Study in Spain as a foreigner
Before explaining the process, you should know that in order to study at universities in Spain you must meet a series of requirements. The main thing is that you know that there are 2 types of universities: public and private. The public ones are cheaper, and there are more than 50 to choose from. 80% of Spanish students choose this option. The private ones are more expensive, but lately they are proliferating, given the customization of their services and facilities. Currently it will reach 40 private universities. On which is the best option, it will depend on the degree to be studied and the economic factor, mainly.
Public University Requirements
- Approve baccalaureate
- Take the PCE tests and obtain an admission grade higher than the cut-off grade for the grade you wish to access.
Private Universities Requirements
- Homologate baccalaureate.
- Overcome, in some cases, their own tests.
Preliminary steps to start the process
- Know the reasons why you want to finish your studies in Spain. It is important to be aware of this, since, as always, you have to see the advantages and disadvantages.
- Find the destination university and get in touch with it, in order to find out the requirements and times they need.
- Find out if the city where you are going to stay, since university life is only a part of everyday life. You have to know the social and economic part.
Once these steps have been checked, we count the possible situations that can occur.
How to validate university studies in Spain?
There are 3 ways to access Spanish university studies with studies started in another country.
1. Validation of university credits
In this case, the destination university, after assessing the student’s academic record and looking at the Study Plan of the origin university, determines that the chosen studies can be accessed. They may fully or partially validate the university credits that have been obtained. Here we indicate the processes and requirements of the UCM, the largest public university in Spain.
Advantages
- Access without exam.
- Continuation of the university degree partially or totally from where it was finished in the country of origin.
Drawbacks
- Reserved places. Only 1% of the places are available this way.
- Spanish students who change their university or career are given more weight, relegating foreign students.
2. Access with exam
This case tries to access universities by exam, that is, without taking into account the studies begun and starting the studies from the first year. This option is for public universities. For the private ones it is about paying the first course. It is aimed at those who have been studying for a short time (one or two years maximum).
Advantages
- Safe way to access universities.
- Equal conditions between Spaniards and foreigners.
Drawbacks
- Everything previously studied is renounced.
3. Access with exam and validate studies
This is the best way, since we use the two previous options. It is a matter of making the admission as if they had finished high school and waiting for a decision on the total or partial validation.
Advantages
- Greater security when it comes to guaranteeing university access and being able to take into account what was studied in the country of origin.
Drawbacks
- The validation can take a long time, and the resolution can be reached when you are already at the same level as in the country of origin.
- Requires homologation of high school studies.
Other options to study in Spain
- Access to over 25 years. This form is very optimal if you are over 25 years old. With some tests that are simpler than the PCE Selectivity, it is possible to access, without the need to approve or have previous studies. If this is the chosen option, we recommend Academia M25 for the preparation of the studies.
- Higher FP. This study is less than a university study, but currently enjoys a good reputation and in just 2 years you can obtain a higher degree. You can see the differences with a university degree in the post of our colleagues from Escuela PCE. It does not require previous studies or exams (only baccalaureate).
