Planning to study at a university in Spain involves more than choosing a degree and completing the admission process. If your chosen programme is taught in Spanish, you will need the language skills to follow lectures, understand academic texts, participate in discussions and complete assignments.
However, Spanish language requirements are not the same for every university or degree. Some institutions require international students to demonstrate a specific level of Spanish, while others recommend a certain level to help students follow their studies successfully. Programmes taught in English may have different language requirements altogether.
Understanding these conditions before applying can help you set realistic learning goals, prepare the necessary documentation and feel more confident about studying in Spain.
In this guide, we explain what level of Spanish universities may require, which certificates can demonstrate your proficiency and how to prepare your language skills for an academic environment.
Do You Need Spanish to Study at a University in Spain?
Not every university degree in Spain requires students to speak Spanish. The language requirements depend primarily on the language in which the programme is taught.
If you choose a degree taught in Spanish, having a good command of the language is essential. You will need to understand lectures, read academic materials, participate in discussions and express your ideas clearly in written assignments and examinations.
However, some Spanish universities offer degrees taught entirely in English or programmes that combine English and Spanish. In these cases, the admission requirements may be different.
Before choosing a programme, consider the following:
Spanish-taught degrees: Check whether the university requires an official Spanish language certificate and which level it accepts.
English-taught degrees: Find out whether you need to demonstrate English proficiency and whether any Spanish knowledge is required.
Bilingual programmes: Check the language requirements for each part of the degree, as you may need proficiency in both languages.
Even if your degree is taught in English, learning Spanish can make everyday life in Spain much easier. It also allows you to communicate with local people, interact with other students and become more involved in university life.
The most important step is to check the language requirements of your chosen degree before starting the application process.
What Level of Spanish Do Universities Require?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) classifies Spanish proficiency into six levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient).
There is no single Spanish level required by every university in Spain. Each institution and, in some cases, individual degree programmes establish their own language requirements.
For many students planning to follow a degree taught in Spanish, B2 is a useful target. However, some universities accept B1 for particular programmes, while others require B2 or higher.
Here is what the different levels generally mean:
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A1-A2 (Beginner): You can understand basic expressions, introduce yourself and communicate in simple everyday situations. These levels are generally not sufficient to follow university lectures independently.
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B1 (Intermediate): You can understand the main points of clear conversations, communicate about familiar topics and manage many everyday situations. Some universities accept this level for specific programmes or exchange arrangements.
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B2 (Upper Intermediate): You can understand more complex texts, follow discussions, express opinions and communicate with greater independence. It is a useful target for students preparing to study in Spanish.
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C1 (Advanced): You can understand demanding texts, express yourself fluently and use Spanish effectively in academic and professional environments.
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C2 (Proficient): You can understand virtually everything you hear or read and express yourself with a high degree of precision.
University requirements can differ considerably. Here are three examples:
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University of Granada (UGR): For the 2026/27 admission process, applicants with secondary-school qualifications from countries outside the EU and without international agreements do not need to provide proof of Spanish proficiency for admission. However, the university recommends a minimum B2 level, as most undergraduate degrees are taught primarily in Spanish.
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Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV): Applicants from non-Spanish-speaking countries applying for the Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Digital Technology at the Gandia Campus must demonstrate an equivalent B2 level of Spanish. The certificate must be verified and validated through UNED, unless the applicant has studied in an education system where Spanish is the language of instruction.
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Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM): Language requirements depend on the type of admission. For regular undergraduate admission, students with non-Spanish nationality who have also studied in a non-Spanish-speaking education system must generally demonstrate B2 Spanish, with an exception for the Physiotherapy degree at the affiliated La Salle centre. For incoming exchange students, the general minimum is B1, while B2 is recommended and required for certain programmes.
These examples show why you should never assume that the same language requirement applies to every Spanish university or student profile.
If you want to understand the differences between the six CEFR levels in more detail, read our guide to Spanish Language Levels Explained: From A1 to C2.
Which Spanish Language Certificates Do Universities Accept?
If your chosen university requires proof of Spanish proficiency, you may need to provide an official language certificate or complete an assessment accepted by the institution.
Two internationally recognised Spanish language qualifications are DELE and SIELE.
DELE (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera)
The DELE is an official Spanish language diploma awarded by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education.
It covers all six CEFR levels, from A1 to C2, and certifies a candidate’s Spanish proficiency through an official examination.
One of its main advantages is that DELE diplomas have indefinite validity. Once obtained, they do not expire.
SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española)
SIELE is an international Spanish language certification that evaluates proficiency through a points-based system, with results corresponding to CEFR levels from A1 to C1.
Unlike DELE, SIELE certificates are valid for five years.
It is another option for students who want to demonstrate their Spanish proficiency through a digital examination.
Other accepted language certificates
Some universities also recognise certificates issued by other accredited language institutions or official language schools. Others may organise their own language assessments.
Before registering for an examination, make sure you:
Check which certificates your university recognises.
Confirm the required level for your chosen degree.
Review any certificate validity requirements.
Allow enough time to prepare and receive your results before the application deadline.
Remember that having the required Spanish level and proving it with an accepted certificate are two different things. A university may require specific documentation even if you already have sufficient language skills.
How to Check the Spanish Language Requirements of Your University
Once you have chosen a university and degree, the next step is to confirm the exact language requirements.
Although general university information can give you an idea of the level you may need, the admission conditions of your specific programme should always take priority.
Follow these steps:
Check the language of instruction. Find out whether your degree is taught in Spanish, English or a combination of both.
Look for the official language requirements. Visit the university’s international admissions website or the specific degree page.
Confirm the required CEFR level. Check whether the university asks for B1, B2, C1 or another level.
Review accepted certificates. Make sure the DELE, SIELE or another qualification you intend to take is recognised.
Check application deadlines. Find out when you must submit your language certificate and whether any additional assessment is required.
It is also worth contacting the university’s international admissions office if you are unsure about your situation. Requirements can differ depending on whether you are applying for a full degree, a master’s programme or an exchange semester.
Taking the time to verify these details will help you avoid preparing for an examination that does not meet your university’s requirements.
How to Prepare Your Spanish for Academic Studies
Meeting the required language level is an important step, but studying at a university involves using Spanish in a more demanding academic environment.
You will need more than everyday vocabulary and basic grammar. Developing specific communication skills can help you understand classes, complete assignments and participate confidently in academic activities.
Here are five areas worth focusing on:
Listening to academic lectures: Practise following longer explanations, identifying key information and understanding different speakers.
Reading academic texts: Develop your ability to understand articles, textbooks and specialised materials related to your chosen subject.
Developing academic vocabulary: Learn terminology connected to your degree, as well as expressions commonly used in university classes and assignments.
Improving academic writing: Practise organising ideas, writing structured paragraphs, summarising information and presenting arguments clearly.
Participating in discussions: Learn how to ask questions, explain opinions, contribute to group projects and communicate confidently with classmates and lecturers.
You can also practise by listening to educational podcasts, watching lectures in Spanish and reading articles related to your future degree.
The more familiar you become with academic Spanish before starting university, the easier it will be to follow classes and participate actively in your studies.
Improve Your Spanish with Teba Languages
Preparing for university studies in Spain starts with developing the language skills you will need to communicate confidently in an academic environment.
At Teba Languages, international students can improve their Spanish through ELE courses in Granada, combining professional language teaching with opportunities to practise communication in real-life situations.
Teba Languages is an Instituto Cervantes-accredited centre, providing an established learning environment where students can strengthen their Spanish while experiencing Spanish culture first-hand.
Whether you need to consolidate your current level, improve your comprehension or become more confident speaking Spanish, consistent practice and quality language education can make an important difference.
Studying Spanish in Granada also gives you the opportunity to use the language beyond the classroom, interact with local people and become more familiar with everyday communication in Spain.
