Studying Spanish in Madrid isn’t just an amazing cultural experience — it can also become an official part of your academic record. At Inhispania, a Spanish school for international students since 2002 and accredited by the Instituto Cervantes, we’re proud to offer the possibility of earning official ECTS university credits thanks to our collaboration with UDIMA (Distance University of Madrid).
So whether you’re coming to Madrid as an Erasmus student, an international undergraduate, or simply want your Spanish course to count toward your studies back home, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about ECTS credits at Inhispania.
What Are ECTS Credits?
ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits are the standard system used across Europe to measure the workload of students in higher education. They make it easy for universities to recognise and validate academic work completed in other institutions or countries.
How ECTS credits work
- 1 ECTS credit corresponds to 25–30 hours of student work.
- They include class hours, homework, study time, and assessments.
- They provide a transparent, comparable framework across European universities.
- They simplify academic mobility, especially for Erasmus students.
If you want your Spanish course to count towards your degree, ECTS credits are the key.
Under our agreement with the university, every 10 hours of on-site intensive Spanish classes corresponds to 1 ECTS credit, making it easier for your academic work in Madrid to be officially recognised and—very importantly—you must complete a full level in order to obtain the official credit recognition.
Spanish Courses at Inhispania with ECTS Recognition
Through our agreement with UDIMA, students who complete a full level of our Intensive Spanish Courses can apply for official ECTS academic certification.
This is especially beneficial if you:
- Want your Erasmus stay to include recognised academic work
- Need optional credits for your home degree
- Are studying abroad and require proof of academic progress
- Wish to enhance your CV with certified language training
At Inhispania, the courses eligible for official ECTS recognition are our Intensive 20 Spanish Course (20 classes per week), its extended version, the Intensive 30 Course (20 classes + 10 conversation classes per week), as well as any of these courses taken as part of our Spanish Course Program for Erasmus students. All of these programmes provide the required number of classroom hours to complete a full level — a mandatory condition for academic validation.
ECTS Credits by Level Completed
Students can obtain the following credits when completing a full level at Inhispania:
| Level Completed in Spanish Intensive Course | Course Duration at Inhispania | Official ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 5 weeks | 7.5 ECTS |
| A2 | 4 weeks | 6 ECTS |
| B1 | 8 weeks | 12 ECTS |
| B2.1 | 6 weeks | 9 ECTS |
| B2.2 | 6 weeks | 9 ECTS |
Only students who complete the entire level, meet attendance requirements, and pass the corresponding assessments can obtain the credits.
How to Request Your ECTS Credits
Requesting your ECTS credits is a simple process, and our team will guide you through every step.
1. Apply for ECTS accreditation when booking your Spanish course
You can request the official credit recognition directly through Inhispania’s academic office at the time of enrollment.
2. Pay the accreditation fee
The fee is €120 per level, and it must be paid in advance in order to process your academic certification.
3. Complete the ECTS request form and send it by email
Fill in the form with your full name, address, and personal details, and attach a copy of your ID card or passport.
Once received, Inhispania will manage all the administrative procedures with UDIMA on your behalf.
4. Start your course and complete the full level at Inhispania
You will follow your level (A1, A2, B1, B2.1 or B2.2) exactly like the rest of the students.
No additional academic tasks are required—however, you must:
- Attend at least 80% of your classes
- Complete the required coursework
- Pass the regular evaluations for your level (continuous assessment + partial tests)
Regardless of the course completion date, the deadline to receive the ECTS credits remains open throughout the entire calendar year. For example, if a student completes their programme with us in April, they may have to wait until December of that same year to receive the ECTS credits.
CAT – Check Your Course for Official Credits
Not sure how many credits your specific course corresponds to?
We offer personalised academic guidance for all students.
How it works
- Tell us which course you plan to complete.
- Our academic team will confirm:
- The number of ECTS credits you can obtain
- The required documentation
- The process to request your official certificate
- We assist you with every step so your university receives the correct information.
📩 Request ECTS Credit Information
Why ECTS Credits Add Value to Your Spanish Studies
Academic Benefits
- Count your Spanish course as part of your university degree.
- Strengthen your transcript with official, recognised credits.
- Improve your profile for Erasmus+, exchanges, or international programmes.
Professional Benefits
- Demonstrate officially certified language progression.
- Enhance your CV with recognised European academic credits.
- Show employers evidence of structured and evaluated learning.
Personal Benefits
- Study Spanish in a top-rated school in Madrid.
- Learn with native teachers and an international student community.
- Add academic value to your cultural and linguistic experience in Spain.
Quality Standards Required for ECTS Accreditation
To ensure that the credits awarded meet European higher-education standards, each accredited level at Inhispania includes:
- A structured syllabus aligned with the CEFR (A1–B2)
- Professional native Spanish teachers
- Continuous assessment and a final evaluation
- Clear learning objectives and measurable outcomes
- Official documentation of hours and student progress
UDIMA reviews this academic structure to validate the final credit allocation.
Who Can Apply for ECTS Credits?
ECTS accreditation is ideal for:
- Erasmus students studying temporarily in Madrid
- University students needing optional or language credits
- Students enrolled in study-abroad programmes
- Anyone who wants their Spanish learning officially recognised
Whether you are in Europe or coming from outside the EU, the ECTS system provides international academic value to your Spanish studies.
ECTS Credits for International Students: Spanish Courses in Madrid
Studying Spanish in Madrid can be one of the most enriching experiences of your academic life—especially when your learning also counts officially towards your university degree.
Thanks to our collaboration with UDIMA, international students at Inhispania can obtain official ECTS credits for their Spanish courses.
What this means for you
- Your Spanish course can be recognised worldwide through the ECTS system.
- You can transfer these credits to your university as electives, language credits, or programme requirements.
- You receive an official academic certificate confirming the level completed and the ECTS obtained.
Which courses are eligible?
| Spanish Level | Duration | ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 5 weeks | 7.5 ECTS |
| A2 | 4 weeks | 6 ECTS |
| B1 | 8 weeks | 12 ECTS |
| B2.1 | 6 weeks | 9 ECTS |
| B2.2 | 6 weeks | 9 ECTS |
The cost of the certification is €120 per level.
Why Madrid for an accredited Spanish course?
- One of Europe’s most vibrant capitals
- Learn Spanish in a school accredited by Instituto Cervantes
- International environment with students from all over the world
- High-quality teaching from native professionals
- Full official academic recognition for your Spanish learning
Whether you want to enhance your academic transcript, complete credits for your degree, or simply add official value to your language studies, Inhispania offers an academically solid and internationally recognised learning experience.
