Spain, a hub of world-class education, offers a vibrant lifestyle and a plethora of rich cultural experiences. It's a perfect destination for Indian students seeking to broaden their horizons through education. The country is one of the prominent study-abroad destinations in Europe, having top-ranking Spanish universities where indian students can study.
With its two intakes, Spain offers a flexible approach to kickstarting your future. Whether you're an undergraduate or postgraduate or seeking professional development, these two intakes, the October - September intake and the January - February intake provide ample opportunities to join top-tier universities and programs that align with your career aspirations
Along with these intakes, some universities also have a third intake, and the application deadlines vary from one university to another. So, you must carefully go over all the deadlines and plan your admission accordingly.
January Intake in Spain 2025 Application Deadlines | End of November - Early December |
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Starting Date of Semester (Classes) | February |
End Date of Semester (Classes) | July |
Popular Programs |
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Flexible Entry Point : The January intake is an excellent option for students who require more time to prepare for the application. This might be due to delayed completion of previous studies, financial or personal reasons, or visa and travel arrangements. This flexibility enables you to begin your studies without waiting an entire year.
Smaller Class Sizes : In January, students will have smaller cohorts, which will benefit them from more personalised attention, increased interaction with professors, and stronger peer relationships. This creates a supportive and engaging learning environment, which is especially beneficial to Indian students.
Accelerated Networking : Starting in January, it enables immediate integration into academic and professional networks. Access to networking events, career services, and research opportunities helps people make connections and gain valuable experience, which improves employability and professional development.
Less Crowded Campus : Enjoy a more efficient campus experience with fewer students. Easier access to facilities, smoother administrative processes, and increased availability of housing and local amenities all contribute to a more convenient and academically focused lifestyle.
Unique Cultural Immersion : Arriving in January gives students a unique cultural perspective, as they can participate in Spain's winter festivities and seasonal activities. For a more culturally rich experience, attend events like Three Kings' Day and enjoy winter sports, followed by spring festivals like Las Fallas and Semana Santa.
Before moving ahead, you must learn about study in Spain intakes in detail. The application deadline for all intakes depends on certain programs and universities. Apart from the January intake, there is another intake - the September intake.
Fall Intake (September Intake) - The fall intake is the primary and most popular option for Indian students as it aligns with the beginning of the academic year. It provides universities with the most diverse range of courses and programs, giving students more networking opportunities.
Spring Intake (January Intake) - The spring intake is a secondary option, with fewer courses and universities offering programs than the fall intake. Smaller class sizes result in less competition, making it ideal for students looking for a more flexible start.
January Intake in Spain Universities 2025
Some prestigious universities in Spain accept applications for the January intake. It is crucial to understand the list of January intake universities in Spain admitting Indian students in 2025.
Intakes in Spain Universities | ||
---|---|---|
University Name | QS Ranking | Deadline |
Complutense University of Madrid | 164 | 30 November |
Universitat de Barcelona | 165 | 15 November |
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona | 175 | 5 December |
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid | 198 | 30 September |
Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona) | 265 | 30 October |
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) | 321 | 1 December |
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech (UPC) | 371 | 8 January |
University of Granada | 431 | Early October |
If you're thinking about applying for a January intake in Spain and want to know which universities to consider, here are the top five.
Complutense University of Madrid - The university ranked 164th in the QS World Ranking 2025. It is well-known for its strong academic tradition and diverse program offerings.
Universitat de Barcelona - This institution is ranked 165th and is a leading institution known for excellence in research and innovation.
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona - The university is ranked 175th and known for its cutting-edge research facilities and world-class faculty.
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid - This university is ranked 198th and known for its vibrant campus life and strong emphasis on internationalisation.
Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona) — This is one of the top universities in Spain, ranked 265th. It is well-known for its innovative approach to education and commitment to developing critical thinking skills.
If you are planning to study bachelor’s courses in January intake in Spain 2025, then check some of the top universities, their top courses and fees below.
University Name | Courses Name | Fees (annual) |
---|---|---|
Universitat de Barcelona |
Financial Instruments and Markets International Economy Social Problems and Conflicts |
EUR 4,900 |
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona |
Artificial Intelligence Bioinformatics Business Administration and Management |
EUR 775 |
Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona) |
Business Management and Administration Political and Administration Sciences Biomedical Engineering |
EUR 6,911.31 EUR 6,800.32 EUR 8,500.12 |
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) |
Neuroscience Aerospace Engineering Data Science and Engineering |
EUR 6,822.60 |
Explore the table below to learn about some master's courses available in Spain for the January 2025 intake.
University Name | Courses Name | Fees (annual) |
---|---|---|
Universitat de Barcelona |
Biomedicine Chemical Engineering Genetics and Genomics |
EUR 4,900 |
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona |
Advanced Genetics Data Science Economic Analysis |
EUR 4,500 |
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid |
Physical Anthropology: Human Evolution and Biodiversity Biodiversity Biotechnology |
EUR 5,079 |
Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona) |
Bioinformatics for Health Sciences Data Science Sustainability Management |
EUR 5,749 EUR 19,000 EUR 18,500 |
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech (UPC) |
Mechanical Technologies Real Estate Development and Management Polymers and Bioplastics |
EUR 6,331 EUR 6,331 EUR 6,331 |
Application Deadline : Late November - Early December 2025
Meeting Conditions and Deposit : December 2025
Induction and orientation : January 2025
Course start date : February 2025
Timeline | Activity |
---|---|
August - September 2025 | Start researching and shortlisting programs and universities in Spain. Check the course eligibility requirements and admission deadlines. |
September - October 2025 | Take standardised tests such as GMAT, GRE, IELTS, or TOEFL. Prepare and schedule exams ahead of time to meet application deadlines. |
October - November 2025 | Begin your application process at least a month before the admission deadline. Prepare and submit application materials, including a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and letters of recommendation. |
November - December 2025 | Respond quickly to any notifications from universities. Send affirmations for courses that you are interested in. Be prepared for video interviews if necessary. |
December 2025 - January 2025 | After receiving acceptance letters, begin applying for a visa in Spain. Apply for educational loans and scholarships as needed. Obtain proof of funds for visa requirements. |
January 2025 | Plan your stay in Spain and get ready to leave. Make the necessary travel arrangements and prepare a pre-departure checklist. Aim to arrive in Spain at least a month before the semester starts. |
Indian students considering the January Intake in Spain should carefully review specific eligibility criteria, especially for graduate courses. The detailed requirements are outlined below.
Some Spanish universities provide limited specific programs in both Spanish and English. If you wish to study English courses in Spanish universities, you might require proof of English language proficiency.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 6.5
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 90-100
CPE : A-C
Indian students wishing to study for an MBA in Spain must take a GMAT. However, you can also pursue an MBA without a GMAT score. The exam contains four parameters that you must complete: country's ideology or history questions, foreign language exams, Text Analysis in Spanish, and optional subject exams in subjects like art, music, science, and technology.
GMAT : 650 or higher
Indian students can get passports by applying through Passport Seva Kendra. After applying, you will receive your passport in between 25 and 30 days.
Your visa will depend on your course type and passport. If you opt for short courses of less than 6 months, you must apply for a D-type visa. You must pick a long-term student visa to pursue an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
To apply for a visa, you must have a valid passport, ID card, letter of acceptance, health insurance, proof of finances, and medical certificate.
Passport-size photos
Valid passport
Acceptance letter
Proof of funding
Health Insurance
Character Certificate
Medical Certificate
Criminal record certificate
To apply to study in Spain, you need to be prepared with all the documentation and check eligibility to pursue your studies in Spain. Thousands of students from India prepare for this application process every year.
Although Indian students can apply directly to Spanish universities, they must first pass the EBAU (Evaluación del Bachillerato para el Acceso a la Universidad) entrance exam, also known as 'selectividad', which consists of four components: text analysis, Spanish history or philosophy, foreign language, and individual subject choice.
Head over to the step-by-step process to study in Spain:
Choose a Spanish City - You must select a place that suits your lifestyle and budget. Even in Spain, cities like Madrid and Barcelona have the most expensive yet vibrant environments, while small cities are mostly quieter.
Choose a Degree Program and University - You must shortlist universities and programs of interest and consider tuition fees, curriculum and reviews to find your best fit.
Check Requirements - You should also check program-specific requirements, such as English proficiency tests and the ‘selectivity’ entrance exam for international students.
Get Your Qualifications Recognised - Students need to have their high school certificates recognised (‘homologación’) to qualify for admission to Spanish universities.
Apply to University - You must apply directly to your desired universities. Nevertheless, ensure all the documentation is prepared and translated into Spanish (if necessary).
Receive Letter of Acceptance - Once you receive the letter of acceptance from the universities you’ve applied, it’s time to travel to Spain.
Apply for a Student Visa - When your program is longer than 6 months, you must apply for a long-term student visa at the Spanish embassy/consulate. Otherwise, you can also apply for a short-term D-type visa.
Spain offers world-class education from top-notch universities and an affordable cost of living, ranging from EUR 700 – EUR 1100 (INR 62k - 98k). Tuition fees in Spain vary between EUR 750 – EUR 3500 (INR 67k - 3.13 lacs) depending on the program and university.
Furthermore, the country provides a myriad of scholarships to support Indian students. Check out the table below to uncover some scholarships available there.
Scholarship | Value | Eligibility |
---|---|---|
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for International Students | Tuition fees, allowance up to 100 - 1500 Euros | - Bachelor’s degree - Provide a copy of your diploma when applying online |
Universidad San Pablo-Charitable-Educational Study Grants | Maximum 7500 Euros | - Minimum of 60 credits - Academic performance and socioeconomic situation considered |
University Community Scholarships - Universitat Pompeu Fabra | Covers public registration fees and related public prices | - Financial situation must not result from an individual’s personal decisions |
UIC Barcelona - International Excellence Scholarships | Covers 20% of tuition fees for all years | - Average of 8 GPA from 1st year of upper secondary education |
EADA Scholarship | Covers 10% to 40% | - Enroll in the MBA within 10 working days of the award - Pay 25% of program fee |
University of Alicante - Grants for Master’s Degree Studies | Covers 50% of master’s degree tuition fees | - GPA of at least 6.50 in current Master’s studies - Enrolled credits at the start of the year should be at least 50 |
There are two intakes in total, namely fall and spring. Fall intake starts with the academic time period, which is September, and Spring intake in Spain starts in January.
If you wish to pursue a Bachelor’s degree, you must not have a study gap of more than 3 years from your higher secondary education. However, if you want to pursue a Master’s degree, over 8 years of study gap is acceptable.
The country’s primary language is Spanish, so English proficiency is not mandatory. However, some courses are in English, so providing an IELTS certificate for admission is good.
January intake is a great time to explore the country's fascinating cities, visit historic sites, and go on adventures in the countryside, except it's too cold to relax on the beaches this month.
The success rate for student visas in Spain is generally good if applicants meet all requirements and provide complete and accurate documents. According to the data, the rejection rate for Spain's student visa is 3%, resulting in a success rate of 97%.
The Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona offers affordable tuition fees for international students, starting at €775 per year for some programs.
Yes, the January intake is often less competitive than the September intake. Fewer students apply now, which may result in lower class sizes and more specific attention from the instructors.
Yes, Indian students can apply for a post-study work visa to stay and work in Spain once they finish their education. If they meet the requirements and laws, this could lead to permanent residency.
Indian students often must show a bank balance sufficient to cover living expenses and tuition fees. This usually equates to €6,000 to €7,000 in annual living expenditures and tuition fees for their selected program.
Studying in Spain is not free but relatively inexpensive compared to other Western European countries. Tuition fees at public universities are lower, and Indian students can take advantage of various scholarships to help offset their costs.
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