Applying To Spanish Universities: A Guide For International Students

Spain is a popular destination for international students, offering a unique culture, affordable living, great food, and a lively social scene. With world-class universities, countless cultural sites to explore, and over 300 days of sunshine, it's no surprise that Spain is the third most popular destination for international students. If you're considering applying to a university in Spain as an international student, here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process. Firstly, it's important to choose the city and university that align with your preferences and lifestyle. The application process and requirements vary depending on your country of origin and the chosen university. If you're an EU student, you'll typically apply through the Spanish National University for Distance Education (SNUDE), with applications opening in April. Non-EU students, on the other hand, will need to obtain a Volante Accreditation from the Spanish Embassy and may need to take an entrance exam like the Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad (PAU) or selectividad. Additionally, non-EU citizens planning to stay in Spain for over six months will require a type D student visa. It's also crucial to consider the language requirements, as most courses are taught in Spanish, and you may need to provide proof of proficiency. With careful planning, research, and meeting the necessary requirements, you'll be well on your way to achieving your dream of studying in Spain.

Application process for EU and non-EU students

The application process for EU and non-EU students differs in several ways. EU students can apply for a Bachelor's degree in Spain through the SNUDE (Spanish National University for Distance Education). The application, called the 'solicitud de inscripcion', usually opens in April and must be printed and mailed to the address provided on the SNUDE website. Students may be asked to submit a copy of their passport, identity card, or school leaving certificate along with their application. If the application is successful, the student will receive a 'Credencial de Acceso' within three months, which must be sent to their chosen university to complete the application process.

Non-EU students must obtain a recognised high school certificate, confirming that their academic qualifications meet the entrance requirements for Spanish universities. This can be done at the Spanish embassy, which will provide an accreditation confirmation, known as a 'Volante Accreditation'. This can then be used to apply to the universities of your choice. Non-EU students must also register for the 'selectividad' or 'Pruebas de Acceso a la Universidad' entrance exam, which tests Spanish language skills, knowledge of the preferred subject, and Spanish culture and history. Non-EU citizens planning to study in Spain for over six months will also need a type D student visa.

For postgraduate degrees, EU and non-EU students should contact their institution of interest to learn about admission requirements. This usually includes providing proof of a Bachelor's degree, a copy of your passport, and transcripts. Applications for the main semester (summer) are usually due by July. All applications and documents must be submitted in Spanish.

When applying for a Master's degree, EU and non-EU students should refer to the website of their chosen programme to understand the specific application requirements. Applications for Master's programmes are customised by the university. Most programmes are taught in Spanish and will require a Spanish language proficiency test.

Entrance exams and requirements

To apply to a Spanish university as an international student, you must meet certain requirements and pass specific entrance exams. The requirements and exams you need to take will depend on your nationality, level of study, and study program. Here is a detailed guide to help you understand the entrance exams and requirements for international students applying to a university in Spain:

Entrance Exams:

• For Non-EU/EEA Students: If you are a non-EU/EEA student, you will need to take the Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad (PAU) or Selectividad exam. This is the Spanish university entrance exam that assesses your readiness for university-level studies. The exam is divided into four parts: Text Analysis, where you choose between two texts written in Spanish; Spain's History and Philosophy, where you answer questions about Spanish culture and history; an Exam of Foreign Language, which tests your proficiency in a language other than Spanish; and a Choice of Individual Subject, where you can choose a topic related to Arts, Technology, or Science. It is important to note that you need to register for this exam after obtaining the Volante Accreditation from the Spanish Embassy.
• For EU Students: Students from EU countries do not need to take the PAU or Selectividad exams. However, they may be required to take exams known as Pruebas de Competencias Específicas (PCE), which are individual exams per subject and depend on the university and program they are applying to.
• Language Proficiency Exams: Depending on the language of instruction at the university, you may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. For programs taught in Spanish, you will need to submit test results from the DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) exam. For English-language programs, international students whose mother tongue is not English will need to provide test results from exams like TOEFL or IELTS.

Requirements:

• For Non-EU/EEA Students: Non-EU/EEA students must obtain a Volante Accreditation or 'homologación' from the Spanish Embassy, certifying that their high school diploma is equivalent to the Spanish Bachillerato. They will also need to apply for a student visa and a Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) if they plan to stay in Spain for more than six months.
• For EU Students: Undergraduate students from EU countries must apply through the Spanish National University for Distance Education (SNUDE). They may be asked to provide a copy of their passport, school leaving certificate, or previous qualifications. Postgraduate students should contact the institution directly to inquire about specific requirements, which usually include proof of earning a bachelor's degree, transcripts, and a copy of their passport.
• General Requirements: All international students, regardless of nationality, should submit an online application through the university's portal or the Spanish national application system (UNEDasiss). Additionally, they may be required to provide transcripts, ID or passport copy, recommendation letters, a motivation letter, and a CV.

Application fees and costs

When applying to Spanish universities, you will be charged an application fee, which varies depending on the university type and programme. For public universities, application fees range from €30-50, while private universities can charge up to €200. Additionally, you will need to consider the cost of translating and certifying your documents, which can be up to several hundred euros.

Tuition fees in Spain are relatively affordable compared to other famous study destinations like the UK or US. The Spanish government sets university tuition fees, which can be as low as a few hundred euros per year for public universities. Private universities are more expensive, with fees ranging from €3,000 to €28,000 per year. International students from non-EU/EEA countries typically pay higher tuition fees, which can be significantly more expensive than for domestic or EU students. The exact amount depends on the type of university, level of study, and your chosen field of study.

On average, students in Spain spend around €6,000 to €12,000 per year, including living expenses. The cost of living varies depending on the city, with Barcelona and Madrid being the most expensive. Accommodation costs can range from €350 to €800 per month, depending on the type of housing.

To reduce the financial burden, international students can apply for scholarships or grants, which are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. These scholarships can help cover tuition fees, accommodation costs, and living expenses. Additionally, international students are allowed to work in Spain during their studies, but their working hours are limited to 30 hours per week during the academic term.

Language requirements

As a non-EU/EEA international student, you will need to meet certain language requirements to be eligible to study at a university in Spain.

First, you must have a recognised high school certificate, confirming that your academic qualifications meet the entrance requirements for Spanish higher education institutions. You can obtain this recognition at a Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country, who will provide you with an accreditation confirmation, called a Volante Accreditation. This can be used to apply to the universities of your choice.

Next, you will need to register for the Spanish University entrance exam, called the Selectividad or the Pruebas de Acceso a la Universidad. This exam is composed of two parts: the General phase and the Specific phase. The exam is split into four parts that test your Spanish language skills, knowledge of your preferred subject, and your knowledge of Spanish culture and history. While the Selectividad is not compulsory, it is highly recommended that you take it if you want to access the university of your choice.

In addition to the entrance exam, you will need to provide proof of your Spanish language proficiency. This can be done by taking an official Spanish level test (DELE or SIELE) that certifies at least a B1 or B2 level of Spanish. If you plan to study for a degree taught in English, you may instead need to provide proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL.

It is important to note that all applications and supporting documents must be submitted in Spanish. If your documents are not already in Spanish, you will need to have them officially translated.

Student visas

As a non-EU international student, you will need to apply for a type D student visa to study in Spain. This is mandatory if you plan to study in Spain for more than six months. The visa application process can be lengthy, so it is important to start preparing early.

Firstly, you must obtain a recognised high school certificate, confirming that your academic qualifications meet the entrance requirements for Spanish universities. This can be done at the Spanish embassy in your home country, which will provide you with a Volante Accreditation. You can then use this to apply to your chosen university.

Secondly, you will need to register for and pass the Pruebas de Acceso a la Universidad (PAU) entrance exam, also known as the selectividad. This exam consists of four parts: testing your Spanish language skills, knowledge of your preferred subject, and Spanish culture and history.

Once you have completed these steps and received your Volante Accreditation, you can begin the student visa application process. The list of required documents is extensive and includes a valid health insurance policy and proof of funds to cover your living costs. It is important to note that all documents must be submitted in Spanish.

For specific details on the student visa application process, it is recommended to consult the website of the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country. They can provide up-to-date and accurate information on the requirements and procedures.

Frequently asked questions