Study in Spain: Application Process

After you've picked your university and program of choice, you'll need to fill out a few forms. Follow the steps below to learn how to apply to a university in Spain correctly.

EU/EEA/EFTA students

Applications for EU Students are completed in SNUDE, the Spanish National University for Distance Education. Usually, the application (Solicitud de inscripcion) opens in April. You may be asked to submit a copy of your passport, identity card, or school leaving certificate along with your application. If your application is successful, you'll receive a Credencial de Accesso within three months. This can be mailed to the university you wish to attend.

Non-EU students

If you're from a country outside the EU, you need to have a recognized high school certificate. This certificate confirms that your diploma is valid according to Spanish requirements. You can easily have your diploma validated at the Spanish embassy in your country. Spanish embassies will provide you with a Volante Accreditation, which you can use to apply to the university of your choice.

Bachelor’s programs

If you want to earn a Bachelor's degree in Spain, your application might vary depending on the country where you obtained your secondary education.

For example, if you are from outside the EU/EEA/EFTA you'll have to pass an entrance exam called Selectividad or Pruebas de Acceso a la Universidad. You can take this exam twice a year in your country of residence. Once passed, you'll be eligible to study at any public or private Spanish university.

Entrance exam

The Selectividad, or entrance exam, consists of four different components that must be successfully completed:

• Text Analysis in Spanish.
• Questions about Spain’s History or Philosophy.
• Foreign Language Exam: You can pick between French, English, German, Portuguese or Italian.
• Personal Choice: The final part of the exam is up to you. The choices offered include subjects related to Art, Fine Arts, Dance and Music; or subjects related to Science and Technology.

Master's programs

Like undergraduate programs, Master's program entry requirements depend on the university and field of study. In most cases, common documents that serve as entry requirements include proof of a previously earned Bachelor's degree and copies of a valid passport and relevant transcripts.

Most universities offer both fall and summer semesters, with different application deadlines. Universities may also ask for documents to be submitted in Spanish. If this happens, you will need to have an official translator translate them into Spanish.

Please be aware that universities receive many applications throughout the year, so it is important that you submit your application before the deadlines and that you submit the correct documents.