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Last modified: 2026-09-24

# English-Taught Degrees in Spain: Where to Study Without Spanish and What It Costs in 2027

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You can study in English in Spain at both bachelor's and master's level, and not only at expensive private universities. Public Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) teaches several bachelor's degrees entirely in English and runs more than 30 official master's in English or bilingually, and Complutense offers economics and business administration in English. Admission to a public bachelor's, however, still follows Spanish rules: PCE exams are answered in Spanish. The easiest routes that need no Spanish at all are a master's or a private university: IE University teaches only in English and charges $33,930 (€29,880) for the first year of its BBA in 2027–28, while EU Business School Barcelona charges $16,690 (€14,700) for two semesters.

Below: where to find English-taught programmes, how not to confuse an English programme with a bilingual one, which certificates you need, what it costs and when Spanish will still be necessary.

The Central Building of the University of Navarra on its Pamplona campus, Spain. Photo: JLVwiki / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Unav-Edificio_Central.jpg), [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

## English-taught options at a glance {#section-1}

| Option | Example | Language | What else you need | Annual cost |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Public university, bachelor's | UC3M: Business and Technology, International Studies, Biomedical Sciences | Entirely English | Certificate recognition, UNEDasiss and PCE in Spanish | Madrid, non-EU non-resident: fourth-attempt rate (UCM: from $7,750, €6,822.60) |
| Public university, English version of a degree | UCM: business administration and economics in English | English | As above plus UCM's language rules | $7,750 (€6,822.60) |
| Private university, bachelor's | IE University, BBA | English only | University application, test, recognition to enrol | $33,930 (€29,880, 2027–28) |
| Private university, bilingual bachelor's | University of Navarra: business administration + finance | English and Spanish | University application, both languages | $21,860 (€19,250.40) |
| Business school, private degree | EU Business School Barcelona, BBA | English only | School application; not a Spanish grado | $16,690 (€14,700) |
| Public university, master's | UC3M: finance, marketing, economics, aerospace engineering | English | Bachelor's degree, level check | Madrid, non-EU non-resident: about $5,730 (€5,044) for 60 ECTS |

## English-taught bachelor's at public universities {#section-2}

UC3M is the clearest example. It offers two formats. In fully English programmes all classes, assignments and exams are in English, and if you pass every subject in English this is noted in the Diploma Supplement. In bilingual programmes at least half the subjects are taught in English. Business and Technology, International Studies, Biomedical Sciences and Neuroscience are taught only in English; business administration, economics, and finance and accounting can be taken in Spanish or English.

UC3M's rules are worth knowing in advance:

- you choose the language not in the application but when registering for first-year subjects;
- during the first year you must prove English at B2, with a certificate or the university's test; if you do not, or pass fewer than 36 credits in English, you move to the Spanish group from the second year;
- students from non-Spanish-speaking countries are entitled to a place in English groups for the first two years;
- UC3M requires Spanish B2 for Spanish-taught programmes.

Complutense (UCM) lists "Business Administration in English" and "Economics in English" in its 2026–27 fee schedule. UCM requires Spanish B2 from applicants from non-Spanish-speaking countries unless the programme documentation sets a different level — check this for each programme.

The main caveat. To enter any public bachelor's, a non-EU applicant needs recognition of the school certificate, UNEDasiss accreditation and PCE. PCE papers are provided in Spanish and English, but answers must be written in Spanish (except in the foreign-language exam). So academic Spanish is needed for a public university even when the degree itself is in English. Without PCE you are left with the extraordinary round, where your application comes last; UC3M says it expects no places to remain after that round. The full route is in [Applying to Spanish Universities](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-spanish-universities).

In Catalonia, Valencia, the Basque Country and Galicia some classes at public universities may be taught in the regional language. A "Spanish-taught" programme in Barcelona is not always entirely in Spanish — the teaching plan shows the language of each group.

## Private universities and business schools {#section-3}

IE University (Madrid and Segovia) teaches only in English. Minimum results: TOEFL 100 (105 recommended), IELTS 7.0 (7.5 recommended), Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency, Duolingo English Test 130. The first year of the BBA costs $33,930 (€29,880) in 2027–28. The early round for 2027–28 closed on 18 September 2026; the next deadlines are 6 November 2026, 15 January and 5 March 2027. IE is recognised by the Spanish government, so official enrolment requires recognition of your school certificate.

The University of Navarra offers bilingual tracks in business administration and economics: the first year costs $21,860 (€19,250.40) in 2026–27. Law in Spanish is $18,050 (€15,900).

EU Business School Barcelona teaches its BBA only in English: seven semesters over three years, 240 ECTS, $8,350 (€7,350) per semester. Graduates receive a private Swiss degree from EU Business School Switzerland, a UK BA (Hons) in Business Management awarded by the University of Derby and a título propio — UVic-UCC's own diploma — but not an official Spanish grado. See the [EU Business School Barcelona](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-eu-barcelona) profile. At other English-teaching private schools, such as [GBSB Global Business School](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-global-business-school-barcelona) and [Les Roches Marbella](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-roches-marbella), check the degree type programme by programme: who awards it and whether the programme is in the RUCT register.

## Master's taught in English {#section-4}

The choice is wider at master's level. At UC3M, English-taught programmes include, for example:

- in the business school — the MBA (an official master's), management, human resources, finance, marketing;
- in the school of economics and political science — economics, economic analysis, computational social sciences, sustainable development and global governance, geopolitics;
- in the engineering school — statistics for data science, big data, aerospace and telecommunications engineering, quantum technologies, applied mathematics;
- in the law school — the Máster Universitario en Abogacía Internacional.

UC3M's bilingual master's (for example EU law or cybersecurity) require a minimum level of Spanish. In Catalonia, UPC charges non-EU non-residents $50 (€45) per credit on any official master's — about $3,070 (€2,700) for 60 credits. How universities check a foreign degree and when to apply is covered in [Master's in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-spain).

## How to check that a programme really is in English {#section-5}

1. Find the label. At UC3M each programme is marked "Inglés", "Bilingüe" or "Español, inglés" (choice of group). "Bilingüe" means at least half the courses are in English, not the whole programme.
2. Look at the year-by-year plan. The language is often listed per subject. Electives and internships may be in Spanish.
3. Check what happens if you do not prove your English. At UC3M, without B2 in the first year you move to the Spanish group.
4. Check the region. In bilingual regions Spanish may share classes with the regional language.
5. Check the degree type. An English "Bachelor" or "Master" at a business school may be the institution's own programme rather than an official degree in the RUCT register.

## Which English certificate you need {#section-6}

The programme sets the threshold. Examples from official sources:

| University | Requirement |
| --- | --- |
| UC3M, English-taught bachelor's | B2 during the first year: certificate or internal test |
| IE University, bachelor's | TOEFL 100+, IELTS 7.0+, Cambridge C1/C2 or Duolingo 130+ |
| Public-university master's | Usually B2 or higher; the exact score is on the programme page |

How old a result may be is set by the university: IE, for example, accepts certificates up to two years from the test date.

## What English-taught study costs {#section-7}

At public universities the regional decree sets the price, and non-EU non-residents pay a higher rate. At UCM, for example, "Business Administration in English" costs the same as the Spanish version because it sits in the same price band. In Madrid the non-resident rate is the fourth-attempt rate: such a programme at UCM costs $7,750 (€6,822.60) for 60 credits, versus $1,150 (€1,015.20) for an EU citizen. At UPC in Catalonia non-EU non-residents pay $35 (€30) per credit for a bachelor's — about $2,040 (€1,800) a year; other Catalan universities set their own rate.

| Programme | Year | Amount |
| --- | --- | --- |
| UCM, business administration in English, non-EU non-resident | 2026–27, 60 ECTS | $7,750 (€6,822.60) |
| UCM, official master's, non-EU non-resident | 2026–27, 60 ECTS | $5,730 (€5,044.20) |
| UPC, official master's, non-EU non-resident | 2026–27, 60 ECTS | $3,070 (€2,700) |
| University of Navarra, bilingual business administration | First year 2026–27 | $21,860 (€19,250.40) |
| EU Business School Barcelona, BBA | Two semesters | $16,690 (€14,700) |
| IE University, BBA | First year 2027–28 | $33,930 (€29,880) |

Add accommodation and visa funds: the consulate asks for 100% of the IPREM index for each month, currently $8,180 (€7,200) a year. City budgets are in [Cost of Studying in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-spain).

## Do you still need Spanish? {#section-8}

Not to study an English-taught master's or at a private university. But you will need it in three situations:

- entering a public bachelor's — PCE are answered in Spanish;
- internships and part-time work — the study permit allows up to 30 hours a week, but contracts, interviews and many jobs require Spanish;
- everyday life and paperwork — the foreigner identity card, renting, healthcare.

Starting Spanish before you leave is the cheapest way to widen your options. See [DELE and SIELE Spanish Exams](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-dele-and-siele-spanish-exams) and [Spanish Language Courses in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-spanish-language-courses-in-spain).

## Common mistakes {#section-9}

- Confusing "bilingüe" with "inglés". In a bilingual programme up to half the courses are in Spanish.
- Thinking a public university needs no Spanish if the degree is in English. PCE are answered in Spanish.
- Choosing an English programme and not proving B2 in the first year. At UC3M that means moving to the Spanish group.
- Not checking the degree type. A business-school "Bachelor" may not be a Spanish grado.
- Taking the English test too early. Results expire: IE, for example, accepts certificates no older than two years.
- Ignoring the region. In Barcelona some classes in "Spanish" programmes may be in Catalan.

## What StudyU does {#section-10}

Only the initial consultation is free. Shortlisting English-taught programmes, checking language and degree status, planning language tests, recognition and PCE, documents and applications are provided under an agreement with StudyU. The university decides on admission and the Spanish consulate on the visa. For the country overview see [Study in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-spain) and for the big picture [Bachelor's Degree in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-bachelors-in-spain).

## FAQ {#faq}

### Can I study in English in Spain for free?

Spain has no free higher education for international students. The cheapest English-taught option is an official master's at a public university: about $3,070 (€2,700) for 60 credits at UPC in Catalonia for a non-EU non-resident.

### Do public universities offer bachelor's degrees in English?

Yes. At UC3M some programmes are entirely in English and others bilingual; UCM offers business administration and economics in English. Admission follows the general route: recognition, UNEDasiss and PCE in Spanish.

### What level of English do I need?

Public universities usually ask for B2; UC3M, for example, asks you to prove it during the first year. IE University requires TOEFL 100+, IELTS 7.0+, Cambridge C1 or Duolingo 130+. The exact threshold is on the programme page.

### Do I need Spanish B2 for an English-taught programme?

UC3M requires Spanish B2 for Spanish-taught programmes. UCM requires B2 from applicants from non-Spanish-speaking countries unless the programme sets another level. English-taught private universities do not require Spanish. For PCE you need Spanish anyway.

### How much does an English-taught bachelor's cost?

At a Madrid public university a non-EU non-resident pays from $7,750 (€6,822.60) a year; private universities range from $21,860 (€19,250.40, Navarra, bilingual) to $33,930 (€29,880, IE University, 2027–28). EU Business School charges $16,690 (€14,700) for two semesters but awards private and foreign degrees.

### Can I work in Spain if I studied in English?

The study permit allows up to 30 hours of work a week if compatible with studies. Most jobs in Spain require Spanish, so learn it in parallel. See [Working While Studying in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-working-while-studying-in-spain).

## Sources {#section-12}

- UC3M: [studying in English (bachelor's)](https://www.uc3m.es/grado/uc3m-plus/estudiar-ingles), [programme list and languages](https://www.uc3m.es/grado/estudios), [master's in English](https://www.uc3m.es/postgrado/estudia-en-ingles), [Spanish requirement](https://www.uc3m.es/grado/admision/solicitud/requisito-espanol), [non-EU applicants](https://www.uc3m.es/grado/admision/solicitud/estudiantes-internacionales/no-europeos-preinscripcion) — checked 24.09.2026
- UCM: [2026–27 undergraduate fees](https://www.ucm.es/informacion/precios-de-grado), [master's fees](https://www.ucm.es/informacion/precios-masteres), [B2 rule](https://www.ucm.es/requisito-de-idioma-estudiantes-sistemas-educativos-extranjeros) — checked 24.09.2026
- [UNEDasiss: PCE subjects and exam language](https://unedasiss.uned.es/oferta_asignaturas) — checked 24.09.2026
- IE University: [requirements and certificates](https://www.ie.edu/university/admission/access-to-university/freshmen-students/), [BBA fees](https://www.ie.edu/university/studies/academic-programs/bachelor-business-administration/admissions-fees/), [rounds](https://www.ie.edu/university/admission/admission-process/admissions-rounds/) — checked 24.09.2026
- [University of Navarra: 2026–27 fees](https://www.unav.edu/admision-y-ayudas/grado/cuanto-cuesta-estudiar-en-la-universidad/precios-de-primer-curso) — checked 24.09.2026
- [EU Business School: BBA Barcelona, language and degrees](https://www.euruni.edu/en/Bachelor-s/BBA-Bachelor-of-Business-Administration-Barcelona.html) — checked 24.09.2026
- [UPC: master's fees](https://www.upc.edu/ca/masters/preus-i-beques) and [bachelor's fees](https://www.upc.edu/ca/graus/preus-i-beques); [Catalonia fee Decree 96/2026, point 1.5](https://dogc.gencat.cat/ca/document-del-dogc/?documentId=1047495) — checked 24.09.2026
- [Spanish Consulate in Moscow: study visa](https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/moscu/ru/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-de-estudios.aspx); [Royal Decree 1155/2024](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2024-24099); [IPREM (BOE-A-2022-22128)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2022-22128) — checked 24.09.2026
- Exchange rate: ECB reference rate of 29.09.2026, €1 = $1.1355

[During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)

## Next steps

- [Bachelor's Degree in Spain: How to Get In from Abroad and What It Costs in 2027](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-bachelors-in-spain)
- [DELE and SIELE Spanish Exams: 2026–2027 Dates, Fees and the Level You Need to Study in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-dele-and-siele-spanish-exams)
- [Master's Degree in Spain: Admission with a Non-EU Degree and 2027 Costs](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-spain)
- [Applying to Spanish Universities: A Step-by-Step Plan for Non-EU Applicants in 2027](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-spanish-universities)
- [Studying in Spain for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-spain)
- [EU Business School (Barcelona)](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-eu-barcelona)

Updated: September 2026