Studying in Spain

Despite the fact that the number of international students in Spain has steadily increased by 43% since 2009 and 2018, international students still only account for 4.6% of the overall student population in Spain. We can see that Spain still has room for improvement in this area. While it has been a gradual process, Spain has simplified the admissions process for study in Spain for international students.

As of 2016, there were 53,409 international students studying in Spain. In comparison, the UK had 430,833 people, France had 239,409, and Germany had 228,756. However, in terms of education, these countries have a significantly longer history. Spain, despite its progress, nevertheless has a long way to go towards this initiative.

So, what are the current options for international students who want to study in Spain?

The first way is identical to the system used in Spain. You must submit your high school transcripts (which must be accredited o homologated for foreigners) as well as take the EvAu/EBAU admission exams. It is a written exam with mandatory and elective subjects such as Spanish language and literature, Spanish history, a foreign language and one subject of your choice from your high school experience.   

Of course, Spaniards will find this method easier because they do not have to accredit anything. On the other hand, foreign students must do the accreditation (or the homologation in some cases). There is a significant distinction to be made here: all universities, with the exception of those in Catalonia, can be applied for even if the certificate for homologation has been submitted even if the process has not yet been completed. This makes reasonable sense, given that that the homologation might take up to six months to be completed and you must begin classes in the fall.  The accreditation take up around 1 week. Therefore, it is sufficient to present a document stating that your transcripts have been submitted for homologation in order to be admitted into most international universities in Spain. By the way, the grades on the final transcripts are really important and are considered during the admissions process.

The second option is quite popular with our students. You must take the UNED (Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia) PCE (Pruebas de Competencias Especificas) special exams in addition to a submitting a recognized high school diploma and/or transcripts. PCE credits, according to overseas students, are easier to pass than EBAU credits. But not all universities accept these documents. For example, Andalucía (from 2018) and Cantabria (from 2019) do not accept PCE exam results. 

The third way of entry seems to be easier since all you need is the homologation certificate o accreditation one. Although it seems simple enough, it’s actually a double-edged sword, because not all universities and majors accept this option. Likewise, your specialization options are severely limited; universities in Castilla y León and Cantabria are the most likely places to do so. International students will be able to study in Andalusia in a special program starting in 2019.

Finally, you can enroll with nothing more than a certificate stating that your qualifications have been submitted for homologation o accreditation. This depends not only on the regions of where your application was submitted, but also on the individual department of the university where you want to study.

Any of the above options are suitable for admission to private universities in Spain. There are some provisos with state institutions, which is dependent on the circumstances. Three of these four types of admissions for foreigners are available at the University of Las Palmas for example. Private universities, on the other hand, almost always demand an internal interview and, in some cases, an internal matura exam. 

ADMISSION OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS TO SPANISH UNIVERSITIES

We’ve just outlined how foreign students can get into Spanish universities. But one of the most common concerns among prospective students is when to begin gathering the necessary documents. When should you start the process? The process is always the same: start first with the university documents and then move on to the visa concerns. It is recommended that you begin preparing your visa documents at least two months before your arrival in Spain. Of course, some students come at the beginning of the school year while some come earlier to take courses.

Second, you can begin studying Spanish a few years before graduating from high school and begin preparing for the examinations online in your final year of high school. In order to acquire your school diploma early in the spring, you must finish all courses and take the State Exam (if applicable) in your country. This is the only way you will have time to do so.

 We are always delighted to create a university preparation program in Spain that is tailored to your specific needs. There is no charge for the consultation. You’re welcome!

 

As previously stated, the Spanish government is continually revising education legislation. In 2018, another major step was taken. The government has established legislation that allows you to legalize your studies in Spain without first obtaining a visa.

How does this law work? A student can enter Spain on a regular Schengen basis or on a visa-free basis in the case of some nationals. The student can then safely submit the documents through the Registro Solicitud de Autorización por Estancia de Estudios.

In other words, the legal barrier has been significantly lowered because you do not have to worry at all about the deadline for applying for a student visa in the country of origin.

Imagine the following possible scenario: you could apply to a university and sit quietly at home, waiting for the university’s decision. Even if the decision is announced in September, a week before classes begin, you could start gathering all of the necessary documentation for a visa D, purchase a ticket and travel to Spain on a Schengen or visa-free basis, where you may then apply for student legalization and attend lessons and that would be it.  

 In case of university transfer students from some countries have to translate the course list from their school as well as provide a description of the educational programs which should be done in detail as it is in your own best interest. Your transfer is then approved or denied by a prestigious university. That Spanish university must recognize a minimum number of credits (between 30 and 60). However, you should first check to see if that Spanish university has any available openings in the field you want to study so that you can attend.

Finally, the information about the universities’ own labor exchanges should not be trusted. These are all urban legends. Medicine has its own system and residency training, which is why we are don’t consider it. In addition, most universities include internship programs, some of which are unpaid if the university is public. Students, on the whole, don’t do internships very often because they preferring finding a job on their own. Private universities, on the other hand, are more active in this matter which provide assistance with companies where you can get an internship and a future career.

Do you need assistance selecting a university and preparing for it? At AcademSpain, you can choose from a list of highly qualified and skilled experts.

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See Also:

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Structure of higher education in Spain
Secondary school programs in Spain
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Tuition fees at Spanish universities
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