Spain offers a wide range of study options for international students. Institutions such as the University of Valencia, Pablo de Olavide University, Universidad Antonio de Nebrija, and the University of Salamanca offer degree, exchange, language, or international study programs.
In this article, we explain how it may be possible to study in Spain without submitting IELTS scores. Language requirements vary by university, program, language of instruction, and applicant profile, so students should always check the current requirements for their chosen program before applying.
Ways to Study in Spain without IELTS
There are several possible ways to study in Spain without taking IELTS. However, none of these options applies automatically to every university or program.
1. Show proof of proficiency in Spanish
If you plan to study in Spanish, the university may ask you to demonstrate Spanish-language proficiency instead of English-language proficiency. The DELE is an official Spanish-language qualification issued by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of Spain’s Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports. The required level varies by university and program. Some programs require B2 Spanish, while others may require C1 or a different level.
2. Take a preparatory course in Spanish
Another option is to complete a Spanish-language course before starting your main program. This may help you reach the level required by the university. Nebrija University, for example, offers Spanish-language and international study options at its campuses in Madrid. Completing a preparatory course does not automatically exempt an applicant from providing proof of proficiency, so you should confirm which certificates or assessments your chosen program accepts.
3. You hold a diploma from a Spanish Language School
A diploma from a Spanish-language school does not create an automatic, nationwide exemption from language requirements. Some universities may accept evidence that your previous education was completed in Spanish, while others may require a recognized certificate or an internal language assessment. Applicants should confirm the accepted documentation directly with the university.
4. You are a native speaker
Under the Spanish Constitution, Castilian is the official language of the Spanish state, while other Spanish languages may be co-official in their respective autonomous communities. Galician is a distinct language, not a variety of Spanish. Native Spanish speakers may be exempt from providing Spanish-language test results, and some English-taught programs may exempt native English speakers from English-language testing. However, these exemptions are program-specific, and being a native speaker does not automatically waive IELTS at every Spanish university.
5. Produce some other internationally-recognized certificate of proficiency in English
For an English-taught program, a university may accept alternatives to IELTS, such as TOEFL, Cambridge C1 Advanced, Cambridge C2 Proficiency, previous education completed in English, or an internal language assessment. The accepted certificates and minimum scores vary by program, so applicants should consult the relevant admissions page before applying.
Universities in Spain that Don’t Require IELTS
The universities below do not impose a single, university-wide IELTS requirement on every international applicant. Instead, language requirements depend on the type of study, the program, the language of instruction, and the applicant’s educational background. Students should verify the requirements for the exact degree, exchange program, or international course they plan to attend.
1. Universidad Antonio de Nebrija
Nebrija University has campuses in Madrid. Its international diploma programs allow visiting students to take undergraduate courses in Spanish or English. Nebrija states that students entering these international programs need at least B2 proficiency in the language of instruction. For English-taught undergraduate admission, the admissions process may include an English-level test or the submission of a B2 certificate. IELTS is therefore not presented as the only possible way to demonstrate English proficiency.
2. Pablo de Olavide University
Pablo de Olavide University’s International Center in Seville offers semester and short-term study-abroad options, including the Multidisciplinary Studies Program, the University Integration Program, and Spanish-language courses. These are international or study-abroad programs rather than postgraduate degrees.
The Multidisciplinary Studies Program includes courses taught in Spanish and English. Its published admissions information lists academic and application conditions but does not impose a blanket IELTS requirement. Students who want to take regular university courses through the University Integration Program need advanced Spanish-language skills. Requirements for full undergraduate and graduate degrees may differ and should be checked separately.
3. University of Valencia
Students coming to the University of Valencia through the Erasmus exchange program must normally be nominated under a bilateral agreement between their home university and the University of Valencia.
For incoming Erasmus students, the University of Valencia states that a language certificate is not generally requested, although students are advised to have a basic knowledge of Spanish because many classes are taught in Spanish or Valencian. This policy does not apply automatically to full-degree applicants. Some undergraduate faculties and master’s programs require certified B2 Spanish, C1 Spanish, or another program-specific language level.
4. University of Salamanca
Founded in 1218, the University of Salamanca is the oldest university in Spain and one of the oldest universities in Europe. In addition to its official degree programs, its Cursos Internacionales division offers Spanish-language and culture courses, along with selected subjects taught in English in areas such as business, economics, and medicine.
The University of Salamanca does not have one language rule covering every international applicant. Requirements vary substantially by course and degree. For example, its Personalized Student Learning Plan requires at least B2 Spanish, while certain specialized master’s programs require higher proficiency. Applicants to English-taught options should check whether the relevant program accepts IELTS alternatives, previous education in English, or another form of proof.
Above, we have highlighted several possible routes for studying in Spain without submitting IELTS scores. The appropriate route depends on whether the program is taught in Spanish or English and on the evidence accepted by the university. Always consult the current admissions page for your chosen program before applying.
We hope that this article on studying in Spain without IELTS was helpful. For more information, check out the Programs in Europe for International Students.
