Spain has some of the best law schools and educational systems in all of Europe. About 45 of these colleges get public funding, while the remaining 31 are either private institutions or have historically been Catholic institutions.
On the plus side, there are many English-speaking foreign institutions and law schools in Spain that solely provide lessons in English, where you can find many law programs. However, as the majority of programs are provided in Spanish, it would be advisable to contact universities individually if you wanted to study law in Spain in English.
This article explains the 15 Best law schools in Spain. Let’s begin.
Are there Law Schools in Spain?
There are 41 law schools in Spain that provide top-notch legal education. Here is a list of Spanish law schools.
- University of Castilla–La Mancha – Facultad de Derecho, Albacete
- Universidad de Alicante – Facultad de Derecho, San Vicente del Raspeig
- Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona – Facultad de Derecho
- Universitat de Barcelona – Facultad de Dret
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra – Facultad de Dret, Barcelona
- Universidad de Deusto – Facultad de Derecho, Bilbao
- Universidad de Extremadura – Facultad de Derecho, Cáceres
- Universitat Jaume I – Facultad de Ciències Jurídiques i Econòmiques, Castellón
- Universidad de Córdoba – Facultad de Derecho
- Universidad del País Vasco – Facultad de Derecho, Donostia – San Sebastián
- Universitat de Girona – Facultat de Dret
- Universidad de Granada – Facultad de Derecho
- Universidad de Cádiz, Facultad de Derecho, Jerez de la Frontera.
- Universidade da Coruña – Facultad de Dereito
- Universidad de La Laguna – Facultad de Derecho
- Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – Facultad de Ciencias Jurídicas, Las Palmas
- Universidad de León – Facultad de Derecho
- Universitat de Lleida – Facultad de Derecho
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid – Facultad de Derecho, Madrid
- Universidad Carlos III de Madrid – Facultad de Derecho
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid – Facultad de Derecho, Madrid
- Universidad de Alcalá – Facultad de Derecho, Madrid
- Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia – Facultad de Derecho
- Universidad Pontificia de Comillas – Facultad de Derecho
- Universidad de Málaga – Facultad de Derecho
- Universidad Miguel Hernández – Facultad de Ciencias Sociales Jurídicas, Elche
- Universidad de Murcia – Facultad de Derecho
- University of Navarra School of Law,[14] Pamplona
- Universidade de Vigo – Facultad de Derecho, Orense
- Universidad de Oviedo – Facultad de Derecho
- Universitat de les Illes Balears – Facultad de Dret, Palma, Spain
- Universidad Rey Juan Carlos – Facultad de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales, Madrid; Móstoles; Fuenlabrada; Aranjuez
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili – Facultad de Ciencias Jurídicas, Tarragona
- Universidad de Salamanca – Facultad de Derecho, Salamanca
- Universidad de Cantabria – Facultad de Derecho, Santander, Spain
- Universidade de Santiago de Compostela – Facultad de Dereito
- Universidad de Sevilla – Facultad de Derecho
- Universidad Pablo de Olavide – School of Law, Sevilla
- Universitat de Valencia – Facultad de Derecho
- Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad de Valladolid
- Universidad de Zaragoza – Facultad de Derecho
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What are the Requirements of Law Schools in Spain 2024?
Many students go to Spain’s law schools for LL.M. programs because it is the center of the European Union.
Spain is a force in law and legal education thanks to its intellectual and cultural excellence as well as the fact that Spanish is a widely spoken language worldwide.
You must fulfill the following prerequisites to enroll in a law program in Spain:
- Have your credentials reviewed by the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
- If you are looking for an undergraduate degree, have a high school diploma
- If you are applying for a postgraduate degree, you must hold a bachelor’s degree in law.
- Depending on the language of teaching at the university you choose, be fluent in either English or Spanish (Note that you must submit proof of language proficiency) and submit recommendation letters.
- If you are seeking a postgraduate degree, you should have job experience.
- If you are not an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you must obtain a visa
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How Much is the Tuition at Law Schools in Spain?
Tuition at law schools in Spain 2024 differ from school to school. Generally, private schools cost more than public schools. It is important to note that international students will pay more in tuition than resident students.
Below is a list of law schools in Spain 2024 with their tuition fee per year:
- University of Castilla–La Mancha – Facultad de Derecho, Albacete- 998 USD/year.
- Universidad de Alicante – Facultad de Derecho, San Vicente del Raspeig- 900.00 € / year
- Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona – Facultad de Derecho- 69.80 euros
- Universitat de Barcelona – Facultad de Dret- 3,000 EUR per year
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra – Facultad de Dret, Barcelona
- Universidad de Deusto – Facultad de Derecho, Bilbao- 10,000 USD per year
- Universidad de Extremadura – Facultad de Derecho, Cáceres- €1,202.32
- Universitat Jaume I – Facultad de Ciències Jurídiques i Econòmiques, Castellón
- Universidad de Córdoba – Facultad de Derecho- $3,942 / year
- Universidad del País Vasco – Facultad de Derecho
- Universitat de Girona – Facultat de Dret- €30.21
- Universidad de Granada – Facultad de Derecho-€757
- Universidad de Cádiz, Facultad de Derecho, Jerez de la Frontera-$3,942
- Universidade da Coruña – Facultad de Dereito- €1215
- Universidad de La Laguna – Facultad de Derecho- $4,487
- Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria- $850 / year
- Universidad de León – Facultad de Derecho-2,500 USD per year
- Universitat de Lleida – Facultad de Derecho- 2,500 USD/year
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid – Facultad de Derecho, Madrid- 1,000 USD per year
- Universidad Carlos III de Madrid – Facultad de Derecho- 113,71€
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid – Facultad de Derecho, Madrid- 6,11 euros
- Universidad de Alcalá – Facultad de Derecho, Madrid- $52,000 per year
- Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia – Facultad de Derecho- 7,065.00euros
- Universidad Pontificia de Comillas – Facultad de Derecho
- Universidad de Málaga – Facultad de Derecho- $4,290 / year
- Universidad Miguel Hernández – Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Jurídicas, Elche- $16,640 per year
- Universidad de Murcia – Facultad de Derecho- $1,100 / year
- University of Navarra School of Law,[14] Pamplona- 211,67€
- Universidade de Vigo – Facultad de Derecho, Orense- $50,860
- Universidad de Oviedo – Facultad de Derecho- 1,000 USD per year
- Universitat de les Illes Balears – Facultad de Dret, Palma, Spain- 80 euros
- Universidad Rey Juan Carlos – 2,500 USD/year
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili – Facultad de Ciencias Jurídicas, Tarragona€2,913
- Universidad de Salamanca – Facultad de Derecho, Salamanca- 3110€
- Universidad de Cantabria – Facultad de Derecho, Santander, Spain-€31,900
- Universidade de Santiago de Compostela -$72,798
- Universidad de Sevilla – 750 EUR to 2,500 EUR per year
- Universidad Pablo de Olavide – 800 EUR per year
- Universitat de Valencia – Facultad de Derecho- less than 1,000 USD/year.
- Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad de Valladolid- $54,782 USD
- Universidad de Zaragoza – Facultad de Derecho- $54,782 USD
The 15 Best Law Schools in Spain | Cost, Requirements, How to Apply
#1. IE Law School
IE (Instituto de Empresa), a graduate professional school in business and law, was established in 1973 to create an entrepreneurial environment through its numerous programs. It is renowned for offering multidisciplinary legal education that is of the highest caliber and focused on the world. It is located in Madrid, Spain.
It is regarded as one of the greatest law schools in Spain due to its efficiency and many years of experience. Its graduates are well-trained and prepared to excel in their fields as lawyers. With a top-notch faculty, students may be ready for a wonderful profession by broadening their worldview and learning how to deal with whatever challenges life may throw their way.
#2. University of Navarra
The University of Navarra is a private research institution founded in 1952, with 11,180 students enrolled at this university, 1,758 of them are international students.
Of these, 8,636 are seeking bachelor’s degrees, 1,581 are pursuing master’s degrees, and 963 are pursuing PhDs.
The school supports innovation and growth, it continuously seeks to make a positive impact on its student’s education through a variety of sources of knowledge, including the acquisition of professional and societal skills and habits.
The law school offers instruction. This university is distinguished by high-caliber academic research, which contributes to this university’s reputation as one of the best in the legal community.
#3. ESADE – Law School
ESADE is managed by Ramon Llull University’s law school, Esade Law School. It was established in 1992 to educate lawyers who could meet the demands of globalization.
Esade is noted for its high standard of instruction and worldwide perspective. It is organized as a business school, a law school, and an executive education division. Two of the three sites that make up the Esade Law School are in Barcelona, and the third campus is in Madrid.
#4. University of Barcelona
In addition to being one of the oldest academic units at the University of Barcelona, the Faculty of Law is one of the oldest faculties in Catalonia.
It has developed some of the top legal experts by providing a wide range of courses that it has amassed throughout the years.
The law school’s undergraduate degree programs are currently available in the fields of law, political science, criminology, public management, administration, and labor relations. A Ph.D. program, numerous master’s degrees, and a selection of postgraduate courses are also offered.
#5. Pompeu Fabra University
Public university Pompeu Fabra is known for its research and teaching on a global scale. More than 1,500 international students enroll at this university each year to get a top-notch education.
The students at this university have access to a wealth of resources, knowledge, and skills in the legal sector. This university has succeeded in becoming alluring to students by providing some of the greatest student services, cozy study spaces, and individualized counseling and employment chances.
#6. Higher Institute of Law and Economics (ISDE)
Essentially teaching courses for the modern world, ISDE is the best institution with extensive knowledge of study methods and procedures.
Some of the top professionals in local, national, and international companies have the opportunity to teach the students and impart their expertise and skills.
For students to develop into the best versions of themselves both professionally and personally, this academic institution places a high value on allowing them to engage in genuine training in a real environment.
#7. University Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M)
The University of Carlos III in Madrid offers high-quality teaching that satisfies the stringent requirements set by the international labor market.
It aspires to be among the greatest institutions in Europe, and its degree programs are already ranked in both national and international rankings.
UC3M is not only devoted but also driven to providing students with the greatest instruction possible and inspiring them to reach their full potential. Additionally, it upholds its principles, which include merit, capability, efficiency, equity, and equality.
#8. University of Zaragoza
The University of Zaragoza, one of Spain’s top legal schools, has had a reputation for providing top-notch instruction ever since it was founded in 1568.
To better prepare students for the demands of the current labor market and the future, the faculty of law at this university combines both the academic and practical aspects of instruction.
Every year, the University of Zaragoza welcomes up to a thousand international students from all over the world to its campus, fostering a wonderful international environment where students may easily develop and flourish.
#9. University of Alicante
The Center for University Studies served as the foundation for the 1979 establishment of the University of Alicante (commonly known as UA) (CEU). The university’s main campus is located in San Vicente del Raspeig/Sant Vicent del Raspeig, which borders the city of Alicante to the north.
Constitutional Law, Civil Law, Procedural Law, Administrative Law, Criminal Law, Commercial Law, Labor and Social Security Law, Financial and Tax Law, Public International Law and International Relations, Private International Law, European Union Law, and the final project are all required courses offered by the faculty of law.
#10. Universidad Pontificia Comillas
The Spanish Province of the Society of Jesus operates the private Catholic university known as Comillas Pontifical University (Universidad Pontificia Comillas) in Madrid, Spain.
Since its founding in 1890, it has collaborated on numerous international initiatives, work experience programs, and academic exchanges with more than 200 academic institutions in Europe, Latin America, North America, and Asia.
#11. University of Valencia
The University of Valencia was established in 1499 and is a non-profit, public-private institution with around 53,000 students.
At the University of Valencia, students pursuing a law degree receive a foundational legal education that consists of two components: a theoretical understanding of legislation and the methodological tools required to interpret and apply the law.
The major goal of the degree is to create professionals who can uphold citizens’ rights in society under the existing legal framework.
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#12. University of Seville
The University of Seville, a public university, was established in 1551. With 73,350 students, it is one of the top academic institutions in Spain.
One of this university’s sections is the Faculty of Law, where courses in law and other closely connected fields of the social and legal sciences are now being studied.
#13. University of the Basque Country
About 44,000 students attend this public university, which has campuses in all three of the autonomous community’s provinces: Gipuzkoa Campus (in San Sebastián and Eibar), Biscay Campus (in Leioa and Bilbao), and Lava Campus (in Vitoria-Gasteiz).
The Faculty of Law was established in 1970 and is now in charge of researching, teaching, and studying law.
#14. University of Granada
One of Spain’s top public universities with a law school is the University of Granada. It was founded in 1531 by Emperor Charles V and is located in the Spanish city of Granada. It ranks as the fourth-largest university in Spain, with about 80,000 students.
Campuses for the UGR, as it is also known, may be found in Melilla and Ceuta.
Students are taught how to critically analyze various socio-political issues by the law department at this university so that various businesses, governments, and organizations can take various actions to better it.
#15. University of Castilla La Mancha
A university in Spain is called the University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM). Along with Ciudad Real, it also provides classes in Albacete, Cuenca, Toledo, Almadén, and Talavera de la Reina. On June 30, 1982, this institution received legal recognition; it didn’t start operating until three years later.
If one were to pay serious attention, one would observe that these colleges are not only the best but also reasonably priced, attracting international students.
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How Long is a Law School in Spain?
The average amount of time to earn a Spanish law degree is five years, so if you want to study law there, be prepared to put in that time. Spanish law graduates are required to begin a two-year training program. The student must pass the state exam after finishing this program to practice law.
Your legal studies will include courses in criminal law, contract law, equity and trusts, EU law, constitutional and administrative law, public law, tart law, and other topics. Be aware that not every university offers the same courses. Different courses may be used at different universities.
How to Apply to Law Schools in Spain 2024
In Spain, students go through a similar admission process for other areas as they do for law school. The actions you must take comprise the following:
Step 1: Select the college where you want to go.
Step 2: Verify your eligibility for this university by doing so.
Step 3: Check the necessary supporting documentation.
Step 4: Make sure you have the resources necessary to pay for your degree.
Step 5: Prepare all the necessary documentation.
Step 6: Select the city where you want to live.
Step 7: Make sure you apply before the application portal shuts down by checking the deadline.
Conclusion
There are 41 law schools in Spain, but we have discussed only the 15 best law schools. Did any of them get your attention? Do well to visit the schools’ page to learn about the requirements you need to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Annual tuition, on average, is €31,700. One of the top law schools in Spain, IE Law School has earned a reputation for consistency, effectiveness, and training that enables graduates to excel in their fields.
Graduates have good employment options thanks to Spain’s concentration on civil law, both within the nation and in many of its neighboring European nations. The Netherlands, which is recognized as a center for legal proceedings worldwide, exemplifies this sort of law practice.
Foreign attorneys may practice domestic or public international law in Spain under the name they use in their home country. EEA attorneys are allowed to open offices under their home names and practice local law alongside Spanish attorneys.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you would have to start your studies all over again for another bachelor’s. Since an LLB, LLL, or BCL is the degree that permits one to practice after being admitted to the bar in both France and Quebec. Neither jurisdiction, in contrast to common law jurisdictions like the US, requires a JD or an LLM. In Spain
References
- Erudera.com – how to Apply to a Law School in Spain
- Wikipidia.org – list of law schools in Spain
- Worldscholarhub.com best law schools in Spain