Why Italy and Spain Are Becoming the New Favorites for English-Taught Degrees in 2026

A few years ago, if you told someone that you wanted to do a European study without knowing a thing about German or Dutch, people would give you a strange look. This is no longer the case, as nowadays, strolling through a lecture hall at a public university in Madrid, one can stumble upon an Italian professor teaching economics in English to a class of Brazilian, Indian, and German students. It is a fairly common sight these days, and the trend seems to be spreading. Italy and Spain seem to be transforming from language-specific destinations for international students into hubs offering various English-taught programs.
But why is this happening? A combination of several factors can explain the tendency. Some of them are pure politics, others are the result of a natural growth of the offer — and the overall demand for high-quality education. Italian and Spanish universities have realized that they have an opportunity to attract global attention by providing local students and foreigners who want to study in Europe with a wide range of programs in English. The appeal of studying in Europe, in general, has been growing consistently for a number of years now. For students who want to get a good education without breaking their bank accounts, studying in the United States or the United Kingdom is too expensive. And for those who want to study in the United States or the United Kingdom, it takes too long to learn the language and get accustomed to the local environment. That is why students from all over the world are choosing to study in Europe more and more frequently.
In this guide, you will learn everything there is to know about studying in Spain and Italy in 2026. We will discuss the most popular fields of study, the amount of money you need to study there, provide you with information on the visa and immigration requirements, and much more. This trend is part of a wider shift towards studying abroad in non-English-speaking countries, where international students can find English-taught programs alongside opportunities to experience a new culture.
What do the numbers reveal about the growth of English-taught programs in Italy and Spain?
Let us examine the facts and figures first, shall we? If we take a closer look at the Italian and Spanish programs offered in English, it becomes apparent that they have been increasing exponentially since 2019. To be more precise, today, there is a choice of over 1,250 different courses in Italy, compared to 960 last year. As for Spain, it has joined the '1,000+' club, and cities such as Barcelona find themselves in the European elite in terms of the number of English-taught programs.
The overall increase is directly related to the efforts made by the two governments to position their higher-education systems as attractive to international students. For instance, the Italian Ministry of Education expects a rise in the number of student housing units by several thousand by 2026 (Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan). In addition, despite the expected surge, there will still be an insufficient amount of housing to meet demand. As far as Spain is concerned, the number of foreign students rose by nearly 10,000 in one academic year and exceeded 230,000. In other words, over 6% of Spanish university students study in English, and over 25% of master's and doctoral students are foreign.
The importance of English-taught degrees:
Understand global opportunities: students get an advantage in discovering universities and job opportunities globally.

Superior communication: students obtain superior communication skills for academic, professional, and international environments.

Learning options: With an English-taught degree, students can access thousands of courses around the world without having to learn the local language before studying abroad.

Career benefits: Proficiency in the English language opens the door to new careers, and strengthens employability within global industries, or multilingual companies.

Easy access to resources: most journals, articles, online courses, and study materials are available in English.

Academic network: the English language is used internationally; students will have the opportunity to connect, and communicate confidently with peers, professors, and professionals internationally.

Confidence: Using English language skills on a daily basis when studying and presenting will make students feel more confident in their abilities.

Why is Italy becoming a preferred study destination for English-taught programs?
• Changing Paradigm: Italy is moving from being a country of art, food, and wine to a modern education destination offering high-quality education, research, and innovation.
• Politecnico di Milano: Offers more than 50% of its master’s programs in English, including multidisciplinary engineering, architecture, and design.
• Bocconi University: Provides internationally recognized programs in management, business administration, and economics in English.
• University of Bologna: Offers a variety of programs in law, medicine, and international relations in English.
• Sapienza University: The capital's largest university has seen a significant increase in its offerings of programs taught in English.
• Others: LUISS, Sant'Anna, Ca' Foscari, and Turin Universities are fast becoming popular study destinations among international students.
• Bachelor's Programs: Most bachelor's programs do not offer classes in English, and students must demonstrate at least B2 proficiency in the national language.
• Master's and Doctoral Studies: The number one reason for the increase in programs taught in English is at the master's and doctoral levels.
• Medicine: Some public universities offer medicine in English through the IMAT selection test.
• Appealing Study Destination: Value for money, European qualifications, and a growing number of courses provided in English, attract many students to consider Italy as an alternative study destination.

Students planning to pursue higher education in Italy can explore our detailed guide on study in Italy to understand the available courses, top universities, admission requirements, and student visa process.
The Cost Advantage in Italy
Italy is an attractive study destination since one can acquire an affordable European education without breaking the bank as in the case of UK, US, and Australia.
• Reasonable tuition: The public universities have lower fees than those of popular study destinations.
• Fee based on family’s income: The amount of tuition is determined by the income of your family.
• Scholarships: You can get both university and regional scholarships that cover the cost of tuition and offer extra money.
• Reasonable cost of living: Your overall budget will not be overwhelmed since you can reside in cities with a lower minimum wage than that of Milan and Rome.
• Value for money: You will graduate with a European qualification while at the same time saving some money.
• Funding opportunities: Undergraduate students who meet certain criteria can get financial aid that assists with room, meals, tuition fees, and other study costs.
Why is Spain gaining in popularity among international students as a destination for studying English-Taught programs?
Several reasons explain the rapid rise of interest in studying in Spain.
• First there is a wide range of courses offered in English including various fields of business, technology, social science, and managerial studies.
For instance, almost all courses at IE University can be studied in English, including business, law, international relations, and other disciplines. Another renowned institution offering education in English is ESADE – a business school based in Barcelona, known worldwide for its high-quality programs in business administration and management. Additionally, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) provides a complete range of study courses, one of which is the BA in Economics, available in English for the academic year 2021/2022 at a public university price. Besides those mentioned above, one of the most popular universities where people choose to study in English is Universitat Pompeu Fabra, located in Barcelona.
There are also many courses in business, data analytics, finance, and related subjects available in English. In total, there are more than 250 English-taught programs in Spain.
•    Second, public university fees can be much cheaper than private education in other renowned academic countries such as the United Kingdom or the United States.
•    Third, some of the most popular universities in Spain, namely Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and Complutense University of Madrid, are among the best value-for-money universities and have entered the top 200 universities in the world.
•    Last but not least, the number of international students who decide to study in Spain has increased due to the opportunities to get high-quality education in English and the cost-effectiveness of public institutions.

If you are considering Spain for your higher education, our guide to study in Spain covers important details about universities, popular courses, admission requirements, and student visas.
Spain's Open-Door Policy
Spain has a policy of openness to international students who wish to study in Spain. The country's universities are seeing a rise in courses offered in English, particularly in business, technology, finance, social sciences, and management. While many European countries have recently adopted stricter immigration policies, Spain has encouraged international students to come and stay in the country after graduation to contribute to the Spanish economy. The EduBridge to Spain programs are an example of the interest in promoting Spain as a study destination through various means. In addition to the international students from Italy, France, China, Mexico, and Colombia, students from Peru, Chile, and Ecuador are also choosing to study in Spain. Moreover, Spain's growing ties with the United States and the resulting increase in student exchange opportunities further enhance Spain's appeal. Attractive, affordable, and diverse, Spain offers a unique blend of academic and business opportunities in two of Spain's most important cities: Madrid and Barcelona.
Comparing Italy and Spain Side by Side
Each of the two countries has its own advantages and disadvantages relative to the other, making it difficult to say which is objectively better than the other. Everything is relative depending on what you want to study at university.
•    Italy is probably more comfortable for someone whose primary language is not English – not because it has a higher percentage of English-taught programs, but rather because it has a significantly broader appeal beyond just the English-speaking community. Whereas in France, the number of English-taught programs remains relatively low. A degree from an Italian university in engineering, design, or medicine will still get you a solid education, and the cost will be significantly lower than in the US or the UK. This also applies to humanities, social studies, and liberal arts, which are all staples of the traditional Italian education system.
•    By contrast, Spanish-speaking countries offer better opportunities in the fields of business, finance, and technology. The big private business schools in Spain (IE, ESADE, etc.) offer a fully English-taught curriculum, as do public institutions like UC3M for those who want a more affordable option. Likewise, a degree from a Spanish-speaking country university is a safer choice if you want to settle in the country as a foreigner for the long term, as Spain is much more welcoming towards legal immigrants. Overall, both these countries are excellent choices compared to most Northern European countries, which are considerably more expensive and do not offer as wide a choice of programs in English. Some, like the Netherlands, have recently seen a downturn in their international student numbers due to cuts to English-taught programs.
What are the real reasons behind this shift?
1.    Government policy is finally catching up- for years, Italy and Spain lagged behind Germany and the Netherlands in offering English-taught programs. That gap is closing fast. Universities have realized that English-medium degrees are not a threat to local culture. They are a bridge that brings in tuition revenue, research talent, and long-term skilled workers who often stay after graduation.
2.    Cost of living still beats Northern Europe- Rent, food, and daily expenses in cities like Bologna, Valencia, or Seville remain noticeably lower than in Amsterdam, Berlin, or Stockholm. For students juggling loans or part-time work, this difference adds up quickly over a three- or four-year degree.
3.    A genuine lifestyle pull- let's be honest, lifestyle matters. Studying in a city with good weather, rich history, and a slower, more social pace of life is genuinely appealing. Students are not machines optimizing only for rankings. They want an experience too, and Italy and Spain deliver that in a way that few countries can match.
4.    Employers increasingly value European degrees- a degree from a well-regarded Italian or Spanish university now carries real weight with employers across the European Union. Combined with the EU's freedom of movement rules, graduates get a wider job market to explore right after finishing their studies.
5.    Alternative destinations are getting harder or pricier- the UK has raised visa costs and tightened post-study work rules over recent years. The US remains expensive and increasingly uncertain for many applicants. Canada has also introduced stricter caps on international student intake. Against that backdrop, Italy and Spain look remarkably stable and welcoming.
What about the language requirement?
This is the place where students get confused, so let me explain. For English medium courses, you are supposed to provide your English proficiency test results such as IELTS or TOEFL. Students can explore our IELTS preparation course or TOEFL preparation course to prepare for these English proficiency tests.

In Spain, requirements vary between universities, but TOEFL iBT score of around 88 to 100 is generally expected by some institutions. Similar requirements can be found in Italy as well but the passed score may vary depending upon the course and university.

To apply courses taught in English, you do not necessarily need to know the local language but having some basic knowledge of Italian or Spanish could help you feel more confident. It is also important to keep in mind that many local employers may expect at least some proficiency in the local language despite the fact that you have studied English.

The Application Process, Step by Step
Applying to either country has a rather standard procedure; it is recommended to begin the process at least ten to twelve months prior to the desired start date.
•    Firstly, the prospective programs and universities should be narrowed down, and the recognition of the degrees should begin, if required. This step usually takes around eight to ten months, with actual application submission, including the relevant paperwork, transcripts, English proficiency tests, and essays, happening sometime later.
•    After getting accepted (which usually takes six to eight months from the application date depending on the competitiveness of the program).
•    One should arrange for international health insurance, which can be procured in the six to eight months before the starting date of the course. Four to six months prior to the beginning of the classes, one should apply for the visa to the respective embassy of the country they are going to study in. For Spain, it would be the student visa D type, and for Italy, there is a national visa category for studies, so that the process may vary depending on the country of interest.
•    In the final months before departure, one should look for accommodation, open a local account, if possible, as well as confirm their enrollment. It is also the time to book plane tickets and finalize other details, so the process is not overwhelming.
What about the scholarships and financial support offered by Italy and Spain?
•    Italy's financial support
Italy offers a variety of financial support options for international students, including regional and university scholarships that can greatly reduce the cost of studying there for individuals with low incomes. The need for financial support in Italy is often determined based on the ISEE system, whereas selected universities offer excellent scholarships for students with high grades that can cover up to 100% of the tuition fee
•    Spain's scholarships
Similar to Italy, Spain also offers a variety of financial support options for international students at the university level, provided by private organizations and governments, including Erasmus+. At the same time, Spain is home to several prestigious business schools, including IE and ESADE, that offer merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce the cost of business education there.

Before finalising a university, students should also research the available study abroad scholarships that may help reduce tuition fees and other education-related expenses.
Who Should Seriously Consider Italy or Spain in 2026?
Both are good options for someone who wants to get a respected European degree without breaking the bank. Italy is for you if you want to study engineering, design, medicine, or be a part of established universities with centuries of tradition behind them. As for Spain, it has a strong focus on business, finance, technology, or social sciences and is ready to welcome you with open arms after the studies are over.
Students who want to get a high-quality education while saving some money will find these countries significantly more appealing than the UK, the States, or Australia. Also, Italy and Spain provide you with an opportunity to not only get a good education but to enjoy the lifestyle that suits you best, which is something you cannot say about other European countries.
Final Thoughts
Italy and Spain are both popular choices for international students who want to have a European experience. Both countries provide a wide range of courses in different subjects taught in English at local universities, various types of studies, and affordable living standards. The two countries also have a variety of scholarships, regional support, and communities of international students that contribute to their popularity among learners from abroad. Nowadays, it seems that students are choosing to study in Italy and Spain over other popular study destinations for the opportunities these two countries provide rather than the cultural diversity and a good standard of living. The trend will most probably continue in 2026 as both countries continue to offer more and more courses in English that make them attractive study destinations over traditional options such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Therefore, students should consider embarking on their educational journeys in either of the two European countries if they are thinking of achieving academic excellence on the European continent.
FAQs on Why Italy and Spain Are Becoming the New Favorites for English-Medium Degrees in 2026
Q.1 Why are Italy and Spain popular for studying an English-medium degree?
Ans- Italy and Spain provide good-quality education options in English, affordable study fees, and well-known European universities.
Q.2 Are there any courses taught in English at Italian universities?
Ans- Yes, there are lots of various English-taught programs in Master’s and Doctoral degrees.
Q.3 Are there any bachelor’s programs taught in English?
Ans- Yes, there are lots of different bachelor’s programs taught in English.
Q.4 Is an education in Italy considered affordable?
Ans- Higher education in Italy is considered affordable for most students. Public universities have a scholarship program and reduced tuition fees for economically disadvantaged students.
Q.5 Is Spain a country where students can afford to study?
Ans- For the most part, yes, because public institutions of higher education and low-cost urban areas are available for students who wish to pursue their studies in Spain.
Q.6 Are there any scholarships for international students in Italy?
Ans- Yes, there are many different scholarships. Students are eligible to apply for several types of financial aid depending on their personal situation.
Q.7 Are there any scholarships for international students in Spain?
Ans- Yes, there are many different scholarships provided by universities, states, and Erasmus+.
Q.8 Ans- Do you need to know Italian/Spanish to study in English?
Ans- Not for an English-taught program, but if you wish to find a job in your specialty after your studies, you should know the local language at least at a basic level.
Q.9 What are the most popular areas of study in these countries?
Ans- The most popular fields of study include business administration, engineering, technology, finance, design, economics, and social sciences.
Q.10 Why study in Italy or Spain in 2026?
Ans- You will get high-quality education in English, a degree from a well-known European university, and you will have an opportunity to enjoy the local culture and lifestyle, as well as affordable prices.