Picture yourself on warm, sun-drenched afternoons, wandering through plazas adorned with architectural masterpieces from past centuries. Imagine sharing tapas and lively discussions with classmates from around the world, all while advancing your education to the highest international standards.
Spain has it all: top-notch universities, a vibrant culture, incredible food and a lifestyle that’s as affordable as it is unforgettable.
But how do you go from dreaming about studying abroad in Spain to actually making it happen? One way to smooth the path is through the International Baccalaureate (IB)—a program designed to help students like you achieve their academic goals while preparing for a global future.
Study abroad in Spain: the basics
Applying to Spanish universities can feel like uncharted territory, but the process isn’t as tricky as it seems. Here’s the breakdown:
If you studied in Spain
For students coming from Spanish schools and schools that follow the Spanish education system, it’s very straightforward: submit your EvAU results (the Spanish university entrance exam), and you’re good to go.
If you studied in a compatible education system
If you’re coming from a different European country or a high school with a curriculum like the International Baccalaureate, European Baccalaureate or the Chinese and Swiss education systems, all you need is a certificate from UNED. This document converts your grades into the Spanish grading scale, making you eligible to apply. It’s simple and hassle-free, especially if you’re applying to IE University.
If your education system hasn’t been listed yet
For those with diplomas outside these recognized systems, you’ll need to go through a process called “homologación”. This is where Spain officially recognizes your high school diploma as equivalent to the Spanish Baccalaureate. It’s a bit more paperwork, but our Admissions team can guide you every step of the way.
What is an International Baccalaureate?
The IB is a high school program, yes. But it’s also a globally respected diploma that prepares students from ages 3 to 19 for the future by focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving and an international perspective.
IB students are known for their ability to:
- Think independently and tackle tough challenges.
- Take ownership of their learning.
- Thrive in multicultural settings.
- Develop second-language skills.
- Adapt to a fast-changing and interconnected world.
As Ester Shehu, an IE University student and IB graduate, explains:
“Although challenging, the IB taught me skills like research and academic writing. These prepared me for the workload that comes with my Dual Degree in Business Administration & Laws.”
Why study the IB?
Think of the IB as a means to open doors to universities worldwide. Here’s why it’s a standout choice, especially if you’re aiming to study in Spain:
- Widely recognized: The IB is accepted by universities across the globe, including Spain’s top universities.
- College-ready skills: From essay writing to managing deadlines, the IB mirrors the demands of higher education, making your transition to undergrad studies smoother.
- Global perspective: Studying the IB prepares you to thrive in a diverse, multicultural environment—exactly what you’ll find in Spain.
Our student Gabriel Ferraz highlights the program’s benefits:
“The IB forces students to practice time management through long-term projects like the extended essay and internal assessments. These experiences directly translated to university, where I was already confident in my research skills and knew how to manage multiple deadlines.”
How the International Baccalaureate can help you at IE University
The IB program lays a solid foundation for academic success at IE University. Students like Isobelle Amanda Archer described it as “the best program to prepare for university,” mentioning its rigorous structure and focus on independence.
Assignments like the Extended Essay and Internal Assessments help students build critical thinking and time-management skills. Isobelle credits these experiences with giving her the confidence to transition smoothly to university life: “I feel like the mindset I brought to IE University was the right one, and I felt completely prepared for what was to come academically.”
Similarly, Maha Hana Evers highlights how the IB’s emphasis on balancing classes and extracurriculars prepared her to manage university workloads: “It was an intense experience that shaped me into a resilient and disciplined student.”
So why wait? Spain is calling, and the International Baccalaureate might just be your ticket to answering that call. Get ready for a journey that will shape your future—and your world perspective.