Frequently asked questions about studying in Spain

Study in Spain, whether in the health field (physiotherapy in Spain, dentistry in Spain, veterinary medicine in Spain, etc.), business (business school in Spain, marketing in Spain, business school in Spain, etc.), engineering (engineering school in Spain, mechanical engineering in Spain, etc.), languages (studying Spanish in Spain, translation/interpreting in Spain, modern languages in Spain, etc.), architecture or communication (audiovisual communication in Spain, journalism in Spain, etc.), is a project that raises many questions.

If you'd rather listen to this article than read it, check out our podcast dedicated to higher education in Spain.

When starting out on your studies in Spain, whatever your chosen field, the most frequently asked question of all is:

Is a diploma obtained in Spain valid in my country?

To answer this question, we first need to clarify certain concepts that can sometimes be confused.

Can I continue my studies in Spain if I have a degree from Spain?

A degree obtained in Spain at a university is a Spanish degree. We sometimes hear people say that the diploma is European. In fact, the diploma is issued by the Spanish education system. It is therefore a Spanish diploma.

As Spain is a member of the European Union, the degree obtained in Spain is recognized by other European education systems. The Bologna agreements, signed in 1999, harmonized Europe's education systems with 3 cycles of study: Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate. To achieve this, education systems are using ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System), which facilitates harmonization and enables more flexible student mobility between countries in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), which includes, but is not limited to, the countries of the European Union.

Today, 49 countries are part of this European higher education area.

What are the consequences for the validity of my Spanish diploma in my country?

Obtaining an official degree from an official Spanish university means you can continue your studies in your home country if it is part of the EHEA. For example, with a "Grado" diploma, equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in France, you can go on to a Master's degree.
On the other hand, the reverse is not always true, because even if there has been harmonization in Europe, there are still differences between countries. For example, the Bachelor's degree in Spain lasts 4 years, not 3 as in France.
On the other hand, the Master's degree lasts 1 year, whereas in France it lasts 2 years. In both cases, it takes 5 years to obtain a Master's degree.

Please note: with a 3-year bachelor's degree obtained in France, it is complicated to gain access to a master's degree in Spain, due to the lack of ECTS credits required to enter an official master's program. It's important to be well-informed before embarking on such complex and time-consuming procedures, which can end in rejection.
Contact FEEduc for advice on studying in Spain!

Can I work in my home country if I have a degree from Spain?

Studying in a foreign country allows you to obtain official diplomas, as we have just seen. The diploma obtained in Spain is well recognized in France and in the EHEA.

But does it allow me to work?

A clear distinction must be made between regulated and unregulated trades.

So, for all professions that do not have any legal prerequisites in terms of diplomas (sales, marketing, design, etc.), the employer's criteria will be the limit to hiring. In marketing, for example, many foreign companies call on the services of ESIC graduates.

But for all regulated professions, often but not exclusively in the health sector, you need to prove that you have obtained an official diploma allowing you to practise the profession, such as dentist, doctor, veterinary surgeon, physiotherapist, hearing aid acoustician, nurse, architect, etc...

And in this case, it's not the Bologna agreements and the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) that come into play, but a European agreement: European Directive 2005/36/EC. This directive regulates the mobility of professionals in regulated professions within the European Union. It is this directive that enables a French student trained in Spain to work as a dentist in France or elsewhere in the European Union.

In some cases, recognition of the diploma and authorization to practice will be automatic. In other cases, such as for physiotherapists or audioprosthetists, you will have to go through a commission organized in each country, which will study the case of each graduate and authorize him or her to practice under certain conditions.

In conclusion, on the all-important question of the validity of the diploma obtained in Spain, the answer is quite simply yes for students from the European Union. If the student comes from outside the EU, he or she should contact the relevant authorities in his or her own country.

A student trained in Spain cannot work in the United States directly. They will have to go through a series of administrative procedures that are often long and tedious, and which often block access to the profession.
The same is true in the opposite direction. A graduate from a non-European country will find it difficult to work in a regulated profession in the European Union.

When should I apply to a university in Spain?

Deadlines, timetables and dates for successful university admissions in Spain

Once you know that your diploma obtained in Spain will be valid in your own country, the question arises of admission procedures.

Once again, it's important to differentiate between two types of procedures: private Spanish universities and public Spanish universities.

When should I apply to a public university in Spain?

Every region in Spain has its own universities.
It is the regions that regulate these universities, following national guidelines set by the Ministry of Universities.

The dates for applying to public universities in Spain vary from region to region. Generally speaking, however, the process opens at the beginning or end of June. And the exact dates are often not known until April or May.

To apply to a public university in Spain, applications are only accepted in mid-June, and close in late June or early July. The deadlines are therefore relatively short, and you absolutely must not miss any dates.

For this reason, using the services of specialists in public university studies in Spain, such as FEEduc, is often a great help in increasing your chances of admission.

When should I apply to a private university in Spain?

Spain's private universities have a very different timetable for the admissions process to that of public universities.

It's often in January or February that you can start the admissions process to study at a private university in Spain.

But the trend is for these processes to open up earlier and earlier.

Does that mean you should rush out and apply as early as October? No!

First and foremost, it's important to be aware of the prerequisites required by universities before jumping headlong into processes that are often unformed and still subject to numerous changes.

Nevertheless, if you've made up your mind and have the prerequisites and the budget, you can of course apply as soon as you like. But if you apply as early as November, for example, you'll receive the admission tests in the days following your application, and if you're accepted, the university will ask you to pay a place reservation fee, which can amount to several thousand euros in some cases. This is never refundable. So be sure before you apply.

Generally speaking, and depending on the course and university, there are still places available even in June or July. Of course, on highly sought-after courses such as dentistry or veterinary medicine in Spain, places fill up earlier in the year, depending on the university.

Applying between January and April is therefore a fairly coherent and safe way to hope for a place at a private university in Spain.

Do private universities in Spain operate on a first-come, first-served basis?

For most courses, admission is not selective, and admissions are given as and when candidates apply. But for courses such as business, architecture or pharmacy, many private universities in Spain still have places available until July.

For selective courses such as dentistry, medicine or veterinary medicine, private universities in Spain operate differently.

Universities will be looking for the best profiles. So there are tests and sometimes sessions organized according to a specific timetable. Find out more from the experts on studying in Spain, FEEduc!

You then need to demonstrate that you have the prerequisites, often in terms of Spanish language level and grades, to secure a place. So it's no longer 1st come, 1st served, but the best students who are selected.

FEEduc brings you its 10 years' experience of studying in Spain to tell you which are the best universities for your profile.

The answer to the question "When should I apply to a private university in Spain?
It depends on the course of study, your profile and your desires.
You'll need to make a personal study of your case to be able to guide you in the best possible way, and thus optimize your chances of admission to a private university in Spain.

How much does higher education cost in Spain?

The question of budget also comes up regularly in family discussions. And if this isn't your case, you'll have to think about it.

Most students who go to Spain to complete their training go to private universities, because it's easier to integrate them, especially in terms of timetables.

Fees vary widely depending on the university and the course. You can go from a course costing 5,000€/year (for 4 years in the case of grados) to courses costing over 22,0000€/year for 5 years in the case of dentistry, for example. The investment is therefore not the same.

Generally speaking, studying in Spain will always cost more than studying at home. But it will give you a wealth of experience and a huge differentiating factor on the job market.

On average, expect tuition fees of between €10,000 and €12,000 per year.

Are there scholarships for studying in Spain?

We're talking here about a full course of study in Spain, not an exchange for a few months or a year in Spain.
These exchanges are carried out with the help of the ERASMUS + program, which offers scholarships to encourage international mobility.

For students wishing to do their entire bachelor's or bachelor's degree in Spain, there are few or no grants available. Students pay for their studies out of their own pocket or with bank loans.

There are always exceptions, and some countries can finance their students' studies even when they go abroad. This is particularly true of Norway and Sweden. Students in these countries benefit from state aid schemes that enable them to study wherever they wish, while also receiving substantial financial assistance.

It is therefore important to contact the institutions in your own country to find out what assistance is actually available to study in Spain.

Are studies in Spain's public university system free?

No, studies in the Spanish public university system are also not free.
You'll need to pay between €800 and €2,000 a year in tuition fees, depending on the course and the university.

Before you decide to study in Spain, even at a public university, it's important to consider your budget. Studying at a public university in Spain costs much less than at a private one, but it's still a substantial budget.

Where to stay when studying in Spain?

It's often parents, and especially mothers, who wonder about this decisive point when planning to study in Spain.
Where will my child live when studying in Spain?

Generally speaking, there are university residences that are accessible, but they are often allocated on economic and social criteria that do not correspond to the reality of international students.

There are several options:

• private student residences: these are becoming increasingly common in Spain, offering a high-quality, all-inclusive alternative to privately rented accommodation, which may be more dilapidated or include fewer services. Private residences regularly include food, cleaning and activities, as well as 24-hour security and the presence of "adults" on site. It's a reassuring option for parents and students alike, as they don't have to worry about the day-to-day running of the residence. Everything is taken care of by the residence.
• host families: an interesting alternative for students who want to immerse themselves in Spanish culture and, above all, improve their language skills. Living with a host family means experiencing Spain 100%! Language, culture, gastronomy, human interaction... it's all included when you live with a Spanish family! There are rules to respect, of course, but you'll be in ideal conditions to study and immerse yourself in the wonderful country of Spain! Get ready for the best tortillas de patatas, paellas and gazpachos you've ever tasted!
• Shared flats: the system of shared flats is highly developed in Spain, especially for students. Whether you're studying in Madrid, Valencia, Salamanca, the Canary Islands or Zaragoza, sharing a flat is often the most economical way to find accommodation. But it does involve managing day-to-day living, cleaning, shopping, setting up internet, gas and electricity supplies and, of course, getting on well with your roommates. What's more, to find shared accommodation, you often have to travel to the property to visit it, unless you go through an organization like MadridEasy, which allows you to book online.
• Living alone: If you've got the budget and the inclination, you can of course rent an apartment all to yourself. Once again, the best thing to do is to be on the spot to visit and avoid the scams that occur from a distance.

What administrative procedures should I bear in mind when studying in Spain?

Studying in Spain, even though it's a member of the European Union, involves numerous administrative formalities.

Here are the main steps to remember.

• Empadronamiento: registration at your local town hall. This is often one of the first steps to take, as it allows you to present the "padrón" document to the local authorities as proof of your registration. To do this, contact your local town hall via the Internet and make an appointment. Appointments are often made remotely.
• Certificado de registro de ciudadano de la UE: this is a MANDATORY document for anyone from the European Union residing in Spain for more than 3 months. This document is not linked to the university. It is a compulsory step for living in Spain. You will then obtain an NIE number, which you will need for all your dealings in Spain. This procedure can be carried out independently, but it is often extremely difficult to get an appointment, and going through a specialized agency such as EGM or other partners available on our site becomes almost an obligation.
• Health insurance: this is a crucial issue when you're going to be living in Spain for at least 4 years. So, yes, the European Health Card is valid and will come in handy in the event of an accident. But it's absolutely not the best solution when you're living in Spain. Talk to your mutual insurance company first, if you have one. If not, don't hesitate to contact our partners such as April International. The most important question to answer when you arrive in Spain is a simple one: where do I go if I want to see a doctor in Spain? It's important to know what to do if you need to, because when you're ill, it's often difficult to start the search process, especially in Spanish!
• Home insurance: when you rent a property to study in Spain, it's important to think about insuring it. In many cases, the landlord will already have insurance cover, but don't forget the consequences of negligence on the part of the student, or of an accident. We strongly recommend that you take out insurance to cover all eventualities.

Let's talk about the Credencial, the equivalent of the Spanish baccalaureate.

What is Credencial de la UNED?

This is your legal access to university (RLA: Requisito Legal de Acceso). This document can be obtained from UNED Asiss, the Spanish public body that manages university access for students from the European Union and other countries.

When do I need to apply for the Credencial de la UNED to study in Spain?

First of all, to obtain the Credencial, you need to have completed high school and obtained your baccalaureate diploma and transcript. This means that students in their final year of high school cannot obtain it before July.

Is it urgent to do Credencial?

The Credencial is often the LAST step to be taken when planning to study in Spain, especially at private universities.

Before taking any steps to obtain your baccalaureate, it's important to consider your admission to a university. The Credencial is not necessary for the admission process.
It is, however, required to validate final enrolment.

In the Spanish public university system, the Credencial is of particular importance, as the grade you receive will determine your admission to the course you wish to follow.

Please note: the deadlines for sending the Credencial to apply to a public university are incompatible with the deadlines for obtaining the baccalaureate for a final year student.

What do I need to obtain the Credencial de la UNED?

Generally, UNED will ask for your baccalaureate diploma, your transcript of marks from your baccalaureate and your marks from Terminale and sometimes 1ère. Other documents are also required, but we'll explain these in more detail when the time comes.

How long is the Credencial de la UNED valid for?

The Credencial de la UNED is valid for 2 school years, the current year and the following year.

Do you need to speak Spanish to study in Spain?

And yes, many students ask us about the usefulness of Spanish for studying in Spain. What do you think? Do you think it's useful to speak French to study in France? Or English to study in England?

So yes, you need to speak Spanish to study in Spain.

I'm going to study an English/French course in Spain. Do I need to speak Spanish?

Yes, you need to speak Spanish to study in Spain. Whatever your field of study (dentistry in Spain, physiotherapy in Spain, veterinary medicine in Spain, architecture in Spain, international relations in Spain, etc.), if you study in English, a minimum of Spanish will always be required.
If you're studying healthcare in Spain, you'll need to speak Spanish with your patients.
Speaking Spanish is therefore mandatory.

In business studies, journalism, marketing, architecture etc., speaking Spanish is highly recommended, as many activities organized by universities are conducted in Spanish. If you don't speak Spanish, you'll miss out on many opportunities for exchange and knowledge.

And if you want to work or do an internship, speaking Spanish is almost mandatory for the vast majority of jobs.

So, while you can study in English or French in Spain, don't forget that you're in the land of Cervantes, and that speaking Spanish will make things a lot easier.

Can I study in English in Spain?

As mentioned above, there are many courses available in English in Spain. The vast majority of these courses are offered at private universities or specialized private schools, such as ESIC, ESADE or Schiller American University.

But it's not just dentistry, physiotherapy or business in Spain that can be studied in English.

There are architecture and engineering courses available in English at some of the most prestigious universities, such as Universidad Europea de Madrid and CEU San Pablo.

Is it possible to study in English at a public university in Spain?

Yes, some of the most prestigious universities, such as Carlos III, Complutense, Autónoma de Madrid or Barcelona, offer courses in English, mainly in the field of business.

It's often very difficult to get into these very popular Spanish courses.

Why choose Spain for higher education?

For many students, studying in Spain is just one option among many.
So why choose Spain for your higher education?

When it comes to health courses (dental, physiotherapy, veterinary, hearing aid, pharmacy, nursing, biomedicine, etc.), the answer is quite simple. Spain has a network of top-quality private universities, where access is easier than elsewhere. So it's a no-brainer to choose a neighboring country whose language you learned at school.

In other fields, such as business, architecture, journalism, international relations, engineering and many others, the choice of Spain is not necessarily an obvious one. But when you know the country and the Spanish education system, choosing Spain for your higher education seems like a no-brainer.

Spain has a network of top-quality universities.
This is the 1st reason for choosing Spain.
University courses are of the highest standard, and the professionals who come out of them are extremely competent.

Don't forget that Spain has some of the best business and engineering schools in Europe.

What other advantages are there to studying in Spain?

Quality of life!
It may sound like a cliché, but living in Spain is very pleasant. The weather is fine most of the year (especially on the Mediterranean coast) and the gastronomy is among the best in Europe.
And we'll just briefly mention student life, which is undoubtedly the best in Europe!

So the question is, why not choose Spain for higher education? 😊

How can FEEduc help you study in Spain?

For those of you who haven't heard of FEEduc yet, this is obviously a legitimate question to ask.
Why go through an intermediary to enroll in a university in Spain?

Here are 5 reasons to trust the FEEduc team for your studies in Spain:

• Making the right choices at the right time: FEEduc's experts can guide and support you in your choice of university. And sometimes it's a different university from the one you were initially considering.
• Save you time: no more taking steps at the wrong time, on the wrong platform or taking 10 times longer than necessary. FEEduc's team of experts will make your higher education project in Spain a much easier journey than if you did it alone.
• Sharing our network with you: FEEduc has been around for over 10 years. This knowledge of the field means we can give you the best advice for all your questions, and put you in touch with the best experts on each issue.
• To be your single point of contact throughout your higher education project in Spain: whatever university you choose, if you use our services, we'll answer all your questions before, during and after your studies in Spain. We remind you that registration with FEEduc is valid for life!
• Attend all our online and face-to-face events: joining the FEEduc community means you can take part whenever you like in our exclusive online information meetings, our campus open days in Spain, our welcome days in September for new students, etc. It means becoming part of the largest community of French students in Spain!

In a nutshell

As you can see, leaving to study in Spain raises many questions.
In this article, you'll find some of the answers, but we invite you to contact us directly so that we can discuss your project with you individually.
In this way, we'll be able to answer the most important questions about studying in Spain: yours!

See you soon,

Clément Bazoge
Expert on higher education in Spain for FEEduc (formerly FrancEspagne Éducation)