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CyprusCost of a first year
Spain vs Portugal: what a year of study costs
Portugal is the cheaper of the two: about EUR 1,600 to 15,500 less for a first year.
fromup to Tuition, 12 months of living costs and the visa fee.
Side by side
| Figure |  Spain |  Portugal |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition a year | EUR 1,500 to 8,200 | EUR 3,500 |
| Living costs, 12 months | EUR 8,400 to 16,800 | EUR 4,800 to 6,000 |
| Student visa fee | EUR 80 | EUR 110 |
| First year, all in | EUR 10,000 to 25,100 | EUR 8,400 to 9,600 |
| Money to show for the visa | EUR 7,200 | EUR 11,040 |
| Work during term | 30 hours a week | Not published |
| Stay to work after | 2 years | 1 year |
| Figures checked | 2026-09-24 | 2026-09-26 |
Every figure is from the Spain and Portugal guides, where each one links to its official source with the date we checked it. Living costs are the published monthly range times twelve. Converted at the day's rate (2026-11-08). Rates by Exchange Rate API.
Questions
Is it cheaper to study in Spain or Portugal?
Portugal is the cheaper of the two: about EUR 1,600 to 15,500 less for a first year. A first year in Spain costs about EUR 10,000 to 25,100 and in Portugal about EUR 8,400 to 9,600, counting tuition, twelve months of living costs and the visa fee, from each country's official sources.
How much money do I need to show for a student visa in Spain and Portugal?
Spain: EUR 7,200 a year. Portugal: EUR 11,040 a year.