. You can study this subject at bachelor's or master's level, but the exact entry rules, language of teaching, and fees depend on the university and programme page. If you want to apply, start early and check the official admissions page of each university.
What you can study
International relations is usually offered as a degree on its own, or as part of political science, global studies, European studies, or international affairs. At master's level, the subject is often more specialised, for example diplomacy, security, public policy, development, or EU studies.
- Bachelor's degree - usually 3 or 4 years, depending on the university and structure.
- Master's degree - usually 1 or 2 years.
- Doctoral study - for research careers, after a master's degree.
If you are not sure which level fits you, check the course page and compare the learning goals, the language, and the entry requirements.
Typical entry requirements
Admission is set by each university, so do not rely on general advice alone. For bachelor's study, you usually need a school-leaving certificate that gives access to higher education in your country, and you may need official recognition or an academic check through the Spanish system. For master's study, you usually need a bachelor's degree in a related field.
- School grades - many programmes ask for a minimum academic level.
- Language proof - Spanish, English, or both, depending on the programme.
- Passport and transcripts - usually required.
- Motivation letter or CV - common for master's admissions.
- References - sometimes needed, especially at master's level.
If your documents are not in Spanish, the university may ask for certified translations. Always check the admissions page for the exact document list and whether the programme accepts scanned copies first.
English-taught and Spanish-taught options
Spain has both Spanish-taught and English-taught options, especially at master's level. Some universities also offer bilingual courses. English-taught programmes can be easier for international students, but they are still competitive and may ask for proof of English such as IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted test.
- Spanish-taught - often more common in bachelor's programmes.
- English-taught - more common in master's programmes and private universities.
- Bilingual - part of the course in Spanish, part in English.
If you already speak some Spanish, that can help with daily life, housing, and part-time work. Still, do not assume the course language from the university name alone. Check the programme page and the admissions FAQ.
Typical tuition and living costs
Tuition in Spain depends on whether the university is public or private, the region, and whether you are an EU or non-EU student. Public universities are often cheaper than private ones. Many master's programmes have higher fees than bachelor's programmes, and some professional or English-taught options cost more.
- Public universities - often roughly 700 to 3,500 EUR per year for bachelor's study, but this can vary a lot by region and credits.
- Master's programmes - often roughly 1,000 to 6,000 EUR per year at public universities, with private options often higher.
- Private universities - may charge several thousand euros more, sometimes much more, depending on the programme.
Living costs also vary by city. Madrid and Barcelona are usually more expensive than many smaller cities. A realistic student budget often includes rent, food, transport, insurance, books, and personal spending. Many students try to plan for about 700 to 1,200 EUR per month, but your real cost can be lower or higher depending on housing and lifestyle.
Check official university pages for tuition, and use local housing websites to estimate rent before you commit.
Timeline and application steps
Applications are often made months before the academic year starts. Some universities use early deadlines, especially for master's programmes, scholarships, or international applicants. Start planning at least 8 to 12 months in advance if you need document recognition, translations, or a visa.
- Choose a few programmes and check the admissions page.
- Check the teaching language and language-test rules.
- Prepare your diploma, transcripts, passport, and translations.
- Apply through the university portal or a regional admissions system.
- If needed, wait for the admission letter before starting the visa process.
If you are from outside the EU, also check the Spanish immigration authority or your nearest Spanish consulate for visa rules, appointment timing, and proof of funds. Visa steps can take time, so do not leave them to the last minute.
How universities find candidates
Universities do not only wait for applicants to contact them. Many admissions teams search student registers and online candidate profiles, especially for international programmes. They look for students whose field, grades, language level, and documents match what they need.
- They may search by subject area, such as international relations or political science.
- They often filter by study level, country, and language.
- They usually want clear documents and a complete profile.
This means your profile should be simple and accurate. Say what you want to study, what you have already finished, and which languages you can use for study. Do not guess or exaggerate.
Common questions
Can I study international relations in Spain in English?
Yes, some universities offer English-taught options, especially for master's study. Check the programme page, because the language of teaching can change from one course to another.
Do I need Spanish?
Not always, but Spanish helps a lot with daily life and with many bachelor's programmes. For English-taught degrees, Spanish may not be required for admission, but it can still be useful.
How do I know if I am eligible?
Compare your diploma and grades with the university's admissions page. If you are unsure, contact the admissions office directly and check the official recognition rules for Spain.
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. It is a simple way to get on the radar of universities without sending the same details again and again.
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.