Study in Spain

Bachelor's degrees

Applicants normally need:

• A recognised secondary-school qualification
• Academic transcripts
• Recognition of their school qualification as equivalent to the Spanish Bachillerato, where required
• UNEDasiss accreditation for many university applications
• Specific Competency Tests, known as PCE examinations, when required
• Evidence of Spanish or English proficiency
• A competitive admission score for courses with limited places

UNEDasiss evaluates international qualifications, converts grades into the Spanish system and administers the PCE examinations. Requirements depend on the student's education system and chosen university. Public universities may require UNEDasiss accreditation and several PCE subjects, while private institutions often operate their own admissions process.

For the 2026-27 academic year, the general deadline stated for international applicants to Spanish public universities is 7 July 2026, although regional and university deadlines can differ. Applicants awaiting their accreditation are advised to submit the university application by the deadline and provide outstanding documents when permitted.

Master's degrees

Applicants typically need:

• A relevant recognised bachelor's degree
• University transcripts
• CV
• Motivation letter
• Academic or professional references
• Proof of English or Spanish proficiency
• Portfolio or work experience for certain programmes

Recognition of the bachelor's degree is not always required simply to enter a master's programme. The university decides whether the overseas qualification gives appropriate access. Formal recognition may nevertheless be required for regulated professions.

PhD programmes

Applicants usually need a relevant master's degree, a research proposal, academic references and the support of a potential research supervisor.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens generally do not require a student visa, although registration requirements may apply for longer stays.

Most non-EU students studying for more than 90 days require a long-stay study visa or study authorisation. Typical documents include:

• Valid passport
• Admission to a recognised full-time programme
• Proof of tuition payment or enrolment, where required
• Evidence of sufficient financial resources
• Suitable health insurance valid in Spain
• Proof of accommodation, depending on the consulate
• Medical certificate for longer stays
• Criminal-record certificate for applicants of the relevant age and length of stay
• Visa application form and photographs
• Parental consent and care arrangements for minors
• Legalised or apostilled documents and certified Spanish translations, where applicable

Applicants staying for more than six months generally need to obtain a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) after arrival. Visa procedures and financial thresholds can vary by consular jurisdiction, so students must follow the Spanish consulate responsible for their place of residence.

Medicine and health sciences

• University of Barcelona
• Autonomous University of Barcelona
• Complutense University of Madrid
• Autonomous University of Madrid
• University of Valencia
• University of Granada
• University of Navarra
• CEU San Pablo University

Medicine at public universities is highly competitive and usually taught mainly in Spanish. Admission may require a very high converted score and appropriate PCE subjects.

Engineering and technology

• Polytechnic University of Madrid
• Polytechnic University of Catalonia
• Polytechnic University of Valencia
• Carlos III University of Madrid
• University of Seville
• University of the Basque Country

Business and economics

• Pompeu Fabra University
• Carlos III University of Madrid
• Autonomous University of Barcelona
• IE University
• University of Navarra
• Ramon Llull University - ESADE
• Comillas Pontifical University

Computer science and artificial intelligence

• Polytechnic University of Catalonia
• Carlos III University of Madrid
• Polytechnic University of Madrid
• University of Granada
• Polytechnic University of Valencia
• Autonomous University of Madrid

Architecture and design

• Polytechnic University of Madrid
• Polytechnic University of Catalonia
• Polytechnic University of Valencia
• University of Navarra
• CEU San Pablo University

Universities offering more programmes in English

Students seeking English-taught education should particularly investigate:

• IE University
• Carlos III University of Madrid
• Pompeu Fabra University
• Autonomous University of Barcelona
• University of Navarra
• Ramon Llull University
• University of Deusto
• Comillas Pontifical University

English-taught options are more common at master's level. Some bachelor's degrees are entirely in English, while others are bilingual or contain only selected modules in English.

Spain has both public and private universities.

Public universities generally offer lower tuition fees but may have more competitive admission procedures. Undergraduate courses are predominantly taught in Spanish or a regional language, although English-taught options are increasing.

Private universities usually charge higher fees but may offer more English-taught programmes, smaller classes and their own admission processes.

Students should confirm that their chosen qualification is an official recognised degree, particularly if they intend to continue their education or enter a regulated profession.

1. 1Select the course and university.
2. 2Check the teaching language, recognition and entry requirements.
3. 3Begin qualification recognition or homologación if required.
4. 4Apply for UNEDasiss accreditation and PCE examinations where applicable.
5. 5Prepare translated and legalised academic documents.
6. 6Submit the university application before its deadline.
7. 7Accept the offer and complete the required enrolment payment.
8. 8Arrange funding, insurance and accommodation.
9. 9Apply for the Spanish student visa.
10. 10Complete local registration and obtain the TIE after arrival, if applicable.