Spain brings back memories of most vacation days full of sunshine and an attitude to life between a midday siesta and an evening fiesta. Spain is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Germans. The beaches of the Balearic and Canary Islands are particularly popular.

At the same time, the kingdom also offers numerous picturesque villages and fincas. The mentality of the Spaniards can be described as spirited and relaxed at the same time. Spanish hospitality is also omnipresent for visitors.

Culturally, Spain is home to the acoustic guitar, the passionate flamenco dance and pioneering artists such as Picasso and Dalí. In sport, the football clubs in particular provide the best entertainment. So there are a multitude of reasons in favor of studying in Spain.

University landscape in Spain

In the higher education landscape in Spain universities dominate, other universities are rare. Educational institutions such as the Escuelas Universitarias and Escuelas Universitarias Politécnicas, which are reminiscent of German universities of applied sciences, are also affiliated with the universities. The vocational Colegios Majores are also part of a university in Spain.

There are currently 85 universities in Spain. 50 universities are in government hands, the rest is privately funded.

Study system and academic year

The academic year in Spain runs from September to June and is divided into two semesters. The exams take place at the end of each semester.

Degrees and Recognition

The Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees replace the previous academic or job-specific degrees in the Spanish study system. These were the state-recognized degrees licenciatura, diplomatura, ingeniería or a title from the respective university. If you decide to study in Spain, you usually don’t have to worry about recognition. The work done in Spain can be credited without any problems due to the Bologna Process.

Lessons and certificates of achievement

In Spain, the material is traditionally taught through classic frontal teaching. The students record what has been said in the form of so-called apuntes (notes). Lecturers attach particular importance to reading the detailed literature lists and compulsory attendance. A term paper with your own research is the exception in the final examination.

Applying to Study in Spain

The choice has been made: to study abroad in Spain. The right university has also been found. So the next step is to apply. If that is successful, the plane can soon go to the Iberian Peninsula.

Admission requirements for studying in Spain

The admission requirements for studying in Spain depend on the study program. Those who want to complete a bachelor’s degree need a high school diploma ; With a bachelor’s degree, the door to a master’s degree is open and the master’s is a prerequisite for a doctorate. Depending on the subject and university, there may be additional admission requirements. Students who want to come to Spain for a semester abroad or for summer sessions must have a high school diploma. You must also already be enrolled at another university.

Sufficiently good language skills are also an important criterion for admission. As a rule, this must be proven by means of a language test. The test to be taken depends on the language in which the course is taught. In addition to the Spanish-language courses, there are also some in English.

For some degree programs such as the MBA, universities may require an academic admission test such as GMAT or GRE to be taken.

Application process for studying in Spain

According to liuxers, the application process for studying in Spain is not the same at all universities and for all study programs. If you want to apply to study in Spain, you should therefore find out about the application process at the university of your choice in good time. The application deadlines can also vary.

To apply for a degree in Spain, different documents are required depending on the study program. This includes certificates, transcripts, language certificates and, if necessary, various other documents such as letters of motivation or letters of recommendation. A special feature in Spain is that applicants for a bachelor’s degree who come from other EU countries have to have their Abitur certificate recognized by the Universidad Nacional de Educaciòn a Distancia (UNED).

After applying: preparation for studying in Spain

Before the suitcases can be packed for the start of the study adventure in Spain, a few things should be done:

• Take out health insurance abroad: Students with statutory health insurance are insured at least during their semester abroad in Spain via the European health insurance card. An additional private medical insurance is however quite recommendable. This also reimburses the costs for treatments that are not covered by the European Health Insurance Card. International health insurance is also recommended for longer study visits.
• Provide information about accommodation options: Students in Spain have different options ; Dormitories, shared apartments or host families – there is something for every idea. In order to find the right accommodation for you, you should familiarize yourself in advance with the possibilities on site, with the advantages and disadvantages as well as with the costs of the accommodation options.
• Organize travel: flights must be booked and information about the transfer options from the airport to the accommodation must be obtained.
• Apply for a credit card: Credit cards are also a popular means of payment in Spain.
• Cultural preparation: By dealing with the cultural characteristics of Spain, students can prepare for their time there. It is also easier to avoid faux pas if you know where they are lurking.