The Spanish higher education system is part of the Bologna Process. Numerous studies confirm that Spanish universities have not left the list of the most prestigious universities in the world for many years.
To get higher education in Spain means for a foreign student the opportunity to receive high-quality education , to become a European-type diploma holder and to get excellent job prospects in the EU countries. But this is one side. Another - no less attractive - to spend student years in a country sunny and picturesque, in familiarity with the original culture and traditions, and in the future to count on Spanish citizenship.
Applicants annually meet about 80 universities (51 public and 27 private), specialized institutes (architectural, artistic, sports, tourism, arts) and business schools. It is also possible to enroll in branches of state universities or other international institutions.
Regardless of the form of ownership, public and private universities are equally rated and are guaranteed to provide high quality education.
The learning process is mostly organized in Spanish, but also in regional languages. International institutions are introducing more and more English-language programs that allow you to learn to specialize in a language that many people can understand. If desired, it is possible to take preparatory language courses at the university before the academic year begins.
How to enter a higher education institution in Spain?
A great number of educational directions from the best universities of Spain, where the high quality of education is guaranteed in any field of knowledge, assumes that the applicant has already chosen the specialty he is going to apply to. It has long been recognized that Spaniards have traditionally been strong in history, philosophy, geography, physics, mathematics, economic sciences and tourism. These departments have seen a major influx of students.
There is no single information source for them in this country. Detailed requirements for admission are published only on the portal of the relevant university. And you have to take into account the fact that for this category of applicants the number of places is limited. Universities in Spain for foreigners allocated no more than 5%.
Applicants to higher education institutions in Spain must take a special entrance exam. Knowledge is assessed in:
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Spanish (compulsory),
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a foreign language (required),
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History of Philosophy or History of Spain (whichever you choose),
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biology, chemistry, geography mathematics or another, depending on the chosen specialty.
You can talk about improving your chances of admission by taking another stage of the exam (optional), taking some additional subjects in your specialty, thereby increasing your overall score. This procedure is practiced at prestigious faculties. If you do not pass it, your chances of admission are minimal. This applies not only to international students, but also to local students.
Cost of tuition
It is generally recognized that studying at universities in the Spanish kingdom is inexpensive. In private universities it costs 5000-15000€ a year, in public - 1500-4000€. It all depends on the subject. Spaniards and EU citizens pay less than other foreigners.
But a wide network of scholarships, benefits, grants and special programs can significantly reduce the tuition fee in universities in Spain (up to 50%).
Keep in mind that the student will also have to spend money on food and housing. Prices in Spain are very attractive, this applies mainly to food.
The opportunity to obtain a European degree is a great opportunity to expand your professional opportunities and personal growth. That is why the number of compatriots studying at prestigious universities of the Kingdom of Spain grows every year.
Institutions with free education
Affordable pricing policy is one of the undoubted advantages of higher education in the Spanish Kingdom. If you set your mind to it, you can find a course that costs as little as 750€ per year.
If you hear that Spain has a budget education, believe it. The state universities cover part of the tuition and nearly 75% of it. The student shoulders only a quarter of the cost.
There are also budget education programs in public universities in the kingdom. Such programs are offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Agency for International Cooperation. And you can find out about the availability of such grants and scholarships when you are still in Moscow, at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain.