Educads
Numbers show universities listed in each destination. All destinations →

Spain Student Work Rights 2026

International students in Spain can work while studying if it does not interfere with academic obligations. After graduation, there is a non-renewable post-study option to stay and look for work.

During the academic year, students may work part-time, typically up to 20 hours per week, as long as the job fits around their studies. Internships may also be included in study programs if they relate to the field of study.

Students can work full-time during holiday breaks, including the summer. Work must remain compatible with student visa conditions.

After completing a degree in Spain, graduates can apply to stay in the country to search for work. This post-study work visa allows a stay of up to one year and is non-renewable.

To use the post-study option, the application must be made before the student visa expires. Job offers should match the graduate’s qualifications, and the graduate must be able to show they can support themselves during this period.

Universities in Spain

UA Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona logo
QS World #149 #1 in Spain Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Public University — The Autonomous University of Barcelona is a public university mostly located in Cerdanyola del Vallès, near the city of Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain.

EUR 2,500 – EUR 3,500/yrTuition (indicative)
1968Founded
40,000Students
7,000International
Admissions open
#149 QS World University Rankings 2024
#1 in Spain
UB University of Barcelona logo
QS World #160 #2 in Spain Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

University of Barcelona

Public University — The University of Barcelona, formerly also known as Central University of Barcelona is a public research university located in the city of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It was established in...

EUR 2,500 – EUR 3,500/yrTuition (indicative)
1450Founded
63,000Students
10,000International
Admissions open
#160 QS World University Rankings 2026
#2 in Spain
UA Autonomous University of Madrid logo
QS World #206 #5 in Spain Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

Autonomous University of Madrid

Public University — The Autonomous University of Madrid, commonly known as la Autónoma, is a Spanish public university located in Madrid, Spain. The university was founded in 1968 by royal decree. UAM is widely...

EUR 2,500 – EUR 3,000/yrTuition (indicative)
1968Founded
30,000Students
5,000International
Admissions open
#206 QS World University Rankings 2026
#5 in Spain
UC Complutense University of Madrid logo
QS World #187 #3 in Spain Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

Complutense University of Madrid

Public University — The Complutense University of Madrid is a public research university located in Madrid. Founded in Alcalá in 1293, it is one of the oldest operating universities in the world. It is located...

EUR 2,500 – EUR 3,000/yrTuition (indicative)
1499Founded
86,000Students
11,000International
Admissions open
#187 QS World University Rankings 2026
#3 in Spain
IE IE University logo
QS World #438 #13 in Spain Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

IE University

Private University — IE University, known in Spanish as IE Universidad or Universidad Instituto de Empresa, is a private university with campuses in Madrid and Segovia, Castile and León, Spain, that formed as an...

EUR 19,500 – EUR 26,500/yrTuition (indicative)
1973Founded
8,000Students
6,000International
Admissions open
#438 QS World University Rankings 2026
#13 in Spain
UC Universidad Complutense de Madrid logo
QS World #187 #4 in Spain Spain

Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Public University — The Complutense University of Madrid is a public research university located in Madrid. Founded in Alcalá in 1293, it is one of the oldest operating universities in the world. It is located...

—Tuition (indicative)
—Founded
—Students
—International
Admissions open
#187 QS World University Rankings 2026
#4 in Spain

All universities in Spain →

Questions about working & jobs in Spain

Can international students work while studying in Spain?

Yes. International students can work part-time during study, provided the work does not interfere with academic obligations and stays within student visa conditions.

What work is allowed during holidays in Spain?

Students may work full-time during holiday breaks, including the summer.

What happens after graduation in Spain?

Graduates can apply for a non-renewable post-study work visa to stay in Spain for up to one year to search for work, before the student visa expires.

Student cities in Spain

Each one has its own guide to life, costs and working.

More on Spain: destination overview · universities · scholarships · student visa