What Are Most Popular Courses To Study In Spain?

Thanks to the quality of education and the wide range of courses available, Spain remains a popular destination for international students.

Law, arts and humanities, marketing and finance, STEM degrees, and Spanish language courses are some of the most sought-after programs in Spain. Spanish law degrees are globally recognized and offer excellent job prospects. Humanities and arts courses prepare students for a variety of industries and Marketing and finance courses teach modern techniques and are among the most lucrative fields in Spain. STEM courses provide opportunities to develop research and reasoning skills and finally, Spanish language courses provide an enjoyable study atmosphere and career opportunities in education and related fields.

Spanish Language Courses

If you're looking to study Spanish, Spain is a great place to do it. The country is home to many high-quality schools that offer courses for students of all levels. These courses cover both language and culture, and are available throughout the academic year.

Spanish language courses in Spain are tailored to the levels outlined in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL), which ensures that students receive instruction that is appropriate for their abilities. This means that regardless of your level of proficiency in Spanish, you'll be able to find a course that suits you.

Studying Spanish can open up a wide range of career opportunities. Many people think of teaching as the most obvious career path for someone with a degree in Spanish, but there are plenty of other options available. Careers in business, culture, tourism and government are all possible with a Spanish degree. Salaries in these fields vary, but you can expect to earn a decent living regardless of which career you choose. For example, as a teacher in Spain, you could expect to earn a starting salary of 1,200 euros per month, but other professions may offer different salary packages.

Here are the top universities offering Spanish courses in Spain:

• University of Salamanca (Salamanca)
  Spain’s oldest university and internationally renowned for its Spanish language programs. It’s considered the gold standard for learning Spanish.

• University of Barcelona (Barcelona)
  Offers high-quality Spanish language courses year-round, attracting international students who want to combine language learning with city life.

• University of Malaga (Malaga)
  Known for its accessible and affordable Spanish courses, particularly popular in summer. Ideal for combining language study with coastal living.

• University of Alicante (Alicante)
  Offers intensive and semester-long Spanish language programs, often combined with cultural immersion and academic electives.

• University of Santiago de Compostela (Santiago)
  A historic university with strong philology and language teaching traditions, offering immersive Spanish courses in a culturally rich setting.

Law Courses

Spain offers a range of popular courses, with law programs being among the most sought after. A degree in law from Spain holds global recognition and offers a unique focus on Spanish, European Union, and United States legal systems. While some programs may emphasise civil law, the five-year program is a comprehensive study that is followed by a mandatory two-year training period.

Holding a law degree opens up several job opportunities, including legal assistant, teacher, lawyer, legal officer, and corporate lawyer. In Spain, law graduates enjoy a promising professional life with competitive salaries, with wages generally exceeding 1,500 euros per month. The median salary for law graduates in Spain is approximately 3,250 euros per month, with a possibility of earning up to 5,000 euros per month, depending on the profession.

Here are the top universities offering law programs in Spain:

• Complutense University of Madrid (Madrid)
  One of Spain’s oldest and most prestigious law faculties, known for public law, international law, and political science.

• University of Barcelona (Barcelona)
  Offers strong academic foundations in civil, criminal, and constitutional law with an emphasis on legal theory and research.

• Pompeu Fabra University (Barcelona)
  Known for its modern, interdisciplinary approach to legal education with strengths in EU law, human rights, and legal philosophy.

• University of Navarra (Pamplona)
  A private university with a solid reputation for legal studies, particularly in corporate and international law, ethics, and legal practice.

• University of Valencia (Valencia)
  Offers comprehensive law programs with a focus on civil law, administrative law, and a robust Erasmus exchange network.

Arts and Humanities Programs

Spain boasts some of the best courses in Europe for humanities and arts, providing students with an exceptional learning experience. Pursuing courses in arts will enable you to explore the fine and performing arts, such as painting, music theory, and sculpting, while humanities courses will help you develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and creativity. Graduating with qualifications in arts and humanities will prepare you for a diverse range of industries.

There are various job opportunities available, including roles in education, media and communications, art and design, and creative and cultural industries. The latter presents an excellent opportunity to apply your creative problem-solving skills and connect different ideas and concepts. Salaries for these roles in Spain may vary depending on the position, with an average basic salary of around 1,000 euros and the highest average salary of approximately 3,500 euros per month.

Here are the top universities offering arts and humanities programs in Spain:

• Pompeu Fabra University (Barcelona)
  Known for its excellence in communication, linguistics, and philosophy, UPF blends academic rigor with modern facilities and a strong international outlook.

• University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) (Bilbao, San Sebastián, Vitoria)
  Offers a wide range of humanities programs including history, literature, and Basque cultural studies. Strong research output and regional identity.

• University of Granada (Granada)
  One of Spain’s oldest universities with deep roots in the arts, particularly Arabic studies, philosophy, and translation. Popular with Erasmus students.

• Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) (Barcelona)
  Renowned for its diverse offerings in philosophy, history, literature, and cultural studies. Emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and research.

• University of Valencia (Valencia)
  Offers robust programs in language, art history, literature, and philosophy. Known for its balance between tradition and innovation in the humanities.

Marketing and Finance

If you are interested in pursuing studies in marketing and finance, then Spain is a perfect destination for you. The country offers a wide range of courses and programs in these fields, at various levels of higher education.

Marketing programs in Spain cover both traditional and modern sales and marketing techniques, while finance programs teach students how to manage and keep track of finances and funds.

Marketing and finance are two of the most sought-after fields in Spain, and the career prospects are vast. With a degree in marketing, you can opt for job positions such as brand manager, account executive, copywriter, and marketing manager. On the other hand, the finance industry in Spain offers endless opportunities, with three major categories - public, corporate, and personal finance.

Salaries in these fields vary depending on the job position and industry. A person working in marketing can earn an average of 3,500 euros per month, while someone working in accounting and finance may earn around 2,800 euros per month.

Here are the top universities offering marketing and finance programs in Spain:

• ESIC Business & Marketing School (Madrid + other cities)
  Renowned for marketing and business, ESIC offers practical, industry-connected degrees in marketing, finance, and digital business. Known for strong MBA and Master's programs.

• Pompeu Fabra University – UPF Barcelona School of Management (Barcelona)
  A top-tier public university with an excellent reputation in economics, finance, and business. Offers competitive Master's programs in marketing and finance.

• Marbella International University Centre (MIUC) (Marbella)
  International and English-speaking, MIUC focuses on marketing, advertising, and international business, offering personalized learning in a modern campus setting.

• Polytechnic University of Cartagena (UPCT) (Cartagena)
  Known for blending engineering with business, UPCT offers Bachelor’s and Master’s programs that cover business administration, finance, and entrepreneurship.

• EU Business School Spain (Barcelona)
  Private and international, EU Business School delivers business degrees entirely in English, with specializations in marketing, finance, and global management.

STEM Degrees

STEM degrees include programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

These programs will require you to develop your research and reasoning skills to solve complex problems. If you decide to pursue an engineering program, you'll have the opportunity to study civil, electrical, or computer engineering.

Science studies, on the other hand, will expose you to a wide range of fields, from biology to veterinary and animal sciences. A STEM degree can lead to diverse career paths, from building bridges to securing IT systems.

STEM career paths are varied and expansive, with the industry constantly expanding. Jobs in mathematics are rapidly growing, as are science-related career paths, giving you endless options to choose from. Some fields worth considering include biomedical research, psychology, energy management, and environmental protection. If, for instance, you work as a life scientist in Spain, your salary can range from 2,500 euros to 7,000 euros per month.

Here are the top universities offering STEM programs in Spain:

• Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) – BarcelonaTech

  • Location: Barcelona

  • Highlights: UPC is renowned for its engineering and technology programs, consistently ranking among the top in Spain and Europe. It offers a wide range of STEM disciplines, including computer science, architecture, and telecommunications engineering.

  • QS World University Ranking 2025: #371

  • Times Higher Education (THE) Ranking: Top 500 globally in engineering and technology ​

• Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM)

  • Location: Madrid

  • Highlights: UPM is one of Spain's leading technical universities, offering comprehensive programs in engineering, architecture, and computer science. It has a strong emphasis on research and innovation.

  • QS World University Ranking 2025: #321

  • Times Higher Education (THE) Ranking: Ranked 601–800 globally in engineering ​US News+2Times Higher Education (THE)+2Times Higher Education (THE)+2

• University of Barcelona (UB)

  • Location: Barcelona

  • Highlights: UB is a comprehensive university with strong STEM faculties, particularly in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. It is also known for its research output and international collaborations.

  • Times Higher Education (THE) World University Ranking 2025: #149

  • EduRank Global Ranking 2025: #116 ​

• Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV)

  • Location: Valencia

  • Highlights: UPV specializes in engineering and technology, with strong programs in computer science, mechanical engineering, and telecommunications. It is recognized for its practical approach and industry partnerships.

  • QS World University Ranking 2025: #436

  • EduRank Global Ranking 2025: #384 ​

• University of Seville

  • Location: Seville

  • Highlights: The University of Seville offers a broad range of STEM programs, with notable strengths in engineering and environmental sciences. It has a significant research output and a strong regional impact.

  • US News Best Global Universities Ranking: #521

  • EduRank Global Ranking 2025: #312

Hospitality Management

If you're looking to pursue a career in management, a degree in Hotel Management is an excellent choice. This degree program will equip you with the skills necessary to excel in a variety of management positions, with a focus on creating and managing customer relationships. Additionally, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how various sectors such as lodging, dining, travel, and event management all contribute to the overall concept of quality service management.

Upon completing your degree in Hotel Management, you'll have a range of hospitality-related occupations to choose from in Spain. These include opportunities in tourism, entertainment and leisure, food and beverage, and guest relations, among others.

Salaries for these professions will vary depending on the specific job and industry, with the lowest average being around 900 euros per month and the highest reaching up to 5,000 euros per month. Regardless of the industry or job type, however, a degree in Hotel Management will open up many doors to highly skilled and rewarding management positions.

Here are the top universities offering hospitality management programs in Spain:

1. Les Roches Marbella International School of Hotel Management

   • Location: Marbella

   • Programs: BBA in Global Hospitality Management, Master's in Marketing and Management for Luxury Tourism

   • Highlights: Swiss-style experiential learning, luxury hospitality focus, internships with top-tier hotels

   • Ranking: Among the top 5 globally for hospitality education

2. Glion Institute of Higher Education (Spain Campus)

   • Location: Marbella

   • Programs: Bachelor's in International Hospitality Business, Master's in Luxury Management and Guest Experience

   • Highlights: Combines academic rigor with practical internships, strong emphasis on luxury hospitality

3. CETT – University of Barcelona

   • Location: Barcelona

   • Programs: Bachelor's in Tourism, Hotel, and Digital Tourism Management

   • Highlights: Affiliated with the University of Barcelona, offers English-taught programs, strong industry connections

4. EU Business School (Barcelona Campus)

   • Location: Barcelona

   • Programs: Master in Tourism and Hospitality Management

   • Highlights: Focus on international and intercultural management, located in one of Europe's leading smart cities

5. UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia

   • Location: Murcia

   • Programs: Master's in Hospitality Management (on-campus and online)

   • Highlights: Affordable tuition (€7,000/year), comprehensive curriculum covering strategic management, marketing, and finance

6. ESEI International Business School Barcelona

   • Location: Barcelona

   • Programs: Master's in Tourism and Hospitality Management

   • Highlights: Emphasis on sustainable tourism practices, innovative guest experience strategies, and strategic management

7. Ostelea Tourism Management School

   • Location: Barcelona & Madrid

   • Programs: MBA in Tourism and Hospitality Management

   • Highlights: Focus on developing executive skills and strategic competencies, collaboration with EAE Business School

8. Barcelona Executive Business School (BEBS)

   • Location: Barcelona

   • Programs: MBA in International Tourism and Hospitality Management (online and on-campus)

   • Highlights: Flexible study options, tailored for professionals seeking managerial roles in the global hospitality industry

9. ESERP Business School

   • Location: Barcelona, Madrid, and Palma de Mallorca

   • Programs: Master's in Business and Strategic Management with a focus on hospitality

   • Highlights: Strong industry ties, international student community, free Spanish language courses for international students

10. Universidad Europea (Valencia Campus)

    • Location: Valencia

    • Programs: Bachelor's in Tourism and Leisure Management

    • Highlights: English-taught program, international exchange opportunities, practical internships from day one

Note: Rankings are based on program offerings, international recognition, industry partnerships, and available data as of 2025.

If you're considering studying hospitality management in Spain, these institutions offer a blend of academic excellence and practical experience to prepare you for a successful career in the global hospitality industry.

Why study in Spain?

Spain is an excellent destination for tertiary education and boasts many appealing aspects for students. In addition to receiving a high-quality education, studying in Spain can offer ample opportunities for a successful career.

There are numerous reasons why Spain is an ideal location to start your studies, with countless opportunities for personal and professional growth. Studying abroad in Spain will give you a unique chance to excel in your chosen field of study and broaden your perspectives.

You can learn more about studying in Spain including student visas, working as a student, Spanish internships,the cheapest Spanish cities for international students and the typical university fees.

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