Study in Spain Without IELTS in 2025
Secure admission in top-ranked Spanish universities for Bachelors & Masters, English-taught programs available.
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About Spain
Spain, famous for its bullfighting and football, is one of Europe’s most historic countries. Human settlements here date back 35,000 years, with ancient cave paintings in Altamira as proof. After the Roman rule, North African Moors conquered Spain in the 8th century, bringing advanced science, architecture, and Islamic law. Cities like Córdoba (Qurtuba) became Europe’s most developed under Muslim rule, making Spain (then called Hispania) a center of progress and culture.
Study in Spain: Overview
Spain is one of the easiest places to make new friends, experience the real fiesta (party) attitude and enjoy lovely, warm, Mediterranean weather! Who wouldn’t want to study abroad in such a welcoming place?
If you’re looking to study at a university in Spain, you will find a range of higher education opportunities, combining rigorous academics with a vibrant cultural scene. Its universities welcome thousands of foreign students each year. While you study and prepare to become a specialist in your chosen field, you will also enrich your cultural horizons by seeing and admiring some really amazing attractions.
From white, sandy beaches and blue seas, to the ski slopes of the Pyrenees and to the ancient villages of Granada, Spain truly is one of the best countries to study abroad in Europe.
Embrace the chance to sharpen your Spanish skills and enjoy a relaxed and multicultural environment while you study abroad in Spain!
Universities in Spain
Spain is home to many universities that enjoy a strong global reputation and consistently rank high in international rankings. While the majority of programs are still taught in Spanish, there’s a growing shift toward offering more degrees in English.
Among the top public universities in Spain are the University of Barcelona, Complutense University of Madrid, and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid—each known for academic excellence.
Spain could be a great choice if you’re considering pursuing a Business degree. The country boasts some of Europe’s best business schools, with three of the top 10—IESE Business School, IE Business School, and Esade—located here. These prestigious institutions have produced many successful global business leaders.
Below are the Top 10 Universities in Spain. Each is known for its degrees and location and other valuable rankings.
Study in Spain without IELTS
To study in Spain without IELTS, you have to fulfill any one of the following requirements. Here are some of the most popular options for you to pursue your education in Spain without IELTS.
1. You are a native speaker
All around the world, 450 million people speak Spanish as their mother tongue. You can also find the Hispanic community in the USA. If you are a native speaker of Spanish or English, you can move to Spain without appearing for IELTS.
2. Show proof of proficiency in Spanish
If you speak Spanish, you can take the internationally-recognized DELE exam to gain admission to the universities in Spain. For the undergraduate degree, you will require a DELE B2 certificate and for a postgraduate program, you will require a DELE C1 certificate.
3. Take a Preparatory Course in Spanish
You can get yourself enrolled in a preparatory course in the Spanish language to increase your proficiency to the level required by the institution that you wish to apply to. The University of Nebrija in Spain is one of the universities which offer such preparatory courses. Without any doubt, this is one of the finest ways to study in Spain without IELTS.
4. Diploma from a Spanish Language School
If you hold a secondary education diploma from a specialized Spanish language school, you do not need to present any further evidence of language proficiency to gain admission to an undergraduate program in Spain. There are such specialized language schools all over the world, so this option is quite feasible.
5. Other internationally recognized certificate of proficiency in English
If you want to get admission to an undergraduate program that is taught in the English language at a university in Spain, you can produce another substitute of IELTS to prove your English proficiency. TOEFL is the most popular alternative to IELTS, as well as Cambridge University’s CAE and CPE.
Scholarships Available to Study in Spain for Pakistani Students
- Spain Government Scholarship
- UIC Barcelona Scholarship
- University of Granada Scholarship
- Corporate Scholarships
- Fulbright Scholarship
- Erasmus Mundus Exchange Program
Scholarships Details to Study in Spain
| Scholarship | Details |
|---|---|
| Spain Government Scholarship | Available for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs. Open from October to February. Requires applicants to meet the annual income threshold and have a minimum CGPA for financial aid. |
| University of Barcelona Scholarship | Opens in January. Covers tuition fees and living expenses. Acceptance rate is 95%. No specific requirements; an English proficiency certificate is accepted. |
| UIC Barcelona University Scholarship | A fully funded scholarship is open from mid-November to December. Available for non-European students. Covers full tuition and monthly expenses. Acceptance rate is 80-85%. |
| European University of the Atlantic Scholarship | Covers up to 99% of tuition fees. Available for graduate students with outstanding academic performance. Acceptance rate is 85%. |
| University of Granada Scholarship | Offers merit-based and need-based scholarships. Open to regular students at the university. Requires meeting specific household income criteria and completing 40-70% ECTS. IELTS is optional for most programs. Acceptance rate is 80-90%. |
Tuition Fees in Spain
Understanding tuition fees at Spanish universities can be a bit tricky, but don’t worry, we’ve simplified it for you.
The tuition rates mentioned below generally apply to students from EU/EEA countries. If you’re coming from outside this region, your fees may fall into one of these categories:
Same tuition as EU/EEA students
Slightly higher fees (an increase of 1,000–1,500 EUR/year)
Significantly higher fees—sometimes double or triple the standard rate
Public Universities
Bachelor’s programs: 150 – 3,500 EUR/year
Master’s programs: 300 – 3,500 EUR/year
Private Universities
Most programs cost under 20,000 EUR/year
Top business programs may reach 25,000 – 30,000 EUR/year
Accommodation Costs
Your housing costs will vary depending on the city and the type of accommodation you choose. Here’s what you can expect:
General range: 250 – 1,000 EUR/month
In cities like Madrid and Barcelona: Expect higher rents
Student residence halls: More affordable, typically 350 – 650 EUR/month for a room
Healthcare in Spain
EU/EEA Students: You can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access public healthcare—just make sure to get it before arriving in Spain.
Non-EU/EEA Students: You’ll need private health insurance to cover your stay.
Note: Emergency medical care is available to everyone, but you might be billed for certain services.
Food & Dining
Groceries from supermarkets: Around 200 – 400 EUR/month
Meals at budget restaurants: Approximately 10 EUR per meal
Drinks at bars/pubs: Starting from 3 EUR
Total Monthly Living Costs
On average, international students in Spain spend 700 – 1,100 EUR/month on living expenses. Your final cost will depend on your lifestyle, location, and personal choices
Documents Required for Applying to Universities in Spain
To apply for admission to universities in Spain, international students must prepare and submit the following documents:
- CNIC (Front and Backside)
- Passport (First Page & First Two Pages)
- Matric Certificate
- Intermediate Certificate
- University Documents:
- Transcript (Front + Back)
- Degree Certificate
- Medium of Instruction Certificate + IELTS (if applicable)
- Recommendation Letters
- Formal Passport-Size Photo (White background, JPEG format)
- Motivational Letter
- EUROPASS CV
- Passport (Valid for at least 2.5 months before expiry)
- Achievement Certificates
Make sure all documents are properly scanned and in the required format before submission.
Study Visa Checklist for Spain
When applying for a study visa in Spain, you need to submit the following documents:
- National Visa Application Form (Duly filled and signed)
- Recent Passport-Sized Photograph
- Valid, Unexpired Passport
- Proof of Acceptance (Admission letter for study, training, volunteer activity, or internship)
- Proof of Financial Means (Bank statement, bank certificate, and affidavits for proof of funds)
- Health Insurance (Coverage for the duration of the stay)
- Criminal Record Check Certificate (Issued by local authorities)
- Medical Certificate (Confirming good health and fitness)
- Tuition Fees Voucher (Proof of payment)
- Bank Statement (Showing sufficient funds for living expenses)
- Bank Certificate (Issued by the bank verifying financial stability)
- Certified Translation of Documents (If required)
- Educational Documents:
- Matric Certificate + Mark Sheet
- Intermediate Certificate + Mark Sheet
- University Degree + Transcript
Ensure all documents are properly arranged, translated (if necessary), and attested before submission.
Top 10 Benefits of Studying in Spain
- Affordable Tuition Fees
Compared to other Western European countries, Spain offers high-quality education at a much lower cost. Globally Recognized Universities
With several universities ranked internationally, Spanish degrees are respected around the world.Diverse Range of Programs
From Business and Arts to Engineering and Language Studies, you’ll find a program that suits your passion.Opportunity to Learn Spanish
Spanish is the second most spoken language globally — studying in Spain gives you the chance to master it!Vibrant Student Life
Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia are buzzing with student events, festivals, and nightlife.Great Weather All Year Round
Enjoy sunny days, mild winters, and plenty of chances to hit the beach or explore the outdoors.Rich Culture & History
From flamenco and Gaudí’s architecture to centuries-old traditions — Spain offers a truly immersive cultural experience.Tasty and Affordable Food
Enjoy delicious tapas, fresh produce, and student-friendly prices on meals and groceries.Part-Time Work Opportunities
International students can work part-time during their studies (with the proper work permit).Gateway to Europe
Spain’s location makes it easy (and affordable) to travel to other European countries during breaks.
Work while studying in Spain
If you’re from Pakistan, you will need a work permit if you want to combine studying with working in Spain.
Here you see the rules for getting a part-time work permit.
Student Work Permit
How can I apply?
1. At local authorities
If you’re planning to work while studying in Spain, there’s a little paperwork to handle — but nothing too complicated.
Before you begin any kind of job, you’ll need to apply for a work permit. This process is done through the Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) in the city where you’re staying.
Make sure you do this before starting the job, even if it’s a part-time role or an internship. Working without the proper permit can get you in trouble.
Application requirements
You can apply for the work permit if you have:
a valid residence permit.
Duration of work permit
Your work permit will be valid for the duration of your contract and cannot be exceed the duration of your student visa.
Maximum hours of work per week:
20 hours/week
You will be allowed to work 20 hours per week. You can work full time during summer breaks up to 3 months.
Required documents
List
You will need a few documents to apply for your work permit:
- student visa and residence permit;
- offer of employment or employment contract submitted by employer.
