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Study Law in Spain 2024/2025

Study in Spain

The Spanish law degree is worldly known. Many Spanish legal programs focus on Spanish, European Union and United States legal systems, although some will teach civil law only. This multi-system approach provides a well-rounded approach to legal education.

Earning a Law Degree in Spain

Applying to law school requires undergraduate training in law. After completing the required undergraduate coursework, you can apply to the law school of your choice. To study law in Spain, plan to spend five years studying law, as this is considered the standard length of time a Spanish law degree takes. Upon graduation, Spanish law students must enter a two-year training period. After completing this training, the student must pass the state exam before practicing law.

One of the benefits of studying law in Spain is the cost. If you attend a public university, you will need to pay a "matricula", which can be several hundred Euros, but the rest of tuition is covered by the state. This means you can attain a degree in law in Spain with little cost outside of room and board. Once again, the fees vary from one institution to the other.

Spain's emphasis on civil law brings excellent job opportunities for graduates, both in the country and in many neighboring European countries. This is the same type of law practiced in the Netherlands, for example, which is considered a hub for the world's legal proceeding. Also, by studying in Spain, which requires fluency in both Spanish and English, students are trained in two of the world's most common languages. This combination of legal training and linguistics provides a solid foundation for a future legal career.

Change currency

Basic monthly living cost

  • Rent in a shared flat

    417
  • Share of utilities

    41
  • Internet subscription

    36
  • Local transportation

    40

Sample lifestyle cost

  • Fast food combo

    8
  • Cinema ticket

    8
  • Pint of local beer

    3

About Spain

Spain, with its Mediterranean flair and exquisite architectural offerings, is one of the world's most popular destinations to visit. Located on the Iberian Peninsula and surrounded by water and mountains, as well as the country of Portugal, Spain offers much to the international student. The country has a long and rich cultural history and boasts a wide variety of terrain including beaches, pastures, mountains, and desert-like areas. Known for art, music, cuisine and other cultural activities, Spain is also a leader in renewable energy development, particularly in the areas of solar power and wind energy. A combination of good universities, a language spoken around the world and the attractive cosmopolitan lifestyle of the Spanish people make it an attractive place for people looking to study abroad. Those interested in studying law will find that the country's top universities offer excellent legal programs to consider.

The Law System in Spain

Spain follows the civil legal tradition and is guided by the Spanish Constitution as its primary source of law. When interpretation is made, the Tribunal constitutional will handle matters. The court system includes a supreme court, a national court, provincial courts, municipal courts and tribunals that attend to civil needs in autonomous communities.

Visa Requirements

For students outside of the EU/EEA or Switzerland who wish to take part in a student exchange, carry out research or training or work as an unpaid intern or volunteer in Spain for more than three months.

What type of Visa do you need?

Visa name

Student Visa (Type D)

Price and currency

EUR 160

The prices for a student visa to Spain are around EUR 160. The visa application fee is subject to change at any time.

Who can apply for the visa?

Citizens from the EU/EEA or Switzerland do not require a student visa regardless of the length of their stay in Spain. EU/EEA/Swiss students don’t need a visa to live in Spain, but will have to register with the local authorities and get a residence certificate.

Citizens of all other countries require a student visa if they plan to stay and study for more than 90 days in Spain. This visa is granted to those students who have already been accepted for admission by a recognized educational institute in Spain.

Where can you make the application?

Spanish consulate or embassy

You can apply for a study visa at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country.

Website:https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/londres/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-de-estudios.aspx

How to make the application?

Before you can apply for a study visa you have to find a course or program with an officially recognized institution in Spain. You will then need to get official confirmation from the organization outlining that you have been accepted on the course or program, in the form of a certificate or letter of acceptance. Once you have this, you can contact the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country and apply for a student visa.

Exactly what is required may vary from consulate to consulate but in general, you’ll need to show your passport, as well as the following:

  • details of the study, training, or research that you’ll be doing in Spain, including the hours of study per week (20 at least);
  • proof that you have medical insurance;
  • a medical certificate confirming that you don’t have any diseases that would require you to be quarantined;
  • proof that you have the funds to support you for the duration of your stay in Spain (eg. scholarship details, a Spanish bank showing sufficient funds, or letter from parents/guardians assuming full financial responsibility);
  • information about where you’ll be living;
  • a criminal record certificate issued in the last five years by the relevant authorities in your home country.

If you are staying in Spain for more than six months to study, you must apply for a student residence permit within 30 days of entering Spain. You apply for it at your local Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or a police station. The card is valid for a year and you can renew it every year for five years as long as you are continuing with your studies.

When should you apply?

You’ll need to apply for your visa between two and three months before you intend to travel to Spain to allow time to process your application.

Generally, a student visa in Spain is granted for the entire duration of the course of study. You can renew your student visa to further extend your studies or take up a new course of study in Spain. Do not attempt to submit your student visa application more than four months in advance or less than 7 weeks before the departure date, else the application will not be accepted.

If your studies in Spain are for more than six months, you must apply for a student residence permit that lasts one year. The student residence permit has to be renewed every year.

Processing time

The legal period for reaching a decision is of 1 month from the day after the application submission date, but this period may be extended if an interview or additional documents are requested.

Work opportunities

The Spanish residence permit entitles you to work either part-time or in a temporary position, so long as you’re not using the money you earn to support yourself while you’re in Spain. You are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week while you are studying, as long as it doesn’t interfere with your studies. The company that employs you will need to get a work permit for you from the Foreigner’s Office. Your employment contract cannot exceed the duration of the study visa.

If you’ll be undertaking an internship as part of your course for which your residence permit was granted, you don’t need a work permit.

Hours per week

20

Why do you need this type of visa?

Here are some of the reasons why a student visa to Spain may be denied:

  • Past or current criminal actions
  • Insufficient explanation for the purpose and circumstances of the planned stay
  • Insufficient means of subsistence
  • Invalid travel insurance
  • Lacking to present a proof of accommodation
  • Unfavorable Schengen visa situation - Failing to previously respect Schengen Visa limitations (i.e. Overstay in the Schengen Area, failing to follow the presented travel itinerary – by skipping to stay mostly in the main country of destination in the Schengen Area, and so on).

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