Studying at the University of Alicante (Centro Superior de Idiomas): preparatory year, language courses and cultural immersion
Spain: Alicante
Short courses (≤2 years), Gap Year
Language of instruction: English
Pre-university year: 1 or 2 semesters of elective courses
Table of Contents
- A young, rapidly growing Spanish university
- The programs offered by the University of Alicante
- Studies on the shores of the Mediterranean
- Starting higher education in Spain: a rewarding opportunity
- Academic Spanish Course
- University courses in English or Spanish
- What makes the difference at the University of Alicante
- Admission requirements
- FAQ
- Discover our other programs at other Spanish universities
A young, rapidly growing Spanish university
Founded in 1979, this university is among the most modern and innovative in Spain and ranks in the top 300 young universities. The University of Alicante emphasizes internationalization with numerous partnerships and exchange programs. Furthermore, you can choose from over 300 courses taught in English.
One of the significant advantages of studying in Alicante is the affordable cost of studies and living.
Spanish public university for international students
TheUniversity of Alicante is a Spanish public university, located on the Mediterranean coast in the Valencia region. Modern, dynamic, and resolutely international, it welcomes thousands of international students to a sunny and stimulating environment.
It offers a wide range of courses in Spanish and English, in various fields: science, engineering, business, law, literature, tourism, and translation. Its modern, green, and very well-equipped campus makes it one of the most pleasant in Spain.
Thanks to its Centro Superior de Idiomas, the University of Alicante is also an excellent choice for students wishing to improve their Spanish while enjoying an enriching academic and intercultural experience.
The programs offered by the University of Alicante
Study programs offered at the University of Alicante
- Architecture & Interior Design
- Business, Commerce & Management
- Communication & Media
- Economics & Social Sciences
- Events
- History & Geography
- Engineering
- Journalism
- Languages & Translation
- Marketing
- Philosophy & Literature
- Psychology & Social
- Science & Applied Sciences
- Humanities
- Political Science & International Relations
- Tourism & Hospitality
Studies on the shores of the Mediterranean
Alicante is a port city on the Costa Blanca in southeastern Spain, on the Mediterranean coast. The old town, Barrio de la Santa Cruz, is full of narrow streets and colorful houses. With a semi-arid climate, temperatures range between 11 and 26°C year-round, and the city enjoys exceptional sunshine.
With its area of one square kilometer, the campus is among the best in Europe. In 2006, they built the Alicante Science Park as a site dedicated to innovation to encourage relationships between the university, research institutions and companies, and to boost technology transfer.
Read also our article “why study in Spain”.
Starting higher education in Spain: a rewarding opportunity
Studying in Spain means accessing quality education at modern and accessible universities, while enjoying a pleasant and sunny lifestyle. Many institutions offer courses in Spanish or English, in all fields: business, engineering, health, arts, social sciences, and more.
The application process is generally flexible for European students, and it is possible to enroll in a program after secondary school, at the Bachelor's/Master's level. Spain attracts thousands of international students every year thanks to its reasonable costs, rich culture, and friendly, Mediterranean lifestyle.
Academic Spanish Course
Ideal for students wishing to develop their knowledge of the Spanish language:
3 Spanish language courses + 1 university subject.
- Language courses accessible to all levels of Spanish (from beginner to expert)
- 1 university subject (in Spanish OR in English) chosen from all the programs taught at Universidad de Alicante (STEM, Business, Sociology, Economics, Tourism and Hospitality, Literature, Translation…)
University courses in English or Spanish
Ideal for students wishing to validate and transfer courses into their university studies in Belgium/France.
1 Spanish language course + 3 or 4 university courses.
- Language courses accessible to all levels of Spanish (from beginner to expert)
- 3 or 4 university subjects (in Spanish OR in English) chosen from all the programs taught at the University of Alicante (Engineering, Biology, Business, Sociology, Economics, Tourism and Hospitality, Literature, Translation…).
What makes the difference at the University of Alicante
- On average, 1 teacher for every 16 students
- Programs taught in English or Spanish
- Very reasonable tuition fees
- Affordable cost of living
- Spain has been voted the 6th best destination in the world for studying abroad
- An opportunity to become trilingual (French, English, Spanish) and thus increase your professional opportunities
Admission requirements
Pre-university year
- Validation of the CESS or BAC
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Spanish language courses : accessible to all levels (A1 to C2), with initial placement test.
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Academic subjects :
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In Spanish: recommended from level B1 to follow courses in universities.
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In English: recommended from level B1 to follow courses in universities
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FAQ
- 1. Who is the preparatory year at the University of Alicante aimed at?
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The preparatory year is ideal for students leaving secondary school, those on a gap year, or those wishing to improve their Spanish before enrolling in a full program. It is also suitable for those who want to experience university life in Spain without committing to several years.
- 2. Can credits obtained in Alicante be transferred to a Belgian or French university?
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Yes, courses taken at the University of Alicante are recognized within the ECTS system, which facilitates the transfer of credits to other institutions in Belgium, France, or elsewhere in Europe. It is recommended that you verify the compatibility of the courses with your home institution.
- 3. What language levels are required to follow university courses at the University of Alicante?
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To study university subjects in Spanish, a B2 level. However, students can start with a B1 level if their goal is to strengthen it during the preparatory year, thanks to the intensive language courses offered.
- 4. What is the course schedule during the preparatory year in Alicante?
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The preparatory year combines language courses (20 to 25 hours per week) with the option of taking one or two university courses. The pace is demanding but designed to allow for gradual immersion, with academic support throughout the year.
- 5. Is it possible to begin a full university course at the University of Alicante after the preparatory year?
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Yes, the preparatory year is an excellent gateway to a university degree in Alicante. Students who reach the required language level can then apply for a bachelor's degree (grado) in many disciplines, often without needing to retake an entrance exam.
Discover our other programs at other Spanish universities
- EUSA Sevilla
- Saint Louis University
- UAB: Autonomous University of Barcelona
- Universidad Cardinal Herrera CEU
- Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM)
- European University
- Universidad San Pablo CEU
- Abat Oliba University CEU
- Antonio de Nebrija University




