Study in Spain: Education in Spain

The higher education system in Spain dates back to the Middle Ages. One of Spain's oldest and most reputable universities, The University of Salamanca, was founded in 1218 and attracts over 2,000 international students every year. But there is more to it than just pretty old buildings!

Since 1999, Spain and other European nations have been involved in implementing the Bologna Process. This higher education strategy aims to make mobility in studying for students easier while implementing as much quality as possible across European higher education institutions.

Universities in Spain

Spain has both publicly and privately owned universities organized into schools (facultades). These schools are separated into different departments, each offering the chance to enroll in a specific area of study (e.g. Business, Humanities, Sciences).

Spain has 50 public and 46 private universities, some of which are Catholic universities. The education system in Spain is regulated by the Ministerio de Educación (Ministry of Education), and Spanish universities offer official and non-official degrees.

Degree cycle system

The official degrees are aligned with the Bologna ECTS system, meaning they are recognized across the EU and follow the standard three-cycle format drawn out by the Bologna Process. This is an excellent option if you want to continue your studies elsewhere in Europe!

Here’s how the Bologna Process’s three-cycle format works in Spain:

*Doctoral programs can be full- or part-time. Students have a maximum of three years to complete the program if taken full-time. If taken part-time, students are allowed a maximum of five years.

The undergraduate (grado) and postgraduate courses cover a variety of fields, so you can pick the things you'd like to study! The teaching system balances theory and practice, so you won't be just pouring over books the whole time. Double degrees or the option to combine two study tracks are also available. Moreover, you can always decide to be more flexible while studying. You can combine your studies with work and enroll as a part-time student in Spain.

The grading system in Spain

Spanish universities use either a ten- or four-point grading system. Here’s an overview of how those systems compare to other grading systems.

10-point grading system

4-point grading system

Non-official degrees in Spain

If you can't get enough of the Iberian Air and consider making Spain your permanent home, a non-official degree can help you make it happen. It's an option available at all Spanish universities. The students are given non-official masters (Magister) and graduate (maestrias) degrees. These are specific to each university but don't give you access to PhD courses and are usually not valid outside of Spain.

Keep in mind that non-official degrees are usually in specialized sectors, which means that they can be very useful if you wish to stay and work in Spain. Discover the types of programs offered in the Spanish higher education system to make the best choice for you!

Program types in Spanish higher education

Bachelor’s – (Grado), four years, 240 ECTS

In Spain, Bachelor's studies last four years. After graduation, you'll be awarded the professional title of grado. Obtaining your BA degree is the first step in your academic career, and it aims to prepare you to pursue either a Master's program or look for employment. The ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) Spain uses is the standard for all universities in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), which means that after you pass a subject, in addition to the grade, you get a certain number of ECTS points.

To get your BA degree in Spain, you must earn 240 ECTS credits during your studies.

Master’s – (Posgrado), one to two years, 60–120 ECTS.

Master's programs last 1 to 2 years in Spain. After graduation, you'll gain the professional title of Master.

A Master's degree usually lets you focus on theoretical knowledge and applying and developing skills that will help you become a specialist in your field of study. Master's degrees in Spain tend to require a lot of research and individual work. Where better to develop your research and creativity skills than in Spain?

After getting your Master's degree, you can enter a doctoral program (third-cycle studies). To pursue your doctorate studies, you'll often be required to provide proof of both your first and second-cycle studies.

PhD – (Doctorado), three to five years, 60 ECTS.

Otherwise known as doctoral-level programs or PhDs, this degree typically lasts 3 to 5 years and is accessible after graduating from a Master's degree program. To get this degree, you must submit and successfully defend a doctoral dissertation before a thesis committee and pass a doctoral examination. In Spain, only official courses offer access to a PhD program.

Business studies in Spain

What about business studies? An MBA in Spain will provide you with all the in-demand skills of the contemporary business world and offer you unique career opportunities. The Spanish economy is the fifth largest in Europe and among the top countries in exports and imports globally.

Language courses

It's important to note that most courses at Spanish universities are in Spanish, and some can be taught in a regional language such as Catalan. Most universities will require you to be able to understand, read, and write Spanish at an advanced level. But there is no need to panic; you could take this chance to learn or improve your Spanish skills. Most of the language and preparatory courses are offered by universities, so they can vary in length.

Most of these preparatory courses require a fee, which varies from course to course. Since these classes prepare you to understand your study material and the people around you, it's money well spent!

There are some courses held in English, but only a few are offered. However, if you're curious if a university offers an English course, it's always best to email them and ask. That way, you'll always have first-hand information.

A few universities, such as the Marbella Academy, offer English courses and pathway courses designed to prepare you for studying in Spain.

The Spanish academic year 

The academic calendar in Spanish universities is usually split into two semesters. The format tends to be similar throughout the country: you begin lectures in September and end in June. Examinations are held at the end of the first semester, usually in January, and at the end of the second semester, in May or June. Some universities offer an extra exam session in June or July for students who did not pass their initial exams.

This should give you that extra boost of motivation. Because when you're done with your exam season, you have the whole summer to bask in the sun!