Spain 2015/16 - student fees and grants

National student fee

The amount of fees is determined by the kind of studies, the number of ECTS taken and the number of exams failed in each subject. In addition, amounts differ between regions as each one has a different fee range. There is no difference in fees between full and part-time students.

For international students (from outside the European Union) who do not have resident status in Spain, the fees can be increased, depending on the region.

Exemptions from fees are possible and based on need criteria. In addition, large families and disabled persons have very significant discounts, and may even be exempt.

Student grants

Although student grants exist at national, regional and local level, only those at national level have been considered here, as they are quantitatively the most important ones. The national grants are made up by several components, and each student may receive one or more of the components depending on their family income (grades are also taken into account in one of the components). These components are: fixed amount of EUR 1 500 based on the student’s family income; fixed amount of EUR 1 500 for living costs, for students living outside the family home during their studies and who also meet certain income criteria; and a variable amount, based on the student’s family income and grades. The minimum variable amount is EUR 60, and the maximum amount in 2013/14 was EUR 2 843.49 (this amount varies from year to year, since it results from distributing among the applicants the money that is left over after paying all the other components). Full-time students can apply for all components, whereas part-time students can only apply for the minimum amount of the variable amount component (EUR 60), and distance education students can apply for the complete variable amount component. There is also a last component aimed at students whose family residence is located in the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, or the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla, and whose university is located either in another one of those locations or in mainland Spain. This component ranges from EUR 442 to 937. Since this kind of support is granted on an individual level, and each student receives a different amount, the 'most common' value cannot be provided. However, the average amount for a grant (including fees and other components) is EUR 2 498.84.

All students who receive grants are also exempt from paying fees.

Students can receive different grant components depending on their family income, grades and other circumstances. The minimum grant is EUR 60 plus a waiver from tuition fees. The maximum grant in 2014/15 was EUR 6 840.49

The approximate 29 % of students receiving grants include, apart from those of the general call, those who are partially exempt of paying fees for large family, and collaboration scholars.

Tax benefit for student's parents

No tax relief for parents.

Family allowances

No family allowances.