Many international students aspire to pursue a law degree at a Spanish university. In an increasingly globalized world, studying abroad has become a valuable opportunity to broaden both personal and professional horizons.
Studying Law at a Spanish university not only offers a top-quality education, but also immerses students in a unique legal environment that blends European traditions with an international perspective.
This article is your guide to understanding how to approach the process of enrolling in law schools in Spain, outlining the steps to follow to study this degree if you are a foreigner, where to study it, which are the best universities, etc.
In addition to this, we'll also give you information about the Specific Competency Tests (PCE), the tests that will allow you to access this university degree in Spain if you're a foreigner. Let's get started!
How to study Law in Spain if you are a foreigner
The process you need to follow to study Law at a Spanish university if you come from a foreign country is as follows:
- Complete pre-university studies in your country, what in Spain we know as baccalaureate.
- Once you have completed these studies, you will have to post them and approve them.
- Another thing you will have to do is be "clear" which university you want to study at. Each university has different requirements, so it is necessary to identify them to prepare the precise and necessary subjects (If you are still not sure, do not worry, with services such as Focus I or Focus II you will be able to clear up all your doubts).
- Perform registration for PCE UNEDasiss exams.
- Take the PCE UNEDasiss Selectivity tests and obtain the necessary grade to access this degree at the university you want. These tests are usually between the months of May and June, depending on the date marked by the call.
- Perform university pre-registration at the chosen university/s. It is usually in the month of June/July.
- wait for the acceptance notification from the university and pay the fees. This is done in July, and can be done online.
- Finally, if everything has gone as expected, you can start your Law degree in September!
💡 Do you want professional help during this process? Click here to contact us.
Where to study Law in Spain?
In Spain, more than 50 universities offer law degrees. These universities include both public and private institutions, located throughout the country.
In addition, many of these universities also offer dual degree programs , where students can combine Law with another discipline, which adds even more options for those interested in this area of study.
Regarding which university is the best to study this degree, there are various rankings where some universities with the best scores in some characteristics are indicated, such as dropout rate, faculty, campus, etc. From Escuela PCE We want to give you some first tips so you can choose the best one for you and then look at these rankings:
- Choose the city well where you want to live and look for the nearest university that offers this degree. This is important because sometimes the most important thing is not the university, but what surrounds it (family, university costs, leisure, friends...).
- Choose between private and public universities. If you want to know the differences, you can see our post to know the advantages and disadvantages between the two options.
- Finally, if your place of residence has several universities to choose from, choose according to the ranking of universities. However, you should know that the degree issued by a public university has the same value, regardless of which university you obtained it from.
What is the best university to study Law in Spain?
Spain boasts numerous universities renowned for the quality of their law programs. Here are some of the best, according to national and international rankings:
- Complutense University of Madrid (UCM): With one of the oldest and most prestigious law schools in Spain, UCM is known for its rigorous law program and strong focus on research.
- University of Barcelona (UB): The UB offers a broad programme of studies in Law, combining traditional teaching with new methodologies, and has a strong focus on international and European law.
- Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM): The UAM Faculty of Law is highly respected for its educational quality and research, with a special emphasis on public law and administrative justice.
- Carlos III University of Madrid: This university is known for its innovative approach to teaching and for offering an international environment, with numerous bilingual programs and exchange opportunities.
- University of Navarra: The Faculty of Law of the University of Navarra stands out for its comprehensive and personalized approach to teaching, and its commitment to ethics and values in legal practice.
These universities not only offer an excellent legal education, but also opportunities to participate in international exchanges, internships at renowned law firms, and research activities, making them highly attractive to students from all over the world.
What is the cut-off grade for universities offering a law degree?
The cut-off score establishes the indicative score needed to gain admission to a university program. It changes every year, as it refers to the score of the last student admitted to that degree program at that university. Therefore, it only serves to give us an estimated score.
The entry grades for studying Law in Spain in 2025 vary considerably depending on the university. While some universities require an average grade of 8, others require an average grade of 11. The highest grades are typically found at universities in large cities, which are also the most sought-after.
Be careful! If your approved high school diploma has a low grade, it is possible, depending on the university, that it is not mathematically possible to achieve the necessary score. Unfortunately, this means that for many high school graduates the door is closed to this degree long before taking the Selectividad. For this reason, it is very important to know in advance if we can achieve the objective with our pre-university studies.
For that, Escuela PCE explains in the post about «How to calculate the access grade» This process, which as you will see, depends on the university. In some, the high school "provides" more final grade than in others.
- Spanish regions where it is most important to have a good high school diploma: Andalusia, Catalonia, Navarra...
- Spanish regions where it is less important to have a good high school diploma: Madrid, Valencia, Murcia and Castilla – León.
How much does it cost to study Law in Spain?
The cost of studying law in Spain varies significantly depending on whether the university is public or private, as well as the region where the institution is located. Here is a general overview of the associated costs:
Public universities
At public universities, tuition fees are regulated by the government and can vary between the different autonomous communities. Generally, the annual cost of tuition for a law degree ranges from approximately €600 to €1,500. This is much more affordable compared to international fees, as it is subsidized by the Spanish government.
Private universities
Private universities are free to set their own fees, which are usually considerably higher than those of public universities. Studying law at a private university in Spain can cost between €6,000 and €20,000 per academic year, depending on the institution.
Grants and scholarships
There are various scholarships and financial aid programs available for both domestic and international students, offered by the Spanish government, universities, and various organizations. These can significantly reduce the cost of studying in Spain.
For accurate and up-to-date information on fees and scholarships, it is advisable to check directly with the universities of interest or visit their official websites.
How much money does a lawyer earn in Spain?
A lawyer's salary in Spain can vary considerably depending on several factors, including experience, specialization, geographical location, and the type of employer (e.g., a private firm, a company, or the public sector).
starting salaries
For newly graduated lawyers, starting salaries can range from approximately €18,000 to €30,000 per year. This range may be lower for those starting as interns at law firms, where starting salaries may be modest but with the potential for rapid increases depending on performance and specialization.
Salaries with experience
Experienced lawyers can expect significantly higher salaries. In major cities like Madrid or Barcelona, and especially at prestigious law firms or in specialized areas such as corporate law, financial law, or international law, salaries can range from €40,000 to over €100,000 per year.
Lawyers in the public sector
In the public sector, salaries tend to be lower compared to the private sector, but jobs often offer greater stability and benefits. Public sector salaries can range from € 20,000 to €50,000 per year, depending on rank and experience.
It is also important to consider that many lawyers work independently, so their income may depend directly on their client base and their ability to manage their practice. In these cases, income can be very variable.
These figures are approximate and may vary from year to year. It is advisable to consult updated sources or sector-specific salary surveys for more precise information.
5 things you should know before studying Law:
Studying law is a significant decision that can lead to a rewarding and challenging career. Here are 5 important considerations before embarking on these studies:
- Understanding the Time and Energy Commitment: Studying law requires considerable dedication. Courses are extensive and often complex, requiring many hours of reading, analysis, and case preparation. Make sure you are prepared to invest the time and effort necessary to succeed.
- Interest in reading and writing: Law involves a great deal of reading of legal texts, court cases and complex documentation, as well as the need to draft clear and accurate legal documents. A strong interest and ability in reading and writing are essential.
- Analytical and critical thinking skills: Studying law requires the ability to think critically and analyse situations from multiple perspectives. The ability to break down arguments, evaluate evidence and formulate logical reasoning is crucial.
- Financial Considerations: Aside from tuition, law school may involve other costs, such as books and supplies, which can be significant. Additionally, the return on investment can vary depending on the career path you choose after graduation.
- Career opportunities and job market: It's important to have a realistic view of the job market for lawyers in the location where you plan to practice. Research the areas of law that are growing and consider how your interests align with those areas. It's also worth considering the possibility of practicing in different contexts, such as in law firms, corporations, government, or independently.
Considering these points will help you determine whether studying law is the right decision for you and how you can best prepare for your educational and professional future.
After everything we've told you, do you want to study Law in Spain as a foreigner? If so, and you'd like professional help, contact us.
