Korean students apply directly to Spanish universities — Spain has no centralized international admissions portal equivalent to Germany's uni-assist. Korean academic credentials (수능 Suneung, 학사 bachelor's) are assessed by Spanish university admissions offices or through ENIC-NARIC Spain. No APS certificate is required for Spain (unlike Germany). Apostille from the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and sworn Spanish translations of official documents are required.
Application Process for Korean Students
- Choose your program: studyineurope.eu, university websites. Popular programs for Korean students: architecture (ETSAM Madrid, ETSAB Barcelona), design and fine arts, IE University MBA, ESADE Business School. Barcelona-based programs particularly popular given the Korean community.
- Check language requirements: Spanish B2/C1 for Spanish-medium programs; IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+ for English programs. Architecture and design programs typically require a portfolio.
- Prepare documents: Korean high school transcript (고등학교 성적증명서) or university transcript (성적증명서), degree certificate (졸업증명서 + 학위증명서), language certificate, motivation letter, reference letters, portfolio (for design/architecture programs), passport.
- Apostille Korean documents: Korean documents require apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (외교부 아포스티유). Korea is a Hague Convention member. Apply at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Seoul or regional passport offices. Allow 1–5 business days.
- Sworn translation: Official Korean documents must be accompanied by sworn Spanish translation (traducción jurada) by a certified translator in Spain or a translation agency recognized by the Spanish Embassy in Korea.
- Apply: September intake — open January–March; deadlines May–July. Apply to 3–5 programs.
- After admission: Apply for student visa at Spanish embassy Seoul.
Korean Credential Recognition in Spain
| 수능 (Suneung / CSAT) | Recognized for bachelor's entry — strong scores in relevant subjects important; university assesses equivalence |
|---|---|
| 학사 (Bachelor's, 4-year) | Accepted for master's entry — well-recognized at Spanish universities; equivalent to Spanish Grado |
| 석사 (Master's) | Accepted for doctoral programs |
| APS certificate | NOT required for Spain — significant advantage vs. Germany |
| Apostille | Ministry of Foreign Affairs (외교부 아포스티유) — Korea is Hague Convention member; 1–5 business days |
| Sworn translation | Required — certified traducción jurada into Spanish by certified translator |
| Portfolio (design/architecture) | Essential for creative programs — prepare a comprehensive digital and/or physical portfolio |
Application Checklist for Korean Students
- Program selected — language medium confirmed (Spanish B2 or English IELTS/TOEFL)
- Language certificate: DELE B2/C1 (Spanish programs) or IELTS 6.5+/TOEFL 90+ (English programs)
- Transcripts collected and apostilled by Ministry of Foreign Affairs (외교부)
- Sworn Spanish translation of all Korean documents obtained
- Portfolio prepared (for architecture, design, fine arts programs)
- Motivation letter / statement of purpose written
- Two academic reference letters (for graduate programs)
- Passport valid 18+ months
- Application submitted before deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Spain does not require an APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate. This is a requirement specific to Germany, where Korean applicants must obtain APS certification before their university application can proceed. Spanish universities assess Korean credentials through their standard international admissions process — a significant procedural advantage for Korean students considering Spain over Germany.
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