How to study in Spain as a foreigner
Studying in Spain is much more than earning a university degree. It means opening yourself up to a country with centuries of academic tradition, a vibrant cultural life, and an approach to education that blends heritage with innovation.
Every year, thousands of international students choose Spain to continue their studies. They are drawn by the quality of teaching, the chance to connect with students from all over the world, and the richness of university life that extends far beyond the classroom.
Taking the step of studying abroad always raises questions: from entry requirements depending on your country of origin, to the procedures for validating previous studies, obtaining a visa, and going through the admissions process itself.
At Planeta Formación y Universidades, education is seen as a key that opens doors and brings cultures together. That is why we work to ensure that every international student can build their academic future in Spain in the best possible way.
Can I study at a university in Spain as a foreigner?
The answer is clear: yes, you can. And not only in one type of program, but across practically the full range offered by the Spanish university system.
Types of studies you can pursue in Spain
In Spain, you can study undergraduate degrees, which are four-year programs covering fields ranging from health sciences to engineering, economics, law, and the humanities. There are also internal master's degrees and official master's degrees, typically lasting one or two years, which allow you to specialize in areas such as international management, renewable energy, or big data. And of course, official master’s degrees serve as the gateway to doctoral studies, which are research-focused.
In addition, there are higher-level vocational training (FP) programs, highly valued for their practical orientation, as well as continuing education and specialization courses, some of which are offered in English. Universities such as the Universidad Internacional de Valencia (VIU) International University of Valencia (VIU) and UNIE – Universidad Internacional de la Empresa provide modern alternatives, with bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs available both online and on campus, designed to adapt to your lifestyle.
Requirements to study at a Spanish university as a foreigner
Requirements for European Union citizens
For students from the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, the process is straightforward: they can enroll at any Spanish university without needing a visa. They study under the same conditions as Spanish nationals: access, rights, responsibilities, and tuition fees. In many cases, they are also eligible for the same scholarships and public funding. The only requirement is that their secondary school diploma be valid in their home country and meet the minimum requirements for university admission.
Requirements for non-EU students
For students coming from outside the EU, the process involves additional steps. The most important is the student visa, which must be applied for at the Spanish consulate in your home country before traveling. For stays longer than 90 days, you must also obtain a student residence permit and a NIE (Foreigner Identity Number) once in Spain. You will need a valid passport, an official letter of admission from the university, and proof of financial resources and accommodation.
How to enter university in Spain as a foreigner
Application and admission process
The admission process begins with a formal application to the chosen university or via digital platforms. Translated and legalized copies of previous academic qualifications (secondary school or equivalent) are required. To access master’s and doctoral programs, applicants must also submit a recognized university degree and academic transcript.
The Spanish system follows the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which makes it easier to compare studies across countries. This framework allows for quicker recognition of prior learning, provided that academic requirements are met. However, each university may establish its own criteria, such as interviews, internal assessments, or proof of language proficiency.
Entrance exams and specific tests
Some programs set additional requirements. Medicine, for example, requires very high entrance grades; Architecture, Fine Arts, and Translation may require specific aptitude tests. When the program is taught in Spanish, proof of language proficiency is often required, either through the DELE (Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language) or internal exams, generally at B1 or B2 level. For master’s programs taught in English, an international certification such as IELTS or TOEFL is usually requested.
Procedure for study recognition and validation
Steps to validate your high school diploma
Recognition (homologación) is an essential step. To gain access to a university degree in Spain, the Ministry of Education must confirm that your foreign secondary school diploma is equivalent to a Spanish one. This requires submitting an application via the Ministry’s online portal, along with copies of the diploma, curriculum, grades, and a certified translation if the documents are not in Spanish. An administrative fee also applies. While the process may seem lengthy, it is a necessary requirement for valid admission.
Conclusion
In the 2023–2024 academic year, Spanish universities enrolled more than 1.7 million students, over 200,000 of whom came from abroad. This confirms the trend: Spain has become one of the most attractive academic destinations in Europe, not only for the quality of its teaching but also for the experience of life beyond the classroom.
In this context, Planeta Formación y Universidades acts as a bridge between cultures, bringing together people who want to shape their future through education. If you are thinking about taking this step and studying in Spain, now is the perfect time to explore how we can support you on that journey.
