Application strategy
Spanish-school applicants enter via the EvAU/Selectividad exam; international applicants typically validate qualifications and sit the university-entrance route through UNEDasiss, which converts IB/A-Level/AP grades into the Spanish 0-14 scale. Strong Spanish proficiency (often DELE B2+) is essential for undergraduate study. Master's admission is selective and program-specific — check whether a track is Spanish- or English-taught before applying.
Who fits
- Students committed to a research-intensive science (physics, maths, biology) degree
- Spanish-speaking or Spanish-learning students wanting an authentic Spanish-medium education
- Aspiring researchers seeking proximity to CSIC institutes and PhD pathways
- Budget-conscious students wanting a top-Spanish university at public tuition
- Law, economics and medicine students targeting the Spanish/Latin-American market
Who should think twice
- Students who need English-taught undergraduate programs
- Those wanting a vibrant residential, city-centre campus life
- Students prioritizing a globally top-50 brand name for international mobility
- Learners needing intensive one-on-one teaching and small classes
- Those seeking strong direct pipelines into non-Spanish global employers
Visa and application system in Spain
- Student visa / post-study work: Student visa (estancia por estudios) for non-EU; from 2023 the Startup Law allows a 1–2 year job-search/work stay after graduation, and study time counts toward residency
- Application system: Public universities: EvAU/Selectividad + UNEDasiss credential recognition for international applicants; private universities (IE, ESADE) admit directly