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How to Apply to Spanish Universities as a British Student

Q: Can British students still do Erasmus+ in Spain?

Since Brexit, British students are no longer eligible for Erasmus+ grants. The UK government replaced Erasmus+ with the Turing Scheme — a UK-funded study/work abroad program. Turing Scheme grants are available for UK students studying in Spain at partner universities, but the funding levels and terms differ from Erasmus+. Contact your UK university's international office to check if a Turing Scheme partnership exists with your target Spanish institution.

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British students apply directly to Spanish universities — there is no centralized portal equivalent to UCAS for international applications. UK A-level results are well-recognized by Spanish universities and often provide a strong basis for admission. Since Brexit, British students are processed as non-EU international students, though the practical admissions experience remains straightforward for most applicants.

Choose your program: studyineurope.eu, university websites. For English-taught programs: IE University, ESADE, UPF, EAE Business School, Universidad de Navarra are popular with British students.
Check language requirements: Spanish B2 for Spanish-medium programs; English programs require IELTS 6.5+ or equivalent.
Prepare documents: A-level certificates, GCSE results, degree transcripts (for master's), language certificates, motivation letter, reference letters, passport.
Apostille documents: UK documents require apostille from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Legalisation Office. A-levels and degree certificates may need apostille — check with the specific university.
Apply to universities: Most September applications open January–March; deadlines May–July. Apply to 3–5 programs.
Turing Scheme: If applying as part of an exchange or Turing Scheme placement, apply through your UK home university — contact the international office.
After admission: Proceed to student visa application at Spanish consulate in the UK.

A-levels (3 A-levels, grades A-C)	Generally well-recognized for bachelor's entry — strong A-levels competitive for admissions
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers	Recognized — verify per university
International Baccalaureate (IB)	Strongly recognized — particularly well-regarded by Spanish universities
UK bachelor's (3-year Honours)	Accepted for master's entry — equivalent to Spanish Grado
Apostille requirement	FCDO Legalisation Office (UK) — online service; typically 1–5 business days
Document translation	Spanish universities may require sworn (jurada) Spanish translation of English documents