How to study in Spain as a Peruvian student

Studying in Spain has become an achievable goal for thousands of young people and professionals from Peru. According to the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE), more than 198,000 people born in Peru were legally residing in Spain in 2024, reflecting an already well established community that can make cultural and academic adaptation easier. This means that studying in Spain is not a leap into the unknown, but a step towards an environment with support networks and internationally recognized educational quality.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to know to achieve this goal: the requirements for studying in Spain as a Peruvian student, the scholarships available, the study visa process and, finally, the reasons for choosing Spain as an educational and professional destination.

Requirements for studying in Spain as a Peruvian student

The process for studying in Spain varies depending on your academic level. The requirements for entering a bachelor’s degree are not the same as those for studying a master’s degree. Below, we explain both routes step by step.

Admission to a bachelor’s degree

• Recognition of your secondary school qualification: The first step is to have your Peruvian secondary education qualification officially recognized as equivalent to the Spanish Bachiller qualification. This process is carried out through the Spanish Ministry of Education, either via its online platform or through the Spanish Consulate in Lima.
• UNEDasiss assessment and Specific Competency Tests (PCE):  UNEDasiss is the Spanish service responsible for assessing international students who wish to enter Spanish universities.
  In many cases, students will need to take the Specific Competency Tests (PCE). The weighting of these tests varies depending on the bachelor’s degree, so it is advisable to check the university’s admission criteria in advance.

In Peru, this process can be completed directly through the UNED Support Center in Lima, located at Av. Salaverry 1910, Jesús María.

Admission to a master’s degree

This is the most common route for Peruvian professionals who want to specialize in Spain.

• Hague Apostille and SUNEDU verification: All academic documents must be apostilled by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after the signatures have been verified by SUNEDU.
• Declaration of equivalence of qualifications (RD 889/2022): Professional recognition is not required to study a master’s degree. Instead, a declaration of equivalence recognizes the academic level of your Peruvian qualification and allows you to continue your studies in Spain. This procedure is managed through the online platform of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.

Equivalent Average Grade (NME): This document, also issued by the Ministry of Science, is required to apply for scholarships such as those offered by Fundación Carolina and can be obtained online free of charge.

Scholarships for studying in Spain

Financing is one of the main challenges for international students. Fortunately, there are scholarship and financial aid programs specifically aimed at Latin American students, including Peruvians.

Fundación Carolina
It is one of the most prestigious scholarship programs for postgraduate studies in Spain. It is aimed at Latin American graduates with an outstanding academic record.

• 2026–2027 call: from January to March (dates to be confirmed).
• Key requirement: submission of the Equivalent Average Grade (NME).

MAEC AECID scholarships
Awarded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, these scholarships are aimed at civil servants and public sector employees from Latin America.

• They cover a monthly allowance and health insurance.
• 2026 call: it is expected to open at the beginning of the year, so applicants should monitor the official MAEC AECID website.

PRONABEC (Peru)
The Peruvian Government’s National Scholarship and Educational Loan Program shares information about international opportunities, including scholarship calls for Spain.
Recommendation: follow the International Cooperation Scholarships section at pronabec.gob.pe.
 

Study visa for Peruvian students in Spain

Any Peruvian student undertaking a course lasting more than 90 days in Spain needs a study visa, which must be processed through the Consulate General of Spain in Lima.
Main requirements:

• National visa application form.
• Valid passport, with at least one year of validity.
• Admission letter from the educational institution.
• Apostilled academic documents.
• Proof of sufficient financial means: at least €7,200 per year (€600 per month), according to the 2025 IPREM.
• Health insurance with no copayments, no waiting periods and full coverage.
• Apostilled medical and criminal record certificates for stays longer than six months.

After arriving in Spain, students must apply for the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within one month, arranging an appointment through the Spanish National Police online platform and completing municipal registration in their place of residence.

Why study in Spain?

Spain combines educational excellence, economic stability and natural cultural integration for Latin American students. The shared language, safe environment and reasonable cost of living make it an attractive option for Peruvian students.
BBVA Research highlights that the Spanish economy continues to experience sustained growth driven by productivity and employment, while the INE recorded inflation of 3.1% in 2025.
In addition, Spain offers significant professional opportunities in sectors with high demand, especially for people who combine digital and management skills.
According to LinkedIn and SEPE, the Spanish Public Employment Service, STEM and logistics management profiles are among the most in demand in the Spanish labor market. For this reason, programs such as the Master in International Business STEM are highly valued, preparing professionals to lead global and technology focused projects.
Similarly, the Master in Supply Chain Management & Logistics provides access to opportunities in a growing sector. Glassdoor and SalaryExpert estimate that a Supply Chain Manager can earn up to €74,679 per year in Madrid, reflecting a clear return on educational investment.