Hello everyone! I’m new to the forum and have noticed many people asking about the language requirements for undergraduate or master’s programs in Spain. The information can be a bit scattered, so I’ve decided to organize the experience I gained the hard way to help future students. If you want to study at a university in Spain, language is definitely the first and most important hurdle
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Step 1: Study in Your Home Country or in Spain?
This is a classic question. My advice is: try to reach an A2 level in your home country before coming to Spain. There are two main advantages to this: First, you’ll save time and money on language courses in Spain, as living expenses and tuition here aren’t cheap. Second, you’ll be able to handle basic communication right after you arrive—getting a phone card, renting an apartment, going to the supermarket—which will make things much smoother. This helps you avoid feeling completely lost and overwhelmed, which can affect your mindset. Arriving with zero Spanish knowledge can be incredibly stressful.
Step 2: DELE or SIELE?
Once you’re on track with your language studies, the next step is to get a certificate recognized by universities. The main options are the DELE and SIELE, and most universities accept both. I’ve made a simple table to show their main differences at a glance:
| Feature | DELE (Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language)
| SIELE (International Assessment Service for the Spanish Language) |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Organizers | Instituto Cervantes | Instituto Cervantes, University of Salamanca, etc. |
| Validity | Permanent | 5 years |
| Exam Format | Paper-based exam + oral interview | Fully computer-based, more flexible |
| Results Time | Slower, approx. 2-3 months | Fast, within 3 weeks |
| Registration Difficulty | Slots are limited, requires booking well in advance | More sessions available, easy to register |
In short, if you have plenty of time to prepare, perhaps at a university language school in Spain, and want a ‘gold standard’ certificate that’s valid for life, choose DELE. If you’re in a hurry to apply, need your results quickly, or are more comfortable with computer-based tests, SIELE is the better option. There’s no truth to the idea that SIELE is easier than DELE. Universities recognize both, their difficulty levels are equivalent for each CEFR level, so the key is to choose the one that suits you best.
Step 3: How to Study Efficiently in Spain?
Once you’re in Spain, a good language school is key to reaching the B2 level. Here are a few things to consider when choosing one: First, make sure to choose a school ‘Accredited by the Instituto Cervantes.’ This accreditation is the hallmark of quality teaching, especially important when considering a language center at a top Spanish university. Second, pay attention to class size—small classes are definitely more effective. Finally, choose based on your budget and the city you’d like to live in. I studied Spanish in Salamanca, and the learning atmosphere there was fantastic.
Finally, a Clear Timeline
Here’s a sample timeline for a student aiming for fall admission:
- September (Previous Year) - February (Current Year): Study in your home country to reach level A2.
- March: Arrive in Spain, enroll in a language school, and start working towards B1/B2.
- May/July: Take the DELE or SIELE exam. If you’re taking the DELE, the May session is crucial.
- June - August: Receive your exam results and begin or finalize the last steps of your university application, making sure you meet the language of instruction requirements for Spanish universities.
Basically, planning about a year in advance is a safe bet. I hope this information is helpful! This is all based on my personal experience, so feel free to discuss if you have different views!
