Differences between public and private universities

In this post we are going to explain to you what the Spanish educational system is like and the differences between some universities and others. However, we will start with the simplest questions.

How many universities are there in Spain?

There are exactly 89 universities in Spain. Specifically, 50 are public (47 in-person, 1 online, and 2 specialized) and 39 are private. You can see the best Spanish universities in our post if you wish.

public universities

Spanish public universities enroll the majority of university students in Spain, accounting for nearly 80% of applications. This can be seen in the updated data provided by the Spanish government.

Advantages and disadvantages of public universities:

• There is a presence of public universities in all the Autonomous Communities. This means that, wherever you live or want to live, you can study a university degree.
• The economic cost. The price of public universities is regulated and depends on several factors (Autonomous Community, degree of experimentalism, enrollment and legal status), as you can see in our post. Fees per course can range between 700 and 2200 euros.
• The scholarship system It is usually aimed at public universities.
• Faculty. Professors at public universities are qualified civil servants. They invest 100% of their time in teaching and research.
• Self-sufficiency. Own initiative is favored, teachers do not exercise such strict control with students and it is the personal autonomy of the student himself that will lead him to achieve his objectives. This is something that many companies value when hiring.
• Scholarships and cooperation systems to continue your studies in other European countries.
• Access to the university. Although there are more degrees and more universities, an access test called Selectivity must be taken. This can be EBAU (for Spanish high school students) or PCE (for non-Spanish high school students). In addition to passing it, you will have to reach the cut-off grade, that is, a minimum grade for admission to the degree you want.
• The campuses. The public universities themselves, for the most part, have old faculties, with basic maintenance.
• Material and resources. Like the buildings and classes, the laboratories and study centers are not as "kept."

Private universities

More and more students are choosing a private university as a means to obtain a university degree. Currently the quota percentage is 20%, but it is increasing year after year.

Advantages and disadvantages of private universities:

• There are no cut notes. Although there may be exams of their own, there is no need to obtain a grade for admission.
• Practice and agreements with companies are encouraged. In this way, one of the big problems of recent graduates is eliminated: lack of experience.
• Greater economic resources for the material, campus, activities, laboratories.
• The economic cost. The price depends on the university, but since they are not governed by regulated prices, they can be high. A normal course can cost between 6.000 and 15.000 euros per year.
• Teachers. They are usually businessmen or professionals who combine their teaching activity with their work.
• Lack of autonomy. 
• By operating as a company University ideals are established from day one. 
• The image of “he has bought a title” is ingrained in society. 

Public Universities vs Private Universities

Are private universities good? Of course! Why do public universities have such a good reputation? Perhaps because there's a perception that tuition isn't paid for with money, but rather with academic performance, though this isn't always the case. Ultimately, the decision about where to study will depend on the student and their family. As you can see, it's a decision that will shape your academic and professional future. There's no single way to say one is better than the other. From our perspective, if your entrance exam score allows you to attend a public university, it would be a very valid option, given that you'll receive training from top professionals and develop a high degree of independence. Furthermore, you'll meet people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, broadening your social horizons. On the other hand, if you haven't been able to get into the program you're aiming for and your financial situation allows it, attending a private university is an excellent solution, in addition to the more personalized services and benefits they offer.