If you want to study in Spain for the autumn intake, start early. The best time to begin is often almost a year before classes start, because you may need time for research, tests, documents, admission, and a visa.
This guide gives you a month-by-month plan. It stays general on purpose, because exact dates change by university and programme. Always check the university's admissions page and, for visas, the official website of the Spanish consulate or immigration authority in your country.
12 to 10 months before: research and shortlist
Use this time to learn what you want to study and where. Spain has public and private universities, and the application process can be different for each one.
- Choose your field and degree level.
- Check if the programme is taught in Spanish, English, or both.
- Look at entry requirements, tuition, and needed documents.
- Make a shortlist of 3 to 8 programmes.
If you need proof of English or Spanish, find out which tests are accepted. Some programmes ask for IELTS, TOEFL, or another test. Others ask for Spanish language proof such as DELE or SIELE. The programme page is the best source.
10 to 8 months before: prepare tests and documents
Book your language test early if you need one. Test dates can fill up, and your score may take time to arrive. If your programme needs more than one document, begin collecting them now.
Typical documents can include:
- Passport
- Transcript and diploma or school leaving certificate
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Reference letters, if requested
- Language test score
Some students also need certified translations or an apostille. Do not wait for the last week, because these steps can take time.
8 to 6 months before: applications often open
Many universities begin opening applications in this period for the next autumn intake. Some open earlier, and some use rolling admissions. A few programmes have several rounds, especially for master's degrees.
What to do now:
- Check each programme page for opening dates and rounds.
- Prepare your online account and upload documents.
- Write your motivation letter and edit it carefully.
- Confirm if there is an application fee.
Do not assume every Spanish university follows the same calendar. Public universities may also use regional or national admission steps, especially for undergraduate study. Check the admissions office page and the official application platform used by the university or region.
6 to 4 months before: submit applications
This is a common window for many autumn intake applications, but the exact period can be much earlier or later. Some programmes close when places are full, while others have fixed deadlines.
Try to apply as soon as your documents are ready. Early submission can help if the programme has limited seats or if you later need time for a visa.
Before you submit, check:
- Your name matches your passport.
- All files are clear and readable.
- Dates and grades are correct.
- You have sent all required documents.
If you are applying for several programmes, make a simple spreadsheet with deadlines, passwords, and contact emails. This helps you avoid missed steps.
4 to 2 months before: decisions and next steps
Admission decisions often arrive in this period, but some programmes reply earlier and some later. You may receive an offer, a waiting list message, or a request for more documents.
If you get an offer, read the reply instructions carefully. You may need to:
- Accept the place by a set deadline
- Pay a deposit, if the university asks for one
- Send original documents or certified copies
- Complete enrolment steps online
Do not rely on informal messages. Use the official admissions email or portal to confirm what you must do next.
2 to 1 months before: start the visa
If you need a student visa, start this as soon as you have your admission letter and other required papers. Visa processing time can vary a lot by country and by season, so earlier is safer.
Check the official Spanish consulate or embassy website in your country for the exact visa list and appointment system. Requirements can include:
- Admission letter
- Passport
- Proof of funds
- Health insurance
- Accommodation proof
- Criminal record check, if required
- Medical certificate, if required
You may also need to show proof of where you will stay in Spain and that you can support yourself. The official consulate page is the best place to check.
1 month before: final checks
Use the last month to finish practical things. Arrange travel, housing, insurance, and arrival documents. Save copies of your passport, admission letter, and visa in your phone and email.
Also check:
- Registration or enrolment dates
- Orientation dates
- Housing move-in date
- Any document you must present on arrival
If your university asks you to confirm attendance or arrive by a certain date, follow that instruction exactly. Missing enrolment steps can affect your place.
Common questions
When do Spanish universities usually open applications for autumn?
Often between late autumn and spring for the next autumn intake, but this changes by programme. Some degrees open earlier, and some close when full. Always check the programme page.
Can I apply after the deadline?
Sometimes, but not always. Some universities accept late applications if seats remain. Others do not. If you are late, contact the admissions office and ask before you send anything.
How early should I start my visa?
Start as soon as you have your admission letter and required documents. Visa times vary, so do not wait until the last minute. Check the Spanish consulate or embassy website for your country.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
This can save you time when you are comparing programmes and timelines for Spain and other countries.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.