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Doctoral Studies in Spain: Opportunities and Peculiarities for Aspiring Scholars

Ukrainian students who possess remarkable perseverance are encouraged to venture into doctoral studies (program de doctorado).

The duration of this academic pursuit spans one year, accompanied by an additional 2-3 years dedicated to research. The coveted degree is bestowed upon successful candidates after their public defense of the meticulously crafted doctoral thesis. 

Photo: University. Spain

Embarking on educational endeavors in Spain comes with its own set of peculiarities worth noting. Spanish, being a language with abundant dialects, presents an intriguing linguistic landscape.

Castilian stands as the most widely spoken language, yet in locales such as Barcelona, the local university designates Catalan as its official medium of instruction.

Additional variations of Catalan, like Valencian, Galician, and Basque, also find their place within the academic sphere. However, students maintain the right to take exams in Spanish. 

Photo: University. Spain

It is not uncommon to encounter situations where, despite the university’s requirement of possessing a Spanish language certificate, classes are conducted primarily in the Basque language. 

The preparation of documents and meeting visa requirements are crucial steps in securing a legal stay in Spain during your educational pursuit.

Acquiring a student visa necessitates confirming your educational program and assembling all necessary documentation. 

Photo: University town Salamanca. Spain

In line with numerous European countries, Spain offers scholarships and grants to support students financially. These funding opportunities stem from both public and private sources.

Selection is highly competitive, with emphasis placed on your achievements and academic standing. Approximately 29% of students make use of various forms of financial aid, and eligible recipients benefit from tuition waivers. 

Choosing suitable accommodation poses another vital consideration. According to university estimates, monthly living expenses range between 900 and 1,100 euros, contingent upon the city and individual lifestyle. 

Photo: Universidad Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona. Spain

Once you have determined your specialization and university of choice, it is prudent to contemplate housing arrangements, as securing a rental agreement is a prerequisite for obtaining a visa. 

Dormitories and student residences remain the preferred accommodation choice for many international students. These options provide an excellent opportunity to forge friendships with individuals from diverse countries.

Photo: Campus for students in Barcelona. Spain

Residing within the university premises also offers the convenience of reduced transportation costs. On average, the monthly cost for a residence ranges from 800 to 1,000 euros. 

Alternatively, living with a Spanish family presents an excellent avenue to immerse oneself in the culture of this remarkable country. Additionally, this arrangement facilitates an opportunity for language improvement.

However, choosing this option requires a respectful adherence to the family’s rules. The price of a room in such a setting can range from 150 to 500 euros. 

Student apartments hold significant popularity among young scholars. These apartments offer individual rooms and the opportunity to select neighbors of one’s preference, whether they be friends or classmates.

Photo: Student apartments. Spain

Opting for a student apartment provides a cost-saving advantage, as the apartment expenses are shared among its occupants. Furthermore, this housing option allows you to choose an apartment according to your personal preferences.

The cost of apartments in Spain varies depending on the city, with an average range of 400 to 600 euros per month in Madrid and 200 to 250 euros per month in Salamanca.