Spain is a popular study destination for international students for many reasons. Not only does it have many high-quality universities, but it also has a rich cultural and historical background, sunny weather, a relaxed lifestyle, and great food. You can study, explore, relax, and eat very well in Spain!
Below is a detailed guide on how to apply for a bachelor’s degree in Spain.
Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
Most Spanish universities will ask for some or all of the following documents for undergraduate admission. Requirements can vary by university, degree program, and autonomous community, so always check the university and the relevant admission portal before applying.
1. High School Certificate
A high school certificate recognition process, called homologación when official recognition to the Spanish Bachillerato is required, confirms that your foreign secondary studies can be used for university admission in Spain. Students from outside the EU or outside an education system with a reciprocity agreement with Spain usually need to request homologación through Spain’s Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports. The application can be started online through the Ministry’s electronic office and may also be submitted through authorized registries, including Spanish diplomatic or consular registries abroad.
Students from EU education systems, countries with reciprocity agreements, and holders of a European or International Baccalaureate generally do not need official recognition of their secondary studies or the PAU for foreigners, provided they meet the university access requirements in their education system. They usually request an admission credential or accreditation through UNEDasiss instead.
2. Passport or Other Nationality-Related Documents
These documents help universities confirm your identity and may determine your tuition-fee category, especially at public universities where fees often differ for EU citizens and non-EU or non-resident students.
Most universities will require a copy of the biometric page of your passport, but you may also submit another official document proving your nationality if the university accepts it. This can be a residence permit, national identification card, or birth certificate issued by the relevant authorities in your country of residence.
3. Academic Transcript
An academic transcript or transcript of records is a list of the classes you completed during secondary school and, if relevant, post-secondary school. It should include the subjects studied, the academic years, the grades achieved, and any credits or course hours listed by your school. If your documents are not in Spanish, you may need a sworn translation. If the grading system is different from the Spanish grading system, you may also need an official or certified explanation of the grading scale.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Undergraduate Studies
There are two main languages international applicants often need to consider for a bachelor’s degree in Spain: Spanish and English. Some regions and universities also use co-official languages, such as Catalan, Valencian, Basque, or Galician, depending on the location and program. While some undergraduate courses are offered in English, it is still very useful to be able to read, write, and speak Spanish.
English language requirements differ by course and university. Some English-taught or bilingual programs ask for proof of English proficiency, often at a CEFR B2 or C1 level or through tests such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge English. Other programs may assess language ability during admission or may waive proof for applicants who completed prior studies in English. Always check the specific degree page for the accepted certificates and minimum scores.
You may also need to submit proof of Spanish proficiency. The DELE is one of the main official Spanish-language certificates; it is awarded by Instituto Cervantes on behalf of Spain’s Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports. Spanish-language requirements differ by university and program, but many Spanish-taught degrees expect at least a B2 level. Check each university’s admissions page for the exact level and certificate rules.
Alternatively, you can take Spanish language courses before or alongside your undergraduate studies if your university offers them. Some universities offer short-term and long-term Spanish courses for international students, while fees, discounts, and free options vary by student category and program. Whichever route you take, learning Spanish is very useful because it is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.
Bachelor’s Degree Application Process
Compared to some other European countries, applying for a bachelor’s degree in Spain can feel more complicated. There is no single national application portal for every university and program. Public university admission is often managed through regional or university systems, while private universities set their own procedures. You should research your university, degree, admission route, and deadlines before the application period begins.
Step 1. Get the Necessary Qualifications
Before you apply to any university in Spain, you need to make sure you are qualified to apply. The process depends on the education system where you completed secondary school.
If you are from an EU education system, a country with a reciprocity agreement with Spain, or you hold a European or International Baccalaureate, you generally request a university-access credential or accreditation through Spain’s National Distance Education University, UNED, through its UNEDasiss service. You should still contact your target university to confirm which UNEDasiss services it requires, such as an admission score, subject recognition, PCE exams, or language accreditation.
If you are from another education system, you will usually need to request homologación of your secondary school studies to the Spanish Bachillerato through the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports. You may also need a UNEDasiss accreditation and Specific Competency Tests, known as PCE, depending on the university and degree. Public universities often require or value PCE results, especially for competitive programs, so ask each university which subjects and services are required.
The PAU, formerly known as EBAU or selectividad, is the Spanish university entrance exam. Students from Spanish education centers abroad and CIDEAD may take the PAU through UNED. Students from other education systems who need to meet PAU-style requirements usually take PCE subjects through UNEDasiss instead. When PCE subjects are configured like the PAU, the common subjects include Spanish Language and Literature, a first foreign language, either History of Spain or History of Philosophy, and a compulsory modality subject. Students may also add optional PCE subjects to improve their admission score.
UNEDasiss publishes exam dates, registration windows, locations, and country-specific requirements each year. PCE exams are generally provided in Spanish and English, but students must answer in Spanish except for foreign-language exams, so Spanish proficiency is important.
If you have an International Baccalaureate or European Baccalaureate, you may not need the same entrance-exam route as other international students. However, you should still request the appropriate UNEDasiss credential or accreditation and confirm with your university whether PCE or additional admission procedures are needed to improve your score or meet degree-specific requirements.
Step 2. Be Very Involved in the Application Process
Once you know your admission route and the UNEDasiss services or homologación steps you need, you can start preparing your applications.
First, students wishing to study for a bachelor’s degree in Spain should contact the university about the qualifications and conditions required for prospective students. Some universities or degree programs may require a minimum admission score, specific PCE subjects, Spanish language accreditation, or knowledge of a co-official language such as Catalan or Valencian.
Here are four of Spain’s top universities and their undergraduate requirements as examples:
Next, confirm the dates, registration windows, and subjects for any required PCE or PAU-style exams. This information is usually posted on UNEDasiss and on university admission pages, but it is also helpful to contact the university directly. After you have started or completed your homologación and UNEDasiss accreditation, contact the university again about the application procedure, deadlines, and admission requirements.
Finally, after you are offered admission, you will need to submit or confirm your enrollment documents. Some universities accept online submissions, while others may require certified or legalized copies. Check your university’s instructions carefully. Once your admission or enrollment is confirmed, the university can provide the acceptance documents you may need for a Spanish student visa application if you are a non-EU student.
We hope this article on how to apply for a bachelor’s degree in Spain was helpful. If you are interested in learning more, check out the Programs in Europe for International Students!
