Studying abroad can give students valuable academic, cultural, and professional experience. Spain attracts international students with its climate, history, culture, and range of higher education options.
Spain follows the Bologna Process. Its higher education system is structured into three cycles: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral studies. Public and private universities coexist alongside specialized schools in fields such as business, engineering, and the arts.
Spanish remains the main language of instruction. However, many programs are offered in English, especially at the postgraduate level. Applicants should check the language of instruction and admission requirements on the official page for their chosen program.
English-taught programs are available at public universities, private universities, and specialized schools. Requirements vary by institution, degree level, program, and study-abroad route.
Below is a list of Spanish higher education institutions and their current English-language requirement information. The scores shown are not university-wide rules unless the official page explicitly states otherwise. Always confirm the requirements for your chosen program before applying.
Minimum IELTS Band Requirements for Universities in Spain
1. Autonomous University of Barcelona
- Official Requirement Page | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- IELTS Band Requirement: IELTS 6.0 for non-native English speakers applying to UAB’s pre-established study-abroad programs. Other programs and admission routes may have different requirements.
The Autonomous University of Barcelona is a public campus university with faculties, schools, research institutes, and student services. The IELTS 6.0 minimum listed above applies to the university’s pre-established study-abroad programs rather than every UAB degree. Applicants should review the official page for their chosen program and confirm the applicable scholarship conditions separately.
2. University of Barcelona
The University of Barcelona is a public university founded in 1450. Its official language-requirement page shows that Master’s degree requirements vary by program. Some programs require a CEFR English level such as B1, B2, or C1, while others state a specific IELTS score or use different forms of assessment.
Applicants should review the official page for their chosen degree or Master’s program to confirm the language of instruction and the accepted evidence of English proficiency.
3. Pompeu Fabra University
- Official International Programs Requirement Page
- IELTS Band Requirement: For UPF International Programs, a language certificate is not required, but a minimum B2 level in the language of instruction is expected. Other programs may set different requirements.
Pompeu Fabra University is a public university in Barcelona founded in 1990. English-language requirements depend on the program. For UPF International Programs, students must demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction, whether Spanish or English. The official page states that a certificate is not required, but a minimum B2 level is expected.
4. International University of Catalonia
- Official Language Requirement Information
- IELTS Band Requirement: UIC Barcelona does not publish a single university-wide IELTS minimum. Students must have a B2 level to enroll in courses that are not taught in their mother tongue.
UIC Barcelona has 8 faculties, 4 research institutes, and a Doctorate School. Its published figures for the 2024–2025 academic year state that 1,979 full-time international undergraduate and postgraduate students from 109 countries were enrolled at the university.
The university’s official frequently asked questions page states that students must have a B2 level to enroll in courses that are not taught in their mother tongue. UIC Barcelona accepts language certificates issued by a student’s home university or language school. Applicants should check whether their chosen program has additional requirements.
5. Polytechnic University of Catalonia
The Polytechnic University of Catalonia, also known as UPC BarcelonaTech, is a public university that provides higher education and conducts research in architecture, engineering, science, and technology. English-language requirements are program-specific. Applicants should review the official admission page for their chosen degree or Master’s program.
6. La Salle University of Ramon Llull
- Official Undergraduate Admission Process
- IELTS Band Requirement: For Bachelor’s degrees taught entirely in English, La Salle Campus Barcelona accepts IELTS scores in the 6.0–7.0 range. Applicants without a certificate may have their English level assessed through a test or personal interview.
La Salle Campus Barcelona is a founding member of Ramon Llull University. The campus specializes in educational programs in areas such as engineering, animation and multimedia, architecture, and business management. Its official undergraduate admission page states that an English certificate is required only for degrees taught entirely in English. Applicants without a certificate may be assessed through a test or personal interview.
7. Abat Oliba CEU University
- Official Language Service Page
- IELTS Band Requirement: The university does not publish a single IELTS 6.0 admission rule for all applicants. Students must certify English level B2.2 before enrolling in their third year, or their fourth year if they are studying for a double degree.
Abat Oliba CEU University offers programs in academic areas such as law and political science, economics and business, communication, education and humanities, psychology, health, and sport. Applicants interested in law or business can review the university’s available degrees and admission requirements on the official website.
Spanish universities do not share a single overall IELTS minimum. Requirements vary by institution, program, degree level, language of instruction, and study-abroad route. Confirm the current requirements on the official page for your chosen program before applying.
Spain follows the Bologna Process, which supports the recognition of qualifications and study periods across participating higher education systems. Students planning to work in a regulated profession should also check the professional-recognition rules in the country where they intend to work.
We hope that this article on IELTS Band Requirements in Spain was helpful. To learn more about studying abroad, make sure to check out the Available Programs in Europe for International Students!
