Janice Lozano
Spain is a popular destination for international students, with over 170,000 enrolled in the 2021-2022 school year. The country offers numerous study opportunities, with 86 universities – 50 public and 36 private – providing more than 2,000 degree courses. International students can apply to any of them, but entry requirements may differ depending on the region and the university. In this guide, we will take you through the process of how to apply for university in Spain as an international student.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application method | Online application form |
| Application system | Spanish national application system (UNEDasiss) |
| Application fee | Yes |
| Application deadline | July for the main semester (summer) |
| Application requirements | High school diploma, entrance exam, language proficiency, transcripts, ID or passport copy, recommendation letters, motivation letter, CV, proof of English proficiency, bachelor's degree certificate, high school grade transcripts |
| Visa requirements | Non-EU students must apply for a student visa and residence card; EU students can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) |
| Language requirements | Most courses taught in Spanish; some universities offer courses in English |
| Number of universities | 86 (50 public, 36 private) |
| Number of international students | 170,000+ (2021-2022) |
| Tuition fees | Public universities: €750-€2,500/year for undergrad, €1,000-€3,500/year for master's; Private universities: €5,000-€18,000/year |
| Accommodation | Student housing available in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and more |
| Scholarships | Studyportals Scholarship |
| Entrance exams | EBAU, Selectividad, PAU, PCE |
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What You'll Learn
Application process for European vs non-European students
The application process for European and non-European students wishing to study in Spain differs in several ways. Firstly, European students can apply for a Bachelor's degree through the SNUDE (Spanish National University for Distance Education). The application, called the 'solicitud de inscripcion', opens during April and must be printed and mailed to the indicated address. On the other hand, non-European students need to obtain recognition from their high school, certifying that they have attained the necessary qualifications to study in Spain. This can be obtained from a Spanish embassy, which will provide a 'Volante Accreditation' to be used when applying to universities. Non-European students also need to register for the Spanish University entrance exam, 'selectividad' or 'Pruebas de Acceso a la Universidad', which has four components, including a text analysis in Spanish.
In terms of postgraduate applications, both European and non-European students will need to contact their institution of choice to learn the specific admission requirements. However, generally, proof of a Bachelor's degree, a passport copy, and transcripts are required. Postgraduate applications may have multiple periods, with the main semester usually commencing in the summer. Applications for the main semester should ideally be submitted by July. All applications and documents must be in Spanish.
Another key difference is the requirement for a student visa. Non-European students must apply for a student visa if they intend to stay in Spain for more than 90 days, which involves a comprehensive list of documents and a fee (typically €80). European students, on the other hand, only need to apply for a residence card and are exempt from the student visa process.
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Entrance exams
Recognition and Certification:
Before registering for the entrance exams, it is essential to obtain the necessary recognition and certification. If you are a non-European student, you must obtain a recognition certificate from your high school, also known as "Homologación." This document certifies that your secondary education meets the requirements for pursuing higher education in Spain. You can acquire this certificate from the Spanish Embassy or consulate in your country, and they will provide you with the "Volante Accreditation" or "Volante de Acreditación." This accreditation is a prerequisite for applying to universities in Spain.
Spanish University Entrance Exams:
Once you have obtained the necessary recognition, the next step is to register for the Spanish university entrance exams. These exams are designed to evaluate your suitability for university-level education in Spain. The exams are known by various names, including "Selectividad," "Pruebas de Acceso a la Universidad" (PAU), "Evaluación del Bachillerato para el Acceso a la Universidad" (EBAU), and "University Admissions Exams." The EBAU exams typically take place annually in May, with a second round in September for students aiming to improve their scores.
Exam Structure and Phases:
The Spanish university entrance exams consist of two main phases: the general phase and the specific phase. The general phase covers essential subjects such as Spanish language and literature, a foreign language, history or philosophy, and a subject related to your chosen field of study (e.g., science or humanities). The specific phase allows you to choose other subjects that align with your interests and intended university course, providing an opportunity to enhance your overall exam results.
Exam Components and Preparation:
The entrance exams typically comprise several components, each designed to assess different skills and knowledge areas. One common component is text analysis, where you are given a choice between two texts or paragraphs written in Spanish, and you are evaluated based on your comprehension and analysis of the provided text. Another component may focus on Spain's history and philosophy, where you select one of the two topics and answer multiple questions. Additionally, there is often a foreign language component, where you can choose a language other than Spanish, such as English, French, or Italian. The fourth section of the exam may vary depending on your chosen field but can include topics related to arts, technology, or science. To prepare for these exams effectively, it is recommended to use past exam papers, form study groups, and manage your time efficiently. Mock exams are also highly beneficial in familiarizing yourself with the exam format and improving your performance.
Bachelor's Degree Applications:
The application process for Bachelor's degree programs in Spain varies depending on your secondary education background. If you are a European student, you will submit your application through the SNUDE (Spanish National University for Distance Education). For non-European students, in addition to the recognition certificate, you will need to complete the entrance exams and submit your application directly to the universities of your choice.
Master's Degree Applications:
When applying for Master's degree programs in Spain, it's important to remember that each university customizes its application process. Therefore, you should refer to the specific university's website for detailed information. Master's programs offer both autumn and summer semesters, with the summer semester being the primary intake. It is recommended to initiate the application process early and be prepared for any associated fees. Additionally, non-EU/EEA students should start the process of obtaining a student visa and residence card, as these are typically required for stays exceeding six months in Spain.
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Language proficiency requirements
If you are applying for a Spanish-language degree, some universities will ask for official proof of your Spanish level before you can be enrolled. A minimum B1 or B2 level of proficiency is usually necessary. This proof of language proficiency can take the form of a DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) certificate.
If you are applying for an English-language degree, you may need to provide proof of English proficiency if you are not from an English-speaking country or have not previously studied in English. This can take the form of an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test), or a Cambridge Certificate.
In addition to providing proof of language proficiency, all applications and supporting documents must be submitted in Spanish. This includes your high school certificate and transcripts, which must be officially translated to Spanish.
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Student visas
If you are an international student from outside the EU/EEA and plan to stay in Spain for longer than six months, you will need to apply for a student visa. Non-EU students must also apply for a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) within 30 days of arrival.
The Spanish visa application process requires several documents, so it is recommended to start preparing early. The documents you will need include:
- A completed and signed National Visa Application Form.
- A recent passport-size photograph with a light background.
- Your original passport, which must be valid for the planned stay, along with a copy.
- Proof of health insurance is essential for your visa application if you are a non-EU citizen. EU students can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for free.
If you are an undergraduate student, the visa application process will differ depending on the country where you obtained your secondary education. If you are from a European country, you can submit your application through the SNUDE (Spanish National University for Distance Education). The application, called the "solicitud de inscripcion", opens during the month of April. After completing the application, print and mail it to the address indicated on the website.
If you are not from a European country and are seeking a Bachelor's degree, you must obtain recognition from your high school. This can be done at a Spanish embassy, which will provide you with a "Volante Accreditation". With this, you can apply to the universities of your choice. After receiving the "Volante Acreditativo", you must register for the Spanish university entrance exam, called "selectividad" or "Pruebas de Acceso a la Universidad".
For postgraduate students, contact the institution you are interested in attending to learn about their specific admission requirements. Most universities will require proof of your Bachelor's degree, a copy of your passport, and transcripts.
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Application fees
When applying to a university in Spain as an international student, you will likely be charged an application fee. These fees vary depending on the university and the type of institution. For public universities, application fees typically range from €30 to €50. Meanwhile, private universities can charge significantly more, with fees reaching up to €200.
It is important to note that application procedures may differ across universities, and some institutions may have specific requirements and documentation needs. Therefore, it is advisable to check the specific application process and associated costs for your desired university.
For European students, the application process involves submitting the "solicitud de inscripcion" through the SNUDE (Spanish National University for Distance Education) website during April. Non-European students, on the other hand, need to apply for a "Volante Accreditation" from the Spanish Embassy and may be required to take the Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad (PAU) entrance exam to ensure they meet academic standards.
To avoid any delays, ensure that all your application documents are submitted in Spanish. If your documents are in another language, engage a certified translator to prepare official translations.
In addition to application fees, it is worth considering the overall cost of studying in Spain. Tuition fees in Spain are generally lower than in many other European countries, and universities often provide options to pay in instalments. However, failing exams can quickly increase expenses. International students should also be mindful of the need for valid health insurance and sufficient funds to cover living costs.
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Frequently asked questions
The requirements vary depending on the level of study, the region of the university, and the country where you obtained your secondary education. For instance, if you are a non-European student, you must obtain a recognition from your high school, certifying that you have attained the necessary certification in compliance with requirements in Spain. You will then need to register for a Spanish University entrance exam.
Most university courses are taught in Spanish, so some level of proficiency is required to be able to study in Spain. However, many universities, especially in larger cities like Madrid and Barcelona, offer a wide range of degree programs in English. For Spanish-language degrees, some universities will require official proof of your Spanish level (a minimum B1 or B2 level is usually necessary).
The documents required vary depending on the university and the level of study. However, some common documents include transcripts, ID or a passport copy, recommendation letters, a motivation letter, a CV, and proof of language proficiency.
If you are from a European country, application submission takes place through the SNUDE, the Spanish National University for Distance Education. The application should then be printed and mailed to the address indicated on the website. If you are an international student, you can submit your application through the university's portal or the Spanish national application system (UNEDasiss).
