In the academic session of 2020–2021, the number of international students in Spanish higher education institutions exceeded 200,000, marking a significant increase of 50,000 compared to the previous year, when enrollment stood at 175,382. Among the total of 224,080 international students, the majority pursued degree programmes, accounting for 170,220, while the remaining 53,860 were participating in Erasmus exchange programmes.
Italy led in sending students to Spain with 22,688, closely followed by France (19,519), Colombia (19,351), and Ecuador (17,854).
Additionally, Spain attracted a substantial number of students from various countries:
- China – 12,525 students
- Germany – 10,063 students
- Romania – 8,919 students
- United States – 7,717 students
- Morocco – 7,456 students
- Peru – 7,377 students
- Mexico – 7,291 students
- Chile – 5,395 students
- Portugal – 4,614 students
- Venezuela – 3,941 students
- Brazil – 3,813 students
- Argentina – 3,777 students
Notably, the number of students from Germany doubled from 5,496 in 2020–2021 to 10,063 in 2021–2022, while Colombia also witnessed an increase. However, Ecuador experienced a decline, dropping to the fourth position among countries sending international students to Spain.
Spain’s popularity as a study abroad destination has grown significantly, attributed primarily to academic exchange programmes like Erasmus+. Madrid remains the top choice, hosting approximately 46,000 international students, followed closely by Cataluna with around 44,000. International students from countries outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland must apply for a visa to study in Spain. However, students from the Americas only require a student visa if their programme exceeds 90 days in duration.
