What are the most popular courses in Spain?

When we think of Spain, we think of vacations, sun, parties, bulls, sangria, paella....

But for many students,Spain also means higher education, business schools, universities, diplomas, private universities, public universities...

And with good reason: over 10,000 French students come to Spain every year to complete their higher education.

But what will these students be studying in Spain?

Health-related studies in Spain

The distinctive feature of the Spanish university system is that it includes both official public and private institutions.

Access to private universities is generally easier than topublic ones. This makes access to highly selective courses in the healthcare field easier than in France.

But contrary to what you might think, the first course studied by French students in Spain is not medicine, but physiotherapy.

Studying physiotherapy in Spain

There are 31 private universities in Spain offering the "Grado en fisioterapia", i.e. the Spanish university degree in physiotherapy.

In addition, 43 public universities and centers attached to these universities also offer this training.

Although not all Spanish universities offering training in physiotherapy welcome French students, most of them have at least a few students from France.

Why is Spain such a popular destination for physiotherapy studies?

There are several explanations for this phenomenon.
The main reasons for this popularity are :

• The validity of the diploma obtained in Spain to work as a physiotherapist in France
• The high quality of physiotherapy training in Spain
• Spain's proximity to France
• The Spanish language at school in France
• Simplified access to this curriculum via private universities

To a lesser extent, we should also mention the appeal of French-language physiotherapy courses in Spain.

Several private Spanish universities offer all or part of their theoretical studies in French. Nevertheless, any French student who might be interested in such a course should bear in mind that patients in Spain are Spanish, and that part of the practical training takes place in Spain.

Studying physiotherapy in French in Spain is therefore possible, but :

• This does not exempt students fromlearning Spanish, as it is compulsory for internships.
• This only concerns a small number of places compared to all the places available on Spanish-language physiotherapy courses.
• This also requires students to pay much higher tuition fees (sometimes double) than for a Spanish course.

Physiotherapy is therefore one of the most popular courses of study for French students in the health field, but it's not the only one.

One of the most popular courses is also dentistry in Spain.

Studying dentistry in Spain

Unlike physiotherapy, dental training in Spain is not so extensive. There are 12 public universities offering this training and 14 private universities.

The difficulty of gaining access to dental studies in France is prompting many students to study in Spain.

The main reasons for studying dentistry in Spain are similar to those of physiotherapy students:

• Validity of the diploma obtained in Spain for working in France
• The high quality of Spanish university education
• Spain's proximity to France
• Partial proficiency in the language of instruction, Spanish (or even English in some private universities).
• Easier access to this course at private universities

Added to this is the modernity of the campuses and the equipment available to students.

But beware: dental studies are selective, and private universities are careful about the profiles they select. But this is obviously not comparable with the selection made in France for this course of study.

Studying veterinary medicine in Spain

Veterinary medicine is one of the most popular health-related courses. There are more applications than places available, even at private universities.

As with physiotherapy and dentistry, there are official veterinary training courses in Spain, at both public and private universities.

There are 10 public universities offering the veterinary curriculum. And there are 5 private universities teaching veterinary medicine in Spain.

Why is veterinary training so popular in Spain?

The courses offered by both public and private universities in Spain are of the highest quality. But it's above all the ease of access that attracts students.

Nevertheless, many are surprised to learn that there is a high level of selection in Spain to enter this veterinary curriculum.

The good reputation of Spanish universities among French students and the low level of training offered in this field by the Spanish university system make access to veterinary studies in Spain increasingly difficult.

Mastery of the Spanish language and academic record are two of the most important criteria for admission to the private institutions that teach this course.

It is even possible to study veterinary medicine in French in Spain for part of the curriculum. However, FEEduc does not recommend this option, as Spanish-language courses are still the best quality.

Veterinary studies in Spain are therefore among the most sought-after courses, but the selection process is still quite rigorous, and a very good level of Spanish is generally required.

What other healthcare courses are popular with French students in Spain?

Among the courses most in demand by French and international students in the healthcare field, we can also mention

• The degree in pharmacy This 5-year course has the same appeal as other health courses in Spain: quality, proximity, validity of the diploma and easy access in the case of private universities.
• The biomedical licenses and biotechnology Biomedicine and biotechnology bachelor's degrees: these relatively recent courses are attracting a number of students interested in a sector at the cutting edge of modernity and research.
• The nursing license Far less popular than the aforementioned health courses, nursing studies in Spain are nonetheless attracting a number of French students. The quality of the training and the reputation of this course in Spain make it attractive. But the high cost of private universities is often a barrier to access.

The special case of hearing aid studies in Spain

This course is in great demand among French students, but the profile is often quite different from that of the young baccalaureate holder.

It has long been possible for French students tostudy audioprosthesis in Spain.

In recent years, however, the professional optics sector has taken an interest in this training, and new technologies have led to the development of semi-presential courses. Only a few practical workshops take place in Spain, as do the examinations.

This makes this 2-year vocational training course accessible to a very different audience: working people!

As a result, many people in their thirties, often working in the optical industry, are switching to this high-quality training.

Beware, however, of the administrative pitfalls involved in obtainingauthorization to practice. The wait can be long, and obtaining compensatory training is often complex.

What about studying medicine in Spain?

We couldn't ignore medical studies in Spain.

The quality of the training is excellent, and its reputation is well established. The majority of doctors trained in Spain are excellent, which makes the program very attractive to international students.

Yet very few French students study medicine in Spain.

Why is this? The selection process is simply extremely high, so you need to have an excellent record and anear-bilingual level of Spanish to hope to get in.

Yet every year, a few students manage to do so, mainly at private Spanish universities. In the public sector, it's almost impossible for a French student.

In addition to the difficulties involved in gaining access to medical studies in Spain, those who manage to do so have to reckon with a budget of over €20,000/year for 6 years. This puts a damper on many vocations.

As you've already guessed (and so have Spain's private universities), health studies are the big winners in terms of international student numbers.

The existence of courses in French and English in Spain in the healthcare field is ample proof of the great attractiveness of these courses, but also to some extent of the dependence of the Spanish university system (mainly private) on international students.

But health is not the only major attraction of higher education in Spain.

Business schools in Spain are also among the most popular courses for international and French students.

Studying at a business school in Spain

Unlike health studies, it may seem surprising to study business in Spain.

But if you take a closer look, you'll see that Spain has some of the most prestigious business schools in Europe.

ESADE, located in San Cugat del Vallés, near Barcelona, is one of the most highly rated in Europe.

This business school welcomes students from all over the world, and the French are no exception. In fact, this is a school you'll see at many trade fairs in France or at orientation events at international high schools.

To enter the BBA, Bachelor in Business Administration, you'll need to be fluent in English, demonstrate your reasoning skills in admission tests and, of course, present an exemplary academic record. What's more, your community life will be under the microscope, because it's not just grades that count!

The lucky ones will then embark on a 4-year course of study, usually including a one-year international exchange at the end of the program.

Positions in prestigious companies in the finance, insurance and, of course, consulting sectors.

The other star of Spain's business schools is IE, Instituto de Empresa. This Madrid-based business school is a favorite of French students, and has been at the top of the rankings for years. However, IE has built up a solid reputation for its Masters and MBAs (Master In Business Administration).
Grado" studies are more recent and have not yet achieved the quality of their masters. Nonetheless, this international business school is one of the most international in terms of student numbers, and the mix of nationalities brings a richness to the experience of every student at this school.

Are there any other business schools in Spain apart from these two stars?

Of course, there's more to Spain than IE and ESADE.
A number of prestigious business schools offer top-quality courses in Spain. These include ESIC and ICADE, both located in and around Madrid.

ESIC is particularly oriented towards marketing, because it's in its DNA. However, since obtaining its university status in 2022, ESIC has been diversifying its offer in the fields of international trade, management and business and tech, which are on the rise.

Can I study a business-related course at university in Spain?

Universities in Spain offer business courses. And some of them, such as Carlos III University in Madrid, have a very good reputation. The grandes écoles system is unique to France, and it's always at university that you'll study business.

At private universities in Spain, you can of course find excellent courses in commerce, marketing, business analytics, etc...

The advantage of these universities is the practical aspect of their courses and their links with the business world, which facilitates subsequent employability.

To mention just a few, theUniversidad Europea de Madrid (UEM),Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio (UAX), CEU San Pablo and Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV) all offer high-quality business courses. Each university has its own identity, which will suit different student profiles.

What are the most popular courses at these universities and business schools in Spain?

When a student is going to study in the field of commerce, it's often the "Grado en dirección y administración de Empresas" that he or she will choose. This is the famous "ADE".

This course is a classic in Spanish education. It covers all aspects of the business world and is often used to gain a 360º view before specializing in a Master's degree.

But one of the courses that attracts the most international students is the " International Business " course. This is the course par excellence for an international student in Spain. This course is often studied in English, or at least 50% in English. This doesn't mean you won't have to speak Spanish, but as far as the courses are concerned, they will be in English.

Please note that English-language courses may exist at public universities in Spain, but this is more rare, and the level of English of the teachers generally leaves something to be desired, although this should not be generalized.

What other courses can I study in Spain at a business school or university?

• Finance
• Management
• The right
• International relations
• Business and tech courses combining business and data analysis (you've got to love math!)

This brings us to another very successful course in Spain: international relations.

Studying international relations in Spain

What's special about this course in Spain is that it's available as a post-baccalaureate degree. It's a fully-fledged bachelor's degree, enabling you to enter this exciting sector right from the start of your higher education.

There's no roundabout way, no competitive examination and no prior training. You start studying international relations in Spain as soon as you begin your higher education, and you obtain a degree in Spain called " Grado en relaciones internacionales ".

Part of the Faculty of Social and Legal Sciences, this course focuses on law, geopolitics, languages and diplomacy. At private Spanish universities, you'll have the opportunity to visit prestigious international institutions such as the UN, the European Parliament and many others in the international organizations sector.

By the end of your 4-year course in Spain, you'll have mastered at least two additional languages, English and Spanish, and you'll also have the opportunity to learn others.

Be careful, however, if you want to become a diplomat in France. You'll need to take the French government entrance exams. The diploma obtained in Spain is valid, but this will require additional formalities. Generally speaking, if you want to work in the public sector in France, it's not advisable to study abroad. On the other hand, if you want to work in the private sector or in non-governmental organizations, studying abroad and in Spain in particular will be an incredible springboard for your future career.

But don't forget one thing: to study in Spain, you need to speak Spanish, but to study international relations, you need to speak English very well!

And what about technical training, such as architecture or engineering?

Study architecture or engineering in Spain

Why link architecture and engineering in the same section? Quite simply because, in Spain, architects are also engineers and have a highly technical background. This allows them to sign off on all their projects, since they do all the calculations themselves.

Studying architecture in Spain

Every year, many international students choose to study architecture in Spain. Entrance to private universities is generally much simpler, and for some years now, demand has been falling in Spain's public universities, making access easier too.

Why study architecture in Spain?

The first reason is simple: architectural training in Spain is one of the best in the world.

As mentioned above, architects trained in Spain are professionals capable of signing off on all their projects and making all the calculations usually carried out by engineers.

There is no architecture + engineering double degree, as this skill is already an integral part of the curriculum.

It's a great opportunity to learn in a country where architecture is a field of excellence.

How do I enroll in an architecture course in Spain?

At public universities, the nota de corte system is used as always. So it's your baccalaureate mark that will determine whether you get into a university in Spain.

In the private sector, it's mainly your language level that will determine whether or not you can enroll. Generally speaking, however, it's quite easy to get into an architecture program in Spain at a private university. However, easy access does not mean easy studies.

It is important to bear in mind that an excellent level of scientific knowledge, particularly in mathematics, will be required to succeed in this course.

Is architecture a popular course of study for international students?

The answer is clearly yes, otherwise there would be no English-language architecture courses in Spain. Several private universities offer this option, such as CEU San Pablo and Universidad Europea de Madrid. These two universities are the only ones in Spain to holdNAAB accreditation, which facilitates access to the profession in North America.

How does architectural training work in Spain?

Studies take either 5 or 6 years. Why this difference? Some universities offer what is known as the "Grado en arquitectura", which qualifies students to work as architects in Spain. This course lasts 5 years.

The "Grado en Fundamentos de la arquitectura" also lasts 5 years, but does not qualify you to become an architect. A "Habilitante" master's degree is required to become an architect.

So pay close attention to the type of training you're applying for when choosing an architecture course.

Engineering studies in Spain

These are not necessarily the most popular studies for international students in Spain, but they are nonetheless of the highest quality.

What's special about studying engineering in Spain is that from the very first year you have to choose what type of specialization you're going for.

For example, you could choose to studycomputer engineering,mechanical engineering oraerospace engineering in your first year. If you're looking for a more general engineering curriculum, the most recommended course is the "grado en ingenieria industrial ". It's a more versatile course.

Most engineering courses last 4 years, but often require a Master's degree to specialize or to qualify you in certain fields. So, in the best case scenario, you're looking at 5 years of study.

Studying a master's degree in Spain

Spain is full of excellent Master's and MBA programs.

Master's degrees in Spain are increasingly in demand, and over the last 10 years, the number of international master's students has tripled.

This is due to the presence in Spain of excellent universities and business schools, whose reputation is on the rise.

This is particularly true of ESIC, which offers top-level masters in marketing, management, international trade and human resources.

ESADE, IE and IESE are also internationally renowned schools that attract top students.

Some may ask why study a Master's degree in Spain?
It's often the gateway to the South American market. If you want to develop your professional career in this geographical area, doing a master's degree in Spain is clearly an advantage and will give you a very interesting position on the job market.

But are masters degrees in Spain just about business?

No, of course not, there are masters in every field.
Of all the courses on offer, the Real Madrid - Universidad Europea university school has an excellent masters program for those wishing to work in the field of sport.

Whether it's health (sports physiotherapy, nutrition, etc.), physical preparation, sports advertising/marketing, sports journalism, sports law or, of course, sports management, the Real Madrid - Universidad Europea university school is one of the most popular options for international students.

At Master's level, you'll find the same fields of study as for the "grados", and you'll be spoilt for choice among the programs offered by Spanish universities.

It is also possible to do a Master's degree at a public university, but access is often much more complicated as places are limited.

Finally, access to official masters programs can sometimes be difficult if you come from a university system where the bachelor's degree lasts 3 years. In Spain, you need 240 ECTS to enter an official master's program, i.e. 4 years of study. To find out more, click here.

However, if your aim is toenter the world of work,gaining skills and contacts in a specific industry, then a Master's degree in Spain is often a fantastic opportunity for students to launch themselves into professional life.

Spain is a country with a soaring international reputation for higher education.

Spain's popularity as a university destination is no longer solely linked to the ERASMUS program (Spain remains the No. 1 destination for this European exchange program).

This country, whose culture and lifestyle are so attractive to young people, is beginning to establish itself more and more as a quality destination for higher education.
The quality/price ratio is incomparable with the rest of Europe, and theadvantage of studying in Spain, even when studying in English, is that you emerge trilingual: English, Spanish and your native language. On the job market, this is a crucial asset for finding the job of your dreams!