Study Abroad Content Specialist | Updated On - Oct 27, 2026
Masters in Spain is a 1- to 2-year official taught degree of 60 to 120 ECTS at over 80 public and private universities. University of Barcelona (QS #165), Complutense Madrid (#199), and Pompeu Fabra (#263) lead the public taught options for Indian students. Masters in Spain fees at public universities run from EUR 2,700 (INR 2.87 lakh)/year at UPC Catalonia to EUR 13,500 (INR 14.37 lakh) total at Carlos III — among the lowest in Western Europe. Masters in Spain requirements include an apostilled bachelor's degree, IELTS 6.5 for English-taught programs, and no GRE or GMAT at any public university. Master programs in Spain in English are available at University of Barcelona, UAB, UAM, UC3M, and Pompeu Fabra. Graduates receive a 24-month post-study job-search permit without an employer sponsor under Spain's 2022 Startups Act. In October 2026, UPM Round 2 closes on 31 December 2026, and Navarra's priority round opens for Fall 2027.
Key highlights for Indian students targeting Fall 2027 intake:
- Top-ranked: University of Barcelona (#165), Complutense Madrid (#199), UAB (#211), UAM (#226), Pompeu Fabra (#263) in QS 2027.
- Duration: 1 to 2 years (60 to 120 ECTS).
- Fees: EUR 2,700 (INR 2.87 lakh)/year at UPC to EUR 13,500 (INR 14.37 lakh) total at Carlos III.
- No GRE or GMAT required at any public university.
- IELTS: 6.5 for most English-taught programs. UPC accepts 5.5.
- Scholarships: Erasmus Mundus (fully funded), Inlaks (opens January 2027), JN Tata (closes 31 January 2027).
- Post-study: 24-month job-search permit. No job offer needed.
- Urgent deadline: UPM Round 2 closes 31 December 2026.
Latest Updates
- JN Tata Endowment for Fall 2027 closes 31 January 2027. Apply this quarter. This is the most accessible Indian loan scholarship for Masters in Spain.
- UPM Round 2 for 2026–27 stays open until 31 December 2026 for late non-EU files. Indian students targeting a February 2027 start at UPM must apply immediately.
- University of Navarra priority round for Fall 2027 is now open. Priority deadline is 14 March 2027. Final deadline is 31 May 2027.
- Inlaks Scholarship for 2027 entry opens in January 2027 and closes 31 March 2027. Inlaks excludes Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine, MBA, and Management applicants.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters consortiums mostly close in January 2027. Check each program individually — deadlines vary by consortium.
- Book your MEA apostille slot now. Indian students must apostille their bachelor's degree before applying. MEA slots in Delhi fill 4 to 6 weeks in advance.
Currency conversion: EUR 1 = INR 106.44 (October 2026).
- Top 10 Universities for Masters in Spain
- Why Study Masters in Spain for Indian Students?
- Masters in Spain Application Deadlines for 2027 Intake
- Masters in Spain Fees for Indian Students
- Cost of Living for Masters Students in Spain
- Masters in Spain Eligibility and Requirements for Indian Students
- Scholarships for Masters in Spain for Indian Students
- Student Visa and Post-Study Work for Masters in Spain
- Jobs and Salary After Masters in Spain for Indian Students
- FAQs
Top 10 Universities for Masters in Spain
Top universities for Masters in Spain include University of Barcelona, Complutense Madrid, UAB, UAM, and Pompeu Fabra. University of Barcelona leads at QS #165. The list splits between Madrid and Barcelona for eight of the ten schools.
| University | Location | QS World University Rankings 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| University of Barcelona | Barcelona | #165 |
| Complutense University of Madrid | Madrid | #199 |
| Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) | Barcelona | #211 |
| Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) | Madrid | #226 |
| Pompeu Fabra University | Barcelona | #263 |
| University of Navarra | Pamplona | #279 |
| Carlos III University of Madrid (UC3M) | Madrid | #314 |
| Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) | Madrid | #364 |
| Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) | Barcelona | #434 |
| Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) | Valencia | #434 |
University of Barcelona, Complutense Madrid, UAB, and UAM are the big public research universities. UPM, UPC, and UPV are the technical polytechnics for engineering and technology programs. University of Navarra leads the private route for Indian applicants. Madrid holds four of the ten schools. Barcelona holds four more, with Valencia and Pamplona filling the rest.
Note: Spain places 12 universities in the global top 500. Two Spanish universities sit inside the global top 200 in QS 2027.
Student Insight
According to Reddit, Indian students consistently recommend UPC Barcelona and UPM Madrid for engineering and technology programs. Students note that the low fees and strong industry links in Barcelona make UPC a particularly strong value option.
Why Study Masters in Spain for Indian Students?
Masters in Spain for Indian students offers public university fees under EUR 6,000 (INR 6.39 lakh)/year, English-taught programs at top QS-ranked universities, and a 24-month post-study job-search permit.
- Public master's fees run from EUR 2,700 to EUR 6,000 (INR 2.87 to 6.39 lakh)/year — among the lowest in Western Europe.
- Spain uses the Bologna model, so an EU master's is recognised across the European bloc.
- English-taught master's are available at UB, UAB, UAM, UC3M, and Pompeu Fabra.
- Graduates get 24 months of post-study job-search residence without an employer sponsor.
- Indian students can work up to 30 hours/week during study on a student visa.
- No GRE or GMAT is required at any public university on this list.
Student Insight
According to Reddit, Indian students highlight Spain's combination of low public university fees and EU degree recognition as the strongest argument for choosing Spain over the UK or Australia. Students note that learning basic Spanish significantly improves daily life and job prospects.
Masters in Spain Application Deadlines for 2027 Intake
Masters in Spain application deadlines for Fall 2027 fall between December 2026 and July 2027. Only two schools have published Fall 2027 dates so far. Most Spanish public universities use rolling or phase-based rounds.
| University | Program | Fall 2027 Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Barcelona | Official Master's Degrees | Not yet published | Awaiting dates |
| Complutense University of Madrid | Masteres Oficiales | Not yet published; last cycle closed 4 September 2026 | Awaiting dates |
| Autonomous University of Barcelona | Official Master's Degrees | Not yet published | Awaiting dates |
| Autonomous University of Madrid | English-taught Master's Degrees | Not yet published | Awaiting dates |
| Pompeu Fabra University | University Master's Degrees | Not yet published | Awaiting dates |
| University of Navarra | Master's Degree | Priority: 14 March 2027; Final: 31 May 2027 | Open |
| Carlos III University of Madrid | Official Master's Programs | Not yet published | Awaiting dates |
| Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) | Master Universitario | Round 2: 31 December 2026 | Open |
| Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) | University Master's Degrees | Not yet published; last cycle closed 1 July 2026 | Awaiting dates |
| Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) | Master Universitario | Not yet published; last cycle closed 4 September 2026 | Awaiting dates |
Action plan for Indian students in October 2026:
- Immediately: Book MEA apostille slot for your bachelor's degree. Allow 4 to 6 weeks.
- By 31 December 2026: Submit UPM Round 2 application for February 2027 start.
- By 31 January 2027: Submit JN Tata Endowment loan scholarship application.
- January 2027: Apply to Erasmus Mundus consortiums — most close in January 2027.
- January 2027: Inlaks Scholarship opens — apply immediately if eligible.
- By 14 March 2027: Submit Navarra priority round application for Fall 2027.
- Monitor: Check UB, UAB, UAM, Pompeu Fabra, UC3M, UPC, and UPV pages from November 2026 for Fall 2027 dates.
Student Insight
According to Reddit, Indian students recommend starting the apostille and translation process at least 3 months before the application deadline. Delays in MEA apostille are the most common reason for missed deadlines at Spanish universities.
Masters in Spain Fees for Indian Students
Masters in Spain fees for Indian students range from EUR 2,700 (INR 2.87 lakh)/year at UPC to EUR 13,500 (INR 14.37 lakh) total at Carlos III. Indian applicants pay the non-EU rate — not the resident rate. Public universities set a per-credit non-EU rate at the regional level.
| University | Program | Fees (EUR) | Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Barcelona | Official Master's Degrees | EUR 4,920/year (60 ECTS at EUR 82/credit) | INR 5.24 lakh/year |
| Complutense University of Madrid | Masteres Oficiales | EUR 5,044/year (60 credits at EUR 84.07) | INR 5.37 lakh/year |
| Autonomous University of Barcelona | Official Master's Degrees | EUR 4,800/year (representative non-EU rate) | INR 5.11 lakh/year |
| Pompeu Fabra University | University Master's Degrees | EUR 5,750/year (60 credits at EUR 93.50/credit) | INR 6.12 lakh/year |
| University of Navarra | Master's Degree | EUR 6,000 total (range EUR 6,000 to EUR 37,500) | INR 6.39 lakh total |
| Carlos III University of Madrid | Official Master's Programs | EUR 13,500 total (60 ECTS at EUR 225/credit) | INR 14.37 lakh total |
| Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) | Master Universitario | EUR 5,040/year (60 ECTS at EUR 84/credit) | INR 5.36 lakh/year |
| Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) | University Master's Degrees | EUR 2,700/year (60 ECTS at EUR 45/credit) | INR 2.87 lakh/year |
| Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) | Master Universitario | EUR 4,241 total (60 ECTS at EUR 70.68/credit) | INR 4.51 lakh total |
Important notes:
- Check whether a quoted figure is an annual charge or a total program cost before budgeting.
- Budget separately for the EUR 90 (INR 9,580) Type D visa fee, apostille and translation costs, and flights.
- Spain's student visa requires proof of EUR 600/month (INR 63,864) in living funds — separate from tuition.
- A 60-ECTS public master's at UPC Catalonia costs EUR 2,700 (INR 2.87 lakh)/year — the lowest fee on this list.
Student Insight
According to Reddit, Indian students recommend UPC Barcelona as the first shortlist option for budget planning. Students note that the low per-credit fee at UPC makes it significantly cheaper than equivalent programs in Germany or the Netherlands.
Cost of Living for Masters Students in Spain
Cost of living for Masters students in Spain peaks in Madrid and Barcelona at EUR 1,100 to EUR 1,400 (INR 1.17 to 1.49 lakh)/month. These figures cover rent, food, transport, mobile, and personal spending — not tuition or flights.
| City | Universities | Annual Living Expenses (EUR) | Annual Living Expenses (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madrid | Complutense, UAM, Carlos III, UPM | EUR 13,200 (EUR 900 to 1,300/month average) | INR 14.05 lakh |
| Barcelona | UB, UAB, Pompeu Fabra, UPC | EUR 11,520 (EUR 720 to 1,200/month) | INR 12.26 lakh |
| Pamplona | University of Navarra | EUR 9,600 (EUR 700 to 900/month) | INR 10.22 lakh |
| Valencia | UPV | EUR 8,400 (EUR 600 to 800/month) | INR 8.94 lakh |
Spain student visa financial proof requirement:
- Show EUR 600/month (INR 63,864) in proof of funds.
- This covers every month of study and sits over tuition.
- Submit a bank certificate at the Spanish Consulate (BLS) during the visa file.
- Granada, Valencia, and Pamplona cut monthly costs by 25 to 35% against Madrid.
Student Insight
According to Reddit, Indian students in Valencia and Pamplona report significantly lower rent than Barcelona or Madrid. Students recommend these cities as the best combination of university quality and affordable living for Indian students on a budget.
Masters in Spain Eligibility and Requirements for Indian Students
Masters in Spain eligibility requires an apostilled bachelor's degree, IELTS 6.5 for English-taught programs, and no GRE or GMAT at any public university. Public universities run a degree-equivalence step called Equivalencia to accept foreign degrees.
Academic requirements:
- A completed bachelor's degree equivalent to a Spanish undergraduate qualification.
- Research master's demand a tighter subject match than taught programs.
- Most taught master's do not require prior work experience.
- GRE or GMAT stays optional at IE Business School and ESADE Business only.
- Public universities run the Equivalencia process to assess Indian degrees.
English requirements:
- IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 87 for most English-taught programs.
- UPC Barcelona accepts IELTS 5.5 and TOEFL iBT 87 as its technical floor.
- Spanish-taught programs need a Spanish B2 certificate.
- A bachelor's degree taught in English may waive the English test at some universities.
Documents required:
- Apostilled degree certificate and all semester transcripts (with official grading scale)
- Official translation of documents into Spanish (where required)
- IELTS or TOEFL score report
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Updated CV
- Valid Indian passport
Important: Get your Indian bachelor's degree apostilled by MEA before applying. Book the apostille in October 2026 for Fall 2027 files.
Student Insight
According to Reddit, Indian students recommend getting all documents apostilled and translated before shortlisting programs — not after receiving an offer. Waiting until after the offer wastes 4 to 6 weeks of critical preparation time.
Scholarships for Masters in Spain for Indian Students
Scholarships for Masters in Spain for Indian students include Erasmus Mundus, Inlaks, JN Tata, KC Mahindra, and Narotam Sekhsaria. Pair one EU grant with one Indian loan for stronger funding coverage.
| Scholarship | Coverage | Status for Fall 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | Full tuition, EUR 1,400/month stipend (INR 1.49 lakh), travel, insurance | Varies by program; most close January 2027 |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship | Tuition, living, travel, health; up to USD 100,000 total | Opens January 2027; closes 31 March 2027 |
| JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship | Loan up to INR 10 lakh plus gift component | Applications open; closes 31 January 2027 |
| KC Mahindra Scholarship | Interest-free loan up to INR 10 lakh | 2027 cycle unconfirmed; expected March 2027 |
| Narotam Sekhsaria PG Scholarship | Interest-free loan up to INR 20 lakh | 2027 cycle unconfirmed; expected March 2027 |
Important notes:
- Erasmus Mundus is the only fully-funded EU grant covering Spain. It is the strongest scholarship for Indian students targeting Masters in Spain.
- Inlaks excludes Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine, MBA, and Management applicants. Apply to Erasmus Mundus or JN Tata for these subjects instead.
- JN Tata, KC Mahindra, and Narotam Sekhsaria offer interest-free loans — not grants.
- Build your file in October 2026 for the January 2027 deadlines.
Student Insight
According to Reddit, Indian students recommend applying to Erasmus Mundus even if the program spans two countries — the EUR 1,400/month stipend covers living costs in Spain comfortably. Students note that the JN Tata application is straightforward and worth submitting alongside the Erasmus Mundus application.
Student Visa and Post-Study Work for Masters in Spain
The Masters in Spain student visa is the Type D Visado de Estudios. The post-study route is a 24-month job-search residence under Spain's 2022 Startup Law. Processing takes 4 to 8 weeks after the BLS appointment.
Step-by-step visa process for Indian applicants:
- Secure an admission letter for a program over 180 days.
- Book your BLS slot in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata.
- Show EUR 600/month (INR 63,864) in funds plus private health insurance.
- Pay the EUR 90 (INR 9,580) visa fee at biometrics.
- Apply for the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) within 30 days of landing in Spain.
Post-study work permit:
- Work up to 30 hours/week during your studies on the student visa.
- Stay 24 months on the job-search residence after your program ends. No employer sponsor needed.
- Move to an HQP (Highly Qualified Professional) permit at a minimum salary of EUR 54,142 (INR 57.63 lakh)/year.
- Apply for the job-search permit between 60 days before and 90 days after your student permit ends.
Note: Book your BLS appointment 8 to 10 weeks before departure to avoid delays. Mumbai and Delhi slots fill fastest for the September 2027 cohort.
Student Insight
According to Reddit, Indian students recommend booking the BLS appointment as soon as the admission letter arrives. Students note that the 24-month job-search permit is Spain's single biggest advantage over the UK's 18-month Graduate Route for Indian master's graduates.
Jobs and Salary After Masters in Spain for Indian Students
Jobs after Masters in Spain include technicians, specialists, and managers. Median annual pay runs from EUR 28,049 (INR 29.86 lakh) to EUR 60,985 (INR 64.91 lakh)/year according to Spain's INE 2023 EAES report.
| Job Role | Median Annual Salary (EUR) | Median Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Directors and Managers | EUR 60,985 | INR 64.91 lakh |
| Technicians and Scientific Professionals | EUR 39,356 | INR 41.89 lakh |
| IT and Technology Specialists | EUR 35,000 to EUR 55,000 | INR 37.25 to 58.54 lakh |
| Business and Finance Analysts | EUR 30,000 to EUR 45,000 | INR 31.93 to 47.90 lakh |
| All-Occupations Average | EUR 28,049 | INR 29.86 lakh |
HQP work permit salary floor: EUR 54,142 (INR 57.63 lakh)/year minimum. Barcelona and Madrid remain the main hiring hubs for Indian graduates. Indian graduates fluent in Spanish qualify for Latin America hiring tracks.
Student Insight
According to Reddit, Indian master's graduates in Spain report that Spanish language skills are the single biggest factor in securing a permanent role. Students recommend starting Spanish classes from the first semester — not after graduation.
Also Read: Top Universities in Europe for Indian Students
Cost-focused Indian engineers fit UPC Barcelona or UPM Madrid. Business profiles fit Carlos III or University of Navarra. Book your MEA apostille slot in Delhi before the BLS rush. Apply to UPM Round 2 for the February 2027 start by 31 December 2026. Submit the JN Tata Endowment loan scholarship by 31 January 2027. Lock your Navarra priority round admit by 14 March 2027.
FAQs
Ques. How much does a Masters in Spain cost for Indian students?
Ans. Public master's fees in Spain run from EUR 2,700 (INR 2.87 lakh)/year at UPC to EUR 5,750 (INR 6.12 lakh)/year at Pompeu Fabra. UAB runs EUR 4,800 (INR 5.11 lakh)/year. Complutense charges EUR 5,044 (INR 5.37 lakh)/year. Carlos III prices its full master's at EUR 13,500 (INR 14.37 lakh) total. Navarra sets its taught master's from EUR 6,000 (INR 6.39 lakh) total. Indian applicants should also budget for apostille and translation fees, the EUR 90 visa fee, and living costs of EUR 600 to EUR 1,400/month depending on the city.
Ques. Can I do my Masters in Spain in English?
Ans. Yes. Several Spanish public universities run English-taught master's degrees. University of Barcelona offers 170+ official master's, many in English. UAB runs 400+ master's with English options. UAM, Pompeu Fabra, and Carlos III also list English-taught programs. Most schools ask for IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 87 for Indian applicants. UPC Barcelona accepts IELTS 5.5 as its technical floor. Erasmus Mundus programs at these campuses teach fully in English.
Ques. Is GRE or GMAT required for a Masters in Spain?
Ans. No. Spanish public master's programs do not ask for GRE or GMAT scores. Complutense Madrid, UAB, UPC, and UPM all list GRE as not required. Private business schools like IE Business School and ESADE accept GMAT or GRE scores optionally. Indian applicants with a strong academic record and 2 to 3 years of work experience can secure waivers at private schools. Check each master's page for the exact rule.
Ques. What is the post-study work visa for Masters in Spain?
Ans. Spain gives a 24-month job-search residence after a Masters in Spain. Spain's 2022 Startup Law (Ley 28/2022) extended the earlier 12-month route to 24 months. You can apply without an employer sponsor. The permit allows job hunting or starting a company. File between 60 days before and 90 days after your student permit ends. A qualifying employer-sponsored move uses the HQP work permit, which needs a minimum salary of EUR 54,142 (INR 57.63 lakh)/year.
Ques. What are the intakes for Masters in Spain?
Ans. The Fall (September) intake dominates Spanish master's admissions. A Spring (February) intake exists for a few technical programs. UPV Valencia uses Phase 0, Phase 1, and Phase 2 windows — non-EU applicants file Phase 0 each November. UPM Madrid runs a Round 2 window for late non-EU files — Round 2 closes 31 December 2026. Navarra keeps its priority round open until 14 March 2027. Indian applicants should target Fall for scholarship timing alignment.
Ques. Can a Tier-2 city Indian student apply with 65% marks?
Ans. Yes. Spanish public master's programs do not use rigid percentage cutoffs. Apostilled transcripts, a tailored SOP, and strong recommendation letters count more than your college brand. Most English-taught programs ask for IELTS 6.5 as the usual minimum. UPC Barcelona accepts IELTS 5.5 as its technical floor. Indian engineering graduates from Tier-2 cities regularly place at UPM, UPC, and UPV. Make the MEA apostille run early for all transcripts.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying in Spain?
Ans. Yes. Indian students in Spain can work part-time on the student visa. Spain's 2022 Startup Law raised the limit to 30 hours/week. The job must not clash with your class timetable. Spanish employers hire for cafes, tutoring, retail, and campus roles. Pay typically runs EUR 500 to EUR 900 (INR 53,220 to 95,796)/month for a student. This covers part of your rent in Barcelona or Valencia. Keep part-time hours documented in writing to protect your visa status.
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