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France vs Spain: which should you study in?
Both are strong destinations, and the honest answer depends on your budget, your grades and whether you want to stay on after graduating. Here is the side-by-side.
France vs Spain, line by line
| Metric | France | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| Living cost | ≈ $14,500 | ≈ $11,500 |
| Tuition from | ≈ $450 | ≈ $450 |
| Average tuition | ≈ $7,700 | ≈ $7,000 |
| Total per year | ≈ $22,200 | ≈ $18,500 |
| Post-study work | 1 years | 1 years |
| Work while studying | 20 h/week | 30 h/week |
| PR pathway | moderate | moderate |
| Institutions | 15 | 12 |
| Courses listed | 47 | 32 |
| World rank | #24 | #164 |
| Typical entry grade | 75% | 72% |
| English requirement | IELTS 6.5 | IELTS 6.3 |
Which one fits you?
Choose France if…
- ✓you want more institutions to choose from (15 here)
- ✓you are targeting a higher-ranked university
Choose Spain if…
- ✓you want lower living costs (about $3,000 a year less)
The short version
Spain is the cheaper route on total annual cost, while France gives you longer to work after you graduate. If you are optimising for permanent residency, France has the stronger pathway.
France
VLS-TS student visa. Master's graduates can take a 1-year (renewable) job-search stay (APS); public tuition is modest even for non-EU students.
Spain
Student visa (Type D). Students may work up to 30h/week, and graduates can take a 12-month job-search stay.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in France or Spain?
On total annual cost — tuition plus living — Spain works out cheaper. Tuition in France starts around $450 a year against $450 in Spain, and living costs run $$14,500 versus $$11,500 a year.
Which gives better post-study work rights, France or Spain?
France allows 1 year(s) of post-study work and Spain allows 1. During term, students can work up to 20 hours a week in France and 30 hours in Spain.
Which is easier to get into, France or Spain?
Across the courses we list, the typical competitive grade is about 75% in France and 72% in Spain, with English requirements of IELTS 6.5 and 6.3 respectively. Entry difficulty varies far more by institution than by country.
Other comparisons
Estimated figures. Tuition, living costs and entry benchmarks on this page are estimates for guidance and comparison. Always confirm exact figures with the institution before you apply.
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