Accessing a university in Spain as an international student can be challenging. You may need to improve your Spanish level, prepare for university entry exams and understand the academic and administrative steps involved before applying to a Spanish university.
The Linguaschools University Pathway Programs are designed for international students who want to prepare for access to undergraduate studies in Spain. The programs combine an intensive Spanish course, preparation for the PCE university entry exams, cultural activities and guidance with practical steps such as student visa preparation, NIE/TIE information and, if needed, the university application process.
Linguaschools supports students throughout the process with academic guidance and practical administrative support. We help students improve their Spanish, prepare for the required entry exams and understand the steps involved in applying to Spanish universities. Admission requirements, exam results and university access depend on the student’s academic background, chosen degree, university requirements and official application procedures.
Students can choose between a full Year Pathway Program and a shorter Fast Track Pathway Program, depending on their Spanish level, available time and study goals.
General Spanish course
The general Spanish course is based on the intensive 20 with 4 Spanish lessons per day from Monday to Friday. The aim is to help students build the Spanish level needed before starting focused university entry exam preparation.
For many students, the recommended level before starting PCE exam preparation is around B1–B2, depending on the chosen subjects, academic goals and previous Spanish level.
If your student visa approval is delayed and you cannot arrive in Spain in time to start the program, you can switch temporarily to an online intensive course without any extra charge.
University entry exam preparation
In order to access a Bachelor’s degree at a university in Spain, most of the international students need to take the PCE exams, which are the equivalent of the PAU/EBAU/Selectividad exams (you can find the different terms explained here).
Generally, the PCE exams take place every year in May. The exam results, together with the grades on your secondary school certificate, will determine the probability to access the study of your choice.
PCE exams generally take place once a year, usually in May. Your exam results, together with your secondary school grades and the specific requirements of the degree and university, influence your chances of admission.
Before starting the university entry exam preparation, students have a private interview with one of our tutors. This helps us understand your academic goals and design a personal study plan based on your target degree, university options, current Spanish level and required subjects.
Official exam fees are not included unless specifically stated.
Sprachschüler aus Ländern der Europäischen Union benötigen kein Visum für Spanien. Schüler mit Reisepässen von den folgenden Ländern können sich bis zu 3 Monate ohne Visum in Spanien aufhalten: USA, Kanada, Brasilien, Japan und Korea. Wenn Sie länger als 3 Monate hier Spanisch lernen wollen, sollten Sie ein Studentenvisum (Typ D) vor Ihrer Anreise beantragen.
Sprachschülern aus anderen Ländern empfehlen wir, die nächstgelegene spanische Botschaft zu kontaktieren, um die Visabedingungen zu prüfen. Linguaschools kann Schülern, die ein Visum benötigen, eine offizielle Aufnahmebescheinigung ausstellen.
Bevor wir Ihnen eine Aufnahmebescheinigung zusenden können, müssen Sie den gesamten Kurs (inkl. Unterkunft) bezahlt haben. Die Aufnahmebescheinigung wird dann kostenfrei ausgestellt. Sie erhalten das Schreiben digital per E-Mail, was in den meisten Fällen ausreicht. Sollten Sie die Bescheinigung im Original benötigen, können wir sie Ihnen per Post zusenden. Hierfür verrechnen wir nur die Versandgebühren.
In diesem Fall informieren Sie uns bitte so rasch wie möglich und senden Sie uns eine Kopie des offiziellen Ablehnungsschreibens. In manchen Fällen können wir Ihnen helfen, doch noch ein Visum zu bekommen. Sollte Ihr Visum endgültig abgelehnt werden, erhalten Sie bei einer Stornierung die gesamten Kosten – abzüglich einer Administrationsgebühr – zurückerstattet. Prüfen Sie für weitere Informationen unsere Allgemeinen Geschäftsbedingungen.
For a long-term study visa or study stay authorization in Spain, students need to enrol in a full-time, visa-eligible course. For Spanish language courses, the minimum course intensity is 20 lessons per week.
The most common Linguaschools options for student visa purposes are the Intensive 20 Spanish course, long-term Intensive 20 options and the University Pathway Programs.
Contact Linguaschools before booking if you need a student visa. We can help you choose a suitable course and provide personalised guidance on course documentation, timing and application preparation.
For more background, see our paperwork guide for Spanish language students, including articles about student visas, NIE and TIE procedures.
