Cost of Living in Spain for Indian Students: Essential Guide

Studying abroad is an exciting adventure, but it’s important to plan ahead, especially when it comes to finances. Spain has been a popular destination for Indian students due to its rich culture, high-quality education, and relatively affordable living costs. In this guide, we’ll break down the cost of living in Spain for Indian students, covering everything from tuition fees to daily expenses, and offer some budgeting tips to help you manage your finances effectively.

Valencia Scene from city of Barcelona — Valencia, Spain

Tuition Fees

In Spain, higher university education tuition fees are calculated based on a pay-per-credit system. It means that students pay according to the number of ECTS credits they enroll in each academic year, with an average of 60 credits per year.

For overseas students pursuing undergraduate courses in Spanish universities, the tuition fee is. The cost per credit for a bachelor’s degree can rise to approximately €30, so on average, yearly tuition fees amount to about €1,800. If a student withdraws from and subsequently re-enrolls in a course, they may be required to pay higher tuition fees for subsequent enrollments which may rise to €6,000 (Shiksha, 2024). Tuition fees in Spain can vary significantly depending on the type of institution and the program you choose.

Bachelors & Masters Programme have different rates of tuition fees. Here's a breakdown:

Tuition fees range from €1200 to €2,500 per year for bachelor's programs, but if a student gets enrolled for the 2nd or 3rd time, he may have to pay a maximum of €3,000 or €6,000 per year. In the case of a Master's degree, €1,800 per academic year for master's programs has to be paid where the credit cost of a master's degree remains €16-45 per credit.

Following is the table of top universities of Spain with their average tuition fees as per Yocket, 2024:

University Information

University	QS World University Ranking 2024	Average Tuition Fees Per Year in Euro	INR (Rate 1 Euro = 89.37 as of 29 Jun, 8:47 am UTC)
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona	178	3,000	2,68,110
Universitat de Barcelona	184	4,000 - 6,000	3,57,480 - 5,36,220
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid	215	4,000 - 17,200	3,57,480 - 15,37,164
Complutense University of Madrid	226	3,000	2,68,110

While tuition fees are a significant part of the cost of living in Spain for Indian students, it's worth noting that many Spanish universities offer scholarships and grants to international students, which can help reduce these costs.

Accommodation

Accommodation is one of the largest expenses for students living in Spain. You have several options to choose from as per your cost management & comfort with sharing areas. Given below are the

University Dormitories: These are usually the most convenient option, costing between €300 and €600 per month, depending on the city and the type of room when shared (Study.eu, 2024)

Private Apartments: Renting a private apartment can cost between €600 and €1,200 per month. Sharing an apartment with other students can significantly reduce this cost.

Homestays: Living with a Spanish family can cost around €450 to €700 per month. This option includes meals and offers a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Daily Expenses

When considering the cost of living in Spain for Indian students, daily expenses such as food, transportation, and entertainment are important to account for.

Food: Weekly grocery bills can range from €40 to €50, depending on your eating habits. Eating out at restaurants or cafes occasionally can add to this cost. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around €10 to €15 (Remote Year, 2023). The following table shows the rate of food items as per Shiksha, 2024:

Food Prices

Food Item	Rate (in Euro)	INR (Rate 1 Euro = 89.37 as of 29 Jun, 8:47 am UTC)
12 Eggs	2.02	180.53
1 Litre Milk	0.8	71.50
Loaf of Bread	1.02	91.16
1 Kg Potato	1.21	108.14
1 Kg Apples	1.8	160.87
1 Kg Banana	1.62	144.78
1 Kg White Rice	1.18	105.46
1 Kg Cheese	10.24	915.15
1 Kg Orange	1.48	132.27
1 Kg Tomato	1.73	154.61
1 Kg Onion	1.31	117.07
Coke/Pepsi (small bottle)	1.81	161.76
Coffee	1.7	151.93

Transportation: In Valencia, the metro system spans nine lines across four single zones (A, B, C, and D). Single journey tickets are priced at € 1.50, with return tickets costing € 2.90. Multi-zone tickets range from approximately 2.10 to 3.90 Euro. For economical travel within a single zone, a 10-journey ticket is available for 7.20 Euro.

For budget-friendly long-distance travel across Spain, choosing Renfe's train services is ideal. Renfe's high-speed train, AVE, connects major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, covering 311 miles in under 3 hours for just €50 per person (HDFCERGO, 2024).

Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for international students in Spain. You can either opt for private health insurance or register with the Spanish public health system. One of the most popular student health insurance policies in Spain is the Sanitas International Students Plan, costing around 40-55€ per month. Generally, health insurance for expats and international students in Spain ranges from 35€ to 200€ per month, depending on the coverage plan selected (City life, 2024). Some universities include health insurance in their tuition fees, so be sure to check with your institution.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Study Materials such as books, supplies, and other study materials can cost around €50 to €80 per month (Master portal, 2023)
Mobile phone plans vary but typically cost around €30 to €55 per month (HealthPlan, 2024).
When it comes to leisure & entertainment, budgeting for leisure activities is essential to enjoy your time in Spain. This can include gym memberships, cinema tickets, and other recreational activities, costing around €50 to €100 per month (Yocket, 2023)
If you rent a private apartment, you’ll need to budget for utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) which can cost around €160 to €200 per month (HealthPlan, 2024).

Budgeting Tips

Managing the cost of living in Spain for Indian students requires careful budgeting and planning. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:

1. Create a Budget:

List all your monthly expenses and compare them with your income (scholarships, part-time jobs, family support). Stick to your budget as closely as possible.

2. Use Student Discounts:

Take advantage of student discounts available for transportation, entertainment, and even some grocery stores.

3. Track Your Spending:

Use apps or maintain a spreadsheet to keep track of your daily expenses. This will help you identify areas where you can cut costs.

4. Scholarships:

Here's a list of Spain scholarships for Indian students that could potentially cover the majority of tuition fees if you're selected:

Spanish Studies Abroad Merit-Based Scholarship
Global Experiences Generation Study Abroad Scholarship
CIEE Scholarships and Grants
UIC Barcelona Scholarship
European University of the Atlantic
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

Sending Money to Spain

As a student, you may need to receive money from your family in India to cover your expenses. When sending money to Spain, it’s essential to choose a reliable method that ensures security and offers favorable exchange rates. Here’s why using RBI-authorized foreign exchange provider like Supreme Forex might be your best bet:

Security: We are RBI-authorized providers who follow strict regulations, ensuring your money is transferred safely and securely.

Better Exchange Rates: We strive to offer better exchange rates compared to online platforms, helping you get more Euro for your rupees.

Offering secure transactions, better exchange rates makes us the suitable choice for international students.

Conclusion

Living in Spain as an Indian student is an enriching experience that combines quality education with cultural immersion. Understanding the cost of living in Spain for Indian students and planning your finances effectively will ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay. From tuition fees to daily expenses, being well-prepared financially will help you focus on your studies and make the most of your time in this beautiful country.

Embark on your Spanish adventure with confidence, knowing that you’re well-prepared to handle the financial aspects of studying abroad. Dont forget to pack your essentials & Good luck!

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much money is needed for a Spanish student visa?

A. Your income should generally exceed 400% of the IPREM monthly, which for 2024 is approximately €2,400 per month for a single applicant. Any additional family members may require an extra 100% of the IPREM each, which is approximately €600 monthly (Global Residence Index, 2024)

Q. What are the typical costs for public transportation?

A. Public transport is generally affordable, though costs can vary depending on the city you live in.

Q. Is health insurance necessary for students in Spain?

A. Yes, health insurance is mandatory for international students, with private insurance being a common choice

Q. How can students effectively manage their expenses in Spain?

A. Managing expenses involves creating a detailed budget, utilizing student discounts whenever possible, preparing meals at home, and carefully monitoring spending habits. Here is the expanded blog to prepare your Financials overseas.

‍

Sources: