Language Requirements for Studying in Spain
International students planning to enroll in a Spanish higher education institution must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the language of instruction. As of 2025/2026, these requirements are standardized across the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) but vary depending on the specific program, the university's autonomous regulations, and the student's country of origin.
For most undergraduate and postgraduate programs, the minimum required level follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Generally, a B1 or B2 level is the baseline for admission to ensure the student can follow academic lectures and participate in research activities.
Proficiency in Spanish: DELE and SIELE
If the chosen degree is taught in Spanish, applicants must provide an official certificate. The two most widely recognized certifications by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities are DELE and SIELE.
DELE (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera)
DELE is a permanent qualification issued by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Ministry of Education. It does not expire, making it a preferred choice for long-term academic and residency goals.
- Standard Requirement: Level B2 is typically required for undergraduate degrees.
- Cost: Depending on the level and location, fees range from 165 EUR to 230 EUR ($180 to $250 USD, Jan 2026).
SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española)
SIELE is a digital assessment that provides results quickly (within three weeks). Unlike DELE, SIELE certificates are valid for five years.
- Standard Requirement: A score corresponding to B2 or higher.
- Cost: The "Global" exam costs approximately 155 EUR ($169 USD, Jan 2026).
English-Taught Programs and Requirements
Spain has significantly increased its offering of English-taught Master’s degrees and private business school programs. For these tracks, students do not usually need a Spanish certificate for admission, but they must prove English proficiency.
Recognized English certificates include:
- IELTS Academic: Usually a minimum score of 6.0 or 6.5 is required. The exam fee is approximately 240 EUR ($261 USD, Jan 2026).
- TOEFL iBT: A minimum score between 75 and 90 is standard. Fees are approximately 250 EUR ($272 USD, Jan 2026).
- Cambridge English: First (FCE) or Advanced (CAE) certificates are widely accepted.
Information regarding specific score thresholds should be verified directly with the university’s Secretaría de Alumnos (Student Secretariat), as private universities may have stricter or more flexible criteria than public ones.
Exemptions and Special Cases
Certain applicants may be exempt from providing a language certificate during the admission process or the student visa application.
Native Speakers
Citizens from countries where Spanish (or English, for English-taught programs) is the official language are generally exempt. This includes most Latin American countries for Spanish-taught degrees. Applicants must provide a copy of their passport or birth certificate as proof of nationality.
Previous Education in the Target Language
If a student has completed high school or a previous university degree in the language of instruction, the university may waive the certificate requirement. This requires an official "Medium of Instruction" (MOI) certificate from the previous institution.
Exchange Students
Students participating in programs like Erasmus+ often follow specific bilateral agreements between their home university and the Spanish host university. In these cases, a simple language assessment from the home university's language department may suffice.
Practical Steps for International Applicants
To ensure a successful application for the 2025/2026 academic year, students should follow these steps:
- Check the "Plan de Estudios": Verify the language of each subject. Some "English" degrees may still have mandatory Spanish components.
- Schedule Exams Early: DELE exam dates are fixed and limited (usually occurring in April, May, July, October, and November). Results can take up to three months.
- Legalization of Documents: Ensure that any academic certificates used to prove language proficiency are properly apostilled or legalized if they were issued outside the European Union.
- Visa Requirements: Note that the Spanish Consulate may require proof of language proficiency as part of the financial and academic "reliability" check for the student visa, even if the university has already granted admission.
Note: Requirements can change based on regional legislation in Autonomous Communities with co-official languages, such as Catalonia, the Basque Country, or Galicia, where some subjects may be taught in the local regional language.