Chinese students apply directly to Spanish universities — there is no centralized portal equivalent to Germany's uni-assist. Spanish universities assess Chinese academic credentials (高考 gaokao, university transcripts) through their own international admissions offices or ENIC-NARIC Spain. The absence of APS requirement (required for Germany) means Chinese students can proceed directly to application with their Chinese documents — though apostille and sworn translation into Spanish are still required.
Application Process for Chinese Students
- Choose your program: studyineurope.eu, university websites. Universities with Confucius Institutes (UCM Madrid, UB Barcelona, UAB Barcelona, etc.) often have established Chinese student pipelines and additional support.
- Check language requirements: Spanish B2/C1 for Spanish-medium programs. DELE B2 or SIELE B2 required. English-taught master's programs at IE University, EAE, ESADE, and UPF are alternatives.
- Prepare documents: 高考 (Gaokao) results or university transcripts (成绩单), degree certificate (学位证书 + 毕业证书), language certificate, motivation letter, reference letters, passport.
- Apostille (双认证 / Hague Apostille): China joined the Hague Apostille Convention on 7 November 2023. Chinese notarized documents can now receive apostille directly from designated authorities — this replaced the previous double-certification process. Contact the Notary Office (公证处) for current procedures.
- Sworn translation: Official documents must be accompanied by sworn Spanish translation (traducción jurada). In Spain, hire a certified sworn translator. In China, use a certified translation agency recognized by the Spanish Embassy.
- Apply to universities: Applications typically open January for September intake; deadlines May–July. Apply to 3–5 programs.
- After admission: Apply for student visa at Spanish embassy/consulate in China.
Chinese Credential Recognition in Spain
| Gaokao (高考) results | Assessed for bachelor's entry — strong scores from key Chinese provinces recognized; verify with specific university |
|---|---|
| Chinese bachelor's (本科, 4-year) | Accepted for Spanish master's entry — equivalent to Spanish Grado |
| Chinese master's (硕士) | Accepted for doctoral programs |
| APS certificate | NOT required for Spain — unlike Germany |
| Apostille (since Nov 2023) | China joined Hague Convention — apostille now available from Chinese notary offices; replaces double-certification |
| Sworn translation | Required — certified Spanish translation from recognized translator |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, positively. Before November 2023, Chinese documents required double-certification (公证 + Ministry of Foreign Affairs 认证). Since China joined the Hague Apostille Convention on 7 November 2023, Chinese documents only need an apostille from a Chinese notary office (公证处) — a simpler, faster, and cheaper process. Spanish universities and consulates now accept Chinese apostilled documents directly.
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