Study MBA in Spain 2025
Study in Spain
Spanish graduate level business degrees are designed for those who have recently graduated with business training or who have been working in the business world for a while and are looking for career advancement opportunities. The academic year is broken up into two semesters. The first runs from October through February and the second runs from February through June. Each university will vary in its specific schedule, but most stick to this basic schedule.
Spain uses a public university system that allows international students to receive the same low tuition rates of Spanish students. For graduate level training, the cost will depend on the number of credits of the program. The cost is between 960 and 1,800 EUR depending on the number of credits, and this is set by the government. Students have access to free healthcare while studying in Spain, which is a benefit of choosing this country for MBA studies.
The length of an MBA program in Spain will vary depending on the student's schedule. Students who can study full time can complete the program in one year, but others who need to space out their studies to work or enjoy the culture of Spain can take two or more years to complete their MBA degree. Regardless, once the degree is complete, a Spanish MBA degree is an excellent asset for those looking to work in business throughout the Spanish-speaking world and much of Europe.
This degree opens the door to upper level management and leadership positions. It is also a valuable degree for entrepreneurs who are looking for an edge as they develop their own businesses. Upon graduation, students are often considered for promotions and salary increases, and those who are not currently working will find better job prospects because of their additional training.
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Basic monthly living cost
Rent in a shared flat
417Share of utilities
41Internet subscription
36Local transportation
40
Sample lifestyle cost
Fast food combo
8Cinema ticket
8Pint of local beer
3
About Spain
Spain, which sits on the Mediterranean in the Iberian Peninsula, is one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations. The rich history and vibrant culture of Spain is the stuff of legends.
Yet it is not just a place for tourists to spend time watching bull fights and lounging on the beach. Spain is also leader in the development of renewable energy and offers a culture and cosmopolitan lifestyle that is the envy of much of Europe. The country's education system is also well-received, and people who are preparing to study business will find many opportunities for international students in the major cities of Spain.
Visa Requirements
For students outside of the EU/EEA or Switzerland who wish to take part in a student exchange, carry out research or training or work as an unpaid intern or volunteer in Spain for more than three months.
What type of Visa do you need?
Visa name
Student Visa (Type D)
Price and currency
EUR 160
The prices for a student visa to Spain are around EUR 160. The visa application fee is subject to change at any time.
Who can apply for the visa?
Citizens from the EU/EEA or Switzerland do not require a student visa regardless of the length of their stay in Spain. EU/EEA/Swiss students don’t need a visa to live in Spain, but will have to register with the local authorities and get a residence certificate.
Citizens of all other countries require a student visa if they plan to stay and study for more than 90 days in Spain. This visa is granted to those students who have already been accepted for admission by a recognized educational institute in Spain.
Where can you make the application?
Spanish consulate or embassy
You can apply for a study visa at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country.
How to make the application?
Before you can apply for a study visa you have to find a course or program with an officially recognized institution in Spain. You will then need to get official confirmation from the organization outlining that you have been accepted on the course or program, in the form of a certificate or letter of acceptance. Once you have this, you can contact the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country and apply for a student visa.
Exactly what is required may vary from consulate to consulate but in general, you’ll need to show your passport, as well as the following:
- details of the study, training, or research that you’ll be doing in Spain, including the hours of study per week (20 at least);
- proof that you have medical insurance;
- a medical certificate confirming that you don’t have any diseases that would require you to be quarantined;
- proof that you have the funds to support you for the duration of your stay in Spain (eg. scholarship details, a Spanish bank showing sufficient funds, or letter from parents/guardians assuming full financial responsibility);
- information about where you’ll be living;
- a criminal record certificate issued in the last five years by the relevant authorities in your home country.
If you are staying in Spain for more than six months to study, you must apply for a student residence permit within 30 days of entering Spain. You apply for it at your local Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or a police station. The card is valid for a year and you can renew it every year for five years as long as you are continuing with your studies.
When should you apply?
You’ll need to apply for your visa between two and three months before you intend to travel to Spain to allow time to process your application.
Generally, a student visa in Spain is granted for the entire duration of the course of study. You can renew your student visa to further extend your studies or take up a new course of study in Spain. Do not attempt to submit your student visa application more than four months in advance or less than 7 weeks before the departure date, else the application will not be accepted.
If your studies in Spain are for more than six months, you must apply for a student residence permit that lasts one year. The student residence permit has to be renewed every year.
Processing time
The legal period for reaching a decision is of 1 month from the day after the application submission date, but this period may be extended if an interview or additional documents are requested.
Work opportunities
The Spanish residence permit entitles you to work either part-time or in a temporary position, so long as you’re not using the money you earn to support yourself while you’re in Spain. You are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week while you are studying, as long as it doesn’t interfere with your studies. The company that employs you will need to get a work permit for you from the Foreigner’s Office. Your employment contract cannot exceed the duration of the study visa.
If you’ll be undertaking an internship as part of your course for which your residence permit was granted, you don’t need a work permit.
Hours per week
20
Why do you need this type of visa?
Here are some of the reasons why a student visa to Spain may be denied:
- Past or current criminal actions
- Insufficient explanation for the purpose and circumstances of the planned stay
- Insufficient means of subsistence
- Invalid travel insurance
- Lacking to present a proof of accommodation
- Unfavorable Schengen visa situation - Failing to previously respect Schengen Visa limitations (i.e. Overstay in the Schengen Area, failing to follow the presented travel itinerary – by skipping to stay mostly in the main country of destination in the Schengen Area, and so on).