Guides · English-taught programmes · Study in Spain

English-Taught Bachelor's in Spain: Costs and Options

5 min read · 2026-10-21

If you want to study a bachelor's degree in English in Spain, there are options, but they are not the norm. You will find the most choice in larger universities and in fields like business, tourism, engineering, and some international relations programmes. Costs vary a lot by university and whether you are an EU or non-EU student, so always check the programme page and the university's admissions page.

How common are English-taught bachelor's programmes?

Spain has many bachelor's degrees taught mainly in Spanish, so English-taught study is still a smaller part of the market. Some universities offer full degrees in English, while others offer only a few subjects, a bilingual track, or a degree with one English group among several groups.

In practice, this means:

  • you may find more English options in private universities than in public ones
  • some public universities offer a limited number of English-taught degrees or tracks
  • the level of English can range from fully taught in English to mixed language teaching

If you need a fully English programme, check the degree title and the teaching language carefully. Do not assume that a programme with an English name is fully taught in English.

Fields where English is more common

English-taught bachelor's degrees are more common in subjects that attract international students. You are more likely to see them in:

  • business and management
  • tourism and hospitality
  • international relations and global studies
  • engineering and technology
  • computer science and data-related areas
  • some economics and finance programmes

Some universities also offer English tracks in health, design, and social sciences, but these are less common. The exact offer changes from year to year, so use the university's official study catalogue or admissions page as your main source.

What tuition usually looks like

Tuition in Spain depends on the type of university, the region, and the programme. Public universities are usually cheaper than private universities. English-taught programmes can cost more than Spanish-taught ones at the same university, especially in the private sector, but this is not always the case.

Typical patterns are:

  • public universities often have lower annual tuition, but fees still vary by region and credits
  • private universities usually charge much higher tuition, often with a fixed annual price
  • some international or bilingual programmes have extra fees for small groups, labs, or partner services

For EU and non-EU students, the difference can be important. In some public universities, fees may be similar for both groups. In others, non-EU students may pay more. Always check the programme page and the university's fee rules, because Spain does not use one single national tuition price.

Also remember possible extra costs:

  • application fee, if the university charges one
  • registration or enrolment fee
  • student card and administrative costs
  • books, materials, and software
  • living costs, housing, and health insurance

If you need an exact number, use the official fee table of the university or the programme itself. Never rely only on third-party websites.

Language requirements you may need

Even if the degree is in English, you may still need proof of English level. Universities often ask for one of these:

  • an English test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge
  • proof that your previous education was in English
  • an internal university English test or interview

Required levels vary. Many programmes ask for B2 level or similar, while some more selective programmes may ask for a higher score. Check the admissions page of each programme because requirements can differ a lot.

You may also need Spanish for daily life, internships, or optional courses. A full degree in English does not always mean you can study and live easily with no Spanish at all. Basic Spanish helps with housing, transport, and paperwork.

If you are applying from outside Spain, also check whether you need:

  • recognition of previous school qualifications
  • translated documents
  • legalisation or apostille
  • additional entrance steps for your country or diploma

How to find the right programme

The best search method is simple: search by field, city, and teaching language. Then compare the official pages of several universities. Look for the exact words used by the university, such as "fully taught in English", "bilingual", or "English group".

Useful places to check:

  • the university's degree catalogue
  • the admissions office page
  • the faculty or school page
  • the official programme brochure, if one exists

When you compare programmes, check these points:

  • Is the whole degree in English or only part of it?
  • Is the degree public or private?
  • What is the tuition for your student category?
  • What English proof do they accept?
  • Do they need Spanish at entry or only later?
  • Do they use direct admission, entrance exams, or a ranking system?

It is also smart to email the admissions office if something is unclear. Ask short, direct questions. For example: "Is this degree fully taught in English for all four years?" or "What English certificate do you accept for this programme?"

How the application process usually works

Applications in Spain depend on the university and your background. Some programmes use a direct online application. Others ask for national or regional steps, especially at public universities. If you are applying with an EU diploma or an international diploma, the process may be different.

In general, you may need to prepare:

  • passport or ID
  • school leaving certificate and transcript
  • English proof
  • translated and legalised documents, if required
  • motivation letter or CV, for some universities
  • portfolio, interview, or entrance test, for some subjects

Start early. Deadlines can differ by university, programme, and applicant type. The official admissions page is the only safe place to confirm dates and document rules.

Common questions

Are English-taught bachelor's degrees easy to find in Spain?

They exist, but they are still a smaller part of the offer than Spanish-taught degrees. You will usually need to search carefully and compare university websites.

Is tuition the same for EU and non-EU students?

Not always. Some universities use the same fee for both groups, while others charge non-EU students more. Check the university's official fee information for your programme.

Can I study in English without learning Spanish?

For classes, yes, sometimes. For daily life, paperwork, internships, and life in Spain, basic Spanish is very useful. Some universities also expect or recommend Spanish during the degree.

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.

That way, you can be seen by universities looking for students like you, 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.

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