Studying Psychology in Spain is an excellent option for foreign students seeking high-quality academic training in a culturally rich and diverse environment.
Spain offers some of the best universities in Europe to study Psychology, with programs that are highly regarded both nationally and internationally.
In the following article, we will give you all the information necessary to make the best decision for you: from the steps you have to follow to be able to do so if you come from a foreign country, to the most prominent universities, tuition costs and prospects jobs for psychologists in Spain.
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 Psychology in Spain if you are a foreigner
The steps you need to follow to study Psychology in Spain from a foreign country are the following:
- Finish pre-university studies in your country, what in Spain we know as baccalaureate.
- Once these studies are completed, you will have to post them and approve them.
- Another thing you will have to know is What university are you going to study at? Each university has different requirements, so it is necessary to identify them to prepare the precise and necessary materials.
- Perform registration for PCE UNEDasiss exams.
- Take the PCE UNEDasiss Selectivity tests and obtain the necessary grade to access the career you want. These tests usually take place 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 and pay university fees. This is done in the month of July, and can be done electronically.
- Finally, if everything has gone as expected, start the Psychology degree in the month of September!
Where to study the Psychology degree in Spain?
In Spain, approximately 50 universities offer a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. 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 Psychology with another discipline, adding even more options for those interested in this area of study.
Regarding which university is the best to study, 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 reside and look for the closest university that offers this degree. This is important since 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 learn about 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 Psychology in Spain?
Spain boasts several universities renowned for the quality of their Psychology programs. Here are some of the best, according to national and international rankings:
- Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM)
The UAM is recognized for its Faculty of Psychology, considered one of the best in Spain. It offers a very comprehensive approach to research and internships, making it an attractive option for foreign students. - University of Barcelona (UB)
The UB is also among the best universities in Spain and Europe to study Psychology. Its program is very complete and offers numerous exchange and professional internship opportunities. - Complutense University of Madrid (UCM)
UCM is another top-tier option, with a highly respected Psychology program. The university is known for its wealth of resources and research opportunities. - University of Valencia (UV)
The UV is recognized for its focus on research and the quality of its teaching in Psychology, being one of the best options in southern Europe. - University of Granada (UGR)
The UGR offers a strong program in Psychology with a focus on diversity and inclusion, making it particularly attractive to foreign students.
What is the cut-off mark for the universities that offer the Psychology 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 average cut-off score for studying Psychology in Spain in 2025 is around 10 out of 14 at public universities. However, this figure can vary depending on the specific university. For example, at some more prestigious or sought-after universities, such as the Autonomous University of Madrid or the University of Barcelona, the cut-off scores may be slightly higher, approaching or exceeding 12.
Eye! If your approved baccalaureate has a low grade, it is possible, depending on the university, that it may not be mathematically possible to achieve the necessary score. Unfortunately, this means that for many high school graduates the door to being a psychologist is closed long before taking the Selectivity. 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 money does it cost to study Psychology in Spain?
The cost of studying Psychology at a Spanish university depends on the tuition fees set by the university. As you may know, there are public and private universities.
Public universities are cheaper, but you will have to obtain a very high admission grade, so your high school diploma must be excellent and your Selectivity exams almost perfect. In the opposite case, there are private universities, where access to Architecture can be direct, without a cut-off grade, but with high prices per year.
For example, the annual tuition at a public university might be around €1.000–€2.000, while at private universities it can be €10.000 or more. As you can see, the price varies considerably, depending on the private university you choose.
How much money does a psychologist earn in Spain?
A psychologist's salary in Spain can vary considerably depending on specialization, experience, and location. On average, a newly graduated psychologist can expect to earn between €18.000 and €24.000 annually. With more experience and specialization, salaries can increase, reaching € 30.000 to €40.000 annually or more for specialized roles or in the private sector.
Additionally, many psychologists choose to open their own private practice, which can generate variable, but potentially higher, income depending on the number of clients and demand for services in their area.
5 things you should know before studying Psychology:
You may not know it, but here we list some things you should know before choosing this profession:
1. You must have iinterest in human behavior and the mind.
Psychology focuses on understanding human behavior, mental processes, and how these influence our actions and emotions. Students should have a genuine interest in these topics, as well as in helping people resolve emotional and psychological problems.
2. Possess hcommunication and empathy skills.
Psychologists work closely with people who are often in difficult situations. Strong communication skills and a high degree of empathy are essential to being able to connect with patients, understand their problems and offer appropriate support.
3. Have disposition for study and research.
Psychology is a science, and as such, it requires a solid foundation in research, academic reading, and critical analysis. Students should be prepared to read extensively, conduct research, and stay current with the latest developments in the field.
4. Job prospects and professional opportunities.
It is important to investigate the different professional opportunities that Psychology offers. Options include clinical, educational, organizational, forensic psychology, among others. It is also essential to understand the job opportunities and salary potential in the region where you intend to work.
5. Have ccommitment to continuous training.
Psychology is a field that is constantly evolving, so continuous training is essential. In addition to obtaining a degree, many psychologists need to specialize and complete master's degrees, doctorates, or additional training, such as the PIR (Internal Resident Psychologist), to access certain professional areas.
Taking these factors into account will help you make an informed decision about studying psychology and set you up for success in this career.
After everything we've told you, do you want to study Psychology in Spain as a foreigner? If so, and you'd like professional help, contact us.
