Study in Spain Requirements 2025

Among the many countries available to choose from, Spain has always been at the top of the list for international students. Spanish culture is one of the most attractive in the world, and everyone who knows about it wants to visit this magical and energetic country at least once in their lives. 

Over the past decade, opportunities for international students have increased. Now not only can you visit Spain, but you can be “Español” for a semester, a year or even longer, depending on your academic goals and plans.

Although thinking about doing your bachelor’s or master’s abroad in Spain, we have to burst your bubble and have you start thinking about planning. The earlier you start planning the closer you are to actually make it happen. One of the most crucial aspects to planning your studies abroad in Spain is checking the requirements. 

Since you are reading this article, chances are you’ve already decided where and what you want to study, so you are already one step ahead. Regardless of where you are in your planning, we are here to help you understand the requirements of Spanish universities and guide you through the application process. 

Here are the requirements to study in Spain for international students:

General Admission Requirements

The requirements to get admitted to any higher education institution in Spain depend on the university, degree, program and many other factors. However, there are a few general requirements that are a necessary criteria for admission to almost all universities. 

Keep in mind that criteria may vary depending on the degree program, such as bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs.

To be eligible for admission you need to meet the following criteria:

• High school diploma. Students that are applying for a bachelor’s degree in Spain should provide proof of the latest degree obtained, which in most cases is a high school diploma.
• An undergraduate degree. Applicants for a master’s degree must have completed a bachelor’s degree recognized by the Spanish education system or an equivalent. ‍
• Passport copy. International students coming from Non-EU/EEA countries, must provide proof of identity by providing a copy of the passport with your photograph and personal details.

Other supporting documents:

• CV/Resume. Your CV must show your personal basic data, and the history of your educational and/or professional background until that point.
• Recommendation Letters. Prestigious universities may ask for one or more letters of recommendation from previous lecturers, professors or mentors in any professional setting. 

Such letters will significantly increase your chances of admission, especially in a

competitive university.

• Academic transcripts. Some universities base their decision on your previous academic achievements which you need to prove by providing a transcript from all previous studies depending on your degree. (For transcripts in a language other than English or Spanish, you need to attach a certified translation).

Non-EU/EEA Students

International students who come from countries outside the EU/EEA and China (which has a bilateral agreement with Spain), you should go through some extra steps to apply for a higher education degree in Spain. 

Here is a list of the documents required for admission as a Non-EU student: 

• Recognition of your high school diploma. Known in Spain as the “homologación”, this document proves that you have obtained the necessary degree to be eligible for admission in higher education in Spain. 

This process is done at the nearest Spanish embassy/consulate in your home country. Upon verification, they will provide you with a certificate called ‘Volante de Acreditación’, which you will submit to your chosen Spanish university. 

• Entrance exams. After the ‘Volante de Acreditación, you will need to register and pass the entrance exams called “Selectividad” in Spanish or Evaluación del Bachillerato para el Acceso a la Universidad (Evaluation of the Baccalaureate for Access to University)/ EBAU. 

The test is divided into two parts: the General and Specific phase. Each of these phases consist of different components in several subjects. 

• Language proficiency. Depending on the language of instruction of your chosen university/degree program, you may need to show proof of either Spanish or English proficiency. 

• Spanish. For programs where Spanish is the instruction language, you need to enter the DELE exam (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera). The required scores for admission depend on the university's specific requirements.

• English. Whereas English-taught programs accept test results from exams such as: TOEFL, IELTS, etc. There are other forms to prove your English language proficiency, however, you need to contact the university of your choice for information.

• Student Visa. Non-EU students must apply for a student visa to be eligible for long stay studies (For more details on how to get and where to apply for a visa, read the section on student visas below).

EU/EEA Students 

Students that come from countries in the EU/EEA are considered equivalent to the Spanish students when applying for universities in Spain. Meaning they must meet the same requirements as Spanish students and they have less rigorous requirements than NonEU students. 

Although students from EU countries do not need to sit any ‘Selectividad’ exam, they are required to take exams known as Pruebas de Competencias Específicas (PCE), which are specific to the university and program. 

Bachelor Degree Requirements in Spain

The typical bachelor’s degree in Spain for international students, is a four year degree and it regularly requires 240 ECTS credits to graduate. There are plenty of interesting bachelor degree programs available to pursue in Spain, such as Engineering, Hospitality, International Relations, Art History, Computer Science, Medicine, and more. 

Spanish universities offer students the option to study full time, part time or even online as a hybrid form of classes. The admission requirements to enter a bachelor’s degree in Spain vary depending on your nationality, whether you come from EU or Non-EU countries. 

One main requirement that is applicable to anyone without exception, is the recognition of academic qualifications. You need to make sure that your previous education meets the Spanish education requirements. 

Master Degree Requirements in Spain

Requirements for applying to a master’s degree in Spain vary depending on the university and program. The main requirement is having obtained a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field you are applying for. Some universities may even require a transcript of the undergraduate degree to help you stand out. 

Application Process for International Students in Spain

After you gather all the documents required (listed in the sections above), you need to actually go through with your application to study abroad in Spain.

Here is a step by step guide on how to apply for university in Spain:

• Decide on the university. First and foremost do a thorough research of universities in Spain and find a program that fits your needs and goals for the future. You can also talk to the universities’ advisors who can help you figure out what suits you best.
• Check the necessary requirements. After you have decided on the university and degree program, you should check the necessary eligibility requirements that are specific to that university. 
• Application deadlines. Make sure to check the deadlines beforehand, since not all universities have the same dates. You can easily find the deadlines on the university’s website. It is important to know whether you are applying for spring or fall semester, to see if the university of your choice offers one session or both.
• Application form. EU students can easily apply online through the Spanish National University for Distance Education (SNUDE) portal. After you are finished with your application form, submit it on their website as instructed and DO NOT forget to check for a deadline. 

On the other hand, applicants from Non-EU countries have to apply online at the university’s website.

• Receive letter of acceptance. After receiving your acceptance letter (hopefully), you should start the visa application procedure as soon as possible (Non-EU students). 

Student Visa Application

As an international student from a Non-EU country, you need to apply for a student visa, and then apply for a residence permit upon your arrival. This requirement is only valid for Non-EU students, since EU/EEA students are free to study in Spain without the visa obligation. 

In order to start the visa process, you need to visit the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country. Once you announce yourself, you will need to provide them with a number of documents listed below:

• Visa application form: You can find this form on the embassy or consulate’s respected website. Each country may have a different format for the visa application, so be careful to get the official form from official authorities. 
• Valid passport. You need a passport that is valid throughout your planned stay in Spain (original and a copy of the main page).
• Photographs. Recent passport-sized with a white background (contact the embassy/consulate for the required dimensions).
• Acceptance letter. The admission letter you received from the university or institution of choice.
• Proof of funds. You must have sufficient financial means to cover your entire stay in Spain.To be eligible for a student visa, you must show proof of at least €550 per month in your bank account. In case of a family member funding your studies, the bank statement must be notarized and apostilled officially. 
• Health insurance. Health insurance is also a very important requirement for a student visa. The insurance company must operate in Spain, and cover the whole period of your stay. There are many health insurance companies that have policies specifically designed for students who need to obtain a student visa. 
• Criminal record. It must be officially translated and notarized.
• Medical certificate. Proof that the student is not a threat for public-health, also officially translated and notarized.
• Proof of accommodation. Legal residence and address where you will be staying in Spain, whether it is a dorm or a private apartment.
• Parent authorization. For students under the legal age, a parent or guardian must issue a legal, notarized authorization stating all the information regarding the student’s studies and period of stay.
• Payment. If you are eligible for a student visa, you must pay a fee of around €65, however it depends on your nationality and the authorized institution to issue the visa.

Important: Residence Permit 

If studies last more than 6 months, non-EU students must apply for a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) within 30 days of arrival. 

Application Tips for Studying in Spain 

• Start your application early. Start your research and gather all necessary information at least a year before your studies begin.
• Carefully plan your living expenses. Make a plan of your living expenses beforehand, especially if you are going to study in popular cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Salamanca, etc. 
• Join student communities. Connect with students who have similar study plans to share insights, ask questions, and support each other throughout the application process.
• Check for student discounts. Take advantage of your student status, and always check for government discounts, financial help and scholarships. 
• Language learning. Make friends who speak Spanish and practice through language exchange for more effective learning.
• Secure accommodation in advance. Since you are not the only one who wants to study abroad in Spain, make sure to research and secure accommodation at least 6 months before your studies start. As Spain is a popular study abroad destination, the places fill up quickly.

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