Which programmes qualify for student residence in Spain

Key rules

• Study load: Language and non-degree courses need at least 20 classroom hours a week, full-time and in person.
• Host agreement: Exchanges, unpaid practice and volunteering each need an agreement with the host body.

What counts as a qualifying programme

A student stay covers more than university. These programmes qualify:

• University degrees, master's programmes and doctorates.
• Vocational training.
• Spanish-language courses and other language courses.
• Other approved courses at recognised centres.
• Research.
• Student exchanges.
• Unpaid practice (prácticas no laborales).
• Volunteering.

A course counts only if its centre is authorised; confirm that before you pay.

What does not qualify

• Courses of 90 days or less.
• Courses at unrecognised centres. Titles from unrecognised private academies do not count.
• Study that is a cover for work, meaning a course you do not actually attend.
• Fully online or distance programmes.

A hybrid course qualifies if its in-person part meets the full-time requirement.

How much study is required

Degrees and master's programmes count as full-time through their credit load: 60 ECTS credits per academic year.

Part-time study does not qualify, except a last-stage thesis, which can be accepted.

Recognised centres

The centre can be public or private.

• For university study, the university and degree must appear in the Ministry of Universities register of universities and centres (RUCT).
• For other schools, look for the school in the state register of non-university teaching centres.

Exchanges, unpaid practice and volunteering

Each needs an agreement with the host body:

• Exchange: a programme run by a recognised organisation.
• Unpaid practice: a training agreement with the school or host entity.
• Volunteering: a volunteering agreement with a recognised non-profit organisation.

Your stay lasts only as long as the programme, with supervision or tutoring by the organising entity. You also need health insurance and enough funds.

Questions students ask

Do I need a Spanish level to apply for a student stay?

No, immigration rules set no general Spanish level for a student stay. You must show admission to a programme. If it is taught in Spanish, the school asks for a level, B2 for degrees. A language course needs only enrolment.

What happens to my permit if I change university or programme?

You must tell the immigration office and apply to modify your stay authorisation. The new centre must be recognised, and you must give proof of your new admission or enrolment. Make the change before your current authorisation expires.