Spain Education System

Pursuing some or all of your higher education studies in Europe, is one of the smartest moves you can do for your future career. As an essential part of Europe, Spain is always in the top three countries that international students have on their list of places to study abroad. 

Needless to say, Spain is an entertaining and multicultural country. When prospective students discover that it is also home to universities offering high quality education as well as the best programs, it becomes irresistible for international students, adding to the appeal even more. 

Depending on whether you are interested in public or private universities, the Spanish education system is one of the most promising in Europe. You will be part of a very diverse student body population, which is made possible by offering many programs and classes entirely in English. 

Aside from that, you will be happy to know that Spanish universities are quite affordable, especially compared to American higher education institutions, so you will not have to worry about paying off student debt for the rest of your life.

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As an international student from the US, you will find in this article everything you need to know about the education system in Spain:

Understanding Spain's General Education System

The education system in Spain is regulated by the government and it is compulsory from the age of 6 until the age of 16, which includes primary and secondary education. In contrast to the US education system, in Spain and most European countries, students are not allowed to quit school before the age of 16. 

Here is how to understand the stages of early education levels in Spain:

Upper Secondary Education

Compared to the Education System of the United States, in Spain high school is not obligatory and it is not a four year long education. Instead, in Spain students who are 16 and have finished the Obligatory Second Education, they can choose between two options of upper secondary education: Bachillerato or Vocational Training.

1. What is Bachilerato?

If you are an international student from the US interested in pursuing higher education in Spain the following information may surprise you. The Spanish education system does not include the regular high school we are used to seeing in American and most European systems. 

However, those students who wish to pursue university studies or vocational training (explained in details below), must take the Bachillerato which usually lasts two years and a certificate is awarded at the end. This certificate is needed to sit university admission tests. 

A typical Bachillerato includes the following subjects:

Compulsory Courses.

• Spanish language and literature
• Mathematics
• Geography
• History
• Foreign languages (by choice of the student).
• Physical education

‍Elective courses.

• Music
• Technology
• Second foreign language (by choice of the student).

2. What is Vocational Training (Ciclos Formativos)?

Vocational or professional training takes up to four years to complete. Students who have specific career goals and wish to focus on one specific professional aspect and not go to university, have the option to choose vocational training as upper secondary education. Students will gain skills in some of the following professions and after completing the training they get qualified to practice in the country of Spain:

• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Hairdressing
• Agriculture

It is also important to mention that vocational training is made of two parts, also depending on the student’s preferences. Grado Medio which includes basic training and lasts two years, or Grado Superior which takes another two years to complete, however the student must be 18 or older. Students can also attend university if they pass Grado Superior.

Note that: Students who have finished Bachillerato are also eligible for the Grado Superior, providing they are 18 years old.

Higher Education Studies

Higher education includes university studies such as Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate’s degrees. Typically, bachelor degrees in Spain last four years. As previously mentioned, in order to be eligible for university admissions, students must have finished the Bachillerato or four years of vocational training. 

The higher education system in Spain is divided into public and private universities. Similarly to many other countries, public universities are cheaper than private universities and 50 or more Spanish universities are funded by the government. There are currently 51 public universities in Spain whereas 41 are private. 

Spain is one of the most welcoming countries in Europe, with the number of international students increasing rapidly throughout the years. After China, the US makes for the majority of the international student body in Spain, with around 10,000 enrolled students. 

Public Vs. Private Universities in Spain

One of the main differences between studying in public and private universities in Spain is the distinction in tuition fees. Most of the public universities in Spain are state funded or they receive financial help from state administrations and organizations. Whereas private universities are mostly funded by the student’s large tuition fees or their own private university funds. 

Here are some of the main differences to know about private and public universities:

• Fees. Most private universities can cost up to 20,000 or 30,000 depending on the course of choice. Whereas the tuition fees at public universities do not exceed the cost range of 4,000 - 5,000.
• Class size. Private universities tend to have smaller class sizes but a larger number of classes than public universities. This is mainly because students in private universities have the freedom to focus on a more specialized level of a course or major. In smaller classes professors tend to have the flexibility to take care of each student’s needs and a quieter environment leads to better concentration. However this still depends on the student’s personal preferences.
• Education Quality. Considering the fees are higher than public universities, private universities are expected to offer higher quality education. They do this by employing some of the most successful and notable academic staff. Also, they offer a wider range of degree programs with more specialization options. 
• Extracurricular activities. Compared to public universities, private universities have the funds to organize more activities outside of academics, pushing students to gaining more skills and socializing. These activities usually include private clubs such as music, drama, sports, arts or any other specific field of interest.
• English taught programs. Both public and private universities offer programs taught entirely in English, however private universities have the luxury to offer a larger number of degrees compared to public universities. 

Admission Requirements in Spanish vs American Universities

Depending on whether you are applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree either in Spain or the US, the requirements may differ. Considering some universities may ask students to sit the university assigned admission tests, and some only ask for standardized recognized tests, it is always important to check with the university of your choice to make sure. 

How to Apply for University in Spain?

Higher education admissions in Spain are highly competitive, especially in public universities considering they only accept a certain number of students each year. Yet, this all depends on the study program, the university and your qualifications. 

Here are the main criteria that makes you eligible to apply for admission at Spanish universities:

• Completion of secondary school. Having a secondary education or high school diploma is one of the crucial criteria to be considered as a candidate for university. 

This must be equivalent to the Spanish Bachillerato. International students must go through the process of recognizing your diploma at the correspondent institution back home. 

• Previous degrees. If you are applying for a master’s or PhD degree, it is a must that you have completed a bachelor’s degree and have a diploma to show as proof. 
• Entrance exam. Some universities in Spain may require students to sit and pass university entrance exams, known as Selectividad.
• Language proficiency. Depending on the program and university, both English and Spanish language proficiency may be required. Nevertheless, this all depends on your study plans and qualifications.

Application Process

The application process to Spanish universities is pretty straightforward and simple. Firstly, you have to submit your application either in the chosen university’s platform or the Spanish national application system: UNEDasiss.

Then gather all the needed documents such as: Diplomas, Transcripts, ID/passport copy, motivation and recommendation letters, as well as a CV if asked. 

Important: Non-EU students must apply for a student visa in the Spanish consulates/embassies back home before coming to Spain. 

How to Apply for University in the US?

American universities’ admission processes are not very different from Spain, however there are a few different details worth mentioning. 

• English proficiency. Unlike Spain or other European countries, to be eligible for university in the US, you must submit proof of advanced language proficiency in English. 
• Grades. US universities require that you meet a certain assigned minimum score according to their Grade Point Average (GPA). This means you need to have a very distinguishable high school transcript.
• High school diploma. It is impossible to be admitted to US universities without a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Personal essay. Along with the motivation and reference letters, American universities place significant importance on the personal essay, which is up to you as a student to decide on a topic you are passionate about. This makes the difference and helps you distinguish yourself among other applicants, so be creative and bold.
• SAT/TOEFL/ACT/GRE scores. Unlike Spanish universities, 90% of higher education institutions in the US require students to submit their scores of one of the required standardized tests depending on the university. Every institution has their own minimum score requirements so always check beforehand.

Application Process

US university admissions are pretty straightforward, you need to apply directly to the university’s platform and it is recommended you do so at least 11-12 months before you plan to begin your studies. This ensures you will have enough time to get ready for your new experience or plan something else if you receive a negative response. 

After you get the acceptance letter, you will use it to apply for your F-1 student visa which is a requirement for all non-US citizens. 

US universities offer many scholarships, financial aids or student loans, so make sure you check well ahead the beginning of your studies and have a financial plan ready.

Grading System in Spanish vs American Universities

Spanish universities have a very distinct and rare grading system compared to the US but also compared to other European countries. Even inside the country, different cities and universities use different grading and credit systems. 

Although most universities in Spain are starting to adapt and use the ECTS grading system which stands for European Credits Transfer System and is a standard among European countries.

What is the Grading System Like?

Assessment in Spanish universities is organized in two modes, either by continuous assessment or final examinations or essays. Continuous assessment is evaluated by multiple assessments throughout the years such as participation, projects, mini tests or presentations. 

US universities on the other hand try to evaluate students on many aspects and skills such as comprehension, reading, writing, quantitative skills, editing, etc. It always depends on the state, university and the program whether the assessment is oral, written, essay submission or quizzes throughout the semester with a final percentage calculated in the end. 

Spain uses two types of grading scales: 

• 10-Point GPA Scale. This grading method is the most commonly used in Spain universities and it consists of four grading scales.

• 4-Point GPA Scale. This grading scale is less commonly used but there are still some Spanish universities using it as a simpler method.