Ranking Of The Best Cities For Studying Abroad In Spain
Below, we present the ranking of the best cities for studying abroad in Spain. Our selection was made primarily based on the following criteria:
- QS Ranking 2023, with the best universities for exchange in Spain;
- Numbeo, a global contribution database, with indicators such as: quality of life, health, safety, climate, among others;
- Research on cities.
- Barcelona
Barcelona is the Spanish city with the best universities in the country and more institutions among the best in the world, such as the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) and the University of Barcelona (UB), for example. For this reason, it is in first place in the ranking of the best cities for exchange in Spain.
According to Numbeo, the quality of life in the capital of Catalonia is high. In addition, the public health is of high quality, the public transport network is efficient, the climate is sunny practically all year round and there are many leisure options in the city, many positive points in Barcelona.
And while the cost of living in Barcelona is one of the highest in the country, educational institutions, job opportunities and infrastructure are higher than most Spanish cities. That’s why it’s worth planning to study in Barcelona.
- Madrid
Second on the list of the best cities for studying abroad in Spain is Madrid, the largest Spanish city. Like Barcelona, the country’s capital has excellent universities, including the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) and the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM).
According to Numbeo, the quality of life in Madrid is very high, the levels of safety and public health in the city are high and the climate is very good.
Just like in Barcelona, the cost of living in Madrid is also one of the highest in Spain. However, the city’s infrastructure, the diversity of renowned universities, job opportunities, and salaries that are higher than those in most Spanish cities are factors that should be considered when choosing Madrid to do your exchange.
- Pamplona
Situated in the north of Spain, Pamplona is also an excellent city for studying in Spain. It is home to the renowned University of Navarra and offers a very high quality of life for its population, according to data from Numbeo.
In addition, other indicators stand out among the best in Spain, such as safety, health and climate.
Another advantage of studying in Pamplona is that the cost of living in the city is lower than in metropolises like Barcelona and Madrid.
- Valencia
Valencia is another option for studying abroad in Spain. The city is home to the well-known Universitat Politecnica de Valencia and provides a very high level of quality of life for its inhabitants, according to Numbeo.
In addition, the climate indicator is also very high in Valencia and public safety and health are efficient in the city.
Considered an open-air museum, with a lot of culture, Valencia also has the advantage of the cost of living, which is cheaper than in Madrid and Barcelona, for example.
- Salamanca
Also known for the Universityof Salamanca, Salamanca could not be left out of our ranking of the best cities for exchange in Spain.
Located just 2 hours from Madrid, Salamanca is one of the main university cities for exchange in Spain and is known for being the Spanish region where the purest castellano is spoken in the country.
The city offers a good quality of life to the population, as well as receptive people and good entertainment options, both during the day and at night.
Why Choose Spain?
There are many benefits of living in Spain. Check out the main reasons why many students choose Spain for their exchange.
- The country has renowned universities, which are among the top 200 in the world, according to the main educational rankings, such as the QS ranking;
- Most Spanish cities offer a very high quality of life to the population, as well as health, safety and infrastructure;
- Spain offers a relatively lower cost of living compared to most countries in the European Union;
- It is possible to become fluent in Spanish more easily;
- Upgrade your resume;
- More job opportunities with the exchange in Spain;
- Pleasant weather in most cities in the country, with sunshine for most of the year;
- Opportunity to experience Spanish culture;
- Typical Mediterranean cuisine varied, with many flavors, and Michelin-starred restaurants;
- Spain is one of the most sought-after countries for summer. There are, in the country, several types of programming, such as: paradisiacal beaches, tourist attractions, lively parties at night, shopping streets, etc.