Requirements to study a master's degree in Spain

To study a master’s degree in Spain, in most cases you need a previous university degree, to have completed between 180 and 240 ECTS credits, and to meet the specific requirements of each programme.

Key points you should be clear about:

• Qualification: a university degree is normally required
• ECTS credits: between 180 and 240 within the EHEA
• Additional requirements: language, motivation letter or interview depending on the master’s degree
• Foreign students: they must prove the validity of their degree
• Calendar: pre-registration usually opens between March and June, although this may vary depending on the university and the programme.

Before starting the process, it is advisable to understand exactly what will be required and how your profile fits each programme.

What do you need to study a master’s degree in Spain?

To access a master’s degree in Spain, there are common requirements in most programmes and others that depend on each university or qualification.

Basic requirements to access a master’s degree

The following table summarises the basic requirements usually requested to access a master’s degree in Spain:

Access to official master’s degrees is regulated within the framework of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), which guarantees academic continuity (https://www.ehea.info/).

University qualification

In most programmes, having a university degree is the main requirement.

This criterion is defined in Spanish university regulations (Royal Decree 822/2021: https://www.boe.es/eli/es/rd/2021/09/28/822), which regulates the organisation of official education.

It is not always compulsory for the degree to be directly related to the master’s degree, but it can influence admission.

ECTS credits

Another key point is ECTS credits, which structure the European university system.

To access an official master’s degree, it is usual to:

• Have completed between 180 and 240 ECTS credits
• Have completed a degree within the EHEA
• Prove equivalence if you come from another education system

This system makes it possible to compare qualifications between countries and facilitates academic mobility.

Specific requirements

Specific requirements may vary depending on the programme and the university.

Some master’s degrees may request:

• Accredited language level (B2, C1…)
• Motivation letter
• Personal interview
• Previous experience or portfolio

Rather than a filter, these requirements seek to ensure that the profile fits the programme.

Requirements to study a master’s degree in Spain as a foreign student

If you have studied outside Spain, you will need to prove that your degree allows you to access postgraduate studies and check whether you need recognition or equivalence.

Recognition and equivalence of foreign degrees

The first step is to check whether your degree is valid.

There are two main routes:

• Recognition: recognises your degree as equivalent to a Spanish one
• Equivalence: validates the level of studies without associating it with a specific degree

According to the Ministry of Universities (https://www.universidades.gob.es/), in many cases it is not necessary to have your degree recognised in order to access a master’s degree, provided that the degree allows access to postgraduate studies in the country of origin.

In addition, for the 2026–2027 academic year, it is advisable to start these procedures several months in advance, as administrative deadlines may take longer.

Access requirements for students from the European Union

If you come from a European Union country, the process is usually simpler.

As part of the EHEA:

• Your degree is directly recognisable
• Administrative procedures are simplified
• Only basic academic documentation is required

For the 2026–2027 academic year, many universities keep calls open from spring onwards, so it is advisable to check the specific dates at each institution.

Access for students from systems outside the EHEA

When the degree comes from outside the EHEA, the university evaluates each case individually.

This involves:

• Verifying that the degree gives access to postgraduate studies in its country of origin
• Reviewing the academic record and training
• Requesting additional documentation if necessary

In these cases, it is common for the admission process for the 2026–2027 academic year to begin earlier than for national students, precisely in order to manage the review times.

Is it possible to access a master’s degree without a university degree?

Yes, it is possible to access some master’s degrees without a university degree, but not an official master’s degree. The possibility depends on the type of programme and the admission criteria of each institution.

Exceptional cases and verifiable professional experience

In some proprietary programmes or lifelong learning programmes, the institution may assess professional experience instead of requiring a previous university qualification.

However, the following is required:

• Relevant professional experience
• Demonstrable track record in the sector
• Profile aligned with the content of the master’s degree

This type of programme is common in digital and business areas, where practical experience usually carries more weight.

Differences between an official master’s degree and a lifelong learning master’s degree

This is the key point.

• Official master’s degree: a previous university qualification is compulsory
• Lifelong learning master’s degree: professional experience may be assessed instead of a degree

This difference is important if you are looking for alternatives outside the traditional academic route.

Documentation required for pre-registration

Once the requirements have been met, the next step is to prepare the documentation.

Having everything ready speeds up the process and avoids errors with deadlines.

The following table summarises the basic documents usually requested during pre-registration and what each one is used for.

Additional documentation depending on the programme

In some cases, the following may be requested:

• Motivation letter
• Language certificates, such as IELTS or TOEFL
• Academic or professional references
• Portfolio or previous work

For the 2026–2027 academic year, many institutions allow this documentation to be uploaded completely online during pre-registration.

Admission process step by step

The admission process usually follows a fairly similar structure in most universities.

The following table summarises the usual stages of the admission process for a master’s degree:

For the 2026–2027 academic year, most universities in Spain concentrate the process between spring and summer, with classes usually starting between September and October.

At this point, many people compare different options before deciding. Planeta Formación’s master’s degrees bring together a range of proposals according to profile, study modality and professional goals.

Ultimately, accessing a master’s degree is not just about meeting requirements, but about choosing an option aligned with your profile, your goals and your professional moment. Taking the time to gather information, compare programmes and understand each stage of the process helps you make a clearer decision.