Admission Requirements

Please read through the requirements for 2027 in order to become a student.

1. Pass an audition

Applicants for all programmes must pass an audition. 

Check out the audition page to see upcoming auditions and view the audition requirements for each programme.

2. English Language requirement

If English is not your first language, you will need to achieve the following IELTS scores, or equivalent. All tests must include reading, writing, listening and speaking elements. 

We can accept the following qualifications. The qualifications listed below are valid where they are taken no more than four years before the start date of your chosen programme of study:

English Qualification Foundation BA (Hons)
IELTS Academic
5.5
6.0
Cambridge English
162 or above
169 or above
IGCSE English as a First Language
Grade C/4
Grade C/4
IGCSE English as a Second Language
Grade C/4
Grade C/4
AS/A Level English
Grade D
Grade D
International Baccalaureate: English A
Grade 4 at SL or HL
Grade 4 at SL or HL
International Baccalaureate: English B
Grade 5 at SL or Grade 4 at HL
Grade 5 at SL or Grade 4 at HL
60 or above
78 or above
B2 Pass – minimum score 25/50
B2 pass – no component below 33/50
60
65
ELLT 5
ELLT 6

Kaplan Test for English

To claim a 25% discount use: IABKRS25

410 or above
444 or above
95
110

Oxford Test of English OTE

111
120

Pearson PTE Academic

46
52

Important note: 

You can apply and audition before taking your English language test. You need to achieve your English Language qualification by 30th June. It is your responsibility to plan the timings for taking the test to achieve the qualification by this date.  

3. Academic Requirements

The academic entry requirement depends upon the programme you are applying for:

Foundation

Normally applicants will have successfully completed a level 3 qualification at A Level, BTEC or the international equivalent.  

BA (Hons)

You should hold your country’s national university entry qualification, equivalent to 104 UK UCAS Tariff points or 24 points in the International Baccalaureate.
 
You can check the equivalency of your country’s qualifications on the website of Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), our validating university.
 
We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 or over at the point of enrolment). Relevant and substantial experience in your chosen area of interest may be accepted in place of formal qualifications. Please ensure that you clearly outline your experience within your application.

The Admissions Team will review your qualifications to ensure they meet the academic entry requirements.

Important note: 

On the application form, make sure you list the qualifications you have already achieved, as well as any that you are currently studying and plan to complete before the programme begins. 

4. Age Requirement

Applications are open to anyone who will be at least 18 years old by 31 December of the year of enrolment.

 

This applies to both Foundation and BA (Hons) programmes.

5. Students Visa Requirement

If you do not hold an EU, EEA or Swiss passport, you will need to apply for a Spanish student visa. We can offer support with the process but it is your responsibility to apply for this visa. If you are a non-EU, EEA or Swiss passport holder and will be under 18 at the time of joining the IAB, you will require a legal guardian. It will be your responsibility to arrange this.

It is very important that you start your visa application process early as it can take a long time. Consult the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate for more information.

A Spanish student visa costs between €500 and €1000 to obtain. 

Frequently asked questions

No. If you pass the audition, you will receive a conditional offer based on you achieving the academic and English language requirements.

You will receive an unconditional offer if you already meet the academic and English language requirements. If you haven’t yet met the academic and/or English language requirements, you will receive a conditional offer.

Yes. Following Brexit, all UK students need to obtain a Spanish student visa. More information on our visa requirements.

No, you do not need to take an IELTS test. See our English language requirements.

Academic entry requirements vary depending on the programme and your educational background. More information on our academic requirements.

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your English proficiency. For BA (Hons) programmes the minimum requirement is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent), while Foundation programmes require IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent). More information on our English language requirements.

Yes. We welcome students from all over the world. If English is not your first language, you will need to meet the required English language standard before enrolment. More information on our English language requirements.

No. As our teaching is in English, you are not required to speak Spanish or Catalan. See our English language requirements.

Most of our students are between 18 and their mid-20s. However, we welcome applications from students of different ages and assess each applicant individually through the admissions and audition process.

Yes. The IAB welcomes applicants from around the world and has a diverse international student community from over 50 nationalities. Check our admission requirements.

If you are not a citizen of an EU/EEA/Swiss country, you will need a student visa to study in Spain. More information on our visa requirements.

No, you don’t! If you pass the audition you would receive a conditional offer based upon you achieving the academic and English language requirements.

You will receive an unconditional offer if you already meet the academic and English language requirements. If you haven’t yet met the academic and/or English language requirements, you will receive a conditional offer.

Yes. Following Brexit, all UK students need to obtain a Spanish student visa.

No, you do not need to take an IELTS test.

Do you have any questions?