Study in Spain: Education in Spain
Spain is the third most popular destination for international students. Here's what kind of experience you can expect as a student!

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 Educaciรณn (Ministry of Education), and Spanish universities offer official and non-official degrees.
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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!
Hereโs how the Bologna Processโs three-cycle format works in Spain:
Cycle | Degree level | Years to complete |
First Cycle | Undergraduate (Grado) | 4 |
Second Cycle | Graduate | 2 |
Third Cycle | Doctorate | 3-5* |
*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. Hereโs an overview of how those systems compare to other grading systems.
10-point grading system
Decimal mark | Grade description (Spanish) | Grade translation | US grade |
10 | Matricula de Honor | Matriculation with Honors | A+ |
9.00-9.99 | Sobresaliente | Outstanding | A |
7.00-8.99 | Notable | Very Good | B+ |
6.00-6.99 | Aprobado | Pass | B |
5.50-5.99 | Aprobado | Pass | B- |
5.00-5.49 | Aprobado | Pass | C |
0.00-4.99 | Suspenso | Fail | F |
4-point grading system
Decimal Mark | Grade Description (Spanish) | Grade Translation | US Grade |
4.00 | Excelente | Excellent | A+ |
3.00-3.99 | Muy Bien | Very Good | A |
2.00-2.99 | Bien | Good | B |
1.00-1.99 | Suficiente | Sufficient | C |
0.00-0.99 | Suspenso | Fail | F |
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
Bachelorโsย โ (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.
Masterโsย โย (Posgrado), one to two years, 60โ120 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.
PhDย โ (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 yearย
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!
Overview of Spain
Over 60,000 international students choose Spain as their study abroad destination every year. Click here to learn why.
Student Visas
Do you need a visa to enter Spain to study? Learn more about the student visa process, and what you need to enter the country, depending on if you're an EU national or not. Discover what you need to stay in Spain to study abroad!
Housing & Living Costs
No matter where you study abroad, itโs important to create a budget in advance so that youโre prepared. Therefore, weโve detailed average living and housing costs so that you can get a better idea of what you would be paying as an international student in Spain.
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Tuition fees for degree programs in Spain may vary, but are amongst the lowest in Europe. To cover the rest of the costs, there are plenty of scholarship opportunities available.
Language & Culture
Spain boasts a rich history and culture. Find out more about Spain's famous vibrancy!
Application Process
All countries have specific admissions requirements for students to gain acceptance into a university. Learn more about the ins and outs of admission to programs in Spain, and what you need to apply, depending on your citizenship.
Programs
Ready to look at education in Spain? Use our search engine to find and compare top programs in Spain today!

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