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Study Guide in Valencia, Spain

Study Abroad Consultant

August 7, 2025

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About the City – Why You’ll Love to Study in Valencia, Spain

To study in Valencia, Spain is to immerse yourself in a city that’s equal parts vibrant and relaxed. This Mediterranean gem is Spain’s third-largest city, but it never feels overwhelming. Sandwiched between golden beaches and futuristic architecture, Valencia blends history with innovation like few places on Earth.

It’s a city with soul. Think cathedrals next to skate parks. Street art alongside ancient ruins. Local tapas, buzzing student bars, and sunsets that make you forget event reminders. Valencia’s population of nearly 800,000 includes a thriving international community, with over 65,000 university students, many from abroad.

And the climate? Glorious. 300 days of sunshine a year, with winters mild enough for outdoor study sessions along the Turia River Park.

Whether you’re pursuing a degree in medicine, business, art, or architecture, Valencia offers world-class education in a city that feels made for students.

Why Valencia is a Top Destination for International Students

1. High-Quality Education with Options

Valencia isn’t just sun and sangria, it’s a serious academic hub. Leading universities in the city offer dozens of English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degrees, especially in health, engineering, economics, and design. Many local institutions have strong Erasmus+ partnerships, making Valencia a major hotspot for international mobility.

2. Affordable and Balanced Lifestyle

The Spanish lifestyle is famous for its relaxed rhythm. In Valencia, that means late lunches, long sunny days, and a great work-life balance. On the practical side, Valencia is over 30% cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona, especially when it comes to rent and dining out.

3. Amazing Student Culture

Student associations, cultural clubs, international meetups, it’s all here. The city throws its arms open to exchange and international students. Events like Fallas, Las Noches del Río, and outdoor cinema nights at the beach become your weekend routine.

4. Language Immersion with a Gentle Touch

Almost everyone in Valencia speaks Spanish and Valencian. But many people, especially near university campuses, understand English. And with language schools scattered throughout the city, it’s a fantastic place to improve your Spanish step-by-step.

5. Location = Everything

Weekend in Ibiza? Mountains in an hour? Train to Madrid in two? Valencia’s coastal location makes it your launchpad for adventure, study trips, or short breaks.

In short? Studying in Valencia, Spain is as transformative as it is fun.

Top 10 Universities or Colleges in Valencia, Spain

1. Universitat de València (UV)
   One of Spain’s oldest (founded 1499) and most prestigious public universities. Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in sciences, humanities, medicine, and law. Many English-taught master’s.
2. Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV)
   Top-ranked in engineering, architecture, and design. Internationally recognized. Offers numerous English-taught science and tech degrees.
3. CEU Cardenal Herrera University
   Private university with strong faculties in veterinary medicine, architecture, and international relations. Great support for international students.
4. Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir (UCV)
   Catholic-affiliated school that combines tradition with modern teaching. Offers programs in nursing, education, philosophy, and psychology.
5. ESIC Business & Marketing School
   Specialized in business, digital economy, and analytics. Strong ties with global businesses and many English programs.
6. Barreira Arte + Diseño
   A creative hotspot. Degrees in fashion, graphic design, interior design, and audiovisual communication. Project-based learning with industry focus.
7. EDEM Escuela de Empresarios
   Entrepreneurship-focused business school with partnerships in tech and finance. Linked to the Llamp Startup Accelerator.
8. European School of Economics (Valencia Campus)
   Small-scale, personalized teaching in international business majors. All classes fully in English.
9. Florida Universitària
   Multidisciplinary school offering degrees in tourism, engineering, and business. Focused on employability and real-world application.
10. Berklee College of Music – Valencia Campus
    Yes, that Berklee. Its only European campus. Elite music education with a global student cohort and state-of-the-art studios.

Top 10 Student Accommodation Properties in Valencia, Spain

• Livensa Living Valencia Marina
• Yugo Valencia Amistad
• Collegiate Marina Real
• Micampus Valencia Blasco Ibáñez
• Resa Colegio Mayor La Concepción
• Nexo Residencias – Galileo Galilei
• Dhome Student Living
• Hubr Xior Valencia
• Urban Hub Valencia
• Residencia Universitaria Damià Bonet

These properties mix shared and private student apartments, often fully furnished with fast Wi-Fi, cleaning services, gyms, study zones, and rooftop hangouts. Apply early, spots are hot!

Top 10 Student Areas in Valencia and What to Expect

1. Blasco Ibáñez

• Nearby: UPV, UV
• Perks: Central student headquarters
  Packed with student bars, copy shops, supermarkets, and budget eats. Expect lots of shared flats and a buzzing vibe.

2. Benimaclet

• Nearby: UV, CEU
• Perks: Chill, artistic, and super sociable
  Full of international students and co-living spaces. A bit bohemian, popular with Erasmus+ students.

3. El Carmen

• Nearby: Valencia’s old town
• Perks: History and nightlife
  Gorgeous Gothic architecture, colorful murals, and late-night cafes. Quieter during the day.

4. La Saïdia

• Nearby: UV campuses
• Perks: Affordable and walkable
  More local, less touristy, but still only 10–15 minutes from the action.

5. Ruzafa

• Nearby: City center
• Perks: Stylish and foodie heaven
  Coolest neighborhood in town. Boutique student housing, vegan burgers, hipster markets. Slightly pricier.

6. Cabanyal

• Nearby: Beach and port
• Perks: Coastal life + tradition
  A re-emerging area with beach vibes and affordable housing. Great nightlife during summer semester.

7. Algiros

• Nearby: UPV, UV
• Perks: Student-focused and functional
  A solid all-rounder. Budget housing, great cafés, and quick tram connections.

8. Campanar

• Nearby: CEU, UV
• Perks: Quiet, local, family-friendly
  A little more residential. Perfect for postgrad or master’s students wanting peace.

9. Patraix

• Nearby: Metro lines
• Perks: Affordable and local
  Good deal for the rent. Supermarket access is excellent, and it’s metro-connected.

10. Ciudad de las Artes (City of Arts and Sciences)

• Nearby: Berklee, UPV (short ride)
• Perks: Futuristic + fancy
  Upscale and scenic. Rents are higher but worth it for design students inspired by architecture.

Cost of Living in Valencia, Spain – A Realistic Student Budget

Valencia isn’t the cheapest in all of Spain, but compared to Madrid or Barcelona? It’s a bargain.

👉 Total Monthly Cost: €700 – €1,100

Ways to save:

• Student menus (“menu del día”) under €10
• Use Metrovalencia semester pass discounts
• Shop fresh at Central Market
• Cook! Eating out in Valencia is inexpensive, but it adds up

You’ll get sunshine, sea, and sangria, all on a student budget.

Local Transport in Valencia – Stress-Free and Student-Approved

Valencia is compact, flat, and super easy to move around.

1. Metrovalencia

Metro, tram, and bus system run by Metrovalencia. Clean, fast, and cheap. Students get discounted cards for unlimited monthly travel.

2. Biking – Valenbisi

Best way to beat traffic and enjoy the weather. Valenbisi offers student-friendly subscriptions. Tons of bike lanes!

3. Walking

The city’s walkability is a major bonus. Grocery store, café, and class all within reach.

4. Trains & Buses

Valencia Estació Nord connects you nationwide. Discounted youth passes and FlixBus for bargain travel. Weekend getaway = sorted.

Summary – Study in Valencia, Spain: La Dolce Vita, University Edition

To study in Valencia, Spain is to blend top-notch education with unforgettable lifestyle perks. You’re not just reading textbooks, you’re walking in history, making tapas on weekends, and forming global friendships.

With affordable costs, excellent academic institutions, and culture flowing through every street, Valencia is a place where students don’t just live, they thrive.

It’s sunny. It’s smart. It’s student-perfect.

Top 10 FAQs About Studying in Valencia, Spain

1. Is Valencia good for international students?

Yes! It’s one of Spain’s top Erasmus+ cities and offers tons of international programs, events, and student groups.

2. Can I study in English in Valencia?

Absolutely. Most universities offer English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs across disciplines.

3. How much does student housing cost in Valencia?

Expect to pay €350 to €650, depending on location and whether it’s a shared or private flat.

4. Is Valencia cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona?

Yes, around 30% lower in monthly expenses including rent, public transport, and dining out.

5. Can international students work part-time?

Yes. You can work up to 20 hours per week during your studies under your student visa.

6. What’s student social life like in Valencia?

Vibrant and diverse, student parties, beach days, cultural events, and film festivals keep your calendar full.

7. Do I need to speak Spanish?

Not required for studies, but extremely helpful for day-to-day life and socializing.

8. Is Valencia safe?

Very. It ranks as one of Spain’s safest cities.

9. When should I apply for housing?

Start 3–5 months before arrival. Good spots go fast!

10. Why should I choose to study in Valencia over other Spanish cities?

Better balance of affordability, student life, and culture. Beaches, sunshine, great universities, need we say more?