The admission process for universities in Spain depends on several factors: the degree to be taken, the university where it is to be taken, and the student's country of origin. It also depends on whether you are going to study a degree, a postgraduate, or a master's degree. In all cases, it is necessary to have some previous studies that can be validated with the studies required at the Spanish university. If you are going to take a degree, you will be required to have the equivalent of a baccalaureate or professional training, on the other hand, if you are going to take a postgraduate or master's degree, you must already have the equivalent of the degree.

Pre-registration for the course that begins in September is usually in June, however, if you are in another country, it is advisable to start processing in January or even in September of the previous year. The easiest thing to do if you already know you want to move to Spain is to start the process one year in advance.

If you are from the European Union and want to study a degree in Spain, you can request the validation of your studies and exams with the Selectividad (entrance test to the Spanish university) at the National Distance Education University (UNED). You can also take these tests in Spain, but you need a lot of prior preparation. Another option is that you carry out a homologation of the Baccalaureate studies to the Spanish system; this management is carried out before the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sports. If what you want to study is a postgraduate degree, you must carry out the procedures with your university and the university you want to enter.

If you come from another continent, mainly America, you will need a visa to move to Spain to study. You will have to inform yourself at the Spanish Consulate in your country since the conditions vary according to each country. Some of the conditions that you will normally be asked to grant the visa will be a valid passport, an admission letter from the study center, medical insurance in the country of destination, an accommodation contract, and proof of sufficient economic funds to cover the stay. Once you have the visa and the study agreement already finalized, you have little left to do. Simply prepare yourself for the adventure that awaits you and take everything you need.

When to start university?

If you are going to study a university degree in Spain, this will not be one of your main questions since its duration is normally 10 months, starting in September and ending in June. However, if what you want to study in Spain is a master's degree, you usually have several options: you can start in September or you can start in January. Both options have their pros and cons, and we're here to help.

September: if you decide to start in September, you will be able to keep up with most of the students. By the time summer arrives, you will be done and you can enjoy the full summer. In addition, by having finished your training earlier, you will be able to look for a job sooner, and you will have the chance of finding it sooner than if you start the master's degree in January, since you will be able to spend more time searching. One drawback of doing your masters in September is that you will have to decide and organize all the paperwork at the beginning of the same year, and that can be combined with other classes you are taking, so it can be added stress. Lastly, you are probably new to the city and in that case it will be much easier to meet new people in September as this is when most of the students arrive and everyone starts getting to know each other.

January: if you start in January, you will usually have the final exams around October. You will have the whole summer to prepare it, in addition, when it comes to internships it is easier to find them in the summer, since many companies need staff because their team has gone on vacation. On the other hand, you can use the period between September and January to improve your training, you can take a course related to your studies, or improve a language by taking official exams to get the title. Thus, when you finish the master's degree, your training will increase much more. Also, if you are undecided about what to study or in which city, doing it in January will give you much more time to make the best decision. One drawback to bear in mind is that it can be more difficult to find accommodation in January, since the best student apartments fill up when the official course begins in September.

The choice of which month to move to Spain and start studying the master's degree depends on each person. Depending on your personal situation and your preferences, you can sign up for a master's degree that starts in September or one that starts in January. Luckily, many Spanish universities offer you both options, so take advantage and decide which one is the best for you.