Studying in Spain is not only about sun, great cuisine, and a warm welcome, but also its rich monumental heritage and dazzling natural environment. Spain is the third most popular destination for international university students from Europe and the American continent, after England. As a result, Spain has developed a diverse, multicultural student population which, over time, has made the Spanish education system one of the most attractive in Europe, thanks to its cultural diversity.
Education in Spain
Spain's education system is well organized and offers a wide range of college and university studies at all levels, and the best opportunities for the studying of Spanish as a foreign language, with a great variety of courses to choose from. Over the past 25 years, the number of Spanish universities has dramatically increased. In addition the founding of a large number of private universities and business schools have rapidly become internationally recognized centres of excellence. The wide range of study options at Spanish universities gives students the freedom to decide what type of education they want.
There are 73 universities in Spain. They are distributed throughout the country but the cities with the highest number of universities are Madrid (13), Barcelona (8) and Valencia (4). Several of the world's oldest universities are located in Spain. The universities are divided in three categories: public, private, and controlled by the church; the public universities are most popular. 23 of the universities are private and 7 of them belong to the Catholic Church. The rest of the universities are public universities, supported by state funding.
Undergraduate university studies are divided into different stages known as cycles. There are three types of programs:
1. Single-cycle programs (or short-cycle studies). These studies do not continue to the second cycle (examples of this type of programs are Library Studies, Nursing, etc.) and degrees awarded are the Diplomatura (Bachelor degree). These are normally three-year programs.
2. Two-cycle studies with an intermediate diploma. The first cycle leads to the award of the Diplomatura (Bachelor), or Bachelor degree in Architecture or Engineering. Students have the option of continuing to the second cycle for the award of the degree of Licenciatura (Masters degree), or Arquitecto and Ingeniero (Architect and Engineer). These are five or six-year programs. Examples are Economics, Law, Architecture, Engineering, etc.
3. Two-cycle studies without an intermediate diploma (or long-cycle studies). These studies are divided into two cycles but it is necessary to complete both to be eligible for the award of the Licenciatura (Masters Degree). Examples are Veterinary Science, Medicine, etc. These are four or five-year programs.
In addition to these official degrees or diplomas, each university offers a wide range of unofficial degrees (Maestrias) as well as graduate programs in a wide range of subjects that qualify for the award of the degree of Doctor (Ph.D.). The unofficial degrees are typically one or two years and usually require having attained an undergraduate or graduate degree and are widely recognized for their labour market value. Spanish universities' offer of doctoral degree programs typically require four years of study and research. In the area of business administration, the MBAs offered most of the best non-official degrees and are among the most prestigious centers in the world. For example. In 2006, the University of Barcelona was ranked in the THES - QS World University Rankings top 200 universities in the world.
Language – Why learn Spanish?
Spain is also one of the most popular destinations for learning Spanish as a foreign language. Spanish is the mother tongue of nearly 400 million people around the world and is the official language of 20 countries. In addition to Spain, Spanish is the official language of many countries in South America. It is also widely spoken in other countries including Canada, Morocco, the Philippines and the United States.
Academic Year
The academic calendar in Spanish universities tends to be similar throughout the country: lectures begin in October and the academic year ends in June. Examinations are usually held at the end of the first semester, in February, and at the end of the second semester, in June.
Student Visa
All foreign students wishing to remain in Spain for a period of more than 90 days and who are not citizens of a European Union Member State, are required to apply for a long term Student Visa in order to study in Spain. This varies, so enquire in advance about the entry regulations which apply for your country! You can only apply for your visa from the Spanish Consulate or Embassy that has jurisdiction in your state or country of permanent residence, prior to your departure. Due to overwhelming demand for student visas, it is important that you allow enough time for the Spanish Consulate or Embassy to process your visa.
Admission of international students
In order to gain admission to an undergraduate program in a university in Spain, international students are required to obtain official recognition of their previous studies and pass the official Spanish university entrance exams (Selectividad), which are taken twice a year in many of the countries of origin of the students. Once they have passed the university entrance exams, international students are eligible to study at any public or private Spanish university. Most Spanish universities require students intending to begin an undergraduate program to apply to their faculties or schools. Each university sets its own application and admission schedule. It is important to apply well in advance.
Costs
The tuition fees in the public universities are between 2000 and 3500 Euro for the whole education. Tuition in private universities is much higher. Average tuition fees in a private university are around 6,000 euros. In terms of basic articles such as food, toiletries, etc, Spain is one of the cheapest countries in Europe. If the average price in Europe is 100, the cost in Spain is 88.
Housing
At Spanish universities housing is available in student residence halls (Colegios Mayores) and student type apartments. They can be booked in advance, as they fill up quickly. Some language schools also offer housing in host families. If you do not have housing reserved prior to arriving, its suggested you arrive about 1 week early and reserve a hotel or hostel nearby the University for a few nights. This way, you can search out various housing possibilities and still have a place to stay while you find adequate housing. A university residence in for example Madrid, including accommodation and meals, costs less than 800 euros per month.
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