Student Guide
Best Universities in Spain
Spain is home to a growing number of internationally recognised universities. Whether you are interested in business, engineering, design, medicine or law, there are strong options in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Pamplona and Segovia. This guide covers the universities we visit on the Spain University Discovery Trip, with a practical overview of what each one offers.
Why study in Spain?
- Many programmes are taught fully in English, especially at private universities.
- Tuition fees are often lower than in the UK or US for comparable degrees.
- Spanish universities are well connected to European and Latin American professional networks.
- Students gain experience living in a major European city with a strong international community.
- Degrees are generally recognised across the EU and internationally.
Universities we visit
IE University
Campuses: Segovia · Madrid
IE University is one of Spain's best-known private universities. Its undergraduate programmes are taught in English and it places a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, innovation and a hands-on, practical approach to learning. The Segovia campus is set in a converted 13th-century monastery, while the Madrid campus offers a modern city base.
ESADE
Campuses: Barcelona
ESADE is the business and law school of Ramon Llull University. It is well regarded for its business administration and law degrees, with many programmes taught in English. The school has strong links to international companies and a large alumni network.
University of Navarra
Campuses: Pamplona
The University of Navarra is a private research university in Pamplona. It is particularly respected for its medical school, journalism faculty and business programmes. The campus is compact and student-focused, with a strong sense of community.
Comillas Pontifical University
Campuses: Madrid
Comillas is a private Catholic university in Madrid with a reputation for strong engineering and business programmes. It offers a mix of Spanish and English-taught degrees and is known for its employability-focused teaching.
CUNEF Universidad
Campuses: Madrid
CUNEF Universidad specialises in finance, economics and business. It is a strong choice for students interested in banking, investment and data-driven business degrees, with close ties to the financial sector.
Universidad Europea
Campuses: Madrid · Valencia · Tenerife
Universidad Europea is a private university with a focus on applied learning, modern facilities and strong clinical and practical training. Its health sciences and dentistry programmes are particularly popular with international students.
Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)
Campuses: Barcelona
UPF is a public university in Barcelona with a strong research reputation. It is known for its economics, communication and engineering programmes, and for offering an international environment in one of Europe's most popular student cities.
UIC Barcelona
Campuses: Barcelona
UIC Barcelona is a private university with strengths in dentistry, architecture and health sciences. It offers a supportive, smaller-campus environment with a strong practical focus.
IED (Istituto Europeo di Design)
Campuses: Madrid · Barcelona
IED is a specialist design school with campuses across Italy and Spain. Its Madrid and Barcelona campuses offer creative programmes in fashion, design, visual communication and digital arts, aimed at students who want a portfolio-focused education.
How to choose the right university
1. Check the language of instruction. Some degrees are fully in English, others are bilingual, and some require Spanish. Always confirm the specific programme language before applying.
2. Look at accreditation and recognition. Make sure the degree is recognised in the countries where you might want to work or study further.
3. Think about location and lifestyle. Madrid, Barcelona, Pamplona and Segovia all offer very different student experiences, climates and costs of living.
4. Ask about internships and careers support. Some universities have stronger industry links, careers offices and alumni networks than others.
5. Visit if you can. Walking around a campus, meeting current students and speaking to faculty is the best way to decide if a university feels right.
See these universities in person
Join our nine-day Spain University Discovery Trip from June 5–13, 2027. Visit IE University, ESADE, the University of Navarra, Comillas, CUNEF, UPF, UIC Barcelona, IED and more — with campus tours, student meet-ups and faculty-led sessions.