If you don't know the types of studies you can do in Spain, don't worry. In this post we are going to try to help you and explain the types of access, the requirements and the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. From secondary education in Spain to the highest levels of study
Types of studies in Spain
Education in Spain currently has several levels. The lowest level, apart from age-appropriate schooling for younger children, is Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO). This type of education takes place between the ages of 12 and 16 and is considered the basic level for which a qualification is awarded. Prior education, that is, before the age of 12, constitutes Primary Education. However, it is upon completion of ESO that one obtains the ESO or Secondary School Diploma.
Having completed compulsory secondary education (ESO) opens up three paths. The first is to study for the baccalaureate, which lasts two years. The second is to complete intermediate vocational training (Grado Medio), which lasts one to two years. The third is to enter the workforce , for which the minimum age is 16. If we choose the second path, intermediate vocational training , upon completion we will receive the corresponding qualification, with the option of either working in our field or taking the entrance exam for advanced vocational training (Grado Superior). Assuming we choose the first path, the baccalaureate, after two years we will have our baccalaureate diploma and the option of continuing our studies along two very different routes:
- Do a Higher Degree. This study is of a higher level than the Intermediate Degree mentioned above, having a high level of specialization. They are short studies, lasting just two years, that have a great introduction to the labor market, being well recognized by companies.
- Do the selectivity to access the university. If you want to study at a Spanish university, you must take the Selectivity exam and pass it. Then, with the grades weighted between high school and the EBAU / EVAU we will have an admission grade that will mark our choice to study for the next 4 years, at least. It goes without saying that a university degree is the highest degree within the study structure in Spain (then there are other higher studies, such as postgraduate degrees and doctorates, but that is another topic). The idea is that it is a study that can open many doors for the future in any corner of the world, especially if we then continue doing update studies and masters.
Having commented on the study organization system in Spain, we move on to explain the different accesses if you come from a foreign country.
Higher studies in Spain
What if I have a foreign high school diploma? What can I do? Well, there are several options for accessing the Spanish education system. Assuming we are of legal age, we have several possibilities for pursuing higher education in Spain.
1. Higher Level Vocational Training. If you have a high school diploma in Spain and want to study for a Higher Level Vocational Training qualification, you're in luck. You won't have to take entrance exams. Simply apply in June to begin in September. The advantage of these studies is that, if you later want to go to university, you can gain direct access or only complete the specific phase of the university entrance exam. The drawback of this course is that it's not as rigorous as a university degree. Some students then choose to pursue university studies, thus extending their years of study.
What if I don't have a high school diploma? Well, you can still enroll. How? With the Higher Level Access Exam . This exam is very accessible and easy. If you visit our dedicated page, you can find out what it's like and how you can apply for this program without any qualifications. So... don't miss the opportunity to study in Spain without any formal qualifications from your home country.
2. University. To study at a university in Spain, you need to know all the steps involved. Our website is the most comprehensive, with entrance exams and all the information related to admission. Furthermore, we are a preparation academy for the UNED PCE exams, which will be the ultimate test for your new university life.
What if I don't have a high school diploma? Unfortunately, you can't access university... unless you're 25 years old. If you are that age or older, you can take the Over-25s entrance exam , a very accessible test whose only requirement is having no prior studies. In other words, if you have a high school diploma and are 25 or older, you can't take it, but if you don't have one or simply haven't started the process of having your qualifications recognized, you can. Among its advantages are that it's a simple exam, with places reserved by each university for this admission route. Its disadvantages are that there's only one exam session per year, in March/April, and that there are few places allocated to this route.
Conclusions
1. If I have no formal education in my country, I am under 25 years old, and I want something easily accessible, the best option is to complete a Higher Level Vocational Training Cycle (CGFS), which you can access through the Higher Level Access Exam.
2. If I have no prior education in my country, I am 25 years of age or older, and I want to study at university, there is no doubt. You must take the university entrance exam for students over 25.
3. If I have a high school diploma from my country but don't want to study further, you can complete a higher-level vocational training program without doing anything extra. Just apply when applications open.
4. If I have a high school diploma and want to study at a university . Undoubtedly the most complicated option, but the most worthwhile in the long run. You have to take the UNED's Specific Competency Tests (PCE) to be able to enter. Once you take them, you will have a credential, which you will use to submit your application to different universities in Spain.
5. If I have a high school diploma but haven't yet had it officially recognized, you can do two things: have it officially recognized and take the UNED PCE exam, or not recognize it and apply for admission through the over-25s route.
