Studying in Spain after Brexit

Spain has long been one of the most popular destinations for British students seeking an international education experience. According to the UK Government’s Department of Education, during the 2023-2024 academic year, Spain welcomed more UK students than France, the United States or Italy.

Still, one question comes up again and again: what has Brexit actually changed when it comes to studying abroad?

The good news is that studying in Spain after Brexit is absolutely still possible, the process is simply a little more structured than before. In this guide, we explain everything UK students need to know about studying in Spain today, from understanding the Spanish university system to choosing exchange programs, navigating visas and choosing the required insurance plans.

1. 1. Understanding the Spanish university system:

If you are considering studying in Spain, it is completely natural to wonder how the academic system compares to the UK. Spain follows the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) framework. This means degrees are internationally recognised and structured in a way that makes them comparable across Europe, including the United Kingdom. The academic structure may look slightly different, but it’s similar in practice:

A bachelor’s degree in Spain, known as a Grado, usually lasts four academic years. That is typically one year longer than most UK undergraduate degrees, but it follows a clear credit system (ECTS) designed to make academic mobility smoother. If you later decide to pursue postgraduate studies, master’s programs generally take one or two years to complete.

What about language?

While Spanish remains the primary language of instruction, universities in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia increasingly offer programs fully or partially taught in English.

At the same time, living and studying in Spain provides an excellent opportunity to develop language skills. Even if you arrive with basic Spanish, you will quickly improve just by living there. That confidence grows faster than you expect.

Tuition fees and costs

For many British students, Spain can be more affordable than the UK. Students can choose between different types of institutions:

• Public universities in Spain are generally more affordable than UK institutions, with tuition fees varying depending on the region and programme.
• Private universities, while more expensive, may offer smaller class sizes, specialised programmes, and additional academic support.

Beyond academics, Spanish universities are known for active campus life and strong international communities. Most institutions have international offices experienced in guiding foreign students through documentation, orientation and integration. You will not be navigating the system alone. 

1. 2. Exchange opportunities after Brexit

2. International exchange remains one of the most popular ways for UK students to study in Spain. Although the framework changed after Brexit, academic mobility between British and Spanish universities continues through structured collaboration agreements and national funding programmes.

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4. University bilateral agreements

5. Many UK universities have signed bilateral agreements with Spanish institutions to maintain “Erasmus-style” exchanges. Under these agreements:

   • Academic credits earned in Spain count towards your UK degree.
   • Tuition arrangements are typically managed between the institutions.
   • You remain enrolled at your home university while studying abroad.

   It is important to contact your university’s Global Mobility Office early, as available destinations and funding options vary by institution.

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The Turing Scheme

The Turing Scheme is the UK’s global alternative to Erasmus+. It provides financial grants to help cover travel and living expenses for students studying in Spain.

• Popularity: Spain is currently the #1 destination worldwide for Turing Scheme participants.
• Funding: Grants are based on the duration of your stay, destination costs, and personal financial circumstances.
• Application: You do not apply to the government directly; your home university manages the funding and applications.

What about Erasmus+?

Although the UK left the program in 2021, an agreement has been reached for the UK to rejoin the Erasmus+ programme from 2027.

Once implemented, this is expected to expand reciprocal opportunities between UK and EU students again. For now, mobility continues through bilateral agreements and the Turing Scheme.

1. 3. Visa requirements:

2. One of the main changes introduced after Brexit relates to immigration procedures.

   British citizens can stay in Spain for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. However, most academic programs exceed this limit, meaning students must apply for a student visa before travelling.

   Applicants are generally required to provide:

   • Proof of acceptance at a recognised educational institution.
   • Evidence of accommodation arrangements.
   • Proof of sufficient financial resources.
   • Criminal record certificate in certain cases.
   • Comprehensive health insurance valid in Spain.

   Moreover, students planning to remain in Spain for longer than six months must also apply for a residence card (TIE) after arrival.

   It is strongly recommended to begin the visa process well in advance. Appointment availability and processing times vary between consulates, particularly during peak academic periods.

1. 4. Health coverage and travel insurance: what you need to know

Healthcare access for UK citizens has changed since Brexit. While the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) allows access to necessary public healthcare during temporary stays, it does not always cover private treatment, repatriation assistance or travel disruptions.

For this reason, many visa applications and universities require comprehensive private insurance covering medical assistance throughout the duration of the stay. For UK students planning to study in Spain after Brexit, the new landscape means more than just packing bags; it requires meeting specific legal and health requirements.

Visa-Compliant Health Insurance

Spanish consulates require health insurance that:

• Is provided by an insurer authorised to operate in Spain
• Offers full coverage equivalent to the Spanish National Health System
• Includes no co-payments
• Covers repatriation

For UK students, this means choosing a policy that meets immigration requirements from the start.

Caser Expat Insurance offers plans specifically designed to meet these requirements, ensuring you are fully covered from the moment you apply for your visa until you finish your last exam: 

• No Co-payments: Unlike many standard policies, this plan has no out-of-pocket fees per visit, which is a mandatory requirement for most visa applications.
• Full Medical Network: You get access to over 45,000 professionals and 13,000 medical centers across Spain, avoiding the long waiting lists of the public system.
• Repatriation Included: This is a crucial "must-have" for the Spanish residency (NIE) and visa process, covering the cost of medical transport or repatriation to the UK if necessary.
• English-Speaking Support: One of the biggest hurdles for expats is the language barrier. Caser provides 24/7 medical assistance and customer service in English, so you can manage your health without the stress of translation.

If you wish to know how this coverage could look like, you can calculate your quote in just a few minutes through Caser’s online quotation tool.

Travel insurance for additional protection

Even if you are in Spain for a shorter course (less than 90 days) or if you want extra protection for your trips back home or across Europe during holidays, Caser Expat’s Travel Insurance is an ideal supplement as it includes:

• Medical Emergencies Abroad: It covers up to €25.000 in medical expenses within Spain and much higher limits for travel across Europe or worldwide.
• Trip Incidents: It protects you against the typical woes of student travel, such as luggage loss, flight delays, and even the cost of a lost passport or ID.
• Flexibility: You can tailor the duration to your specific travel dates, making it a cost-effective choice for short-term stays or holiday breaks.
  
  

You can obtain a personalised quote in just a few minutes.

5. Final thoughts

Studying in Spain after Brexit is still very achievable. The key difference is preparation: you should understand the academic system, confirm your exchange options and organise your Visa application. For this matter, choosing Caser Expat Insurance isn't just about ticking a box for your visa; it’s about ensuring you can focus on what truly matters: your studies, your independence and your experience abroad.