We’re thrilled to welcome back familiar faces and meet new students!

Our part-time Spanish course runs from 7:00 PM to 8:50 PM, twice a week. This schedule is perfect for those who work or study during the day but still want to dedicate time to improving their Spanish. We focus on maximizing the productivity of each session, ensuring you make the most of the time you have.

The course has a fixed start date and duration, so if you’re interested, don’t hesitate to contact us for more details.

For those outside of Spain, we also offer online groups with the same schedule and intensity, so you can learn from anywhere.

It is important to be well prepared and know what you need before you start these sometimes complicated procedures. However rest assured, when doing one of the University Pathway courses in Spain with us, our educational consultants on location will help you along the way.

In this post, we’ll show you all you need to know to apply to a university in Spain.

Index:
EBAU, Selectividad, PAU, PCE – important terms explained
The Spanish University system
Requirements for applying to Spanish universities
The Spanish University entry exam explained
How to calculate your University access grade (nota de acceso)?
Frequently asked questions

Introduction

Spanish is the language with the second most native speakers in the world (after Mandarin) and one of the most studied foreign languages alongside English and French. Additionally, its great weather, world-renowned cuisine, and bustling nightlife make Spain a favorite destination for international students.

Spain is also home to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe. So, it’s no surprise that every year more than 600,000 students come to study in Spain.

Whether you’re planning to study in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia or any other Spanish city in Spain, there are some things you should keep in mind before arriving. One of the most important ones is the application to the university. That’s why in this post, we’ll show you how to apply to a university in Spain as an international student.

Recommended read: The best universities in Barcelona for international students

What is the difference between EBAU, selectividad, PAU, PCE? – important terms explained

EBAU (Evaluación del Bachillerato para el Acceso a la Universidad): It is the system of exams to enter a [public] University in Spain. These exams take place every year in May. In September there is a second round of tests, in case you need to improve your first exam results.
Selectividad: The popular name given to the EBAU university entry exams.
PCE (Pruebas de Competencias Específicas): It’s the term used to refer to the individual exams, per subject (asignatura in Spanish). Read here about the PCE exams for students from EU and bilateral agreement countries China, Norway, Switzerland, etc.
PAU (Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad): It’s how the University entry exams for foreign students were called before 2017.
UNED (Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia): UNED is the biggest public university in Spain and the second biggest in Europe, and allows you to study remotely. The UNED organizes the EBAU exams and has campuses all over Spain.

The Spanish University system

Spain is home to more than 80 universities (or universidades in Spanish). Nearly 60% of them are run by the autonomous communities while the rest are private or run by the Catholic Church.

The majority of the most prestigious universities are in Madrid and Barcelona. However, there are also distinguished business schools and universities in other cities such as Valencia, Granada, or Salamanca.

Types of University

Universities can be divided into three groups:

• Public University or Universidad Pública: It’s funded by the national or autonomous community government.
• Private University or Universidad Privada: They’re funded and run by private organizations. Some of them also receive state funding.
• University run by the Catholic Church or Universidad de la Iglesia: They’re run by the Catholic Church and grant official titles and certificates with the same validity as public and private universities. These institutions are usually financed mostly by the students. The main difference with private universities is that church universities are governed by the agreements between the Holy See of Rome and the Spanish State and they have educational projects based on Christian humanism.

Need help on finding the right University in Spain for you? Read our specials on the best Universities for international students in Barcelona, Valencia or Madrid.

Credits and ECTS

Each academic year in Spain is worth 60 ECTS in accordance with the European Credit Transfer Scheme. As a result, a Bachelor’s Degree (Grado) is worth 240 ECTS (4 years of study) while a Master’s Degree (Máster) is worth 60 to 120 ECTS (1-2 years of study). PhDs (Doctorado), on the other hand, don’t have an ECTS range.

It is important to note that all the universities in Spain accept international students. So, regardless of where you’re from or where you have obtained your secondary school certificate or diploma, any international student can apply to attend a university in Spain.

Before starting at the University of your choice, you will have to go through a series of bureaucratic procedures, which we will explain in the next section of this article.

Requirements for applying to Spanish universities

Master’s Degree

Even though each university might ask you for different paperwork if you want to obtain a master’s degree in Spain, there are some documents and certificates that most of them require such as:

• Bachelor’s degree certificate (officially translated)
• A copy of your passport or ID
• A copy of your transcripts (officially translated)
• An official Spanish level test (DELE or SIELE), certifying B1 or B2 level of Spanish

As requirements vary per study and university, it is recommended you contact the university of your choice in Spain.

Bachelor’s Degree

If you’re an undergraduate and want to earn a Bachelor’s degree at a Spanish university, the requirements vary depending on the country you have studied to obtain your secondary education.

Students from the EU
If you have successfully finished your secondary education in a country within the EU, EEA, Switzerland, or a country with whom Spain has a bilateral agreement (such as China), you need to apply through the Spanish National University for Distance Education (UNED).

It is not compulsory to take any of the EBAU tests. However, depending on the University and the studies you want to apply to, and the grades on your secondary education certificate, it is recommended you sit for some of the Pruebas de Competencias Específicas (PCE) exams. Taking these tests will significantly improve your chance of admission to the studies of your choice.

Read more here about the PCE exams if you are a student from the EU or a country where Spain has a bilateral agreement with (such as China, Norway, Switzerland, etc.).

The application called for registration or Solicitud de inscripción usually opens in April and must be filled out by the candidate. After that, the student has to print out the application and mail it to the UNED along with a copy of their passport, identity card, or school leaving certificate.

If the application is accepted, within the following 3 months, the candidate will receive a certificate called Credencial de Acceso. Then, the student has to send this certificate to the university in which they want to attend. Along with this Credencial de Acceso, universities may ask for some other documents. This varies from each institution so check it with the university of your choice.

Students from outside the EU
If you are not from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, or a country with whom Spain has a special agreement and you want to earn a Bachelor’s degree at a University in Spain, you will need to go through a series of procedures.

First of all, you will need a student visa to study at a University in Spain. You will already have your student visa if you are doing the University pathway course in Spain or any intensive Spanish language course with Linguaschools for longer than 90 days. In that case, contact us and we will help you extend your study visa. Apart from that, to enter University you will need:

1. Homologación of your school certificate: Get a recognition certificate from your secondary school (homologación). This document certifies that you have obtained the necessary degree to study at a Spanish university.
   To obtain the recognition certificate you will need to ask the Spanish Embassy or consulate in your country. The Embassy will give you a so-called Volante de Acreditación that you will need to apply to the universities you want to study at.
2. EBAU entry exam: You need to register for a Spanish university entrance exam called Evaluación del Bachillerato para el Acceso a la Universidad (EBAU). This system of tests is also referred to as the ‘selectividad’ exam and before 2017 it used to be called PAU (Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad). We will explain more about the EBAU University entry exam later on.
3. Spanish language level certificate: At most universities in Spain, a minimum level (B1 or B2) of Spanish is required to start your studies. This level should be proved by any of the two official tests for the Spanish language: DELE or SIELE. Many of our Spanish schools in Spain are SIELE and/or DELE exam centers.
   From a practical point of view, it makes sense to have a high level of Spanish as you will be living and studying in Spain.

Apart from those, some other documents that universities might require when you’re applying for a Bachelor’s degree are:

• Birth certificate
• Social Security Card
• Medical insurance (read here all you need to know about this special health insurance)
• Bank statements

Keep in mind that you need to submit all these documents in Spanish and they must be certified by a translator.

Once the University accepts your application, you will receive an acceptance letter.

NOTE: Each university may have different procedures and they might also ask you to pay an application fee. So check the specific requirements and documentation that you need for the respective university.

If you take the University pathway course in Spain with us, you do not need to dig too far into all these procedures, as we will hold your hand and guide you through the whole process.

The Spanish University entry exam explained

You will read various terms used to refer to the Spanish University entry exam, like “Selectivity exam” or Examen de selectividad, PCE (Pruebas de Competencias Específicas), or PAU (Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad). Earlier in this article, we explained all the different terms. We will refer to the University entry exam as the “EBAU exam”, which consists of various PCE exams, one for each subject (asignatura).

The EBAU or Evaluación del Bachillerato para el Acceso a la Universidad is a non-compulsory exam that students need to take to get into a university in Spain.

Although in theory it is not compulsory, because of the way your access grade (nota de acceso) is calculated, in practice it is mandatory if you want to access the studies and university of your choice. Especially if you have taken your secondary education outside the EU.

The EBAU exam is composed of two parts, the General phase, and the Specific phase. Each phase consists of various exams per subject (PCE’s):

General phase

In this section, you need to take 4 mandatory subjects (5 in Catalonia, Valencia, the Basque Country, Galicia, and the Balearic Islands) about:

1. Spanish Language and literature
2. Spanish History
3. Foreign Language (can be English, French, Italian, German or Portuguese)
4. One ‘core’ subject linked to the Bachiller modality that includes subjects such as science, arts, music, technology, and others.
5. Extra language test (if applicable): Galician in Galicia, Catalan in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, Valencian in Valencia, and Basque in the Basque Country.

Specific phase

In the Specific section, students can choose between 2 and 4 subjects depending on their Bachillerato and the specific weights that each university requires. Subjects can be: Biology, Chemistry, Mathamatics, Physics, Economics, Art, Geography, Scientific math, and others.

The specific phase exam isn’t mandatory but it’s highly recommended as students can add an extra 4 points to their access grade.

How to calculate your access grade (nota de acceso)?

Your access grade is a score between 5 and 14 points. The maximum grade for the General phase is 10 and you can add an extra 4 points in the Specific phase. The average grade on the (homologated) certificate of your secondary school makes up for 60% of your access grade and the 4 (or 5) test scores of the General phase score will count for the remaining 40% to get to the maximum of 10.

Each University and study establishes different weighing parameters for the test scores and subjects taken in the Specific phase.

The exact calculation is as follows:
NMB=avg. grade of your secondary study
CFG=avg. grade of the general phase
CFE1=grade on specific phase subject 1
WP1=weighing parameter subject 1
CFE2=grade on specific phase subject 2
WP2=weighing parameter subject 2

[NMB x 60%] + [CFG x 40%] (avg. score general phase, max. 10)
+
[CFE1 x WP1] + [CFE2 x WP2] (avg. score second phase, max. 4)
=
nota de acceso (max. 14)

Example: A student got an average score of 8.55 from the general phase. Then in the second phase, they took Physics and Chemistry exams and got a 9 and a 7 respectively. They want to study Architecture, and the University they want to study at considers Physics more important than Chemistry at that degree, so their 9 will turn into 1.8 additional points (9*0.2) and Chemistry in 0.7 more points (7*0.1). The final score will be 8.55+1.8+0.7= 11.05 out of 14 points possible.

It’s worth noting that the test score in the general phase lasts forever, but a test score in the specific phase is valid for only 2 years.

Frequently asked questions

When does the academic year start in Spain?
When is the application deadline for Universities in Spain?
How much does it cost to study at a University in Spain for international students?
Can I work in Spain with a student visa?
How long does it take to validate my secondary school certificate?
Can I extend my student visa without leaving Spain?
Is Spain a good country to study for international students?
Do I need to take an entry test to study at a University in Spain?
Do I need to present my documents in Spanish to apply to a University?
Do I need to speak Spanish to study at a university in Spain?
Is it easy to find accommodation in Spain as an international student?

When does the academic year start in Spain?

At Universities in Spain, the academic year runs from September to June of the following year. Schools are closed on public holidays, which can be national, regional, or local, and holidays such as Christmas and Easter (Semana Santa in Spanish).

When is the application deadline for Universities in Spain?

Although application deadlines may vary depending on the institution, there are usually 3 intakes for studies at Spanish Universities:

• First week of June: for studies beginning in the fall semester (October).
• First week of September: late applications for studies beginning in the fall semester (October).
• First week of December: for studies beginning in the spring semester (February).

How much does it cost to study at a University in Spain for international students?

Tuition fees in Spain are among the lowest in Europe. The fees are calculated and presented according to ECTS credits. A Bachelor program can cost between €750 and 2.500 per year at a public university while a private university costs up to € 20.000 per academic year.

Can I work in Spain with a Student Visa?

If you have a student visa and residence permit, you can work part-time up to 20 hours per week. It’s important to note that you’re only allowed to work as long as you have a valid visa.
Read more: Can I work in Spain with a student visa?

How long does it take to validate my secondary school certificate?

That depends on the country you’re applying from but, normally, it takes around 3 months.

Can I extend my student visa without leaving Spain?

Yes! As long as you don’t change studies or universities, you can apply to extend your student visa at the Oficina de Extranjeria from 60 days before your current visa expires and not later than 90 days after the expiration of your visa. Terms might vary per region and these procedures can take time, so we recommend starting as early as possible.

Is Spain a good country to study for international students?

Absolutely! Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world and receives more than 600,000 international students every year.

Great weather, rich culture, good universities, and buzzing nightlife make Spain one of the most attractive options for both students and young professionals.

Even if you don’t speak Spanish yet, you even have some (part-time) job opportunities in Spain.

Do I need to take an entry test to study at a University in Spain?

Even though in theory the EBAU (Evaluación del Bachillerato para el Acceso a la Universidad) is a non-compulsory exam, it’s highly recommended that you take it if you want to access the studies and university of your choice.

If you are a citizen from the European Union or a country with whom Spain has a reciprocity agreement such as China, Norway and Switzerland, you may not need to take the EBAU exam, but only take up to 2 PCE exams. Read more here about the PCE exams in Spain.

Do I need to present my documents in Spanish to apply to a University?

Yes! You need to submit all the documents in Spanish and they must be certified by a translator.

Do I need to speak Spanish to study at a university in Spain?

Even though some universities have courses in English, for many studies you need an official Spanish level test (DELE or SIELE) that certifies, at least, a B1 or B2 level of the Spanish language.

Is it easy to find accommodation in Spain as an international student?

If you take a general Spanish course or University pathway course in Spain with us, you can reserve a stay in one of our shared apartments or host families. There are some attractive prices for students staying long term.

You can also reserve only the first 4 weeks if you need a study visa, and look for a long term solution once you’re in Spain. Spain receives thousands of students every year so there is a wide range of accommodation options for every taste and budget. You can either rent a place once you arrive in Spain or book it from your country.
Read also: how to find a room or apartment for international students in Barcelona.

Other relevant articles

Study visa for Spain

• Do I need any visa to study Spanish in Spain?
• How to get a Spanish study visa for non-EU citizens? (applying from your home country)
  • How to get a Spain student visa from UK
  • How to get a Spain student visa from USA
  • How to apply for a student visa while in Spain?
• How to renew a Spanish student visa?
• Can I work in Spain with a student visa?
• Medical insurance for Spanish student visa – all you need to know
• What is the NIE and how do I get it?
• What is the TIE and how to get it?

Study at a Spanish University

• How to apply to a university in Spain for international students
• PCE University Spain access exam for students from EU, China, Norway, etc.
• The best Universities in Barcelona for international students
• The Best Business Schools in Barcelona
• The Best Universities in Valencia for international students
• The Best Universities in Madrid for international students

Other interesting information

• Find the best English speaking lawyers in Spain
• The Linguaschools complete and comprehensive guide to Spanish paperwork.

Anything to add? Share your own experience in the comments below!

DISCLAIMER: We have gathered information to our best knowledge, from our experience, using several different (official) sources. Regulations change and interpretations may vary per country or region, but also between public office or staff. No rights can be derived from any of our articles. The content is merely a guide and we recommend you check information with official sources before and during the process.

IMPORTANT 2025 UPDATE: Due to a change in regulation, after May 20th 2025, all study visa applications for Spain should be done via the Spanish Consulate in your home country. They cannot be done from Spain (BOE).

Read here our complete guide on how to apply for a study visa for Spain.

Because of all the documentation, you need from your home country, if you already know you are going to Spain for a long time, it is recommended to apply for a student visa for Spain at the embassy or consulate in your home country. But if you are already in Spain and decide to study (Spanish) here, it is good to know you can do the whole application process while in Spain.

Who needs a student visa to study in Spain?

It depends on where you’re from. Every non-EU (better: Schengen area) citizen who wants to study in Spain for more than 90 days needs a student visa. More information about who needs a visa to study in Spain.

Who can apply for a student visa while in Spain?

Any non-Schengen area citizen can apply for a student visa while they’re in Spain regardless of where they’re from. [IMPORTANT 2025 UPDATE: Due to a change in regulation, after May 20th 2025, all study visa applications for Spain should be done via the Spanish Consulate in your home country. They cannot be done from Spain.]

How to apply for a student visa while in Spain?

If you want to apply for your visa while you’re in Spain, you should contact the Delegación or Subdelegación de Gobierno in the city or province where you want to start your studies. This might work with a previous appointment or not. Some places even allow applications online.

You will need to submit several documents, which are roughly the same documents you need if you apply for a Spain student visa from your home country:

• Visa application form (Model EX-00) and 2 recent passport size photos
• A valid passport that doesn’t expire during your stay in the country
• Certificates of any study you have completed
• Proof of funds (at least 600€ per month of stay in Spain, read more)
• Proof of housing
• Letter of acceptance for your Spanish course at Linguaschools. All courses with an intensity of 20 lessons per week or more are eligible. So any intensive Spanish course or University Pathway course. You can reserve your course here.
• Medical insurance during your stay (read here all you need to know about this special health insurance)
• A medical certificate signed by a doctor [example medical certificate provided by the Spanish Consulate in US]
• Criminal record check from the place where you have lived the past 5 years (not needed for students <18 years old)
• Parental authorization (only for students <18 years old)

All the documents in another language than Spanish should be legalized and translated into Spanish.

Extra requirements

On top of that, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

• You must be in Spain legally, so with a valid tourist visa
• You should apply during the first 60 days of your arrival in Spain or at least 30 days before you are due to leave Spain. The earliest possible is recommended.

What else do I need to know to apply for a student visa while in Spain?

Apart from the requirements, it’s important to note that your student visa will be granted for the duration of the course you’ve enrolled in. This means that if you’ve signed up for a 6-month course at Linguaschools, you will be granted a 6-month visa. So, if you want to stay in Spain for a year, for example, your course should be one year long.

Additionally, you must enroll in a course in an officially recognized Spanish school or institution (all Linguaschools’ schools meet this requirement). Otherwise, your studies may not be valid and your visa won’t be granted.

Frequently asked questions

• How long does it take to get a student visa to Spain?
• Can I apply for a student visa in Spain if I’m on a tourist visa?
• Can international students stay in Spain after graduation?
• Can I stay in Spain after my student visa expires?
• Are students allowed to work in Spain?

How long does it take to get a student visa to Spain?

In most cases, it takes between 2 and 4 weeks to get a Spanish student visa. It depends on several factors but if all goes well, it shouldn’t take more than a month.

However, we recommend you start the process at least 2 months before your departure date to make sure you have enough time in case there are unforeseen circumstances.

Can I apply for a student visa in Spain if I’m on a tourist visa?

Yes. Until September 2018, non-EU students couldn’t apply for a student visa in Spain. However, the law changed and now it’s to do it from Spain. This means that you can enter Spain with a tourist visa, enroll in a course, and then apply for a student visa without having to leave the country.

This applies to non-EU students who want to study in Spain for more than 90 days. Those non-EU citizens who want to study for less than 90 days and people from the Schengen area don’t need a student visa.

Can international students stay in Spain after graduation?

It depends. Spanish student visas are granted for the duration of the course you’re enrolled in. This means that if you’ve signed up for a 6-month course at Linguaschools, your visa will be granted for 6 months.

However, you can stay in Spain after graduation if you get a new visa. You can either apply for an extension or try to get a new visa. Some of the most popular ones are the job search visa (Autorización de residencia al estudiante para la búsqueda de empleo), the Highly-skilled Professional Visa, and the entrepreneur visa.

Can I stay in Spain after my student visa expires?

It depends on where you’re from. If your nationality doesn’t require a visa to come to Spain as a tourist, you can stay in the country for up to 90 days after your visa or your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) expires.

Are students allowed to work in Spain?

Yes! Spanish student visa entitles you to up to 20 hours per week throughout the duration of your visa.

When you finish your studies, you can legally work in Spain if you get:

1. A regular work permit with a student visa
2. Hired as a highly qualified worker
3. A job search visa (Autorización de residencia al estudiante para la búsqueda de empleo)
4. An entrepreneur visa
5. Spanish residency/citizenship

More information on working in Spain with a student visa

Other relevant articles

• How to get a Spanish study visa for non-EU citizens? (applying from abroad)
• How to apply for a student visa while in Spain?
• How to renew a Spanish student visa?
• Medical insurance for Spanish student visa – all you need to know
• What is the NIE and how do I get it?
• What is the TIE and how to get it?
• Can I work in Spain with a student visa?
• How to apply to a university in Spain for international students
• The Linguaschools complete and comprehensive guide to Spanish paperwork.

Looking for professional help? Find the best English speaking lawyers in town.

DISCLAIMER: We have gathered information to our best knowledge, from our experience, using several different (official) sources. Regulations change and interpretations may vary per country or region, but also between public office or staff. No rights can be derived from any of our articles. The content is merely a guide and we recommend you to check information with official sources before and during the process.

Have you checked if you need any visa to study Spanish in Spain? If you’re sure you need a student visa (also referred to as ‘study visa’ or ‘long-term student visa’), let’s have a look at the different student visas, the steps you’ll have to go through, and the paperwork needed to get it.

What student visa do I need?

Should I apply for a student visa from my home country or while in Spain?

Because of all the documentation you need from your home country if you already know you are going to Spain for a longer time, in most cases it is recommended to apply for the student visa for Spain at the embassy or consulate in your home country.

Since 2018, non-EU citizens that come to Spain with a tourist visa can apply for a student visa without having to leave the country.

If you are already in Spain and you want to apply for a Spain student visa while in Spain, please read this article.

IMPORTANT 2025 UPDATE: Due to a change in regulation, after May 20th 2025, all study visa applications for Spain should be done via the Spanish Consulate in your home country. They cannot be done from Spain.

Here we will discuss the Spain student visa application from your home country.

What steps should I take and what documents do I need?

Before arrival

1. Make an appointment at the Spanish embassy or consulate
The first step is to find and contact the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country or the country closest by. Find here country specific information for UK and USA.

These procedures take some time so we recommend that you plan your appointment at least 4 weeks before your planned date of departure to Spain. To allow for unforeseen formalities or requests, 6 to 8 weeks is ideal.

2. Book a Spanish course (and accommodation)
After that, you should enroll for a Spanish course in Spain with Linguaschools. The minimum number of hours per week is 20, typically students book one of the intensive Spanish courses or a University pathway course preparing for the Spanish University Access exam.

Optionally, you can reserve accommodation with us. If you do, the letter of acceptance will be considered to be proof of housing.

IMPORTANT ADVICE: For a type D student visa (>180 days), apart from starting the visa application in time, we advise you to book a Spanish course for a minimum 30 weeks. This because if you travel to Spain after the start of your visa, when applying for the TIE card, the date you enter Spain and your student visa end date will be taken into account. If this duration is less than 180 days, you will not be given the TIE, the temporary residence permit for foreigners. And you will need the TIE for many things, such as opening a bank account, rental contract, get a job, and many things more!

Once we have received your payment in full, we will provide you with the letter of acceptance, confirming you have enrolled and paid in full for the Spanish course (and accommodation if booked). This letter can be sent to you by email (scanned pdf copy), regular mail, or express mail. For most consulates a digital copy is sufficient, but better check with the consulate to be sure. The express mail may take up to 72 hours, depending on the destination.

3. Go to the appointment with the Spanish embassy or consulate
At the time of making the appointment, you should ask the embassy or consulate for the latest requirements to apply for the visa. The documents you will be asked to present may vary depending on your country but they will include:

• Visa application form (make sure to ask for this when making the visa application appointment)
• 2 recent passport size photos
• A valid passport that doesn’t expire during your stay in Spain
• Certificates of any study you have completed
• Proof of funds (at least 600€ per month of stay in Spain, read more)
• Proof of housing (for at least the first 4 weeks of your stay). We can provide for this if you reserve accommodation with your Spanish course.
• Letter of acceptance for your Spanish course at Linguaschools. All courses with an intensity of 20 lessons per week or more are eligible. So any intensive Spanish course or University Pathway course. You can reserve your course here. For the type D visa we recommend a course minimum of 30 weeks.
• Health insurance for the whole duration of your stay (read here all you need to know about this special health insurance)
• A medical certificate signed by a doctor [example of a medical certificate provided by the Spanish Consulate in US]
• Criminal record check from the place(s) where you have lived the past 5 years (not needed for students <18 years old)
• Parental authorization (only for students <18 years old, we can provide you with a template)

Please keep in mind that you should bring all the documents, translated in Spanish by an official translator, and make the necessary copies. The embassy or consulate will normally not make photocopies for you. If you fail to provide them with the required documents, your application will be postponed and you will have to make a new appointment.

You will get a notice of approval or denial of your visa from the embassy or consulate. If your visa has been approved, you must pick it up in person.

With your visa, you will automatically get the NIE number (Foreigner Identification Number). Not to be confused with the TIE, which is the ID card containing your NIE. The TIE you need to get if you have a Spanish study visa D, for stays over 180 days.

Help, my study visa for Spain is rejected/denied. What should I do?

In case your study visa is rejected/denied, you should contact us immediately. Depending on the reason for denial, we can help you with an appeal and in some cases clear the path so you get your visa approved.

In case your visa is denied, we need a copy of the original letter of denial and will refund the whole amount paid minus the administration fee.

After arrival

Settle in and start your Spanish course with us. Get to know the local administrative staff, they are more than happy to help you with all inquiries you might have getting to know Spain and the inevitable paperwork you will need to go through as a foreign student.

If you have the Spanish student visa to stay longer than 180 days, you have 30 days from the day of arrival to start the procedure of getting your TIE card. However, we recommend making the appointment right after arrival, as in many cases you will have to come back with an amended document.

Frequently asked questions

• • How long in advance can I apply for the visa?
  • How long does it take to get a student visa to Spain?
  • How much money in my bank account is required for a Spanish student visa?
  • How much does a student visa for Spain cost?

How long in advance can/should I apply for the visa?

You can apply for a student visa no more than 90 days and not less than 30 days before the beginning of your studies.

To make sure you have enough time to anticipate unforeseen situations, we recommend you start the visa application at least 2 months before your departure date.

If you have a type D visa (>180 days), you will have to get the temporary residence permit (TIE card) when you get to Spain. In order to get your TIE, the date you enter Spain and the end date on your student visa will be taken into account. If this duration is less than 180 days, you will not be given the TIE. And you will need the TIE for many things, such as opening a bank account, rental contract, get a job, and many things more!

To have a safe margin for unforeseen circumstances such as missing paperwork for the visa, flight cancellations, personal situations, we recommend type D visa students not book a course for the minimum duration of 180 days. A course minimum of 30 weeks is recommended.

For example: if apply for the student visa for 182 days and for some unforeseen circumstances you enter Spain 3 days after your visa start date, your stay in Spain is for 179 days and strictly speaking they can refuse the TIE. Unfortunately it has happened in the past.

How long does it take to get a student visa to Spain?

This depends on several things but it usually takes between 2 and 4 weeks to get a Spanish student visa.

How much money in my bank account is required for a Spanish student visa?

One of the requirements to get a Spanish student visa is to have enough funds to support yourself while in Spain. You need at least 100% of the monthly minimum in Spain (IPREM) which comes down to approximately € 600 per month of study. So for example, if you’re applying to study in Spain for 6 months, you’ll need a minimum of 3,600€ (600€ x 6 months) in your bank account. If you can show you have the accommodation in Spain reserved for the whole period, it can be less. Having said this, we recommend not to go for the absolute minimum, but show that you have a bit more than the minimum.

Another option is being sponsored by your parents or other family members. In this case, your will have to provide a proof of the family link (birth certificate and/or statutory sponsor declaration ‘certificación de toma a cargo’) and your sponsor will have to prove that they can sustain both themselves and yourself and provide proof of that with a bank statement, salary statement, etc. and a legalized copy of their passport.

The certificates have to be translated into Spanish and have to bear the Apostille of the Hague Convention.

How much does a student visa cost for Spain?

The cost to get a student visa in Spain is €60 for all nationalities except for Americans (135€ or 160 USD) and Canadians (80€ or 95 USD). This is a fee to process the application and it’s non-refundable.

If you are thinking of working while you study in Spain, make sure you check our guide about how to work with a student visa.

Do you want to study at a University in Spain? Check out our University pathway programs or read how to apply to a university in Spain for international students.

Other relevant articles

Study visa for Spain

• Do I need any visa to study Spanish in Spain?
• How to get a Spanish study visa for non-EU citizens? (applying from your home country)
  • How to get a Spain student visa from UK
  • How to get a Spain student visa from USA
  • How to apply for a student visa while in Spain?
• How to renew a Spanish student visa?
• Can I work in Spain with a student visa?
• Medical insurance for Spanish student visa – all you need to know
• What is the NIE and how do I get it?
• What is the TIE and how to get it?

Study at a Spanish University

• How to apply to a university in Spain for international students
• PCE University Spain access exam for students from EU, China, Norway, etc.
• The best Universities in Barcelona for international students
• The Best Business Schools in Barcelona
• The Best Universities in Valencia for international students
• The Best Universities in Madrid for international students

Other interesting information

• Find the best English speaking lawyers in Spain
• The Linguaschools complete and comprehensive guide to Spanish paperwork.

Anything to add? Share your own experience in the comments below!

DISCLAIMER: We have gathered information to our best knowledge, from our experience, using many different (official) sources. Regulations change and interpretations may vary per country or region, but also between public office or staff. No rights can be derived from any of our articles. The content is merely a guide and we recommend you to check information with official sources before and during the process.

2024 has been an incredible year, and we have had the pleasure of meeting many students from around the world. We are truly grateful for this experience!

At Linguaschools Barcelona, we wanted to celebrate the end of the year in a distinctly Spanish way. This celebration wasn’t just about transitioning into a new year—it was also an immersive experience where our students could discover how we in Spain usher in the New Year.

In Spain, the countdown to midnight is a key moment of celebration, marked by the tradition of eating twelve grapes—one for each stroke of the clock. This tradition is known as las doce uvas de la suerte, or “the twelve grapes of luck.” It is believed that eating the grapes brings good luck for each of the twelve months of the coming year. The idea is that each grape represents one month, and eating all twelve before the clock finishes chiming is thought to ensure good fortune for the year ahead.

In Spain, one of the most famous places to watch the event is la Puerta del Sol in Madrid, where a large clock strikes twelve. People across the country gather around their television screens or head to town squares to join in this iconic moment.

At Linguaschools, we projected the Puerta del Sol clock in one of our classrooms, and together we welcomed the year 2025! There’s no better way

to start the new year than with this shared experience. Though eating the grapes can be a bit tricky, our students did an amazing job! We’re so happy to have celebrated this special moment with them, alongside all the staff at the school.

We wish all our students the best of luck in the coming year—and of course, much more Spanish!

Now, we are fully ready to dive into 2025!

If you are a British citizen wanting to study Spanish in Spain with us, you need a Spanish study visa if you want to come for more than 12 weeks (> 90 days).

Getting a student visa for Spain requires a bit of preparation and patience, but shouldn’t be that complicated if you make sure you have the right documents. At Linguaschools we have many years of experience helping students get their Spanish study visas when travelling from outside the EU. Any questions or doubt, please contact us.

In short we will explain how the Spain visa policy affects UK nationals:

Staying in Spain <90 days
British passport holders travelling to Spain for holidays, a Spanish course or to visit family do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day-period.

Staying in Spain >90 days
British citizens do need visa for travelling for the purposes of residence, studies for period larger than 90 days, work, professional, artistic or religious activities.

If you want to take a Spanish language course or take a University Pathway program in order to access a University in Spain, this is the visa you need.

There are two ways to get a Spanish student visa:

1. Apply from Spain
   You can either travel to Spain for a short stay (less than 90 days) and apply for a student visa while in Spain [update: this option is only valid before May 20th 2025] or;
2. Apply from the UK
   You apply for a student visa from the UK. Because of all the documentation you need from your home country, if you already know you are going to Spain for a long time, this option is recommended. Continue reading here to find out about all the paperworks and steps you need to take to applying for a Spain student visa from abroad.

Once you have clear what documentation you need, you can get an appointment (cita previa) for the student visa application at the Spanish Consulate General. Please mind that each Consulate General has its own jurisdiction and you should apply to the Consulate that corresponds with the area you reside.

Spanish Consulates General contact details:

Consulate General in London
20 Draycott Place, London SW3 2RZ
Tel: 020 7589 8989
Fax: 020 7581 7888
Cog.Londres@maec.es

Jurisdiction: Greater London, the South West, the South East and Eastern regions as well as the two Bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey and British Overseas Territories

________________________________________________________________________

Consulate General in Manchester
Instituto Cervantes, 326-330 Deansgate, Campfield Avenue Arcade, Manchester M3 4FN
Tel: 0161 661 42 00
cog.manchester@maec.es

Jurisdiction: Wales, Isle of Man, England:
North West (except Cumbria):Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside;
Yorkshire and the Humber: East Riding of Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire;
East Midlands: Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland;
West Midlands: Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, Worcestershire.

________________________________________________________________________

Consulate General in Edinbourgh
63 North Castle Street, Edinburgh EH2 3LJ
Tel. 0131 220 1843
Fax: 0131 226 4568
Cog.Edimburgo@maec.es

Jurisdiction: Scotland, Northern Ireland, Cleveland, Cumbria, Durham, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear y Tees Valley (Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton on Tees, Hartlepool, Darlington y Middlesbrough

________________________________________________________________________

Other relevant articles

Study visa for Spain

• Do I need any visa to study Spanish in Spain?
• How to get a Spanish study visa for non-EU citizens? (applying from your home country)
  • How to get a Spain student visa from UK
  • How to get a Spain student visa from USA
• How to apply for a student visa while in Spain?
• How to renew a Spanish student visa?
• Can I work in Spain with a student visa?
• Medical insurance for Spanish student visa – all you need to know
• What is the NIE and how do I get it?
• What is the TIE and how to get it?

Study at a Spanish University

• How to apply to a university in Spain for international students
• PCE University Spain access exam for students from EU, China, Norway, etc.
• The best universities in Barcelona for international students
• The Best Business Schools in Barcelona
• The Best Universities in Valencia for international students
• The Best Universities in Madrid for international students

Other interesting information

• Find the best English speaking lawyers in Spain
• The Linguaschools complete and comprehensive guide to Spanish paperwork.

Anything to add? Share your own experience in the comments below!

DISCLAIMER: We have gathered information to our best knowledge, from our experience, using many different (official) sources. Regulations change and interpretations may vary per country or region, but also between public office or staff. No rights can be derived from any of our articles. The content is merely a guide and we recommend you to check information with official sources before and during the process.

If you live in the United States and want to study Spanish in Spain with us, you need a Spanish study visa for courses more than 12 weeks (> 90 days). It shouldn’t be any problem, if you know what you need. At Linguaschools we have many years of experience helping students get their Spanish study visas when travelling from outside the EU. We will help you along the way. Any questions or doubt, please contact us.

First find out IF you need a student visa to study Spanish in Spain.

Staying in Spain <90 days
US passport holders travelling to Spain for holidays, a Spanish course or to visit family do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day-period. So even if you’re taking a Spanish course the full 90 days, this activity is still considered to be tourism.

Staying in Spain >90 days
US citizens do need visa for travelling for the purposes of residence, (Spanish language) studies for period larger than 90 days, work, professional, artistic or religious activities.

If you want to take a Spanish course or take a University Pathway program in order to access a University in Spain, this is the visa you need.

There are two ways to get a Spanish student visa:

1. You either travel to Spain for a short stay (so as a tourist, less than 90 days) and apply for a student visa while in Spain [update: this option is only valid before May 20th 2025] or;
2. You apply for a student visa from the US. Because of all the documentation you need from your home country, if you already know you are going to Spain for a long time, this option is recommended.

You will need the following:
Visa application
2 recent passport size photos
Certificate of completed studies
Proof of funds
Proof of housing
Letter of acceptance (you get after enrollment with your Spanish course at Linguaschools)
Health insurance
Medical certificate
Criminal Record

Here you find a complete list of everything you need to apply for a student visa for Spain.

The requirements are the same for all students over the world. So the documents you bring should have Spanish translations and Apostille authentication. Police Criminal Record clearance must be verified by fingerprints and cannot be older than 3 months from the application date. You must get a police record from the countries you have lived during the past 5 years.

How to get a US Criminal Record for a Spanish student visa?
You can get a US Criminal Record from either one of the following sources:

1. The FBI Records for International purposes, issued by the U.S. Department of Justice. The document must be legalized with the “Apostille of the Hague Convention” from the U.S. Department of State. The FBI background check can take over 12 weeks to be processed, so we recommend to apply well in advance. To reduce the processing time, we recommend to submit your request for an FBI background check either electronically or through an FBI-Approved Channeler. More information on the FBI website.
2. The Department of Justice of the State(s) where you have lived in the past 5 years. The document must also be legalized with the “Apostille of the Hague Convention”, but [important] from your corresponding Secretary of the State. Please visit your state’s website to find instructions on how to request both the background check and the Apostille authentication from your Secretary of State.

Once you have clear what documentation you need, you can get an appointment (cita previa) for the student visa application at the Spanish Consulates General. Please mind that each Consulate General has its own jurisdiction and you should apply to the Consulate that corresponds with the area you reside.

Visa applications must be filed in person. However, applications may also be filed by a duly accredited representative if you do not reside in the town or city where the Diplomatic Mission or Consular Office is located. You can ask the Consulate when requesting the appointment.

Spanish Consulates General contact details:

Other relevant articles

Study visa for Spain

• Do I need any visa to study Spanish in Spain?
• How to get a Spanish study visa for non-EU citizens? (applying from your home country)
  • How to get a Spain student visa from UK
  • How to get a Spain student visa from USA
  • How to apply for a student visa while in Spain?
• How to renew a Spanish student visa?
• Can I work in Spain with a student visa?
• Medical insurance for Spanish student visa – all you need to know
• What is the NIE and how do I get it?
• What is the TIE and how to get it?

Study at a Spanish University

• How to apply to a university in Spain for international students
• PCE University Spain access exam for students from EU, China, Norway, etc.
• The best universities in Barcelona for international students
• The Best Business Schools in Barcelona
• The 9 Best Universities in Valencia for international students
• The 9 Best Universities in Madrid for international students

Other interesting information

• Find the best English speaking lawyers in Spain
• The Linguaschools complete and comprehensive guide to Spanish paperwork.

Anything to add? Share your own experience in the comments below!

DISCLAIMER: We have gathered information to our best knowledge, from our experience, using many different (official) sources. Regulations change and interpretations may vary per country or region, but also between public office or staff. No rights can be derived from any of our articles. The content is merely a guide and we recommend you to check information with official sources before and during the process.

The first thing you may want to know if you’re planning to study in Spain is if you need a visa or not. And if you do, what type of visa it is, what the procedure is and what documents you’ll be asked for. Look no further! Here you’ll find everything you need to know.

Please mind that only full time courses are considered for student visas. This can be an intensive Spanish course, a course to prepare yourself for Spanish University entry or a full time study at a University in Spain. As long as the course intensity is 20 hours per week or more.

If you’re from a Schengen area country

So all EU countries + Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland (more information)

If you’re from any other country

Other relevant articles

Study visa for Spain

• Do I need any visa to study Spanish in Spain?
• How to get a Spanish study visa for non-EU citizens? (applying from your home country)
  • How to get a Spain student visa from UK
  • How to get a Spain student visa from USA
  • How to apply for a student visa while in Spain?
• How to renew a Spanish student visa?
• Can I work in Spain with a student visa?
• Medical insurance for Spanish student visa – all you need to know
• What is the NIE and how do I get it?
• What is the TIE and how to get it?

Study at a Spanish University

• How to apply to a university in Spain for international students
• PCE University Spain access exam for students from EU, China, Norway, etc.
• The best universities in Barcelona for international students
• The Best Business Schools in Barcelona
• The 9 Best Universities in Valencia for international students
• The 9 Best Universities in Madrid for international students

Other interesting information

• Find the best English speaking lawyers in Spain
• The Linguaschools complete and comprehensive guide to Spanish paperwork.

Anything to add? Share your own experience in the comments below!

DISCLAIMER: We have gathered information to our best knowledge, from our experience, using many different (official) sources. Regulations change and interpretations may vary per country or region, but also between public office or staff. No rights can be derived from any of our articles. The content is merely a guide and we recommend you to check information with official sources before and during the process.

The Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) or Foreigner’s Identification Number is an identification and tax number in Spain for all foreigners. The NIE number typically starts with an X or Y followed by 7 digits. It is issued by the National Police of Spain or Policía Nacional and it applies for both EU and non-EU citizens. 

Why do you need a NIE?
Who needs a NIE?
How do I get a NIE?

Why do you need a NIE?

The NIE is needed if you want to undertake economic activity in Spain such as open a bank account, get a telephone contract, get employed, buy/sell a car, buy/sell property, pay tax, etc. 

Who needs a NIE?

Non-EU students: if you are not from Schengen and have a student visa type C (for less than 180 days), you won’t be able to apply for a NIE in Spain. If you have a student visa type C (to stay longer than 180 says), the [temporary] NIE number is written on your visa. And you will have to apply for a TIE card during the first 30 days of your stay in Spain. The Tarjeta de Identidad para Extranjeros (TIE) or Foreigner Identity Card is an ID that contains your NIE.

EU students: if you are from a Schengen area country (EU countries + Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland):

How do I get the NIE?

1. Make an appointment at the Oficina de Extranjeros
In order to get your NIE certificate, you need to make an appointment with the local Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or the immigration police.

2. Fill out the NIE form
Fill out the NIE application form (EX-15). English instructions here

3. Go to the appointment and apply for your NIE
Before making the appointment online, you’ll be shown a list of things you need to bring. It is always recommended to bring all documents you have used for your Spanish study visa application, and have the required photocopies, as the Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or the immigration police will not make photocopies for you. For the NIE appointment, be sure to bring:

• The printed out NIE form
• 2 recent passport photos
• A supporting document, such as the acceptance letter from Linguaschools, that shows why you need a NIE
• A valid passport (that doesn’t expire for at least six months after the expiration of your visa, if applicable) and a copy of all the pages
• Fill out and pay the Tasa 790 that costs around 12 € (you can also print it, fill it out and pay it before going to the appointment)
• Depending on the police station you may need to prove where you live legally (Padrón).

If all goes well, you will be given the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE with the NIE number on it on the spot. Please mind this document cannot be used to identify yourself and should always be shown together with your EU passport or ID card.

If you are a Linguaschools student and you have any questions or doubts about the process, just come by the school reception. We speak many different languages and we’d be happy to help you!

Other relevant articles: 

Study visa for Spain

• Do I need any visa to study Spanish in Spain?
• How to get a Spanish study visa for non-EU citizens? (applying from your home country)
  • How to get a Spain student visa from UK
  • How to get a Spain student visa from USA
  • How to apply for a student visa while in Spain?
• How to renew a Spanish student visa?
• Can I work in Spain with a student visa?
• Medical insurance for Spanish student visa – all you need to know
• What is the NIE and how do I get it?
• What is the TIE and how to get it?

Study at a Spanish University

• How to apply to a university in Spain for international students
• PCE University Spain access exam for students from EU, China, Norway, etc.
• The best Universities in Barcelona for international students
• The Best Business Schools in Barcelona
• The Best Universities in Valencia for international students
• The Best Universities in Madrid for international students

Other interesting information

• Find the best English speaking lawyers in Spain
• The Linguaschools complete and comprehensive guide to Spanish paperwork.

Anything to add? Share your own experience in the comments below!

DISCLAIMER: We have gathered information to our best knowledge, from our experience, using a number of different (official) sources. Regulations change and interpretations may vary per country or region, but also between public office or staff. No rights can be derived from any of our articles. The content is merely a guide and we recommend you to check information with official sources before and during the process.