Happy international university students on campus holding notebooks

How Many International Students Study In Spain's Universities?

Expat Tips Published: 19 October 2023 11:45 CET Updated: 09 June 2025 15:26 CET

Spain remains a top destination for international students, offering a blend of quality education, rich culture, and vibrant lifestyle. In this 2025 update, we delve into the latest statistics to understand the trends in international student enrollment in Spanish universities. This guide reflects the most recent Spain international student statistics 2025 and how foreign students continue to shape Spain’s higher-education system.

International Student Enrollment in Spain

According to the latest data from the Spanish Ministry of Universities (see official source below), the total number of students in higher education in Spain stands at approximately 1.76 million for the 2023/2024 academic year. While specific figures for international students in this period are pending release, previous years consistently show year-on-year growth in foreign student enrollment in Spain.

For current students preparing their move, our updated guide explains how to apply for a Student Visa in Spain and what documentation you’ll need.

Top Countries of Origin for International Students

Enrollment by Country (2021/2022)

Historically, Spain has attracted students from a broad range of countries. In the 2021/2022 academic year, the leading countries of origin were:

Italy: 22,688 students
Ecuador: 19,519 students
France: 19,351 students
Colombia: 17,854 students
China: 12,525 students

These numbers highlight Spain’s continuing appeal across Europe, Latin America, and Asia, reinforcing its status as a global study hub.

Preferred Regions in Spain for International Students

Gender Distribution Among International Students

Data from the 2021/2022 academic year shows a higher proportion of female international students:

Female students: 131,268
Male students: 92,812

This mirrors global trends in higher education, where women increasingly lead international enrollment figures.

Additional Trends in International Education in Spain

Growing Demand for Study in Spain (2025)

Spain continues to attract students due to its affordability, cultural richness, safe environment, and the increasing global visibility of Spanish universities. More foreign students are also choosing Spain because of:

the rise of English-taught degree programmes,
growing interest in business, engineering, and health sciences,
Spain’s lower cost of living compared to Western Europe,
strong Erasmus+ exchange mobility.

Support Services and Student Integration

Foreign students benefit from structured university support services, language programmes, and visa-compliant healthcare. For healthcare registration guidance, see our article: How to register with a doctor in Spain.

Conclusion

Spain continues to be one of Europe’s most attractive and culturally diverse destinations for international students. As new data for 2024/2025 becomes available, the upward trend in study in Spain numbers is expected to continue, particularly among European, Latin American, and Asian students. Spain’s strong academic offering and growing international appeal ensure its place as a leading education destination.

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