Hey everyone! I’ve seen a lot of prospective students on the forums recently asking about English language requirements for studying in Spain, especially those applying for a Master’s degree. They’re often wondering: What level of English do I actually need? Do I have to get a specific certificate? As someone who’s been through the whole process of dealing with English at Spanish universities, I’m here today to break down everything about Spanish universities that teach in English and what you need to know. Hopefully, this can help those of you who are feeling a bit lost.
Why is English Also Important in Spain?
Many people have the misconception that if you’re studying in Spain, you just need to be good at Spanish. [s]English doesn't really matter.[/s] But in reality, especially when applying for a Master’s degree, a strong English proficiency certificate is a huge plus, and often a mandatory requirement! Many universities, particularly top-tier public ones like UAM (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) and UPF (Universitat Pompeu Fabra), offer a growing number of programs taught in English or bilingually. Think about it: the faculty is international, your classmates come from all over the world, and much of the literature and textbooks are in English. English naturally becomes the “lingua franca” for academic communication.
Common Language Proficiency Requirements: B2 and C1
In their admission guidelines, Spanish universities usually don’t specify “IELTS 6.5.” Instead, they use the levels from the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), with B2 and C1 being the most common. To put it simply: a B2 level means you can communicate fluently and spontaneously in everyday and academic discussions; a C1 level is higher, requiring you to engage in in-depth academic research and writing without difficulty. Most Master’s programs taught in English require a minimum of B2, while some programs with high language demands, such as in humanities or business, will explicitly ask for C1.
A Comparison of Widely Accepted English Certificates
So, which certificates are widely accepted by Spanish universities? I’ve put together a table for your reference based on my experience with Spanish universities recruiting English-speaking students. Keep in mind that specific score requirements might change slightly each year. It is crucial to check the official Master’s or PhD admissions page on your target university’s website before applying
! That’s the safest approach.
| Exam Type | General Acceptance | Approx. Score for B2 | Approx. Score for C1 | Notes |
|---|
| IELTS | ★★★★★ | 6.0 - 6.5 | 7.0 - 7.5 | Most common, highest acceptance |
| TOEFL | ★★★★★ | 72 - 94 | 95 - 120 | North American system, also widely accepted |
| Cambridge English | ★★★★☆ | FCE | CAE | Certificate is valid for life, high acceptance in Europe |
| Duolingo English Test | ★★★☆☆ | 105 - 115 | 120 - 135 | Gained popularity post-pandemic, accepted by some universities, confirmation required |
| EOI (Official School of Languages) |
| ★★★☆☆ | Nivel B2 | Nivel C1 | High acceptance within Spain, less so internationally |
If you plan to apply to top universities in Spain, especially for popular Master’s programs in business, STEM, or international relations, I strongly recommend preparing a B2 or higher English certificate in advance. It’s not just a ticket to get your application considered; it’s a guarantee for your future academic success. Don’t wait until the application season to start cramming for a high score. Language learning is a long-term process. Plan ahead, find the right test for you, and work steadily to stand out among the many applicants. I hope this post helps! Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions.
