Snapshot
Dates
| Term | Application Deadline | Program Start | Program End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | March 15 | September 1, 2026 | December 17, 2026 |
| Academic Year 2026-27 | March 15 | September 1, 2026 | May 14, 2027 |
| Spring 2027 | September 15 | January 7, 2027 | May 14, 2027 |
View Deusto program dates
Do not make travel arrangements until you have been officially accepted to the program by the host university and they have shared arrival/orientation dates and accommodation move-in dates.
Students may participate in study abroad anytime after freshman year (or completing 24 college credits post completion of high school)
Note: Students may apply to a program during freshman year, but must have completed freshman year in good standing to participate in the program their sophomore year.
About Program
Population of Bilbao Metropolitan Area: 1 million
Distance to Barcelona: 378 miles / Distance to the ocean: 8 miles
Bilbao is a cosmopolitan city, open to Europe. Despite its industrial character, the warm-hearted welcome of its inhabitants makes Bilbao a place where students find they feel quickly integrated. You'll discover all the attractions of the most populous city in the Basque Country. Business, leisure, and culture are regarded as symbols of the city. Its beautiful landscape, nature, and excellent cuisine will not leave you indifferent. The construction of the Guggenheim Museum of Bilbao by renowned architect Frank O. Gehry in the old port area, across the river from the university, has served to revitalize the city, thus motivating an important influx of tourists both on a national, and international scale. The beauty of its landscape and natural surroundings makes the Basque Country an ideal environment to go on excursions both along the coast and inland. There is a wide range of cultural and artistic activities that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Cuisine in the Basque Country is renowned for having set the foundations of culinary tradition.
The University of Deusto has been a pioneer in the academic scene in Spain—always trying to give an answer to the professional and human demands of its students. A good example—is the fact that it was the first Spanish university to offer business studies. The Business School, founded in 1916, is still one of the most prestigious business centers in Spain. In addition, given its commitment to its international projection, it currently leads numerous International academic projects which are amongst the most highly valued in the European Union. The International Spanish Center (CIDE) at the University of Deusto is responsible for providing all international students quality training for the development of communication skills in Spanish. Check out this Presentation for Study Abroad at University Deusto for more information. More information about Basque Country, the Basque Coast and Bilbao and Basque Cities.
Academics
University of Deusto
The Centro Internacional de Español (CIDE) combines Spanish Language courses at all levels with courses taught in Spanish and English that are specifically designed for visiting international students in areas such as Hispanic and Basque culture, literature, grammar, international relations, economy, business, and engineering. Students with a high-advanced level of Spanish may also take one course taught in Spanish with local students from different departments of the University of Deusto.
Choose courses from one of three CIDE programs:
- Spanish Language & Culture;
- Business, International Relations, and Spanish; or
- Engineering, Business, and Spanish.
These programs are designed for international students studying abroad in Spain for a semester or year. You'll take 4-6 courses per semester based on the CIDE program you choose. You will indicate the track that you want to apply for in your UMD application. Once you are accepted by the University of Deusto, you'll indicate the courses you want to take and will be notified of your enrollment before you arrive in Bibao.
You'll take courses offered only from the track that you select. If you have a high level of Spanish language proficiency, you can select to enroll in an internship or service learning for credit. All students will take a Spanish language placement test to help determine what level of Spanish is appropriate for them at the University of Deusto. *A few select courses have additional fees which are not included in the program cost; you will be responsible for paying the University of Deusto directly if you enroll in these courses.
- View Deusto course offerings and syllabi.
- View University of Deusto courses already reviewed at UMD
- Understand how your grades abroad will convert at UMD by viewing the University of Deusto Grade Conversion.
- This program counts for the UMD Liberal Education Global Perspectives requirement
- Study abroad foreign courses must be reviewed at UMD prior to program participation so that you know how they will contribute to your degree progress.
- To request disability accommodations, please contact International Programs and Services at [email protected] or 218-726-8764.
Cost Information
- Compare these program costs to UMD's cost of attendance for an academic year.
- View a list of all UMD Study Abroad program costs.
If you do not see a cost estimate for the semester/term you intend to go abroad, the cost has not yet been determined. Please note cost estimates and fees may change depending on international economic factors. UMD Study Abroad delays the posting of final fees until enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined in order to provide students with the most accurate pricing. We strive to post final fees by October 1 for Spring programs, March 1 for May/Summer programs, and May 1 for Fall and Academic year programs.
What’s included in the program fee?
- Personalized advising
- Pre-departure orientation
- Tuition
- Entry visa assistance
- On-site orientation
- Airport reception & pick up service
- Guided Excursions
- Spanish medical insurance
- On-site staff support
- Foreign transcript issuance
- Grade posting at UMD
- Foreign course evaluation at UMD
- Re-entry support
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Scholarships
- Study Abroad Scholarships
- Note: Credits taken on study abroad programs cannot be used toward the Bulldog Bundle.
Financial Aid
Consult with One Stop to see how financial aid can apply to study abroad.
- Receive guidance about all things money-related
- Ask for estimates and budget samples
- Learn when and how financial aid is disbursed
- Ask about other scholarship opportunities & loan info
Plan your budget
Download this Study Abroad Budget Planning Form to estimate costs. Create duplicates to compare this program with others.
Housing
Housing Options
Before arrival in Bilbao, the CIDE staff will provide you with detailed information about different housing options available. Housing is managed by Vivir Bilbao who collaborates with CIDE to provide all related services. Housing payments will be made through your UMD student account.
The UMD Study Abroad office highly encourages you to choose a homestay to make an instant connection with a person/people living in Spain, to experience life and culture in a Spanish/Basque home, and to improve your Spanish language skills. The following housing options are available:
Family Stay:
- Families in Bilbao or suburbs (metro access)
- Integration in family life
- Housing in single or shared room (depending on availability)
- Three daily meals and laundry included
Residence Hall:
- located a short distance from the univeristy, and well connected to the rest of the city.
- Single room with bathroom and kitchenette (in studios)
- Facilities include: coin operated self-service laundry, fitness room, study rooms recreation rooms, outdoor terrace, and cafe/meeting area
- 24-hour reception service available
Room in a shared apartment with kitchen privileges:
- Student shared apartments in Bilbao
- Single or shared room (depending on availability) in privately owned, furnished apartments
- Access to common areas: living-room & bathroom
- Bed linen, towels, and blankets provided only in some cases
- Apartments can be co-ed
Travel Documents
Travel Documents
- You are required to have a passport to participate in this program. If you do not have a passport or your passport will expire within 6 months after you will return from abroad, apply for a passport as soon as possible. It can take 2+ months to receive your passport after applying. You can apply for a new passport on-campus at the UMD Passport Acceptance Facility.
- Visa or residence permit guidance will be given by our office as applicable
- Roundtrip airfare should only be purchased after official acceptance from the foreign university
This Spanish Student Visa Guidance document was created to assist the with the visa application process. The UMD Study Abroad office endeavors to keep this document as up to date as possible. However, you should always check the Spanish Consulate website for the most up to date information. Students will receive more detailed information and advice once they are confirmed in this program.
Contact
Alum
Want to talk to someone who's completed the program? Contact the alumni below.
Apply
Before you click on the "Start my application" button below, make sure you know how to identify the correct program by searching for the:
- Program Name: UMD - Study in Bilbao, Spain: University of Deusto;
and the - Term (e.g. Spring Semester 2026 or Academic Year 2026–2027)
A $50 non-refundable application fee will be billed to your One Stop account upon submission of an application.
After you apply
- After approximately 20 minutes, you will see checklist items for you to complete.
- It is recommended that you complete the checklist items within a month of applying, as applicable. Pre-departure Orientation details will be sent closer to the event date (usually April for fall/summer applicants and November for spring/winter break applicants).
- Your UMD Program Contact will review your application materials.
- You must complete the Confirmation of Participation form to confirm your participation.
- Once we receive your confirmation, your UMD account will be billed a confirmation deposit.
If you decide you cannot participate, you must log in to the online application system and submit the "Cancellation Request form."
Program health and safety information
is available at GO SAFE.
