Spain vs Italy: Which is Better for Study?

Want to study in Spain or Italy and need clarification about what to do next? Here’s a guide for deciding which is better: Spain or Italy for study. We have covered all major aspects of Spain vs Italy from an Indian student’s perspective. So go check out the Spain vs Italy comparison guide! 

Indian students form a large community if studying in Spain or Italy. Indian students studying in Spain were 1,383 whereas Indian students studying in Italy were 5,897 in the year 2022, based on the Indian MEA Report. Studying abroad and in any of these two countries can be an exhilarating experience. Spain and Italy have rich cultures, renowned universities, and some of the best tourist spots. So if you are confused between these two, here's your guide to a perfect solution!

Spain vs Italy Country Highlights

Popular Courses in Spain vs Italy

Want to know about some of the most popularly opted courses in Spain and Italy? Check out the following sections for details. 

Popular Courses in Spain

Spanish universities offer the following courses which are popular for students:

• Natural Science

• Hospitality Management 

• Computer Science & Information Technology 

• Business & Management
• Arts and Humanities 

Popular Courses in Italy

Some of the popular courses offered in Italian universities are as follows:

• Fashion & Design Courses 

• Business & Management
• Technology & Engineering
• Architecture & Design

• Social Science & Humanities

• Hospitality & Tourism

Spain and Italy offer a fair share of popular courses across its universities. Students planning to study in Spain or Italy can compare universities and courses to apply for admission. If you get stuck and need an expert opinion, sign up for Shiksha Abroad Counselling. 

Top 10 Ranking Universities Spain vs Italy 2026

If you plan to study in Spain or Italy, you must have a look at the top-ranking universities. Here’s a list of the top-ranking universities in Spain and Italy for international students in the table below: 

While none of the universities in Itay or Spain rank in the top 100 universities in the world, yet most of them are renowned and popular among international students. Universities in Spain for international students offer many courses and jobs for hands-on experience. Similarly, some universities in Italy are cheap and affordable and have English-taught courses for international students. 

Admission Requirements to Study in Spain vs Italy

The admission requirements for both Italy and Spain are similar for international students. Some of the common admission requirements are as follows:

• Transcripts
• Statement of purpose (SOP)
• Letters of recommendation (LOR)
• Resume (for MBA courses) to show work experience level
• Portfolio (if required)
• Financial documents
• Standardised test scores of either: 
  • UG: SAT or ACT score 
  • PG: GRE / GMAT  

For bachelor’s admission to either Spain or Italy, students should have a school leaving certificate. Whereas for admission to master’s admission, a bachelor's degree is required. The GPA requirements will vary based on the university and course in question. 

Cost of Studying in Spain vs Italy

The cost of studying in Italy and the cost of studying in Spain varies. We have compared the costs of studying in two countries based on popular choice courses. 

Cost of UG Courses in Spain vs Italy

If Indian students plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Italy or Spain, then here’s how much you would need to spend: 

In comparison to Italy, Spain is slightly more expensive when it comes to undergraduate studies. Even the cost of living in Italy is cheaper than the cost of living in Spain. 

Cost of PG Courses in Spain vs Italy

Similarly, we have discussed the PG course fees for both Spain and Italy in the table below for reference: 

Pursuing a PG course in Italy is cheaper than in Spain. Also, note that the cost of living in Spain and Italy does not change irrespective of the choice of course opted. Check out and read about Top Public Universities in Italy.

Please note: The fees are dynamic and are subject to change. Thus, students must check the exchange rates and calculate thoroughly before making transactions. 

Student Visa for Spain vs Italy

Since both Spain and Italy are European countries, the student visas for these countries do not differ. There are two types of visas if studying in Europe - Type C and Type D which are either long-term or short-term visas based on study. Check out the following table for more details: 

Check:

• How to Get Student Visa for Italy?
• Spain Student Visa Guide

Part-Time Work in Spain vs Italy

The part time working permissions for international students is more or less the same. Look at the number of working hours permitted for students and if they can extend their working hours below.

Part Time Work in Spain

International students from non-EU/EEA/Swiss countries are allowed to work part-time while studying in Spain, subject to certain conditions:

• Students can only work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year.
• During university holidays (like summer, Christmas, and Easter), students can work full-time (up to 40 hours per week).
• They need to obtain permission from the Spanish immigration authorities to work legally.

Check: Part Time Work Options in Spain

Part Time Work in Italy

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Students: International students from non-EU/EEA/Swiss countries are allowed to work part-time while studying in Italy, subject to certain conditions:

• They can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year.
• During holidays, students can work full-time (up to 40 hours per week).
• They need to obtain a specific permit for subordinate work ("permesso di lavoro subordinato") from the Italian immigration authorities to work legally.

Check: Part Time Work Options in Italy

The rules for part-time work for international students studying in Italy or Spain are more or less the same. Since they are both European countries, some rules are common. 

Scholarships in Spain vs Italy

Studying abroad can be expensive, so universities abroad offer scholarships. There are a plethora of scholarships in Italy and a handful of scholarships in Spain. Some of the most popular scholarships are given below in the table: 

Spain vs Italy: Which is better for Students?

While the debate for Spain vs Italy can continue, we can conclude, based on four-pointers, which is better. These are as follows:

• Rankings: Italian universities outrank Spanish universities closely and at better positions. Thus, here Italian universities win.
• Cost of Studying: Based on the cost of studying at both UG and PG levels, Italy wins in close competition to Spanish universities. Again, Italy wins in this aspect.
• Cost of Living: Italy is cheaper than Spain in terms of the cost of living. Which again makes Italy a better option for study. 
• Scholarships: There are slightly more scholarships offered in Italy than in Spain. Students can also study for free in Italy, which is not the case in Spain. So again, Spain loses here. 

Overall, both are leading countries that attract numerous international students to study. Thus, students must choose their country to study wisely and not get stuck between the Spanish and Italian debates because of their interests.

While both are European countries, Spain and Italy have some things in common. The languages are Indo-European and Romance languages. But once you decide on one country in particular, do begin learning the language. You can also check out our coverage for:

• How to learn Spanish Language?
• 100+ Spanish Words for Students
• 100+ Italian Words for Students

Both Spanish and Italian are some of the world’s easiest languages to learn for students. Thus, there will not be much of a hassle.