Study in Spain. Education in Spain. Additional education, culture

An interesting and highly paid job can be found in many countries of the world after graduating from one of the universities in Spain.

Affordable tuition fees, modern educational facilities, world educational standards, comfortable living conditions, interesting history and beautiful nature are the undoubted advantages of studying in this country.

Spanish university diplomas are recognized in the European Union, Latin America, USA, Canada, Russia.

You can study as an exchange student, transfer student, or continue your studies at a master's program by obtaining a bachelor's or master's degree in your home country.

The structure of education at a university in Spain

Higher education diplomas can only be issued by universities. There are 50 public and 20 private institutions of higher education in Spain. The programs in any of them are licensed. The largest universities in Spain are located in Madrid and Barcelona.

Education is paid everywhere. Consists of three cycles. The duration of the first cycle is 4 years, the second - 1-2 years, the third - 2 years. Upon completion of each cycle, students receive the corresponding degree (see table).

Students of technical specialties are trained in higher technical schools, humanitarian specialties - at university faculties. Both there and there three cycles are available.

At universities, there are also colleges and schools that provide first-level education or prepare for admission to a bachelor's degree at a university.

Universities in Spain

The list of the best universities in Spain is as follows:

1. Complutense University (Madrid)
2. Polytechnic University (Madrid)
3. University of Seville (Spain)
4. University of Granada (Spain)
5. Polytechnic University of Catalonia (Barcelona)
6. Autonomous University of Barcelona
7. University of Barcelona.
8. University of Salamanca (Spain)
9. Cadiz University (Spain).
10. Alicante University (Spain).

In them, students can study in the humanities and technical specialties. Along with traditional faculties (philology, economics, law, IT technologies), there are programs such as oceanography, maritime science (University of Cadiz), fine arts (University of Salamanca), the study of solar and nuclear energy, nanotechnology (Polytechnic University of Madrid) .

There are no “pure” medical universities in Spain, but there are medical faculties in 49 public and 15 private institutions in Spain. After completing the bachelor's degree, the graduate is awarded the Grado en entermeria degree, which gives the right to work as a nurse (nurse) in any clinic in the world. In order to become a doctor, you need to complete a master's degree and get a Master's degree. The opportunity to engage in scientific activities and teach is given to students who have completed the third cycle of training and defended a dissertation. The medical education received in Spain is considered one of the best in Europe.

Cost of education

The cost of studying at universities in Spain depends on the location of the university (in the capital it is more expensive than in the provinces), on the chosen specialty, on whether this university is public or private.

A year of study at state universities costs approximately 1,500 - 3,000 euros, in private ones - from 7,000 to 15,000 euros.

Students will also have expenses for:

• purchase of dictionaries;
• additional language courses;
• administrative services of the university (issuance of a student ID card, keeping a personal file, etc.);
• library card (small amount).

You can use language labs, laboratory equipment, and library stock free of charge.

Almost all foreign students attend Spanish courses. One hour of individual lessons costs 18-20 euros, group lessons - 10 euros.

Some universities teach in English, so knowledge of English will be an absolute plus. Many students also learn French, it is very close to Spanish and easy to learn.

Living expenses

1. To rent an apartment. In the capital, the cost of a small studio apartment varies from 400 to 1200 euros per month, in the provinces it is about a third cheaper. The advantage of this option is that you choose comfortable accommodation, the disadvantage is the cost of transport.
2. The cost of a student hostel is approximately 300 euros / month. It varies depending on the number of students living in the same room and the availability of various facilities. There are rooms in the hostel, which are a mini-apartment, with an individual bathroom and kitchen. In other cases, there may be one bathroom for several student rooms. Dormitories are usually located on campuses, there are no transportation costs.
3. Transport costs: monthly subscription for all types of transport - 50 euros.
4. Food. 100-200 euros.

How to proceed

You can enter a Spanish university after graduating from high school.

Absolutely all applicants must pass the Selektividad exam (an analogue of the Russian USE). It consists of two parts:

• Spanish language test and presentation of a short text in a foreign language;
• exam in a specialized subject.

Preparation for exams at universities in Spain for Russian applicants begins a few years before admission. There are two ways:

1. Two years to study in a Spanish high school under the Bachillerato program, to pass an exam in it. For admission to medical and mathematical specialties, it is often required to complete additional preparatory courses at the university during the year.
2. Prepare for the entrance exams at the language school. The course of study lasts 22 weeks and starts in January. The Spanish language, the history of the country, geography, and literature are being studied.

The maximum score for Selektividad is 10. It is considered that the applicant passed the exam if he scored more than 5 points. Further, you can send your documents to various universities. Your documents will be accepted at the university where you scored a passing score and "fit" into the quota of places for foreign students.

Translation training

Students of Russian universities, having studied several courses in their homeland, can transfer to study at universities in Spain. You must pass the DELE language exam (similar to TOEFL). It is held in May and November, you need to register for it in advance, you will have to wait 5-7 months for the finished certificate. Next, take a certificate of incomplete higher education, which should indicate the curriculum (a list of subjects indicating the number of hours for each, exams, tests and grades received). All this is translated into Spanish and certified by a notary. If the curricula of the Russian and Spanish universities differ, then you will have to pass the academic difference.

European education is highly valued around the world and provides an opportunity to find a highly paid job both at home and in a foreign company. Spain is one of the most attractive countries for obtaining a diploma, so many foreign students, including Russians, are trying to pass exams and enter Spanish universities.

What is the higher education system

Most of the universities are located in Madrid, the capital of the country, and Catalan Barcelona. Some universities were founded in the Middle Ages. Today, about two million students study in the kingdom. There are relatively few foreign students. The number of places in educational institutions for citizens of other states does not exceed 5%.

A prospective student can choose a public or private university. You can also give preference to a specialized institute or business school. In Spain, there are branches of international universities.

The academic year at a Spanish university is divided into semesters or trimesters. The educational program includes lectures, seminars, term papers and practice. The semester ends with exams. A system of credits is used to assess students' knowledge. Most schools teach in Spanish or English.

Universities in Spain offer a study program consisting of three levels:

1. Undergraduate. Many Spaniards start working after receiving a bachelor's degree. However, they will have significantly fewer opportunities for career growth than those who have completed a master's or doctoral studies. Depending on the chosen specialty, training lasts 3-4 years.


2. Master's degree. The specialist receives deeper knowledge in the chosen specialty. The term of study is from one to two years.


3. Doctorate. You can enter a doctoral program only after completing a master's degree. Obtaining a doctorate degree allows you to engage in scientific activities.

How to apply to Spanish universities

A future foreign student needs to know Spanish. You can master it in Spain by enrolling in. However, it is much better to prepare for studying abroad in your home country. It is advisable to obtain an international DELE certificate, which is issued on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education. The document has no expiration date and eliminates the need to take a language exam in the kingdom.

The higher education system involves passing an entrance exam -. This test allows you to evaluate the preparation of the applicant. Selectividad includes the main and specific stages.

The first stage is considered mandatory. The second applicants pass at will. Passing the entrance exam is very difficult. Information on how to enter the Spanish University cannot be found in one source. Each university has its own requirements.

The most famous universities in Spain

Choosing a good university or institute is not easy. The majority of Spanish universities are distinguished by a high quality of education. It is better to give preference to universities located in large cities. Quality control of education in megacities is much stricter than in small towns. The most popular educational institutions include:

• Complutense University of Madrid(Universidad Complutense de Madrid). The oldest state university in the kingdom, established at the end of the 15th century. Many famous Spaniards were students of this educational institution;


• King Juan Carlos University(Universidad Rey Juan Carlos). The university was founded at the end of the twentieth century. The university offers a wide range of study programs;


• University of Valencia(Universitat de Valencia). You can get a quality education in Catalonia. The educational institution was founded simultaneously with the Complutense University of Madrid;


• Pompeu Fabra University(Universitat Pompeu Fabra). Located in Barcelona. The educational institution was founded at the end of the last century. Studying at the university guarantees the employment of more than 80% of graduates.

The cost of studying in Spanish universities

To save on education, you must choose a public educational institution. A private university offers to pay several times more.

After the adoption in 2012 of a new law on education, prices in the universities of the kingdom rose by 30%. Foreign students are forced to pay more than Spaniards. The cost depends on the prestige, location of the educational institution and specialty. Among the most expensive universities is the Complutense University of Madrid. The most prestigious among students in most cases will be the Faculty of Medicine.

The range of the cost of higher education in Spain is from 2000 € to 7000 € per year. To get a master's or doctoral degree, you will have to pay even more - up to 30,000 € per year. The student needs to be prepared for other expenses:

1. Educational materials, stationery. At a public university, the cost of education includes the use of libraries, laboratories, computers and textbooks. However, some teaching aids, pencils, pens, rulers, etc. need to be purchased by yourself. The costs will be from 20 € per month.


2. Housing. State universities provide places in hostels. However, they are not enough for all students. Renting a house costs from 200 € to 600 € per month, depending on the locality and the prestige of the area.


3. other expenses. You will have to spend money on transport, food and clothing. Paying students can afford to visit cafes and restaurants, as well as cultural and entertainment institutions. The average level of expenses can be 1000 €.

Free higher education in Spain every year becomes more difficult for both foreigners and citizens of this state. A difficult economic situation has developed in the kingdom, forcing the government to close some funding programs for educational institutions.

Higher education in Spain for Russians

It is very difficult for Russians to get free higher education in Spain. This requires a good knowledge of the language. At the entrance exam, the applicant must show not only the skills that high school gave him.

You must demonstrate good training in the chosen specialty. Students from Russia are encouraged to get an education at a domestic university or complete at least 2-3 courses. This option will speed up adaptation to an unfamiliar environment.

It is possible to get higher education in Spain for Russians for free. However, the student will have to pay running costs. makes it impossible to work legally. The internship is not paid for students. The country is in an economic crisis. Finding a job is difficult even for local residents.

To pass is an opportunity to get acquainted with other people's customs and gain experience in communicating with residents of other states. Despite the difficult economic situation in the country, Spain continues to attract foreigners with its unique culture and mild climate.

Spain is a colorful country of Cervantes, Gaudi and Almodovar, known for its wonderful architecture, mild climate and incendiary music. In addition to numerous tourists, thousands of foreign applicants come here every year in order to learn high-quality and affordable European education.

Higher education in Spain has its own characteristics - it can only be obtained at the university, and in this sense, Spain remains an exceptionally conservative country. Spanish universities are among the oldest institutions of higher education in the world, like the University of Salamanca, founded in 1218. It was here that the first female professor, Beatriz de Galindo, taught Latin, Columbus presented his initial sailing project to the theological faculty, and, according to legend, Cervantes and Hernan Cortes studied here.

Today, higher education in Spain can be obtained at one of more than 50 universities. Most of them are state-owned, the second largest number is occupied by private ones. The third, rarest category is religious universities, that is, under the patronage of the Catholic Church (in addition to specialized education, they provide in-depth knowledge on the subject "History of Religion").

The curriculum in Spanish universities is one of the highest quality and most versatile in Europe. Classical disciplines are taught here at a high level: philosophy, history, physics, geography and Latin and, of course, Spanish philology. Among applicants entering universities in Spain, modern specialties are especially popular, such as information technology, business and administration, advertising, and art objects - graphics, design and architecture.

Universities in Spain

All universities in Spain differ from each other not only in the profile of education, but also in the number of steps or in the level of qualifications, as well as in the established rules of study - each university chooses its own educational policy. To enter a Spanish university, an applicant must be of age, pass the special entrance exams Selectividad and provide a diploma of secondary education Bachillerato, approximately equivalent to a diploma from a Russian college. Some universities in Spain require students to take special one-year COU preparatory courses (mainly medical and mathematical universities). For those aged 18 and over, there are special one-year Acceso a Selectividad entrance exam preparation courses, which include intensive Spanish language training and specialized subjects necessary for admission to Spanish universities.

If the applicant has a Russian diploma, then it must be legalized at the Spanish Ministry of Education, which will take from 1 to 1.5 years. But this will allow you to enter the first cycle of study without entrance exams.

And one more important point: since exams and studies in universities in Spain are conducted almost exclusively in Spanish, the language level of the applicant must be at least confident B2.

Those who already have a higher education, but do not want to stop there, can get a second higher education in Spain. For those who wish, there are special two-year programs Licenciado 2 ciclo. Upon graduation, students receive a Spanish university diploma of a second higher education, which is recognized throughout Europe.

Higher education in Spain is a good chance for a foreign student to combine business with pleasure. On the one hand, the opportunity to receive high-quality education, get a diploma from a European university and, as a result, bright job prospects in any of the EU countries. On the other hand, enjoy student life in this picturesque and sunny country, get to know the local culture and traditions, eventually find a job in Spain, and later apply for Spanish citizenship.

According to various studies, Spanish universities are consistently included in the list of the most prestigious universities in the world. For example, according to Shanghai Academic Ranking, in 2019, 10 Spanish universities are in the top 500 best universities. And in the ranking QS World University Rankings 2019 13 Spanish universities are in the TOP-500. The most significant of them will be discussed later in this article. In general, the system of higher education in Spain is in the top 10 world leaders.

The Spanish higher education system has a long history and traditions. Some educational institutions were founded in the XIII century. The largest number of universities are located in the largest cities in Spain - Madrid and Barcelona. Today, over 1.8 million people study in Spanish universities, more than 50 thousand of which are foreigners.

There are 78 universities in Spain, of which 51 are public and 27 are private universities. In addition, the higher education system is represented by business schools, specialized institutions offering narrow-focused education in the field of arts, tourism, sports, and architecture. In addition to Spanish educational institutions, there is an opportunity to enter departments of American universities or other international institutions.

As in most European countries, Spain's higher education system is part of the Bologna Process. Respectively Diplomas from Spanish universities are recognized in almost all countries of the world. A system of credits is used to assess students' knowledge.

Higher education programs in Spain

1. Undergraduate (grados). The term of study is 3-4 years, depending on the specialty. During this period, you need to get 240 credits. With a bachelor's degree, you can start working, however, if you do not continue your studies, there will be fewer opportunities for career growth.
2. Master's degree (Posgrado). The term of study is 1-2 years, for which you need to earn 60-120 credits. Here students receive deeper knowledge in the chosen field of education.
3. Doctorate (doctorado). The term of study is 3-5 years, after the obligatory receipt of a master's degree. During your studies, you need to get 60 credits and publicly defend your doctoral dissertation. After that, you can continue to engage in scientific activities.

Typically, the academic year at a university in Spain consists of two semesters. The first one starts at September - October and ends in December. The second lasts January - February to May. Some universities practice training in trimesters. The curriculum includes lectures, seminars, practical classes, term papers, presentations, followed by exams.

Teaching mainly in Spanish, less often in regional, for example, Catalan. If desired, you can find a university with teaching in English. Most Spanish universities offer special preparatory language courses before the start of the academic year.

How to enter the university of Spain as a foreigner

First you need to decide on the specialty that you want to enroll in. Fortunately, Spanish universities offer a wide range of educational areas, and it is difficult to say that teaching is stronger or weaker in some areas. Quality is guaranteed in any field of knowledge.

One can only take into account the advice of specialists and the preference of Russian-speaking students. Medicine, computer technologies, tourism, architecture, economy and business are popular. Next, let's talk in more detail about the conditions for enrolling students from the CIS countries in a Spanish university.

Spain does not have a unified information system for international students. Therefore, for detailed requirements for admission, you need to contact the website of a particular university. The only thing that can be said for sure is a very limited number of places for foreigners. Usually around 5%. However, there are exceptions.

The most unpleasant news for those wishing to enter a Spanish university is the need to pass special entrance exam selectividad) . It is rented out not only by foreigners, but also by local residents. And, although formally passing this exam is not a mandatory procedure, practice shows that entering a university in Spain without selectividad impossible. Especially in a good university and a prestigious specialty.

The essence of the exam is to test knowledge in 4 subjects. Two of them are mandatory - Spanish and one foreign. The third subject to choose from is the history of philosophy or the history of Spain. The fourth subject is taken based on the future specialty. It can be chemistry, biology, mathematics, geography and so on. Each of the 4 items is worth 10 points.

To increase the chances of admission, especially to prestigious faculties, another stage of the exam is provided. You can additionally pass several subjects in your specialization and increase your overall score. But this is optional.

Based on the foregoing, the conclusion suggests itself that without preparation, successfully pass selectividad pretty hard. Therefore, Spanish universities offer special preparatory courses for up to 9 months, depending on the knowledge of the Spanish language and other subjects. The exam usually takes place in June and August., with the possibility of retaking in September.

In addition to the mandatory exam, there are usually no special requirements. You will need a certificate of complete secondary education with grades, duly certified, sometimes a certificate of knowledge of the Spanish language DELE. In any case, for accurate information, you need to contact a specific university in Spain.

Studying in Spanish universities is relatively inexpensive. Foreign students pay slightly more than Spaniards or European Union citizens. Studying at a private university in Spain will cost 5000-18000 euros per year. In a state university, these figures are much lower, on average 1500-4000 euros per year, depending on the specialty.

A nice bonus in the system of higher education in Spain is a wide network of scholarships, benefits, grants and special programs for students, including foreigners. With their help, you can cut tuition fees by more than 50% Remarkably, this also applies to private universities.

In addition to teaching, the main expenses of the student are the payment for food and housing. In this regard, Spain is quite an attractive country. Especially when it comes to food. If you buy products in supermarkets or markets and cook on your own, you can meet the 200 euros per month.

Housing is a little more difficult. It all depends on the city and the level of comfort. It is not easy to find a place in a hostel, most likely you will have to rent a room or apartment. In Madrid and Barcelona - this is about 400–600 euros, in smaller cities 200–300 euros. Whatever one may say, the average foreign student in Spain, in addition to paying tuition, needs to count on an amount of about 1000 euros per month.

Top Universities in Spain

The Complutense University of Madrid was founded in 1499. But the origin of this largest university in Spain began at the end of the 13th century. Among the graduates of the educational institution are such outstanding personalities as Lope de Vega and Miguel Cervantes, who gave the world "Don Quixote".

Today, more than 78,000 students study at 26 faculties of the university. The learning process is provided by about 6,000 teachers and more than 4,000 employees. The structure of the university consists of 185 departments, 7 professional schools, 14 university hospitals and clinics, 32 libraries, 87 student associations, dozens of research institutes and centers. At the international level, the university cooperates with more than 900 institutions from 77 countries of the world.

The university offers a wide range of educational areas. Most of all, specialties in the field of medicine are represented. You can also study philosophy, tourism, psychology, economics, law and other sciences. The cost of training varies from 900 to 4500 euros per year. The language of instruction is Spanish.

Official website of the Complutense University of Madrid - ucm.es

The university was founded in 1968. Over the 50 years of its existence, the educational institution has become one of the best in Europe, and in terms of the prestige of higher education among young universities, it is among the top ten world leaders.

Today, about 45,000 students study at the university, of which more than 3,500 are foreigners. The educational institution employs over 3,600 teachers and researchers, as well as 2,350 administrative staff.

The structure of the university includes 27 research centers and institutes, 57 departments, 225 research groups. It is offered to study in 81 undergraduate programs, 143 master's and 79 doctoral programs.

The university has a multidisciplinary educational direction. You can study medicine, the humanities and arts, economics and law, tourism, technical sciences. The language of instruction is Spanish and Catalan. The cost of education is from 1500 to 11000 euros per year.

Official website of the Autonomous University of Barcelona - uab.cat

The university was founded in 1968. The young university trains specialists in technical professions and is one of the best educational institutions in Europe and Spain in this area. The staff of the university consists of 2,600 teachers and researchers, as well as 1,700 administrative workers. About 37,800 students study at the university.

The structure of the university is represented by 3 faculties, 10 technical colleges, 2 higher polytechnic schools, 41 departments and 45 research centers and institutes. The infrastructure of the university includes excellent sports facilities, an automated library, a network of canteens and cafeterias, and an information center.

The Polytechnic University of Valencia offers training in a number of technical specialties. These are architecture, agriculture, engineering, construction, sculpture, information technology, applied mathematics and much more. The language of instruction is Spanish and English. According to statistics, about 88% of graduates find a job within 6 months after graduation. The cost of education depends on the specialty.

Official website of the Polytechnic University of Valencia - upv.es