Many international students choose Spain for university study because Spanish universities offer official Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees across many fields. Depending on the program and teaching language, applicants may need to prove their proficiency in Spanish, English, or another language such as Catalan.
There is no single language test or minimum score that applies to every Spanish university. Requirements depend on the university, degree level, language of instruction, and whether the student is applying for a full degree, exchange, or study-abroad program.
To better understand these requirements, we have summarized the most common language tests accepted by Spanish universities for international applicants.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed in Spain
Students’ abilities to use English and Spanish in academic settings are evaluated through tests that assess reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. Many Spanish universities accept standardized language tests as proof of language proficiency, but the accepted tests and minimum scores vary by institution and program. Some of the main language tests used by international students in Spain are listed below.
Spanish Language Tests for International Students
Students seeking admission to a program taught fully or partly in Spanish may be asked to provide proof of Spanish language proficiency. The required level depends on the university and the degree program.
1. DELE – Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera
When it comes to Spanish language tests in Spain for international students, the DELE certifications are among the best-known official Spanish language diplomas. DELE exams are administered by Instituto Cervantes on behalf of Spain’s Ministry of Education. They are offered from A1 to C2, following the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Each DELE exam level is assessed through four sections: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression and interaction, and oral expression and interaction. DELE diplomas are internationally recognized and do not expire.
There is no universal minimum DELE level for admission to all Spanish universities. Many Spanish-taught or bilingual programs require B2 or higher, while some exchange or faculty-specific programs may accept B1. Students should always check the official page of the university and program they are applying to. Examples include the following:
- For master’s programs taught in Spanish, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) requires non-native speakers to prove Spanish at B2 level through DELE or SIELE Global, unless an exemption applies.
- For selected study-abroad courses, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) requires non-native Spanish speakers taking subjects in Spanish to provide proof of Spanish level B2 or equivalent, such as DELE or SIELE.
- The University of Barcelona (UB) sets language requirements by program. Some master’s programs require Spanish B2, while others require higher levels such as C1 or C2.
2. SIELE – Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española
Another Spanish language proficiency test accepted by some universities is SIELE. SIELE assesses reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression and interaction, and oral expression and interaction.
Candidates may take the full SIELE Global exam or choose independent modalities that assess selected skills. The complete exam is taken in the order of reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression and interaction, and oral expression and interaction. It lasts three hours, with an additional 15-minute break after the listening section.
After completing SIELE Global, candidates receive a certificate valid for five years. The certificate includes scores for each test, CEFR-level equivalences, and a total score. As with DELE, the minimum SIELE level required depends on the university and the program, but B2 is commonly required for Spanish-taught master’s programs.
English Language Tests for International Students
Spanish institutions that offer programs or courses in English may require one of the following English language tests from non-native English-speaking applicants.
1. IELTS – International English Language Testing System
For many years, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) has been used to assess non-native English speakers’ ability to communicate in academic and professional settings. IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training both assess listening, reading, writing, and speaking, but IELTS Academic is usually the relevant version for undergraduate and postgraduate study.
IELTS Academic can be used as proof of English proficiency when a Spanish university or program requires English for admission or course enrollment. The total IELTS Academic test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. Listening, Reading, and Writing are usually completed together, while the Speaking test may be held on the same day or up to seven days before or after, depending on local arrangements.
There is no universal IELTS minimum score for all Spanish universities. Requirements vary by program. Examples include the following:
- For UAB study-abroad selected courses taught in English, non-native English speakers must provide proof of English level B2 or equivalent, such as TOEFL 78, IELTS 6, Cambridge Advanced, or First Certificate.
- UC3M allows bachelor’s students to accredit the required B2 English level with an IELTS Academic score of at least 5.5 or a TOEFL iBT score of 72.
- For UC3M master’s programs taught in English, the general English score range is IELTS 5.5 to 6.5, depending on the program.
2. TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
When applying to Spanish universities, TOEFL can also be used as proof of English proficiency when accepted by the university or program. TOEFL iBT measures academic English skills across reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
The TOEFL iBT test is offered at authorized test centers and as the TOEFL iBT Home Edition. ETS currently advises candidates to allow approximately two hours to complete the test, not including directions, and there are no scheduled breaks.
TOEFL requirements vary widely. Some universities still list TOEFL iBT requirements on the 0–120 scale, while ETS has introduced a 1–6 scoring scale with comparable 0–120 scores during a transition period. Applicants should check whether the university has published updated TOEFL iBT 2026 requirements. Examples include the following:
- UAB study-abroad selected courses taught in English list TOEFL 78 as one accepted proof of English proficiency.
- UC3M bachelor’s programs allow students to accredit B2 English with TOEFL iBT 72, while UC3M master’s programs taught in English generally list TOEFL iBT scores from 72 to 94 depending on the program.
- Esade lists program-specific TOEFL requirements. For example, some English-taught bachelor’s programs list TOEFL iBT 100 or TOEFL iBT 2026 score 5.0, while some bilingual or law-related programs list lower English requirements.
3. Pearson Test of English – (PTE) Academic
PTE Academic is a computer-based academic English test accepted by many institutions worldwide. It assesses speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills in a single test.
The current PTE Academic test takes about two hours. It has three main parts: Speaking and Writing, Reading, and Listening. Pearson lists 9 question types for Speaking and Writing, 5 for Reading, and 8 for Listening. PTE Academic is scored on a 10–90 scale, and scores are valid for two years.
There is no universal PTE Academic minimum score for all Spanish universities. Score requirements depend on the institution and program. For example, Esade lists PTE Academic as an accepted English qualification for several bachelor’s programs, with program-specific minimums such as 76 for some English-taught options and minimum component requirements.
- Applicants should check the official admissions page of the university and program to confirm whether PTE Academic is accepted and what minimum score is required.
- For programs that list only a CEFR level, such as B2 or C1, students should confirm with the admissions office whether PTE Academic can be used as equivalent proof.
Foreign students who want to study at a Spanish institution may need to take a language proficiency exam, depending on the language of instruction and the specific university requirements. Spanish higher education institutions may accept standardized language proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Cambridge English qualifications, DELE, or SIELE, but accepted tests and score requirements vary for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs.
We hope this article on the language tests needed in Spain for international students was useful in explaining why language tests may be required for overseas students. You can also find more information on different European universities on the Available Programs for International Students!
