# Study in Spain from India

Country guide · For students from India. Checked 17 October 2026; next check January 2027. Researched by the UNIFER research team. Reviewed by Devjot Singh, founder, UNIFER. Rules change: always confirm with the official body before applying.

Page: https://uniferedu.com/study-in/spain

## In short

- **€84.07** per ECTS credit for most master’s at Madrid’s public UPM (about €5,044 for 60 ECTS); check the course’s own fee
- **24 months** on a job-search / start-up permit after graduating; it does not allow work
- **30 hours** a week of work while studying, automatically, within the region where your stay was granted
- **Yes** spouse or partner and children can join, but cannot work during your studies or the job search

## What changed recently

- October 2026: the rental rules changed; confirm the current rules before signing.

## Studying in Spain from India: 8 things to know

Spain suits Indian students who check that their course is an official Máster Universitario: Madrid’s public UPM charges €84.07 per ECTS for most master’s, and graduates get a 24-month job-search permit.

1. **Only the Máster Universitario is an official degree.** A university's own title (*título propio*, now usually *Máster de Formación Permanente*) still gets a study visa, but it can **never be homologated or declared equivalent** in Spain, and whether it qualifies for the post-study job-search permit is unconfirmed: **confirm with the Oficina de Extranjería before applying.**
2. **A 3-year Indian bachelor's is legally enough** for a Máster Universitario if the university finds it equal in level to a Spanish Grado and it gives master's access in India. Each university checks (UC3M: "three or more years"; UAM Erasmus Mundus: "at least 180 ECTS"). No homologation is needed to apply.
3. **Public fees are set by each region, and non-EU students pay more.** Madrid public (UPM): **€84.07 per ECTS** for most master's (about €5,044 for 60 ECTS), €154.80 for qualifying engineering master's. Catalonia (UPC): **€45 per ECTS** (€2,700 for 60 ECTS). Some programmes set their own price (UC3M marketing: €13,500 a year). Private: IE University €36,000 + €1,200. Check the course's own fee.
4. **Funds: €600 a month in 2026** (100% of IPREM; €7,200 for 12 months), plus **€450** a month for the first family member and **€300** for each other one. Money for tuition does not count.
5. **Visa through BLS, at least 2 months before the course starts.** Fee **INR 9,599 + BLS INR 1,802.** The consulate decides within 1 month once the stay is approved.
6. **Health insurance must be a full Spanish-style policy:** no co-payments, no waiting periods, no limits, not travel insurance, starting on the day of entry.
7. **Work: up to 30 hours a week, automatically,** within the region where the stay was granted. Going over 30 hours ends the stay.
8. **After graduating: a 24-month job-search / start-up permit**, not extendable. The Ministry says it **does not allow work**; a job means switching to a work permit.

## How do Spanish universities and master’s degrees work?

Only the Máster Universitario (60, 90 or 120 ECTS, with a thesis) is an official degree, listed in the RUCT register. A university’s own title (título propio) can never be homologated or declared equivalent in Spain.

- **Degrees:** Grado (bachelor's, 240 ECTS, 4 years) · **Máster Universitario** (60, 90 or 120 ECTS, with a thesis) · Doctorado. Official titles are listed in the **RUCT** register. A bare "Master in …" title is used by both official and own-degree programmes: the register decides.
- **Títulos propios:** the university's own titles (Máster de Formación Permanente 60–120 ECTS; specialisation and expert diplomas). They may be taught in person, hybrid or online.
- **Doctorate students** use the **research residence visa**, not the study visa.
- **Language:** most official master's are taught in Spanish or a regional language (Catalan, Valencian, Basque, Galician). Check the programme's own language field; a percentage split (e.g. 80% Spanish, 20% English) means only partly English. Some programmes ask for Spanish B2.
- **Admission:** each university sets criteria and places; there is no national master's quota or portal. Some run an earlier round for non-EU applicants.
- **Regions matter:** public fees and the work area are set per autonomous community.

Official sources:

- [Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, Universidades (RUCT, MECES, foreign titles)](https://www.ciencia.gob.es/Universidades.html) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [BOE, Real Decreto 1155/2024, Reglamento de la LO 4/2000 (consolidated; arts. 35, 36, 43, 52–57, 59, 176, 183, 190, 205, 208, 209, 213; DF 4ª: in force 20 May 2025)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2024-24099) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [BOE, Real Decreto 822/2021, organisation of university teaching (arts. 3, 14, 17, 18, 36, 37)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2021-15781) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Inclusion (robots.txt returns 403, so its rules could not be checked; S1–S5 read page by page in Chrome), Hoja 1: Autorización de estancia de larga duración para estudios superiores… Familiares. Prórroga (upd. November 2025; read in Chrome)](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/w/estancia-por-estudios) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Embassy of Spain, New Delhi, Visados Nacionales: Visado de estudios (read in Chrome via the consular-services filter)](https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/nuevadelhi/es/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/index.aspx?scco=India&scd=214&scca=Visados&scs=Visados+Nacionales+-+Visado+de+estudios) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, Valida-TE Preguntas frecuentes](https://www.ciencia.gob.es/Universidades/validate/preguntas_frecuentes.html) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Inclusion, Hoja 20: Autorización de residencia para búsqueda de empleo o inicio de proyecto empresarial (upd. September 2025; Chrome)](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/w/20.-autorizacion-de-residencia-para-busqueda-de-empleo-o-inicio-de-proyecto-empresarial) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Precios públicos para Másteres Oficiales (Decreto 43/2022)](https://www.upm.es/?prefmt=articulo&fmt=detail&id=CON07704) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Fees, grants and payment options (master's)](https://www.upc.edu/en/masters/fees-grants/fees-grants-and-payment-options) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Máster Universitario en Dirección de Marketing (requirements, languages, fees 25/26)](https://www.uc3m.es/master/direccion-marketing) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Máster Universitario Erasmus Mundus in AI, Image Processing and Computer Vision (IPCV-AI)](https://www.uam.es/uam/master-universitario-erasmus-mundus-artificial-intelligence-image-processing-computer-vision-ipcvai) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Universidad de Sevilla, Máster Universitario Erasmus Mundus en Biología del Envejecimiento](https://www.us.es/estudiar/que-estudiar/oferta-de-masteres/master-universitario-erasmus-mundus-en-biologia-del) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Universidad de Granada, Accommodation and living in Granada (and Servicio de Alojamiento](https://www.ugr.es/estudiantes/alojamiento/servicio-de-alojamiento) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Housing (MIVAU), Sistema Estatal de Referencia del Precio del Alquiler de Vivienda (robots crawl-delay 10 honoured)](https://www.mivau.gob.es/mapa-alquiler) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [MIVAU, SERPAVI 2026: tablas, gráficos y mapas resumen (PDF, 30 pp., 2024 tax data, modified 20 Jul 2026)](https://publicaciones.transportes.gob.es/downloadcustom/sample/4078) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [MIVAU, Consultar zonas de mercado residencial tensionado (resolutions to 24 Jul 2026)](https://www.mivau.gob.es/vivienda/alquila-bien-es-tu-derecho/serpavi/consultar-zonas-de-mercado-residencial-tensionado) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Inclusion, Hoja 4 bis: Acceso al empleo de titulares de estancia por estudios (upd. May 2025; Chrome)](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/w/hoja-4-bis-acceso-al-empleo-de-las-personas-titulares-de-una-autorizacion-de-estancia-de-larga-duracion-por-estudios-movilidad-de-alumnos-servicios-de-voluntariado-o-actividades-formativas) (checked 2026-10-17)

## Can I apply with an Indian degree, and is a 3-year bachelor’s accepted?

Yes: a 3-year Indian bachelor’s is legally enough for a Máster Universitario if the university finds it equal in level to a Spanish Grado and it gives master’s access in India. Each university checks.

- **Master's:** degree equal in level to a Spanish Grado and giving master's access in India (decided by the university). Final-year students may apply at some universities (UC3M), with admission conditional on finishing.
- **Grades:** Spain marks 0 to 10. The Ministry's free online converter (DENM) gives the Spanish equivalent of a foreign average.
- **English:** set by each programme, e.g. UC3M **C1** (IELTS 7.0–8.0), UAM **B2** or TOEFL 79, IE TOEFL 100 or IELTS 7. UC3M and IE waive the test for a bachelor's taught in English (with proof).
- **Tests:** IE asks for ieGAT, GMAT or GRE.
- **Recognition in Spain:** **homologación** (for a regulated profession) or **declaración de equivalencia** (academic level), **€166.50** each, on legalised documents with an official translation. Not possible for a título propio.
- **Bachelor's from Class XII:** homologate Class XII (academic stream) to the Spanish **Bachiller** at the Ministry of Education (fee; legalised, translated certificates), then a **UNEDasiss accreditation** (February to November; valid 2 years). Not every university accepts UNEDasiss.

Official sources:

- [UNEDasiss (UNED), home and country information](https://unedasiss.uned.es/1162707) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [UNEDasiss (UNED), FAQs](https://unedasiss.uned.es/faqs) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Education, FP and Sports, Equivalencia entre el sistema educativo de España y de India (PDF, Jan 2020; "informative, no legal value") (listed at](https://www.educacionfpydeportes.gob.es/mc/convalidacion-homologacion/convalidacion-no-universitaria/informacion-especifica-paises.html) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [BOE, Real Decreto 822/2021, organisation of university teaching (arts. 3, 14, 17, 18, 36, 37)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2021-15781) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Máster Universitario en Dirección de Marketing (requirements, languages, fees 25/26)](https://www.uc3m.es/master/direccion-marketing) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Máster Universitario Erasmus Mundus in AI, Image Processing and Computer Vision (IPCV-AI)](https://www.uam.es/uam/master-universitario-erasmus-mundus-artificial-intelligence-image-processing-computer-vision-ipcvai) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, Equivalencia de la Nota Media de estudios realizados en centros extranjeros](https://www.ciencia.gob.es/Universidades/NotaMedia.html) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, Valida-TE Preguntas frecuentes](https://www.ciencia.gob.es/Universidades/validate/preguntas_frecuentes.html) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [IE University, Master in Computer Science & Business Technology, Admissions & Fees](https://www.ie.edu/school-science-technology/programs/master-in-computer-science-and-business-technology/admissions-fees/) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Embassy of Spain, New Delhi, Visados Nacionales: Visado de estudios (read in Chrome via the consular-services filter)](https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/nuevadelhi/es/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/index.aspx?scco=India&scd=214&scca=Visados&scs=Visados+Nacionales+-+Visado+de+estudios) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Consulate General of Spain, Mumbai, Study visa checklist (PDF hosted by BLS)](https://india.blsspainvisa.com/assets/pdf/english/student-visa-more-than-90days.pdf) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [BOE, Real Decreto 1155/2024, Reglamento de la LO 4/2000 (consolidated; arts. 35, 36, 43, 52–57, 59, 176, 183, 190, 205, 208, 209, 213; DF 4ª: in force 20 May 2025)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2024-24099) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Inclusion (robots.txt returns 403, so its rules could not be checked; S1–S5 read page by page in Chrome), Hoja 1: Autorización de estancia de larga duración para estudios superiores… Familiares. Prórroga (upd. November 2025; read in Chrome)](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/w/estancia-por-estudios) (checked 2026-10-17)

## How do I apply to a Spanish university?

You apply on each university’s own portal; there is no national master’s portal, and rounds and deadlines differ. Some universities run an earlier round for non-EU applicants.

- Apply on **each university's portal**; rounds and deadlines differ. IE has rolling admissions (no deadline, decision in 1–3 weeks, offer valid for that intake and the next).
- **Fees seen:** application €100–150 (IE €150, not refundable); UC3M seat deposit **€1,500**, refunded only if the university cancels the programme.
- **Usual documents:** degree and transcripts, CV, personal statement, references, English certificate, passport. Degrees from outside Europe must be **apostilled** for enrolment, with an official Spanish translation where asked.
- The visa needs proof of **admission and of the enrolment fee paid**. If enrolment opens later, a sworn statement to enrol is accepted; instalments count once enrolled.

Official sources:

- [BOE, Real Decreto 822/2021, organisation of university teaching (arts. 3, 14, 17, 18, 36, 37)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2021-15781) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [IE University, Master in Computer Science & Business Technology, Admissions & Fees](https://www.ie.edu/school-science-technology/programs/master-in-computer-science-and-business-technology/admissions-fees/) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, Valida-TE portal (legalisation, translation, fee €166.50; Chrome)](https://www.ciencia.gob.es/Universidades/validate.html) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [BOE, Real Decreto 1155/2024, Reglamento de la LO 4/2000 (consolidated; arts. 35, 36, 43, 52–57, 59, 176, 183, 190, 205, 208, 209, 213; DF 4ª: in force 20 May 2025)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2024-24099) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Embassy of Spain, New Delhi, Visados Nacionales: Visado de estudios (read in Chrome via the consular-services filter)](https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/nuevadelhi/es/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/index.aspx?scco=India&scd=214&scca=Visados&scs=Visados+Nacionales+-+Visado+de+estudios) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Inclusion (robots.txt returns 403, so its rules could not be checked; S1–S5 read page by page in Chrome), Hoja 1: Autorización de estancia de larga duración para estudios superiores… Familiares. Prórroga (upd. November 2025; read in Chrome)](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/w/estancia-por-estudios) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Consulate General of Spain, Mumbai, Study visa checklist (PDF hosted by BLS)](https://india.blsspainvisa.com/assets/pdf/english/student-visa-more-than-90days.pdf) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Máster Universitario en Dirección de Marketing (requirements, languages, fees 25/26)](https://www.uc3m.es/master/direccion-marketing) (checked 2026-10-17)

## How much does it cost, and how much money must I show?

Public fees are set by each region and non-EU students pay more: €84.07 per ECTS at Madrid’s UPM for most master’s, €45 at Catalonia’s UPC. You must show €600 a month (2026), and tuition money does not count.

- **Tuition:** per ECTS credit, first enrolment; repeats cost more. The fees on this sheet are examples: **check the course's own fee.** A student on a study stay stays in the non-EU tier (a study stay is not residence). Andalusia (Sevilla) prints €13.68 per credit with no non-EU tier shown; whether non-EU students pay the same is unconfirmed: **check with the university.**
- **Other charges:** administrative fees, a degree-issue fee (e.g. €218.15), school insurance.
- **Proof of funds:** **€600 a month** (2026); family €450 / €300. Grants and scholarships count; tuition money does not. Mumbai asks a sponsor's letter, PAN card and 6 months' bank statements signed and stamped by the bank. Whether an Indian education loan counts is unconfirmed: **confirm with the consulate before applying.**
- **Scholarships:** universities run their own; no Spanish government programme for India was found.

Official sources:

- [Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Fees, grants and payment options (master's)](https://www.upc.edu/en/masters/fees-grants/fees-grants-and-payment-options) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Precios públicos para Másteres Oficiales (Decreto 43/2022)](https://www.upm.es/?prefmt=articulo&fmt=detail&id=CON07704) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Máster Universitario en Dirección de Marketing (requirements, languages, fees 25/26)](https://www.uc3m.es/master/direccion-marketing) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Máster Universitario Erasmus Mundus in AI, Image Processing and Computer Vision (IPCV-AI)](https://www.uam.es/uam/master-universitario-erasmus-mundus-artificial-intelligence-image-processing-computer-vision-ipcvai) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Universidad de Sevilla, Máster Universitario Erasmus Mundus en Biología del Envejecimiento](https://www.us.es/estudiar/que-estudiar/oferta-de-masteres/master-universitario-erasmus-mundus-en-biologia-del) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [IE University, Master in Computer Science & Business Technology, Admissions & Fees](https://www.ie.edu/school-science-technology/programs/master-in-computer-science-and-business-technology/admissions-fees/) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [BOE, Real Decreto 1155/2024, Reglamento de la LO 4/2000 (consolidated; arts. 35, 36, 43, 52–57, 59, 176, 183, 190, 205, 208, 209, 213; DF 4ª: in force 20 May 2025)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2024-24099) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Inclusion (robots.txt returns 403, so its rules could not be checked; S1–S5 read page by page in Chrome), Hoja 1: Autorización de estancia de larga duración para estudios superiores… Familiares. Prórroga (upd. November 2025; read in Chrome)](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/w/estancia-por-estudios) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Embassy of Spain, New Delhi, Visados Nacionales: Visado de estudios (read in Chrome via the consular-services filter)](https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/nuevadelhi/es/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/index.aspx?scco=India&scd=214&scca=Visados&scs=Visados+Nacionales+-+Visado+de+estudios) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Consulate General of Spain, Mumbai, Study visa checklist (PDF hosted by BLS)](https://india.blsspainvisa.com/assets/pdf/english/student-visa-more-than-90days.pdf) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Universidad de Granada, Accommodation and living in Granada (and Servicio de Alojamiento](https://www.ugr.es/estudiantes/alojamiento/servicio-de-alojamiento) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Housing (MIVAU), Sistema Estatal de Referencia del Precio del Alquiler de Vivienda (robots crawl-delay 10 honoured)](https://www.mivau.gob.es/mapa-alquiler) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [MIVAU, SERPAVI 2026: tablas, gráficos y mapas resumen (PDF, 30 pp., 2024 tax data, modified 20 Jul 2026)](https://publicaciones.transportes.gob.es/downloadcustom/sample/4078) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [AECID, Becas y Lectorados (robots.txt names ClaudeBot/anthropic-ai with crawl-delay 30 but disallows only search paths; this one page read)](https://www.aecid.es/becas-y-lectorados) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, Valida-TE Preguntas frecuentes](https://www.ciencia.gob.es/Universidades/validate/preguntas_frecuentes.html) (checked 2026-10-17)

## How do I get a Spanish student visa from India?

You apply for a national study visa through BLS at least 2 months before the course starts, in New Delhi or Mumbai depending on where you have lived for the last 6 months. The fee is INR 9,599 + BLS INR 1,802.

- **Long-stay authorisation for higher studies**, applied for with a **national study visa** at **BLS**. Full-time programmes only; university studies in person or hybrid (**not online**). Minimum age 17.
- **Jurisdiction** follows where the student has lived for the last 6 months: **New Delhi** (north, east, north-east, Rajasthan, MP, UP and others) or **Mumbai** (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and others).
- **Fee:** INR 9,599 + BLS INR 1,802.
- **Documents:** form, photo, passport valid **1 year** (Delhi: issued within 10 years, 2 blank pages), admission and fee payment (Mumbai: letter with start and end dates and total cost), funds, insurance, **police clearance (Regional Passport Office, MEA apostille)** for stays over 180 days, **medical certificate** (MEA apostille), proof of residence in the jurisdiction. All documents **apostilled**. **Translations differ by mission:** follow your own mission's checklist (New Delhi or Mumbai). Delhi accepts police and medical certificates in English; Mumbai asks for a **sworn Spanish translation**.
- **No language certificate** is listed for the visa.
- **Timing:** apply at least 2 months before the start; the stay is decided within 7 days and the visa within 1 month (Mumbai: longer if an interview or documents are requested). Collect within 2 months.
- **Refusal:** appeal to the consulate within 1 month, or to the Madrid High Court within 2 months.
- **Applying inside Spain:** an adult legally in Spain may apply there for a higher-studies stay, at least 2 months before the course and before the current stay ends.
- **Family:** spouse or partner and children can join a higher-education student, with funds (€450 / €300 a month), insurance and proof of the relationship. In India the family applies **after the student's visa is granted**. **Family members cannot work** during the studies or the job search.

Official sources:

- [BOE, Real Decreto 1155/2024, Reglamento de la LO 4/2000 (consolidated; arts. 35, 36, 43, 52–57, 59, 176, 183, 190, 205, 208, 209, 213; DF 4ª: in force 20 May 2025)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2024-24099) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Inclusion (robots.txt returns 403, so its rules could not be checked; S1–S5 read page by page in Chrome), Hoja 1: Autorización de estancia de larga duración para estudios superiores… Familiares. Prórroga (upd. November 2025; read in Chrome)](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/w/estancia-por-estudios) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Embassy of Spain, New Delhi, Visados Nacionales: Visado de estudios (read in Chrome via the consular-services filter)](https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/nuevadelhi/es/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/index.aspx?scco=India&scd=214&scca=Visados&scs=Visados+Nacionales+-+Visado+de+estudios) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [BLS International, Spain Visa India, National Visa (overview, jurisdictions, visa fees; Chrome)](https://india.blsspainvisa.com/national_visa.php) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Embassy of Spain, New Delhi, Precios Recaudación Consular (PDF, printed 18 Dec 2025)](https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/nuevadelhi/en/Embajada/Documents/Listado_de_Precios1_LGN00_01_01_2026.pdf) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Consulate General of Spain, Mumbai, Study visa checklist (PDF hosted by BLS)](https://india.blsspainvisa.com/assets/pdf/english/student-visa-more-than-90days.pdf) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Inclusion, Guía de visado y autorización de estancia de larga duración por estudios… RD 1155/2024 (12-page PDF, file stamp July 2025; read in Chrome, plain fetch 403) (linked from](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/preguntas-frecuentes-reglamento-de-extranjeria) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Inclusion, Hoja 58: Modificaciones desde autorizaciones de estancia por estudios superiores… (upd. April 2026; Chrome)](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/w/58.-modificaciones-desde-autorizaciones-de-estancia-por-estudios-superiores-ensenanza-secundaria-actividades-formativas-o-formacion-sanitaria-especializada) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [BOE, Ley Orgánica 4/2000 (arts. 19, 33)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2000-544) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [BOE, Ley 14/2013 de apoyo a los emprendedores, disposición adicional decimoséptima (text in force from 12 Apr 2023)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2013-10074) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Inclusion, Hoja 20: Autorización de residencia para búsqueda de empleo o inicio de proyecto empresarial (upd. September 2025; Chrome)](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/w/20.-autorizacion-de-residencia-para-busqueda-de-empleo-o-inicio-de-proyecto-empresarial) (checked 2026-10-17)

## When should I start preparing?

Start about 12 months before a September/October intake: shortlist and get the MEA apostille on your documents from September to December, and lodge the visa at least 2 months before the course starts.

| When | Step |
|---|---|
| Sep–Dec (12–9 months before) | Shortlist; check each programme is a Máster Universitario, its language, its 3-year-degree rule and non-EU fee. MEA apostille of degree, transcripts and Class XII. |
| Nov–Apr | Apply on university portals; English test. |
| Feb–Jun | Admission; pay the seat deposit or enrolment fee. |
| Apr–Jul | Police clearance and medical certificate (apostilled); translations if asked; Spanish health insurance; funds (€600 a month); book BLS. |
| At least 2 months before the start | Lodge the visa (INR 9,599 + 1,802). Family applies after the student's visa. |
| First month in Spain | **TIE** (foreigner identity card) at the police, for stays over 6 months. |
| Every year | Proof of the new year's enrolment; extension in the 2 months before expiry if needed. |
| End of studies | Within 60 days before / 90 days after the stay ends: 24-month job-search permit, or switch to a work permit. |

## Can I work while studying, and what happens on arrival?

You can work up to 30 hours a week, automatically, but only in the region where your stay was granted. For a stay over 6 months, you get the TIE identity card at the police within 1 month of arrival (€16.08).

- **TIE within 1 month** of arrival at the police, by appointment, if the stay is over 6 months: fee **€16.08** (€19.30 on extension). Until then the valid visa allows travel and re-entry. Documents to bring: **confirm with the police station when booking.**
- **NIE** (foreigner number) comes automatically with the study stay; banks ask for it.
- **Padrón:** everyone living in Spain registers at their town hall. Madrid: appointment, passport or TIE, a rental contract of at least **6 months** (or the householder's authorisation). A new address goes to the police within 1 month.
- **Housing:** university halls and colegios mayores, managed apartments, shared flats. A shared-flat room in Granada about **€200–300 a month**; median whole-flat rent (2024) about **€869 in Madrid, €900 in Barcelona**.
- **Renting:** deposit **1 month's rent**, extra guarantee at most 2 months (1 for a temporary rental); agency costs **cannot be charged to the tenant**. The rules changed in October 2026: **confirm the current rules before signing.**
- **Emergencies: 112.** The Embassy of India in Madrid asks Indian students to **register** with it, and warns that calls showing its number and asking for money are fraud. The stay covers the **whole official length** of the degree, plus 15 days; each year's enrolment must be shown. Extensions: up to two, each up to 1 year, requested in the 2 months before expiry.
- **Work:** employee or self-employed, **automatic**, up to **30 hours a week**, only in the same autonomous community (and bordering towns). Over 30 hours ends the stay. **Curricular internships** need no extra permit. A student who works is covered for health through Social Security.
- **Attendance:** some programmes make attendance compulsory with in-person exams (e.g. UC3M).
- **Changing course** needs a new study-stay authorisation. Each year's enrolment must be shown to keep the stay.

Official sources:

- [MIVAU, Consultar zonas de mercado residencial tensionado (resolutions to 24 Jul 2026)](https://www.mivau.gob.es/vivienda/alquila-bien-es-tu-derecho/serpavi/consultar-zonas-de-mercado-residencial-tensionado) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Universidad de Granada, Accommodation and living in Granada (and Servicio de Alojamiento](https://www.ugr.es/estudiantes/alojamiento/servicio-de-alojamiento) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Ven a la Complutense: Alojamiento](https://venalacomplu.ucm.es/alojamiento) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Alojamientos UAM](https://www.uam.es/uam/alojamientos) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Accommodation](https://www.upc.edu/en/university-life-and-services/accommodation) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Housing (MIVAU), Sistema Estatal de Referencia del Precio del Alquiler de Vivienda (robots crawl-delay 10 honoured)](https://www.mivau.gob.es/mapa-alquiler) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [MIVAU, SERPAVI 2026: tablas, gráficos y mapas resumen (PDF, 30 pp., 2024 tax data, modified 20 Jul 2026)](https://publicaciones.transportes.gob.es/downloadcustom/sample/4078) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [BOE, Ley 29/1994 de Arrendamientos Urbanos (consolidated; last update published 7 Oct 2026, in force 8 Oct 2026; arts. 2, 7, 9, 9 bis, 10, 11, 20, 36)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1994-26003) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Embassy of India, Madrid, advisories: against illegal consular agents (23 Dec 2021), against consular agents (9 Mar 2022), fraudulent telephone calls (PDF, Jan 2020), listed at (e.g.](https://www.eoimadrid.gov.in/pdf/Advisory%20against%20agents%20-%209.3.22.pdf) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Madrid City Council, Sede electrónica, Padrón Municipal. Empadronamiento (altas y cambios de domicilio): tabs Información, Documentación, Más información (Chrome, cookies declined; reached from under "Lo más visto"; the page address carries a session-style query)](https://sede.madrid.es/portal/site/tramites) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [BOE, Real Decreto 1155/2024, Reglamento de la LO 4/2000 (consolidated; arts. 35, 36, 43, 52–57, 59, 176, 183, 190, 205, 208, 209, 213; DF 4ª: in force 20 May 2025)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2024-24099) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Inclusion (robots.txt returns 403, so its rules could not be checked; S1–S5 read page by page in Chrome), Hoja 1: Autorización de estancia de larga duración para estudios superiores… Familiares. Prórroga (upd. November 2025; read in Chrome)](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/w/estancia-por-estudios) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Embassy of Spain, New Delhi, Visados Nacionales: Visado de estudios (read in Chrome via the consular-services filter)](https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/nuevadelhi/es/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/index.aspx?scco=India&scd=214&scca=Visados&scs=Visados+Nacionales+-+Visado+de+estudios) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Inclusion, Guía de visado y autorización de estancia de larga duración por estudios… RD 1155/2024 (12-page PDF, file stamp July 2025; read in Chrome, plain fetch 403) (linked from](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/preguntas-frecuentes-reglamento-de-extranjeria) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of the Interior, Tasas: Extranjería (TIE fees; Chrome, cookies declined)](https://www.interior.gob.es/opencms/es/servicios-al-ciudadano/tramites-y-gestiones/tasas/extranjeria/) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Embassy of Spain, New Delhi, Precios Recaudación Consular (PDF, printed 18 Dec 2025)](https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/nuevadelhi/en/Embajada/Documents/Listado_de_Precios1_LGN00_01_01_2026.pdf) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [UPC International Relations, Opening a bank account in Spain](https://www.upc.edu/sri/en/mobility_office/students-mobility-office/incomings/first-steps/opening-a-bank-account) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Máster Universitario en Dirección de Marketing (requirements, languages, fees 25/26)](https://www.uc3m.es/master/direccion-marketing) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Consulate General of Spain, Mumbai, Study visa checklist (PDF hosted by BLS)](https://india.blsspainvisa.com/assets/pdf/english/student-visa-more-than-90days.pdf) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [UPC International Relations, Legal issues: When you arrive (and First steps)](https://www.upc.edu/sri/en/mobility_office/students-mobility-office/incomings/legal-issues/at-your-arrival) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [European Commission, 112: the EU's emergency phone number](https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/112) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Embassy of India, Madrid, Contact Numbers / Embassy's Emergency Number (pages "last updated Oct 17, 2026") ;](https://www.eoimadrid.gov.in/embassy-emergency-number.php) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Embassy of India, Madrid, Registration Form for Indian Students in Spain](https://www.eoimadrid.gov.in/Registration%20Form%20for%20Indian%20Students%20in%20Spain.php) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Inclusion, Hoja 4 bis: Acceso al empleo de titulares de estancia por estudios (upd. May 2025; Chrome)](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/w/hoja-4-bis-acceso-al-empleo-de-las-personas-titulares-de-una-autorizacion-de-estancia-de-larga-duracion-por-estudios-movilidad-de-alumnos-servicios-de-voluntariado-o-actividades-formativas) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [BOE, Ley Orgánica 4/2000 (arts. 19, 33)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2000-544) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of the Interior, Acuerdo de Schengen (member list; border-check notices; Chrome)](https://www.interior.gob.es/opencms/es/servicios-al-ciudadano/tramites-y-gestiones/extranjeria/acuerdo-de-schengen/) (checked 2026-10-17)

## Can I stay and work in Spain after graduating?

Yes: graduates get a 24-month job-search / start-up permit, not extendable, but it does not allow work. A job means switching to a work permit, which you can do once the degree is obtained.

- **Job-search / start-up permit:** **24 months**, not extendable, for graduates of at least EQF level 6 (the Ministry asks for at least a Grado). Apply online from **60 days before to 90 days after** the study stay ends; decided in 20 days (no answer = granted). Needs insurance and funds (€600 a month, half if housing is prepaid). **No work** on this permit (Ministry). Family who came with the student may stay, without work.
- **Switch straight to work:** once the degree is obtained (not before), without a visa; while it is processed the graduate may work over 30 hours: employee (contract; 1-year permit), self-employed, or work-exempt residence; not for holders of development-cooperation scholarships. The family can then get **family reunification, which allows work**.
- **EU Blue Card:** a degree of at least 3 years and a job offer of at least 6 months; the salary floor is 80% of the normal threshold for graduates within 3 years of their degree. The euro threshold is unconfirmed: **confirm with the Unidad de Grandes Empresas before applying.**
- **Long-term residence:** after **5 years** of legal residence. For EU long-term residence, study years count at **50%**; for the national route this is unconfirmed: **confirm with the Oficina de Extranjería.**
- **Citizenship:** after **10 years**; the previous nationality must be renounced. India ends Indian citizenship on taking another.
- **Regulated professions** need homologación. **Back in India:** AIU equivalence (online); AIU's view of a título propio is unconfirmed: **confirm with AIU before applying** if the degree is needed in India.

Official sources:

- [BOE, Ley 14/2013 de apoyo a los emprendedores, disposición adicional decimoséptima (text in force from 12 Apr 2023)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2013-10074) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Inclusion, Hoja 20: Autorización de residencia para búsqueda de empleo o inicio de proyecto empresarial (upd. September 2025; Chrome)](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/w/20.-autorizacion-de-residencia-para-busqueda-de-empleo-o-inicio-de-proyecto-empresarial) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Inclusion, Hoja 58: Modificaciones desde autorizaciones de estancia por estudios superiores… (upd. April 2026; Chrome)](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/w/58.-modificaciones-desde-autorizaciones-de-estancia-por-estudios-superiores-ensenanza-secundaria-actividades-formativas-o-formacion-sanitaria-especializada) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [BOE, Real Decreto 1155/2024, Reglamento de la LO 4/2000 (consolidated; arts. 35, 36, 43, 52–57, 59, 176, 183, 190, 205, 208, 209, 213; DF 4ª: in force 20 May 2025)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2024-24099) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Inclusion, Guía de visado y autorización de estancia de larga duración por estudios… RD 1155/2024 (12-page PDF, file stamp July 2025; read in Chrome, plain fetch 403) (linked from](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/preguntas-frecuentes-reglamento-de-extranjeria) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Inclusion, Hoja 66: Autorización inicial de residencia y trabajo de profesionales altamente cualificados (upd. May 2025; Chrome)](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/w/66.-autorizacion-inicial-de-residencia-y-trabajo-de-profesionales-altamente-cualificados) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [BOE, Código Civil (arts. 22–23, nationality by residence)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1889-4763) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Home Affairs (India), The Citizenship Act, 1955 (consolidated PDF, s. 9)](https://indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in/Documents/UserGuide/Citizenship_Act_1955_16042019.pdf) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, ¿Cómo reconocer un título universitario extranjero en España? (RD 889/2022)](https://www.ciencia.gob.es/Universidades/validate/como_reconocer.html) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, Universidades (RUCT, MECES, foreign titles)](https://www.ciencia.gob.es/Universidades.html) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, Valida-TE Preguntas frecuentes](https://www.ciencia.gob.es/Universidades/validate/preguntas_frecuentes.html) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [AIU, Equivalence of degree (Chrome)](https://aiu.ac.in/frontpage/equivalence-of-degree/) (checked 2026-10-17)

## Common mistakes Indian students make

The costliest mistakes: choosing a título propio because the page says “Master in …”, counting tuition money as funds, and assuming the job-search permit allows work.

1. Choosing a título propio because the page says "Master in …".
2. Applying for the visa late (at least 2 months before; up to a month after approval).
3. Wrong insurance (travel cover, co-pays, limits, calendar-year policies).
4. Counting tuition money as funds.
5. Applying in the wrong jurisdiction (it follows 6 months' residence).
6. Missing apostilles or the translations the mission asks for.
7. Passport too old or valid for less than a year.
8. Working over 30 hours, or in another region.
9. Expecting the spouse to work.
10. Missing the TIE month, the extension window or the post-study window.
11. Assuming the job-search permit allows work.
12. Paying a deposit for a flat not seen, or a rental contract too short for the padrón.

Official sources:

- [BOE, Real Decreto 1155/2024, Reglamento de la LO 4/2000 (consolidated; arts. 35, 36, 43, 52–57, 59, 176, 183, 190, 205, 208, 209, 213; DF 4ª: in force 20 May 2025)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2024-24099) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Inclusion, Hoja 4 bis: Acceso al empleo de titulares de estancia por estudios (upd. May 2025; Chrome)](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/w/hoja-4-bis-acceso-al-empleo-de-las-personas-titulares-de-una-autorizacion-de-estancia-de-larga-duracion-por-estudios-movilidad-de-alumnos-servicios-de-voluntariado-o-actividades-formativas) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Inclusion (robots.txt returns 403, so its rules could not be checked; S1–S5 read page by page in Chrome), Hoja 1: Autorización de estancia de larga duración para estudios superiores… Familiares. Prórroga (upd. November 2025; read in Chrome)](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/w/estancia-por-estudios) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [BOE, Ley Orgánica 4/2000 (arts. 19, 33)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2000-544) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [BOE, Ley 14/2013 de apoyo a los emprendedores, disposición adicional decimoséptima (text in force from 12 Apr 2023)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2013-10074) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Máster Universitario en Dirección de Marketing (requirements, languages, fees 25/26)](https://www.uc3m.es/master/direccion-marketing) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Máster Universitario Erasmus Mundus in AI, Image Processing and Computer Vision (IPCV-AI)](https://www.uam.es/uam/master-universitario-erasmus-mundus-artificial-intelligence-image-processing-computer-vision-ipcvai) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Embassy of Spain, New Delhi, Visados Nacionales: Visado de estudios (read in Chrome via the consular-services filter)](https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/nuevadelhi/es/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/index.aspx?scco=India&scd=214&scca=Visados&scs=Visados+Nacionales+-+Visado+de+estudios) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Consulate General of Spain, Mumbai, Study visa checklist (PDF hosted by BLS)](https://india.blsspainvisa.com/assets/pdf/english/student-visa-more-than-90days.pdf) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Inclusion, Guía de visado y autorización de estancia de larga duración por estudios… RD 1155/2024 (12-page PDF, file stamp July 2025; read in Chrome, plain fetch 403) (linked from](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/preguntas-frecuentes-reglamento-de-extranjeria) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [BLS International, Spain Visa India, National Visa (overview, jurisdictions, visa fees; Chrome)](https://india.blsspainvisa.com/national_visa.php) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Inclusion, Hoja 20: Autorización de residencia para búsqueda de empleo o inicio de proyecto empresarial (upd. September 2025; Chrome)](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/w/20.-autorizacion-de-residencia-para-busqueda-de-empleo-o-inicio-de-proyecto-empresarial) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Ministry of Inclusion, Hoja 58: Modificaciones desde autorizaciones de estancia por estudios superiores… (upd. April 2026; Chrome)](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/w/58.-modificaciones-desde-autorizaciones-de-estancia-por-estudios-superiores-ensenanza-secundaria-actividades-formativas-o-formacion-sanitaria-especializada) (checked 2026-10-17)
- [Embassy of India, Madrid, advisories: against illegal consular agents (23 Dec 2021), against consular agents (9 Mar 2022), fraudulent telephone calls (PDF, Jan 2020), listed at (e.g.](https://www.eoimadrid.gov.in/pdf/Advisory%20against%20agents%20-%209.3.22.pdf) (checked 2026-10-17)

## Job market

- [Jobs in Spain for international graduates](https://uniferedu.com/job-market-research/spain): pay and visas, by field.