Requirements to Study in Spain as an International Student

Updated Date:23rd January 2023

Pursuing higher education from one of the world-class universities is the dream of every student. While talking about world-class education, Spain is the top study abroad destination for international students who want to study in Europe. If you are among them who are planning to study in Spain, this article is for you. Here we present Requirements to Study in Spain as an International Student.

Documents required for the admission application process

If you want to apply to any university in Spain, you need to fulfill certain requirements. You need to submit some of the important documents as proof of your skills, abilities, nationality, and identity. The requirements for the admission process in the Universities in Spain depend on your study level and course of study. However, to study in Spain, you will need the following supporting documents:

• Copy of passport - You will need to upload a copy of the page(s) in your passport containing your personal details and photographs. If you are hailing from the EU/EEA, you can submit only a copy of your identity card instead of your passport.
• Updated Resume/CV - The CV (curriculum vitae) must be written in English and should contain your basic personal data, as well as a clear overview of your educational and professional history to date.
• Academic documents 12th onwards (Mark sheets or Transcripts) - To evaluate your academic standing, institutions ask students to provide a transcript of their previous studies. Please note if your transcript is in a language other than English or Spanish, you will most likely be asked to provide a certified translation of the full document.

1. 10th Grade Transcripts and Certificate.
2. 12th Grade Transcripts and Certificate.
3. Bachelor’s Transcripts and Degree (for Masters or PG Programs Only).
4. Master’s Transcripts and Degree (if available).
5. Diploma Transcripts and Certificate (if available).
6. Other Diplomas or Certificates (if available).

• Two letters of recommendation - Universities in Spain ask for recommendations of former professors and mentors into account when deciding whether or not to offer admission to you. Top universities strongly suggest that you should request such letters of reference from professors with whom you have worked very closely, such as academic advisors, thesis advisors, or professors with whom you have taken multiple courses.
• Statement of Purpose - The statement of purpose acts as an introduction to who you are, what you have done, and why you are interested in a given program. Your SOP must include a clear and detailed display of interest in the program to which you are applying, a description of prior academic and professional achievements, a thorough explanation of how the given program fits with your long-term career goals, and a solid conclusion tying this all together while highlighting why you are a great fit.
• Proof of Language Proficiency - International students are required to take one of the accepted exams in Spanish or English depending on the language of instruction and receive an acceptable score.
• Passport size Photograph - Admission departments and visa offices are particular when it comes to the right-sized photo with a specific background. Find out the requirements and prepare accordingly. 
• Duly filled application form (If Applicable) - The Application form should be carefully filled in to get admission to the selected university. You can fill the application forms online or offline as available from the university.
• Work experience documents: If you are planning for your post-graduation courses in Spain, most universities require you to do internships or have a few years of work experience in the relevant field. Get certificates that validate your experience such as

1. Latest Joining Letter.
2. Latest Salary Slip.
3. Employment Certificates from all Previous Employers.
4. Experience letter.

Language proficiency test requirements

If students want to study at a major Spanish university, they now have the choice between studying in Spanish or English, since most departments offer at least one program taught either entirely or partially in English. International students will certainly need to provide proof of language proficiency, which generally means appearing for one of the accepted exams and receiving a minimally acceptable score.
Although there are many English proficiency tests available, there are only a few that are accepted around the globe. In Spain, most of the universities require students to show proof of at least B2 level English proficiency. Below is the list showing the different levels of language proficiency required:

• TOEFL(Test of English as a Foreign Language) – 90-100
• IELTS(International English Language Testing System) – 6.5
• CPE – A-C

There are no set regulations regarding proof of proficiency in the Spanish language like you have for the English language. Generally, students applying to a study program which are taught in Spanish have the following 2 options for proving their proficiency in the Spanish language. They are

• DELE
• Selectividad

Student visa Requirements to Study in Spain for International Students

Students should take the required documents to the embassy or consulate and fill in the visa application form. The required documentation may vary depending on the case, but the common requirements for a student visa in Spain are: 

• A valid passport to be current throughout the whole time of stay in Spain
• Letter of acceptance from the university
• A copy of all the passport's pages
• A recent passport-style color photo
• Confirmation of school or university registration issued by the academic institution in Spain
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of accommodation in Spain
• Students must possess sufficient economic funds to maintain themselves in the country
• A medical certificate issued by a doctor
• A negative criminal record checks from the countries students have lived in for the past five years.

If you fail to present accurate documents, your visa application might get rejected. To avoid visa rejection, check this out: Spain Student Visa Rejection: Reasons and appeals

We hope this article was helpful for you. For any additional details, you can visit the website of the Spanish university. There you can check the exact requirements of documents for your chosen course and visa documents list. You can contact us for any queries. Feel free to reach us.!!

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