Hello to all our friends, both those already working hard in Spain and those planning to come! I’ve recently seen many newcomers on the forums asking if IELTS is mandatory for studying in Spain and what to do if they can’t achieve the required score. As someone who has been through the process, I’m here to put your minds at ease: if you’re applying for a program taught in Spanish, IELTS is generally not a requirement
!
The logic is simple: universities need to ensure you can understand the lectures, right? In Spain, the official language is Spanish. Therefore, for undergraduate or master’s programs taught in Spanish, what schools value most is your Spanish language proficiency. Unlike other systems where standardized tests are key, Spanish universities don’t require exams
like the IELTS; instead, they prioritize your Spanish proficiency. The accepted credentials are primarily DELE or SIELE certificates. Generally, you’ll need a B1 level for undergraduate applications and a B2 level or higher for master’s programs. So, instead of spending a huge amount of time grinding for the IELTS, it’s better to focus your energy on mastering Spanish. That’s the real ‘right remedy for the problem’.
Which Universities Don’t Require IELTS?
In fact, the vast majority of public universities do not mandate IELTS for their Spanish-taught programs. Here are a few well-known examples to boost your confidence:
| University Name | Region | Primary Language Requirement |
|---|
| Complutense University of Madrid | Madrid | DELE/SIELE B2 |
| University of Barcelona | Barcelona | DELE/SIELE B2 |
| University of Salamanca | Salamanca | DELE/SIELE B2 |
| University of Granada | Granada | DELE/SIELE B1/B2 |
| Polytechnic University of Valencia | Valencia | DELE/SIELE B2 |
This is just the tip of the iceberg! Essentially, for any program taught in Spanish, your DELE/SIELE certificate is your golden ticket. Of course, there are exceptions, such as certain business schools or bilingual programs taught partly in English. Always check the specific requirements on the university’s official website when you apply!
But some of you might be asking: “What if my Spanish isn’t good enough and I don’t have a certificate?” Don’t worry, there’s another way! Many universities offer ‘Language + Degree’ conditional admissions, also known as preparatory or foundation courses. This means you can first study Spanish at the university’s own language center for a period. Once you meet the language requirement, you can seamlessly transition into your degree program. This pathway is very friendly for students with a weaker language foundation and is a great option for university admission in Spain without a national entrance exam, allowing you to adapt to the environment beforehand. The downside, however, is the higher cost in terms of time and money.
If you plan to study a Spanish-taught program in Spain, feel free to set aside the IELTS and TOEFL. The key is to learn Spanish well and obtain the required level certificate. I hope this guide helps those of you who are feeling a bit lost! Experts and fellow students, feel free to add more information or share your application experiences in the comments section!
