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.
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.
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.
For many British students, Spain can be more affordable than the UK. Students can choose between different types of institutions:
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.
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.
Many UK universities have signed bilateral agreements with Spanish institutions to maintain “Erasmus-style” exchanges. Under these agreements:
It is important to contact your university’s Global Mobility Office early, as available destinations and funding options vary by institution.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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:
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.
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:
You can obtain a personalised quote in just a few minutes.
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.