Spain and Italy are both popular Southern European destinations for international students, offering Mediterranean culture, relatively affordable tuition, and rich cultural experiences. Spain’s University of Barcelona and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid lead nationally; Italy’s Politecnico di Milano and Università di Bologna (the world’s oldest university, founded 1088) are internationally respected. Both countries participate in Erasmus+ and offer programs in their respective languages with growing English-taught options.
🇪🇸 Spain vs 🇮🇹 Italy: Quick Comparison
Use this comparison to decide between Spain and Italy for your university studies in 2026. We compare tuition fees, top universities, living costs, visa options, and career prospects.
| Factor | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇮🇹 Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Top university (QS) | University of Barcelona (#174) | Politecnico di Milano (#139) |
| Universities in QS Top 500 | 11 | 9 |
| Average tuition (public) | €800–3,000/year (income-based) | €1,000–4,000/year (income-based) |
| Average living costs/month | €800–1,200 (Madrid: €1,000–1,500) | €900–1,300 (Milan: €1,400–1,800) |
| Language of instruction | Spanish (+ English master’s growing) | Italian (+ 100s English programs) |
| Erasmus+ popularity | Most popular Erasmus destination | 2nd most popular Erasmus destination |
| Climate | Mediterranean, sunny, dry | Mediterranean (south) / Alpine (north) |
| Historical university | Salamanca (founded 1134) | Bologna (founded 1088 – oldest in world) |
| Job market | High youth unemployment (~12-15%) | High youth unemployment (~6-8% graduate) |
Source: QS World University Rankings 2026, OECD Education at a Glance 2025, official immigration authority data. Last updated: February 2026.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Studying in Spain?
🇪🇸 Advantages of Spain:
- Spanish is 2nd most spoken language in world – career superpower
- Lower cost of living than most Western European countries
- Most popular Erasmus destination since 1987
- Vibrant social culture, nightlife, and Mediterranean lifestyle
- Growing English-taught master’s programs in top cities
- Gateway to Latin American markets (50+ million Spanish speakers in Americas)
Disadvantages of Spain:
- Youth unemployment historically high in Spain
- Less internationally ranked universities than Germany, UK, Netherlands
- Limited English spoken in many administrative and daily life contexts
- Regional differences (Catalan, Basque) can complicate things
What Are the Pros and Cons of Studying in Italy?
🇮🇹 Advantages of Italy:
- Politecnico di Milano – excellent for design, engineering, architecture
- University of Bologna – oldest university in world, prestigious heritage
- Strong fashion, design, and luxury goods industries
- Milan: fashion capital + financial center of Italy
- Rich cultural heritage: art, food, architecture unmatched globally
- Growing number of English-taught programs
Disadvantages of Italy:
- Italian bureaucracy notorious for complexity
- Youth unemployment elevated, particularly in southern Italy
- Milan is expensive (€1,400–1,800/month living)
- Italian language learning takes time and effort
What Are the Top Universities in Spain?
| University | Best For | Global Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| University of Barcelona | Sciences, Medicine, Humanities | #174 QS |
| Universidad Autónoma de Madrid | Sciences, Law, Social Sciences | #231 QS |
| Universidad Complutense | Medicine, Humanities, Law, Sciences | #235 QS |
| Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona | Sciences, Engineering, Business | #184 QS |
| University of Navarra | Medicine, Humanities, Business | Private/Highly respected |
What Are the Top Universities in Italy?
| University | Best For | Global Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Politecnico di Milano | Engineering, Design, Architecture | #139 QS |
| University of Bologna | Medicine, Law, Sciences, Humanities | #154 QS |
| Sapienza Università di Roma | Medicine, Sciences, Humanities | #171 QS |
| University of Milan | Medicine, Sciences, Law | #200 QS |
| Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa | Sciences, Humanities (elite research) | Highly selective |
What Is the Verdict – Spain or Italy?
Choose Spain for learning Spanish (world’s 2nd most spoken language), lower cost of living, the most popular Erasmus experience, and a vibrant Mediterranean lifestyle with access to Latin American career markets. Choose Italy for world-class design and engineering at Politecnico di Milano, the prestige of the world’s oldest universities, and immersion in Italian culture, art, and the global fashion and luxury industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spain or Italy cheaper for international students?
Spain is generally cheaper overall. Average living costs in Spanish cities range from €800–1,200/month (Madrid: €1,000–1,500). Italy is comparable in most cities (€900–1,300/month) but Milan is significantly more expensive (€1,400–1,800). Tuition at public universities is similarly low in both countries (€800–4,000/year depending on income).
Do I need to speak Spanish or Italian to study there?
For most undergraduate programs, yes – Spanish proficiency is required in Spain and Italian in Italy. However, both countries are expanding English-taught programs. Spain has several hundred English-taught master’s programs; Italy’s Politecnico di Milano, Bocconi, and LUISS Guido Carli offer significant English-medium programs. English-only study is feasible at master’s level.
What are the best universities in Spain for international students?
University of Barcelona, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, and IE Business School (private) attract the most international students. IE Business School and IESE Business School are Spain’s globally prestigious business schools. Salamanca is historically prestigious for Spanish language programs.
Is the Erasmus program relevant for Spain and Italy?
Very much so. Spain has been the most popular Erasmus destination since the program’s founding in 1987, receiving more students than any other country. Italy is the second most popular destination. Both countries warmly welcome Erasmus exchange students, and the Erasmus experience in Spain and Italy is legendary for both academic quality and cultural immersion.
Data on this page is compiled from QS World University Rankings 2026, Times Higher Education, OECD Education at a Glance, and official government immigration websites. Last verified: February 2026.