With Spain becomingPopular countries for cost-effective studyMore and more Chinese students want to go to Spain to further their studies. However, many students will be worriedIs it possible to apply with no knowledge of Spanish?Study in SpainWhat are the language exams you need to take? Which language exams do I need to take? How can I improve my language skills quickly? This article will provide you with detailed answers to make your journey to study in Spain smoother!
I. Basic language requirements for studying in Spain
Universities in SpainAvailable in both Spanish and EnglishThe language requirements vary from program to program:
Language of instruction | Undergraduate Requirements | Master's Degree Requirements |
---|---|---|
Spanish language instruction | DELE B1/B2 or SIELE | DELE B2/C1 or SIELE |
English lessons | IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+. | IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+. |
🔹 public university: Most undergraduate programsAvailable in Spanish onlySome programs in the Master's program are offered in English.
🔹 private university: Some majors in business, tourism management, international relations, etc. availableFull English instructionLibyan Arab JamahiriyaLife will be easier with a basic knowledge of SpanishThe
💡 Can I apply with zero foundation?
Sure!If you are aiming for an English-medium programIt is only necessary to satisfy theIELTS or TOEFL scoresTheIf applying for a course taught in SpanishYou can chooseStart with a language course, and then into the formal program.
Second, the introduction of the language examination for applying to study in Spain
1️⃣ Spanish Exam: DELE vs. SIELE
If you are applying forSpanish language coursesIn order to do so, you need to pass an officially recognized Spanish language exam, currently the main ones areDELErespond in singingSIELETwo kinds.
exams | Suitable for people | Examination content | difficulty level | validity period |
---|---|---|---|---|
DELE | Long-term validity certificate required | Listening, speaking, reading and writing | A1-C2 (level by level) | valid for life |
SIELE | Need fast scores to apply to colleges | Listening, speaking, reading and writing | A1-C1 (computerized adaptive scoring) | Valid for 2 years |
📌 DELE (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera)
- Organized by the Instituto Cervantes (Spain), the exam is difficult but the certificate is valid for life.
- Most undergraduate applications require DELE B1/B2, while masters usually require B2 or C1.The
📌 SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española)
- Presented jointly by a number of Spanish institutions.computer-based assessmentFlexible exams and gradesValid for 2 yearsThe
- Suitable for applicants who need to obtain a Spanish language score quickly, some schools accept the SIELE in lieu of the DELE.
💡 How to choose?
- Long-term planning for learning Spanish? → Choose DELE (valid for life)
- Need to submit language scores in the short term? → Choose SIELE (Fast Track Scores)
2️⃣ English test: IELTS vs. TOEFL
If the applicationEnglish Taught ProgramsGeneral RequirementsIELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+.. Some top-ranked schools (e.g., IE Business School) may requireIELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+.The
💡 suggestion: If you don't have a basic knowledge of Spanish, it is advisable to learn at least some daily conversation so that you can better adapt to life in Spain!
C. How to improve your language skills with zero foundation in Spanish? Language classes are recommended!
1️⃣ Apply for a language course to study before entering university
If you don't have a basic knowledge of Spanish and want to apply for theBachelor's or Master's degree in SpanishIn addition, it is possible to take a language course in Spain before entering the official program.
📌 Recommended Language Schools::
- Instituto Cervantes (Cervantes Institute): An official institution, globally recognized.
- Confucius Institute in Madrid (Instituto Confucio): Customized Spanish courses for Chinese students.
- Language Center of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB Idiomes): Articulating to Bachelor's/Master's degree.
- University of Salamanca Language Center (Cursos Internacionales de la USAL): A strong academic atmosphere for long-term study.
💡 Advantages of Language Classes::
✅ Can applystudent visaLegal residency in Spain
✅ Adaptation to local life and improvement of Spanish language skills
✅ Make new friends and integrate into the campus early

2️⃣ Domestic/Online Spanish Learning Resources Recommendations
If you want to be inGet a good foundation in Spanish before you go abroad, you can choose from the following resources:
📌 Free Learning Sites
- BBC Spanish(BBC Learning Spanish)
- Duolingo(Fun Spanish for Beginners)
- Dictionary of the Royal Academy of the Spanish Language (RAE)
📌 online course
- Coursera (offers DELE/SIELE preparation courses)
- Udemy (systematic learning of Spanish)
- HUJIANG Online School (China's leading Spanish learning platform)
📌 APP Featured

- Anki (Spanish word memorization)
- LingQ (listening + reading practice)
- Busuu (AI interactive learning)
💡 suggestion: Learn 10-15 words a day and listen to more Spanish-language radio or TV shows (e.g., Paper House) to build up a sense of language!
IV. How to prepare for the language test efficiently?
✅ target setting: Specify the language requirements of the school to which you are applying (Spanish or English? B1/B2?).
✅ Developing a Learning Plan: At least 1 hour of study per day to improve four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
✅ Practice speaking more.: Find a language exchange partner (e.g., Tandem, HelloTalk) or enroll in a tutor program
✅ Regular practice exams: Familiarize yourself with DELE/SIELE/IELTS/TOEFL exam question types and improve your test-taking skills.
V. Summarize: how to successfully study in Spain with zero foundation?
🔹 If applying for English language instruction: Preparation for IELTS/TOEFL is recommended along with some basic Spanish.
🔹 If applying for Spanish language instruction: can be read firstSpanish Language Courses, or take the DELE/SIELE directly after learning Spanish at home.
🔹 Language Learning Methods: UtilizationOnline Courses, App, Language Exchange, Immersion Learning, improve language skills.
📢 Zero-based applicationStudy in SpainTotally feasible! With the right approach, you too can start your journey to study in Spain successfully!