How much money you need for a first year studying in Spain

Key rules

• Proof of means: You show 100 percent of the IPREM per month for yourself, plus 75 percent for each family member coming with you.
• Health cover: Insurance must give full cover in Spain with no co-payments and no waiting periods.
• Work limit: You may work up to 30 hours a week, and the work must be compatible with your studies.
• Housing: A shared flat room is usually the cheapest option, and Madrid and Barcelona cost the most.

What you need to budget for

Plan for four costs and limits: proof of means for the visa, health insurance, a place to live, and a cap on how much you can work. The documents and checklist below list what to gather. This page explains the money behind them.

Proof of means for the visa

You must show the consulate that you can pay for your whole stay. The amount is tied to the IPREM, a yearly public reference figure. You need 100 percent of the IPREM per month for yourself, plus 75 percent for each family member who comes with you.

The IPREM was 600 euros per month in 2025. It is set in the state budget and can stay the same when a budget is extended. Look up the current figure before you work out your total.

Consulates usually accept a bank statement, a scholarship letter, a sponsor's letter with proof of their funds, or proof of income. Ask your consulate which it accepts and for what period, because lists differ.

Health cover

Your cover must be valid in Spain, with full cover, no co-payments and no waiting periods. Private insurance must come from a company authorised to operate in Spain.

If you are under 28, you can instead join the public health scheme through the Convenio especial. This means paying a registration fee and a monthly contribution. If you are an EU student, you use your EHIC or S1 form instead.

Accommodation

Housing is likely your biggest cost after fees. Madrid and Barcelona are the most expensive. Valencia, Seville, Málaga and Granada are cheaper.

A room in a shared flat is usually the cheapest option. A residencia (student hall) costs more, but it usually includes some meals, utilities and wifi. Prices change with room type, neighbourhood and academic year, so ask the residencia or check current listings for your city before you fix your budget.

Working while you study

Since the May 2025 reform, you can work up to 30 hours a week on a study stay. Before that the limit was 20 hours. The work can be paid employment or self-employment, but it must fit around your studies. Do not count on work income to meet the proof-of-means requirement. Plan your work around your class timetable.

Documents you need

• Proof of enough money for your whole stay: a bank statement, a scholarship letter, a sponsor's letter with proof of their funds, or proof of income. Your consulate says which of these it accepts.

• Health insurance valid in Spain with full cover, no co-payments and no waiting periods. Private insurance must come from a company authorised to operate in Spain.

• If you are under 28 and choose public health cover instead, proof of your Convenio especial registration and paid contribution.

• If you are an EU student, your EHIC or S1 form as proof of health cover.

Checklist

• Look up the current IPREM figure and work out 100 percent for you plus 75 percent for each family member coming with you, for every month of your stay.

• Ask your consulate which proof of means it accepts and for how long a period.

• Gather a bank statement, scholarship letter, sponsor's letter or income proof that covers the full amount.

• Compare prices for a residencia and a shared flat room in your city, and ask what the residencia price includes.

• Check that your plan for working fits within 30 hours a week and around your class timetable.

Housing prices change by city and year, so check current prices with each residencia or listing.

Frequently asked questions

How much money do I need to show for a student visa?

You need to show 100 percent of the IPREM per month for yourself, plus 75 percent of the IPREM for each family member who comes with you. The IPREM is a yearly reference amount set by the state, and it was 600 euros per month in 2025. Consulates ask for proof covering your whole stay.

Can I work 30 hours a week on a study stay?

Yes, since the May 2025 reform you may work up to 30 hours a week on a study stay, as long as the job fits with your studies. The old limit was 20 hours. Paid jobs and self-employment both count.

Can I use public health care instead of private insurance as a student?

Yes, if you are under 28 you may join the public health scheme through the Convenio especial, which has a registration fee and a paid contribution. Private insurance must give full cover with no co-payments or waiting periods.

Which cities have the cheapest student housing?

Valencia, Seville, Málaga and Granada are cheaper than Madrid and Barcelona for student housing.