• Affordable tuition & living costs compared to many Western European countries.


• Degrees recognised across Europe & globally, thanks to the Bologna Process.


• Rich cultural experience with diverse landscapes, history, and languages.


• Lots of programs in English and Spanish, especially at postgraduate level.


• Part-time work and internships allowed alongside studies (up to ~20 hrs/week).


• Post-study pathways that let graduates stay and seek employment after finishing.

Visa & Health Insurance

Most non-EU/EEA students, including Indonesian students, need a Type D Student Visa for long-term studies in Spain. The visa application for Indonesian students is processed through the Spanish Embassy in Jakarta or the nearest Spanish consulate, with support from BLS International, which handles visa appointments and processing for applicants from Indonesia.

The visa processing timeline is critical for planning. Standard processing typically takes 2-4 weeks, though this can extend to 4-8 weeks during peak seasons (summer months and pre-academic year periods). For optimal planning, students are strongly recommended to apply at least 90 days (3 months) before your course start date. The Type D visa is typically valid for the duration of your academic program, ranging from 6-24 months.

Upon arrival in Spain, you must apply for a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero - Temporary Residence Card) within 30 days at your local immigration office. This card legalizes your long-term stay and is essential for employment, opening bank accounts, and accessing services. Processing for the TIE typically takes 1-6 months depending on your regional office workload.

Health Insurance Costs

You must have private insurance valid throughout Spain for your stay. Spain's government requires all non-EU/EEA international students to obtain private health insurance meeting specific minimum standards. The mandatory minimum coverage amount is €30,000 (which includes evacuation and repatriation).

Costs for international student health insurance in Spain are significantly more affordable than many countries. Entry-level student plans start from €27.50-€45 per month (€300-€600 annually). More comprehensive plans range from €50-€150 per month depending on coverage level and age.

For example, Adeslas offers student insurance at €599.52 annually (approximately €50/month) for those under 44 years old, with zero copayments, no waiting periods, and instant certificate issuance valid within 24 hours for consulate requirements. CampusHealth offers plans from €27.50-€45/month with instant certificates and installment payment options.

Required Coverage Details

Your chosen health insurance must include:

• 100% coverage of medical expenses with no copayments or deductibles


• No waiting periods - coverage begins immediately upon policy issuance


• Full coverage for: primary care, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, surgery, hospitalization, and 24-hour emergency services


• Repatriation and international assistance included


• Certificate of coverage in Spanish accepted by Spanish consulates

EU/EEA students may use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in some cases, but private insurance is still recommended for comprehensive coverage.

Accommodation

International students in Spain can choose from a variety of accommodation options depending on their budget, lifestyle, and preferred level of independence. Overall, Spain offers more affordable housing compared to many other European destinations, though prices vary significantly by city and accommodation type.

1. Student Residences / University Dormitories

These are purpose-built accommodations located on or near campus, offering convenient access to university facilities and other students. University dormitories remain one of the most budget-friendly and socially engaging options for international students.

Current Costs: €365-€900 per month, with most options in the €400-€660 range

Common Facilities

• Furnished rooms (private or shared options)


• Private or shared bathrooms


• Shared kitchen facilities


• Internet access (included)


• Laundry facilities


• Common areas and student lounges


• Some include meals (varies by residence)

Dormitories are generally located on or near campus, or within easy reach by public transportation. They are best for students who want convenience and a ready-made student community, though availability can be limited. Students should apply early, as many residences operate on a "first come, first served" basis.

2. Shared Apartments (Piso Compartido)

This is the most popular choice among international students in Spain. You rent a room in an apartment shared with other students (or a mix of students and professionals), which significantly reduces living costs and creates a social living environment. Some landlords include utilities; clarify before signing

Current Costs (2025-2026): €250-€600 per month for the room, though costs vary substantially by city:

• Madrid/Barcelona: €400-€600/month


• Valencia/Granada: €250-€400/month


• Smaller university towns: €200-€400/month

• Utilities (electricity, water, heating): €50-€100 per month shared


• Internet: €25-€40 per month (often shared among roommates)

Shared apartments offer the best value for money and allow you to build social connections with roommates, whether Spanish or international. This option provides greater independence than dormitories while remaining affordable.

3. Private Apartment / Studio

Ideal for students who prefer privacy or are studying with a partner, though prices are substantially higher and vary significantly by location.

Current Costs:

• Studio outside city center: €450-€700/month


• Studio in city center: €600-€900/month


• 1-bedroom outside center: €600-€900/month


• 1-bedroom in city center: €800-€1,200/month


• Premium apartments (Madrid/Barcelona center): €1,000-€1,500+/month

City-Specific Pricing:

• Madrid (most expensive): 25-30% premium over Spanish average; studios/apartments €700-€1,500/month


• Barcelona: Similar premium to Madrid; €700-€1,200/month typical


• Valencia: More affordable than capital cities; €400-€800/month


• Seville, Granada, Cadiz: Cheapest major student cities; €300-€600/month; enables total living costs of €700-€900/month

Utilities (if not included):

€50-€100 per month (varies seasonally: heating in winter, cooling in summer)

4. Homestay with a Local Family

Students live with a Spanish family, offering cultural immersion and daily language practice. Some homestays include meals.

Current Costs: €350-€900 per month, depending on location and whether meals are included

Benefits:

• Cultural immersion through daily living with Spanish family


• Language practice in authentic home environment


• Structured environment with family support


• Potential meal inclusion reduces food costs

Suitable for students seeking a more local experience and those who benefit from family-style living structures.

Housing Platforms for Finding Accommodation

When searching for accommodation in Spain, several major platforms cater to students

• Idealista (idealista.com) - Spain's largest real estate portal with extensive student listings across all cities


• Fotocasa - Major property platform with rental options


• Vibbo - Classifieds for shared rooms and apartments


• Uniplaces - Specialized student housing comparison tool


• Resa - Student housing-specific platform


• Airbnb - Useful for temporary or short-term arrangements


• Facebook housing groups - Community-based listings by city

Part-Time Work

International students holding a valid Spanish Student Visa are generally allowed to work part-time while studying. Spanish regulations have recently become more favorable for international student employment.

Work Hour Regulations

The Spanish government recently updated work regulations for student visa holders. Students enrolled in full-time degree programs can now work up to 30 hours per week during the academic year. This represents an increase from the previous 20-hour limit, offering more financial flexibility. Full-time work is permitted during official holidays and semester breaks (including summer vacation periods).

Important conditions for legal work

• Your work contract must explicitly state part-time status (maximum 30 hours/week)


• Work schedule must not coincide or overlap with your classes


• Work cannot become your primary source of income you must maintain your original financial support to satisfy visa requirements; work income does not count toward the financial means requirement


• Your employer must register you with Spanish Social Security before your start date


• You do not need a separate work permit; your employer handles the registration process using your TIE number


• Maximum hours increased from 20 to 30 per week (in most autonomous communities)


• Location restrictions for internships removed


• Simplified employer registration process (no prior EX-12 form required)


• Post-graduation: You have 1 year to find a new job after completing studies before your visa expires

Wage Information

Typical part-time wages in Spain range from €8-€12 per hour, depending on the job type, city, employer, and sector. Wages must comply with Spain's minimum wage standards. All employers are legally required to register you with Social Security, ensuring proper tax withholding and benefits accrual.

Common Student Jobs

• Hospitality (restaurants, bars, cafés)


• Retail and customer service


• English language tutoring


• University-related positions (teaching assistant, lab support)


• Tourism and tour guiding


• Administrative roles


• Call centers and customer support


• Tech and digital roles (especially for IT/engineering students)

Part-time work helps students support living expenses while gaining valuable international work experience in a professional and multicultural environment. The work can be specifically leveraged to enhance your CV for future employment prospects after graduation.

Monthly Living Costs Summary

City-Specific Monthly Living Costs

• Madrid/Barcelona (expensive): €900-€1,200+ (sometimes €1,100-€1,400 for comfortable living)


• Valencia, Seville, Cadiz (affordable): €700-€900


• Other mid-sized cities: €800-€1,000

Additional savings opportunities

• Weekend trips with friends: €50-€120 with shared train tickets and accommodation


• Museum entries: Often €3-€8 with student ID; many museums offer free entry on designated days


• Student discounts: Available on public transportation, attractions, and dining

Special Considerations

Indonesian students should note that visa processing from Indonesia typically takes 2-4 weeks for standard tourist visas but considerably longer for student visas (4-8 weeks), so early application is essential. The visa application fee and health insurance costs (combined approximately €600-€1,000 upfront) should be factored into initial relocation budgeting.

Once established, a monthly budget of €800-€1,200 in affordable cities like Valencia or Granada, combined with part-time work income of approximately €500-€800/month (working 15-20 hours weekly), makes Spain an accessible study destination for Indonesian students.

Admission Process:

To apply for a Spanish bachelor's degree as an Indonesian international student:

• Submit high school diploma or equivalent with official translation


• Provide English language proficiency certificate (TOEFL/IELTS) for English-taught programs


• Submit university entrance exam results (if required by specific university)


• Provide proof of financial means (typically showing €600-€900/month)


• Some universities may require additional tests or interviews

1. Bachelor's Degree (Grado)

Bachelor's programs usually take 3-4 years to complete, with students earning 180-240 ECTS credits depending on the program length. Each academic year consists of approximately 60 ECTS credits, typically divided into two semesters (fall and spring), with students completing approximately 30 ECTS per semester. The credit system, known as ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System), is crucial for understanding your workload and facilitating credit transfer between institutions.

What is ECTS and Why It Matters:

ECTS is a learner-centered, transparent system for credit accumulation and transfer across European universities. One full academic year equals 60 ECTS credits, with one semester equaling 30 ECTS. This system allows students to:

• Transfer credits between Spanish universities and other European institutions seamlessly


• Compare degree programs directly across different countries


• Understand the exact workload and learning outcomes expected for each course


• Facilitate international mobility, as credits earned abroad are recognized at your home institution

Your diploma will include a Diploma Supplement a document that details your degree program, course content, learning outcomes, and qualification level making it immediately understandable to employers and universities worldwide.

2. Master's Degree (Máster)

Master's programs typically last 1-2 years, comprising 60-120 ECTS credits. Most master's programs are structured with 2 semesters per academic year and are increasingly offered in flexible formats (full-time, part-time, online, or blended).

3. Doctoral Degree (Doctorado)

Doctoral programs are research-oriented postgraduate programs lasting 3-4 years. Unlike many countries, Spanish doctorates emphasize research excellence and international collaboration, with many programs now requiring or encouraging international mobility components. Doctoral schools have been restructured to provide specialized research training and support international research stays.