Intakes in Spain at a glance
Quick read
- Spain's main intake is September–October. Some private universities and business schools also start selected programmes in February.
- Private universities admit in rounds: IE University's bachelor's rounds for September 2027 close on 6 November 2026, 15 January 2027 and 5 March 2027.
- Public universities open master's pre-registration in phases, often between February and June, and many programmes are taught in Spanish.
- Bachelor's applicants to public universities usually need UNEDasiss accreditation and recognition of Class 12.
- Apply for the student visa at least two months before your course starts; the legal decision time is one month.
The Spanish academic year starts in September or early October and runs to June. Almost every bachelor's and master's programme starts then. Private business schools such as IE and Esade, and some private universities, also run January or February starts for selected master's programmes.
Private institutions accept applications in rounds through the year, with earlier rounds offering more scholarship money. Public universities work differently: they open pre-registration windows in phases in spring, and places in popular English-taught programmes can go in the first phase.
Types of intakes in Spain
September intake
Main intakeAlso called: Autumn intake
- Classes start
- September to early October
- Applications open
- Private universities: from about September of the previous year. Public universities: phased windows, often February to June
- Typical deadlines
- Private: rounds from November to March, then rolling. Public: phase deadlines between spring and early summer
- Courses available
- Almost all bachelor's and master's programmes
Good for: Most students, including anyone applying to public universities.
February intake
Limited coursesAlso called: Spring or January intake
- Classes start
- January or February
- Applications open
- From about May of the previous year
- Typical deadlines
- Usually by October or November
- Courses available
- Selected master's at private universities and business schools
Good for: Students whose chosen private programme has a spring start.
Upcoming intakes in Spain from 23 Oct 2026
February 2027
Closing soonJanuary or February 2027, selected private programmes
Apply by: Now; most spring programmes close by November 2026
Only a few business and private programmes. You also need time for the visa.
September 2027
Applications openSeptember to early October 2027
Apply by: IE bachelor's: 6 November 2026, 15 January 2027 or 5 March 2027; public master's: spring 2027 phases
Apply in an early round at private universities for the best scholarship chances.
September 2028
Plan aheadSeptember to October 2028
Apply by: Autumn 2027 to spring 2028
Use the time to start Spanish lessons if your programme or part-time job plans need them.
Status is worked out from the date this page was updated. Courses can close early once they are full, so treat each date as the latest safe point, not a target.
Not sure which intake you can still make?Tell us your course and marks and our counsellor will check which Spain intakes are realistic for you.
Month-by-month plan for the September 2027 intake
September to October 2026
Shortlist programmes and check the language of instruction (many public master's are in Spanish).
October 2026 to January 2027
Apply to private universities in early rounds (IE: 6 November and 15 January) and take your English or Spanish test.
January to March 2027
Start Class 12 recognition or UNEDasiss accreditation if you are applying to public bachelor's programmes.
February to May 2027
Apply to public university master's in the first pre-registration phase; accept offers and pay deposits.
May to July 2027
Collect your admission letter, proof of funds (€600 a month for 2026) and private health insurance.
June to July 2027
Apply for the national D student visa through BLS at least two months before the start.
September 2027
Travel and apply for your TIE card within one month of arrival.
How to choose the right intake
- 01
Language of the programme
English-taught programmes are more common at private universities. Check carefully at public ones.
- 02
Scholarship rounds
At private universities, earlier rounds usually have more scholarship money.
- 03
Recognition paperwork
Public bachelor's programmes need recognition of your Class 12, which takes time.
- 04
Visa time
Apply at least two months before your course starts to be safe.
Application deadlines at universities in Spain
| University | Intake | Deadline | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|
| IE University (bachelor's, Round 1) | September 2027 | 6 November 2026 (decisions by 11 December 2026) | Check date |
| IE University (bachelor's, Round 2) | September 2027 | 15 January 2027 (decisions by 19 February 2027) | Check date |
| IE University (bachelor's, Round 3) | September 2027 | 5 March 2027 (decisions by 23 April 2027); then rolling from May | Check date |
| Esade (MSc programmes) | September 2027 | Admission rounds through the year; scholarships are linked to your round | Check date |
| Public universities (bachelor's) | September 2027 | UNEDasiss accreditation before the university's pre-registration window | Check date |
Spanish public universities publish pre-registration phases on each master's page, often only in Spanish. Check the dates for your programme.
Eligibility and documents to keep ready
What you usually need to apply
- Class 12 with recognition (homologación) and UNEDasiss for public bachelor's; private universities set their own rules.
- A recognised bachelor's degree for master's.
- English (IELTS or TOEFL) for English-taught programmes; Spanish (DELE B2 or similar) for Spanish-taught ones.
- Some business programmes ask for GMAT or GRE and an interview.
- Proof of funds of €600 a month (2026) and private health insurance for the visa.
Documents checklist
- Passport
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, with recognition for public bachelor's
- Bachelor's transcripts and degree certificate (for master's)
- English or Spanish test certificate
- Motivation letter and CV
- References
- Admission letter
- Proof of funds and health insurance
- Police clearance and medical certificate (for the visa)
Want us to check your documents?Our counsellor will go through your file before you apply, so a missing paper doesn't cost you an intake.
Intakes in Spain: FAQs
What is the main intake in Spain?
September to early October. February starts exist only for selected private programmes.
When do IE University's rounds close for 2027?
For bachelor's programmes: 6 November 2026, 15 January 2027 and 5 March 2027, after an early round in September.
Are public university programmes in English?
Some are, especially at master's level, but many are taught in Spanish. Check each programme page.
What is UNEDasiss?
An accreditation service that converts your school results for admission to Spanish public bachelor's programmes.
When should I apply for the Spanish student visa?
At least two months before your course starts, once you have your admission letter.
Sources
- IE University: admissions rounds (opens in a new tab)
- Esade: MSc fees and financing (opens in a new tab)
- UNEDasiss (opens in a new tab)
- Embassy of Spain in India: study visa (opens in a new tab)
- BLS Spain visa (India): national visa (opens in a new tab)
Researched on 23 Oct 2026. Universities change dates every year, so confirm each deadline on the official page before you apply.