Top Public Universities in Spain for International Students in 2026

The public universities in Spain have a reputation for their academic programs - available with a wide range of specialisations. All the universities, especially the public universities in Spain, are deeply dedicated towards the success of their students, have great professors and supportive environment and infrastructure. 

Spain is an excellent country to study abroad for Indian students. It has emerged as an attractive study destination for Indian students seeking quality European education at affordable costs. There are over 50 public universities in Spain that demonstrate strong dedication to student achievement through high-quality teaching faculty, excellent academic and research facilities, and a welcoming multicultural atmosphere that supports both learning and personal growth. 

The public universities in Spain are well-regarded globally, with institutions like the University of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Madrid, Complutense University of Madrid and Pompeu Fabra University consistently ranking among Europe's top universities. These universities offer diverse programs across engineering, business, humanities, sciences and arts. This article presents details on the top public universities in Spain, the eligibility criteria to get into them, how to apply to them, student life and more. 

Top Public Universities in Spain

Public universities in Spain are relatively cheaper than most other private universities in the country. A major part of tuition fee at these universities is taken care of by the Spanish government to attract top talent to their universities. Check out the list of top public universities in Spain below.

Eligibility Requirements for Studying at the Public Universities in Spain

Before applying for admission to the top public universities in Spain, you must ensure that you are eligible for studying in that university. Every public university in Spain has a list of eligibility criteria - distinguishing on the basis of the level of course and its discipline. If you fail to meet any of these requirements, you must mention in you SOP - the reason for the same and how do you still deserve a seat on your desired program, given that you meet the academic qualifications (marks in previous academic studies). So below, we have listed some of the most general requirements for studying in Spain at top public universities .

1. You must have completed at least 12 years of school education from a recognised educational board in India, namely CBSE, ICSE and state-specific boards.
2. For admissions to a bachelor’s course, you must have passed class 12th exams with minimum 65% marks. 
3. For admission to master’s courses, you would need a recognised undergraduate degree (typically 3 or 4 years) from a UGC-approved university in India, with the degree being relevant to the master's program. You must score a minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0 on a 4.0 scale or around 60-70% in Indian grading system.
4. Some universities may ask for passing the Spanish university entrance exam, known as Selectividad or EBAU or the subject specific PCE exams. You need to check with your university or from course page to know whether you’ll be required any of such exams or not.
5. You may also be required to obtain a UNEDasiss Accreditation to get admitted to a undergraduate course at a public university in Spain.
6. You must get required scores either in English or Spanish proficiency exams - whichever is required for your course. 

How to Apply to the Public Universities in Spain?

Below are steps to apply to the public universities in Spain for Indian students. Meanwhile you can also check how to apply to foreign universities from India.  

1. Research a course of your interest and the universities offering the same or similar courses at least 6-12 months before submitting your college application. 
2. Check admission and documents requirements for your course as gathering specific documents may take time. So, this step must be done side-by-side with the above step. 
3. If you’re going to study a bachelor’s course at one of the public universities in Spain then, you must begin your Homologación Process at least 4-6 months before the application date. All your academic documents including your class 12th marksheet must be apostilled and translated officially, if required. 
4.  Register for UNEDasiss and upload all your required documents such as your high school diploma, proof of university admission eligibility in India and Spanish translation of your documents. 
5. Take the PCE exams - you can submit upto 6 subjects’ scores.
6. Take the language proficiency exams - IELTS/TOEFL for English and DELE for Spanish. Remember, you would need a minimum of b2 level of proficiency in Spanish for public universities in Madrid. 
7. Submit the application to your shortlisted university with all documents attached. Here is the list of documents required for application - 
• UNEDasiss accreditation
• PCE exam results
• Language proficiency certificates
• Academic transcripts
• Statement of Purpose for foreign universities
• Letters of Recommendation (for master's)
• CV (for master's)
• Passport copy

Benefits of Studying at Public Universities in Spain

Out of the several benefits of studying at public universities in Spain, a few major ones are listed here below -

1. The public universities in Spain are research-intensive institutions with international faculty. These universities have strong ties with leading industries and focus on promoting practical learning for students to boost their placement chances.
2. The public universities in Spain are heavily subsidised by the Spanish government - making quality education affordable for talented individuals of all nations.
3. The public universities in Spain have diverse programs and focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and research. Some of these universities also accept students from international exchange programs (Erasmus+).
4. Many master’s courses are taught in English - which enhances the ease and accessibility of these programs for Indian students. 
5. Graduating from a university in Spain is a pathway to a European residency permit. 

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This was all about the public universities in Spain for international students. For more information on eligibility, exams and admissions, reach out to Shiksha's Counselling Services for free.