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Italy 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.
Italy vs Spain, line by line
| Metric | Italy | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| Living cost | ≈ $11,500 | ≈ $11,500 |
| Tuition from | ≈ $250 | ≈ $450 |
| Average tuition | ≈ $4,800 | ≈ $7,000 |
| Total per year | ≈ $16,300 | ≈ $18,500 |
| Post-study work | 1 years | 1 years |
| Work while studying | 20 h/week | 30 h/week |
| PR pathway | moderate | moderate |
| Institutions | 12 | 12 |
| Courses listed | 41 | 32 |
| World rank | #111 | #164 |
| Typical entry grade | 72% | 72% |
| English requirement | IELTS 6.3 | IELTS 6.3 |
Which one fits you?
Choose Italy if…
- ✓you want cheaper tuition (from $250 a year)
- ✓you are targeting a higher-ranked university
Choose Spain if…
The short version
Italy is the cheaper route on total annual cost, while Italy gives you longer to work after you graduate. If you are optimising for permanent residency, Italy has the stronger pathway.
Italy
Type D study visa. Tuition is income-scaled and often very low; graduates can convert to a 12-month job-search permit.
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 Italy or Spain?
On total annual cost — tuition plus living — Italy works out cheaper. Tuition in Italy starts around $250 a year against $450 in Spain, and living costs run $$11,500 versus $$11,500 a year.
Which gives better post-study work rights, Italy or Spain?
Italy allows 1 year(s) of post-study work and Spain allows 1. During term, students can work up to 20 hours a week in Italy and 30 hours in Spain.
Which is easier to get into, Italy or Spain?
Across the courses we list, the typical competitive grade is about 72% in Italy and 72% in Spain, with English requirements of IELTS 6.3 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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