Overview
- In 2023–24, more than 159,000 international students chose Spanish universities, nearly double eight years ago, with 95,378 enrolled to complete full degrees.
- International students account for 5.2% of total enrollment in Spain versus the EU average of 9.9%, placing Spain near the bottom of the bloc.
- Spain remains the EU’s top host for short-term academic mobility, receiving about 14% of Erasmus-type placements.
- Private universities have far higher international presence—around 20–21% of students—compared with roughly 9% in public institutions.
- A proposed separate entrance exam for non‑EU applicants has been shelved after rector pushback, as universities call for streamlined visas, faster qualification recognition and simpler admissions; ICEX estimates foreign students generate over €6 billion a year.