University in Spain

Like university in the UK, students usually apply to university within a couple of years of completing a baccalaureate or vocational training. Depending on their future prospects and plans, students choose to take a degree in a subject that not only benefits such plans but that they also have a passion to study further. Spain is home to a large number of universities with the most respected being situated in Madrid and Barcelona. The oldest university in Spain is the University of Salamanca and the city is now known as one of the best locations for students in the country.

One of the most notable differences between university students in the UK and Spain is that, rather than select a university based on which one is the most highly regarded in terms of the course you wish to follow or the general student life in that area, students in Spain are more likely to attend their local university and remain living with their parents throughout their studies.

University in Spain, like in the UK, is not free and yearly fees cost 1,000€ on average which is very cheap compared to the price of university in England. However, universities in Spain are not graded into league tables and there is very little competition between each establishment such as that which exists in the UK with Oxbridge or Ivy League in America for example. That being said, most students will have to sit an entrance exam in order to apply for the uni they wish to attend and their admittance is subject to a number of requirements.

Following an undergraduate degree (grado) many students often choose to further their studies with a master’s degree (posgrado) and perhaps even a PhD (doctorado).

International Students

Many international students choose to study in Spain’s universities each year and faculties are very keen to welcome students from all over to world to study in their departments. In order to apply for study in Spain, international students must first pass the university entrance exams (Selectividad) that all aspiring undergraduates take before applying to Spanish university. In addition, students must have evidence of previous study that they have completed in their home country e.g. A Levels or Baccalaureate.

Once the first stage has been completed, students are then able to apply for their chosen undergraduate or post graduate course. Most Spanish universities prefer applicants to contact their desired faculty directly in order to be considered for admission as each department has different application requirements.