Moving to Valencia to study is one of those life-changing decisions.
The city has something truly captivating: great weather, prestigious universities, a buzzing social life and a mix of culture and beach you won’t easily find elsewhere.
But taking the leap to move abroad always comes with its own challenges. So here’s a guide to help you make the move to Valencia and get the most out of the city while you study.
Why choose Valencia for your studies?
Valencia isn’t just about paella and Las Fallas, although those are fantastic too!
It’s a real university city, offering an incredible range of study options and an international atmosphere you can feel on every corner.
You’ll find universities such as Universitat de València, UPV or CEU, all offering top-level undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with strong links to companies and cutting-edge research centres.
Plus, living costs here are much lower than in other major Spanish cities, allowing you to enjoy life without constantly worrying about your budget.
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And best of all, the people. Making friends and adapting quickly here is very easy. MarÃa, a master’s student from Colombia, told us she was most surprised by the number of activities for students and how easy it is to get around by bike or metro.
“You don’t feel alone here, there are always people in the same situation and the city makes it easy to settle in,” she said. And she’s absolutely right!
Advantages of choosing Valencia for your postgraduate studies
1. Prestigious universities and academic quality
Valencia is home to internationally recognised institutions such as Universitat de València and Universitat Politècnica de València, both highly ranked globally for the quality of their programmes and focus on employability.
There are also business schools and specialised training centres offering master’s and postgraduate programmes adapted to current market demands, with practical training and leading professors in each field.
2. Wide range of programmes and easy access
The city offers a wide variety of master’s and postgraduate courses across different disciplines, many of which are taught in several languages and offered both on-site and online.
Admission for international students is often simpler than in other regions, and there are scholarship and grant programmes available to help with tuition and living costs.
3. Affordable cost of living and quality of life
One of Valencia’s main attractions is its lower cost of living compared to other university cities such as Madrid or Barcelona.
4. Multicultural environment and active social life
Valencia is an open and multicultural city that welcomes thousands of international students every year.
This enriches both academic and personal experience, making integration and the exchange of ideas easier.
The social life is very active, with events, festivals and a cultural calendar that allows you to take a break from studies and build a global network.
5. Career opportunities and entrepreneurial ecosystem
The city boasts a dynamic business environment and a diverse industrial base, providing plenty of opportunities for internships, employment and entrepreneurship for postgraduate students.
Valencia has incubators, accelerators and a network of innovative companies that work closely with universities, making it easier to access the job market and develop personal projects.
6. Excellent transport links and mobility
Valencia offers an efficient and affordable public transport system that connects university campuses with the rest of the city and the beach.
Its privileged geographical location also makes it easy to travel to other Spanish and European cities, broadening your options for both education and leisure.
7. Cultural and leisure offering
The city is not only renowned for its academic level but also for its rich cultural and leisure scene: museums, theatres, concerts, festivals and traditional celebrations such as Las Fallas are part of daily life.
This creates a full experience where personal and professional growth go hand in hand.
How to prepare your stay in Valencia
1. Documentation and prior procedures
Before travelling, it’s essential to make sure all your documentation is in order.
For students from outside the European Union staying longer than three months, it is necessary to apply for a student visa in your home country. This visa allows legal entry and residence in Spain for the academic period.
Once in Valencia, if the stay exceeds 180 days, you must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE – Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) at the police station within the first month of arrival.
EU students staying for more than three months must register at the Central Register of Foreign Nationals by submitting the required documents and obtaining a registration certificate.
2. Health insurance and healthcare
Having valid health insurance is compulsory for all international students.
This can be public or private but must be contracted with an authorised company operating in Spain and cover the entire period of stay.
In some cases, the university may assist in arranging specific insurance for foreign students.
3. Certificates and other documents
For stays longer than six months, a medical certificate proving good health is required, as well as a criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the country of origin or residence over the past five years for adult students.
Both documents must be legalised (apostilled) and officially translated into Spanish by a sworn translator, and cannot be older than three months at the time of application.
4. Enrolment and admission letter
You must have an admission letter or certificate of enrolment from the authorised educational institution in Valencia.
This document will be required both for the visa application and other administrative procedures.
It’s advisable to carry printed and digital copies of all important documents.
5. Arrival and first steps in Valencia
Upon arrival, it is recommended to visit the international office of your university for guidance on any remaining formalities, practical information and support with integration.
Looking for accommodation: plan ahead and find the right fit
Accommodation is often the biggest concern for those coming from abroad — and understandably so!
Many international students choose options like Stays4Students, where you can book from your home country and ensure you arrive to a ready-to-move-in room with no surprises.
The rooms come with services that make life easier: Wi-Fi, cleaning, shared spaces, and best of all, flatmates from all over the world to share the experience with.
Here’s an example: Lucas, a student from France, booked his accommodation before arriving and told us it was the best decision he could have made.
“Arriving in Valencia knowing my room was waiting for me took a huge weight off my shoulders. And meeting other students from day one helped me settle in much faster,” he said.
And you, are you ready to take the leap?
Choose the quality and comfort of your luxury apartment while studying in Valencia with Stays4Students.
