The relatively low cost of education, compared to other EU countries, and affordable prices for housing and food make Spain attractive to applicants from all over the world. Thus, at universities here, up to 10% of students are foreigners.
Spanish education system
The structure of the Spanish education system meets European requirements and consists of four stages. A special feature of Spanish education is the presence, along with public and private schools, of educational institutions funded by religious organizations.
Spanish education system
Preschool education
In Spain until school education(Educación Infantil) is optional and is divided into two stages. Children under 3 years old can attend kindergartens. Since the state does not finance them, most parents raise their children themselves or hire a nanny (niñera).
Children from 3 to 6 years old are prepared for school at the Escuela de parvulos. There are public free and private paid Escuela de parvulos. They differ significantly in the level of training and equipment, since state ones can cooperate with various foundations and monastic orders to increase funding.
Primary education in Spain
All children in Spain, including illegal foreigners, must attend Educación Primaria from 6 to 12 years of age. The educational process is divided into three two-year blocks. The purpose of primary school is to provide the basics of writing, counting, speaking and reading, and to develop creative skills. There are both separate “clear” courses and combined ones. For example, Inventem lessons combine chemistry, physics and creativity. And the MEDI course is a mix of knowledge in history, natural history and social studies.
There are schools in Spain:
- state colegios públicos (students are accepted only by registration);
- semi-state colegios concertados (co-financing of the state and the Catholic Church, local authorities authorities);
- private colegios privados (often according to the American or English system, taking into account the requirements of Spanish law).
Required subjects to study are Spanish, language of autonomy, mathematics, science, physical and creative education. In the last 2 years of study a foreign language is added. Private schools offer instruction in English.
Secondary education in Spain
In Spain, secondary education is divided into two stages: compulsory Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO) and Bachillerato (bachillerato). All children from 12 to 16 years of age attend secondary school (ESO), where they receive basic secondary education. At the end of it, an exam is taken. If the result is unsatisfactory, then the student is retained for the second year, but no more than 2 times. Based on the results of the ESO examinations, the student is recommended to continue his studies in a bachillerato, vocational training course, or enter an unskilled professional activity.
Secondary education in Spain Bachillerato is a compulsory level of education only for those who plan to enter higher education educational institutions. In the second year of bachilerato, students choose a specialization: the humanities or the exact sciences.
Higher education in Spain
In Spain, higher education can only be obtained at universities. Moreover, public ones are considered more prestigious than private ones. The country also has ecclesiastical universities funded by the Catholic Church.
Higher education in Spain The organization of Spanish higher education complies with international standards and the Bologna process:
- Bachelor's degree (Grado) 3-4 years, upon completion the qualification Diplomado, Arcquitecto Tecnico (architects), Ingeniero Tecnico (technical specialties) is awarded;
- Master's degree (Máster) 1-2 years, awarded the degrees Licenciado, Аrquitecto (architect), Ingeniero (engineer);
- graduate/doctoral studies (Doctorado) 3-6 years.
Spanish universities are autonomous. They can independently adjust the educational process and requirements for entrance exams.
Do you need knowledge of Spanish?
To study at a Spanish university, proficiency in Spanish is required. Already at the admission stage, it is desirable to have an international Dele certificate issued by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports of Spain. You can also take a Spanish exam directly at the university. The advantage of the Dele certificate is that it does not expire and is accepted by all educational institutions in Spain.
Selected universities offer programs in English.
Is education paid or free?
There is no free higher education in Spain. Fees are charged for studies in both public and private educational institutions.
Tuition fees at Spanish universities
State universities in Spain charge, depending on the specialty, 0.6-5.0 thousand euros per year. Private universities are traditionally more expensive. Here you will have to pay up to 10 thousand euros for a year of study. At public universities, tuition fees for foreign students are several times higher than for Spaniards. But in private universities the price of education is the same for everyone.
In provincial universities in Spain, tuition fees are an order of magnitude lower than in Madrid, Barcelona and other large cities.
Scholarship
The Spanish state supports talented youth from low-income families. Scholarships are provided for them. Their size depends on the level of family income for the previous year and the student’s GPA.
Foreigners can also apply for a scholarship, but not from the first semester of study.
Various foundations offer scholarship programs to support specific areas. They regularly issue grants on a competitive basis.
University campus in Bilbao Stages of admission to a Spanish university
Admission to Spanish universities is based on the results of a unified state exam. It is taken in the last year of bachilerato or after preparatory courses at the university. Foreign applicants can choose the exam option for Spaniards (EvAu, PAU) or a special exam organized for foreigners - PCE.
The exam includes testing knowledge in 3-6 subjects. Spanish, history of Spain, and other socially significant subjects are required. The number and set of subjects in a special block of the exam depends on the province and university. Before registering for the exam, it is important to clarify which subjects are important for the chosen university or faculty. The result of the compulsory block of subjects is 60% of the score for admission to the university. The remaining 40% are recruited from entrance exam on priority subjects.
To take the exam, 2 days are allocated in June and 2 days in September. Dates change annually. Having collected insufficient points in June, an applicant can retake the entire exam, or only a special block in September.
Admission to Spanish universities is based on a competition of points for a single entrance exam.
What documents are needed for admission?
To enter a Spanish university for a bachelor's degree (Grado), you must provide:
- certificate of secondary education;
- certificate of knowledge of Spanish (for English-language programs - English) language;
- motivation letter.
After reviewing the documents, the university invites the student to take the entrance exam. Based on the invitation, a national Spanish visa is issued. If the applicant is in a country with or studying in preparatory courses, he can register for the entrance exam himself.
Admission of Russians and CIS residents to Spanish universities
It is almost impossible for graduates of CIS schools to enroll in a Spanish university straight after school. Difficulties arise due to differences in the number of years of complete secondary education (12 in Spain and 11 in Russia and most other countries of the former Soviet Union) and insufficient knowledge of the Spanish language.
The best option for entering universities in Spain is to study at preparatory courses at the university. It is also possible to transfer from a Russian educational institution to Spanish under a student exchange program or after 1-2 years, subject to compliance with the specialty and intensive study of Spanish.
You can enroll in a Spanish master's program after receiving a bachelor's degree in the Russian Federation or Spain. At the same time, it is important that a diploma from a Russian university is recognized internationally.
The most popular universities in Spain
The University of Barcelona is considered one of the oldest and most influential in Europe. Founded in 1450. More than 47 thousand students study here, 9% of them are foreigners. Priority directions- biology, psychology, pedagogy.
University of Barcelona The Autonomous University of Madrid ranks 2nd in the TOP of Spanish universities. Known for high quality teaching. More than 25 thousand students study, of which 6% are foreigners. Popular areas of philosophy, law, psychology.
The Complutense University of Madrid is the largest in terms of the number of students. There are more than 83 thousand of them here (13% are foreigners). Priority areas: economics, art, computer science.
The Polytechnic University of Catalonia specializes in IT sciences, engineering, and architecture. It teaches more than 21 thousand students (11% are foreigners).
The University of Granada is chosen by those interested in business and economics, and political science. The number of students is more than 54 thousand, including 9% foreigners.
Obtaining a visa to study in Spain
National D for study is issued on the basis of an invitation from a university or language school. It is valid only for 3 months, during which the student must obtain a residence permit. To do this, you will have to provide documents confirming your enrollment in a university or school.
Interesting facts about education in Spain
In Spain, many semi-public schools are funded by catholic church. Moreover, their education is often secular.
In the province of Catalonia, education is conducted in Catalan, with the exception of a few disciplines. If parents want their child to study in Spanish, they write a corresponding application and the child will be compensated for studying at a private school.
Academic year in Spanish schools it lasts from mid-September to the 20th of June. At universities from October to the end of June.
In Spanish schools and universities there is a siesta - a break for 2-3 hours in the middle of the day.
In primary and partly in basic secondary school, homework is not assigned.
In Spain there is special education in the field of arts, sports, military affairs, clergy. It is optional and is present at all stages, from primary school to higher education institutions.
IN recent years Spain has become the third most popular educational center in Europe after England and Ireland. The specifics and structure of the educational system, especially secondary education in Spain, has a lot of advantages, for example, it is personally oriented, allows the student to independently decide on the choice of a future specialty, and also ensures knowledge of several foreign languages “from a young age.” Foreigners are attracted to study in Spain not only by the successful combination of proximity to the sea, affordable prices And high quality international education, but also a unique cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Structure of the education system in Spain
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Level of education in Spanish |
Escuela infantil |
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In Russian |
Kindergarten |
Preparatory group |
Primary school |
High school (compulsory secondary education) |
Bachilerato (There is no analogue in the Russian education system) |
Higher education |
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Age |
Education in Spain is divided into four levels:
Preschool (Educación Infantil, Preescolar) – from 0 to 6 years
Basic (La Educación General Basica (EGB)) – from 6 to 14 years
Bachillerato (El Bachillerato) – from 14 to 16 years
Higher education (La Enseñanza Universitaria) – from 16 years old
Preschool education
Educacion Infantil
Preschool education in Spain is divided into two cycles: kindergarten Infantil (up to 3 years) and preparatory group Preescolar (from 3 to 6 years). Both cycles are voluntary, and in government institutions and free. The Spanish equivalents of kindergartens vary greatly and depend on the organizations or foundations that provide their support. Music and dance lessons, reading and logic exercises, math and computer lessons, drawing and ethics lessons are taught. The daily routine depends on the garden, but usually it is a six to ten hour day, usually from 9.30-10.00 to 16.30-17.00, with lunch and afternoon tea (sometimes breakfast), “quiet hour” is not available everywhere. In private institutions, children go to small groups of 5-10 people. 
According to Spanish state institute statistics, per million children in the country today there are slightly more than 300 thousand places in kindergartens. Moreover, 52% of them provide private “kindergartens”. This is explained simply: the number of municipal preschool institutions is much smaller and they simply cannot accept everyone. Catholic kindergartens also fail to address supply and demand because they have extremely strict enrollment requirements. It is not surprising that today in Spain a considerable number of underground preschool institutions are thriving, not particularly concerned about educational standards or hygiene. Therefore, for parents, the difficult work of choosing a kindergarten begins almost before the birth of the child. The range of suitable institutions is determined mainly by place of residence and on the recommendations of friends, but sometimes depends on the kindergarten’s connections with schools. For example, children attending the British Santa Claus kindergarten in Barcelona have reserved places at St. Pol with English system education.
In Spain there are a small number of gardens of the today fashionable Montessori system, which combines personal approach raising a college-prepared child.
The cost of staying in Spanish kindergartens varies depending on the institution, but is quite adequate compared to European prices: on average, about 350-500 euros per month. In Spain, the school year begins in September, so enrollment in kindergartens begins in May, and in September it is almost impossible to find a place.
Basic education
Education General Basica
Basic education consists of eight courses and covers the age group of children from 6 to 14 years. Receipt basic education is compulsory and upon completion a diploma of secondary education is issued. During the first five years (Educación Primaria), students have only one teacher, studying with him such subjects as native language, literature, mathematics, natural history, music, physical training - mandatory for study in accordance with Article 18 of the Organic Law on Education of Spain. One of the obvious advantages of this stage of education is the early start of learning foreign languages (from the age of 8).
More often, schools invite native speakers to teach foreign languages.
In the second part of this educational level (Educación Secundaria), teaching is conducted by different teachers and includes additional subjects (computer science, art, physics, etc.).
Until recently, there was no uniform standard of secondary education in Spain and children could choose between the basic course BUP, which opens the way to university, and the vocational education FP, which guarantees only work related to physical or manual labor. Today ESO, that is, Educacion Secundaria Obligatoria (compulsory secondary education), obliges Spaniards to study according to a single system from 6 to 14 years old.
Bachilerato
Bachillerato is similar to the upper grades of a comprehensive school and includes two courses in which children study from 14 to 16 years old. Upon completion, a certificate of secondary education is issued. Bachillerato is not included in the compulsory program public education, but is required for admission to the university, while holders of high average scores have better opportunities for admission. Students may also pursue a vocational education in their chosen specialization in the humanities or sciences, but this is not required.
Bachillerato has 6 main specialties: Performing Arts, Fine Art, Economics and Management, Natural sciences, Social Sciences and Technology.
Not every school provides training in all of these specialties, so students often have to change educational institutions and “get” subjects elsewhere. The time to think about choosing Bachillerato is already in the 3-4th year of ESO: it is at this time that they begin to give relevant subjects.
Required to study at this stage: English, Spanish (plus Catalan in Catalonia) languages, philosophy, history, religion (or an alternative discipline, such as ethics) and physical education. Each Bachillerato course has 2 more subjects “in addition” to the compulsory program - for preparation for university (physics, Latin, anatomy, chemistry, etc.). However, the choice of subjects may not coincide with the child’s decision about a future career.
University education
Enseсanza Universitaria
University education is free of charge. There are 50 in total in Spain state universities, 16 private and 7 higher educational institutions affiliated with the church. Qualified students wishing to enroll in a Spanish university must take the PAU (Prueba de la Acceso) entrance exam, which consists of six tests in history or philosophy, a foreign language (usually English), Spanish grammar and literature.
List of universities in Spain
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Andalucía Aragon Canarias Cantabria Castilla La Mancha Castilla y Leon Catalunya Community of Madrid |
Universidad Antonio de Nebrija (*) Comunidad Foral de Navarra Comunitat Valenciana Extremadura Galicia Illes Balears La Rioja Pais Vasco Principado de Asturias Region of Murcia |
(*) Private universities
(+) Universities affiliated with the church
Types of schools in Spain
According to statistics, about 66% of children in Spain study in public schools (escuelas publicas), 25% attend so-called “charter” schools (escuela concertada), which are funded by the state, but have the structure and independence of private schools) and 7.5% attend private schools. Classes are free in public and charter schools; additional paid classes may be introduced in charter schools.
The debate about which school is better, private or public, is as old as time. Spanish parents do not miss the opportunity to argue about the merits of their choice and the disadvantages of another. Meanwhile, each type of education has its pros and cons.
Public schools offer free education, but the level of education in them is considered low among Spanish parents, primarily due to the lack of an “entry filter”: children from families of different cultural levels are admitted into classes and social strata, because academic performance and discipline often leave much to be desired. The situation is a little more optimistic in “charter” schools and in those where there is competition for places.
Studying in private schools is considered the most prestigious - there are not many of them, but they are extremely in demand. High standards academic performance, strict daily routine, focus on the comprehensive development of children - all these are undoubted advantages of Spanish private schools.
Private schools are of particular interest to foreigners, since some teach simultaneously in two programs and in two languages (most often Spanish and English). In order to get into such a school, you must already have some knowledge of the English (in some cases, Spanish) language. 
The costs of attending a private school depend on the institution you choose and can vary significantly. There are schools that are fully paid, while “charter” schools, for example, having the status of a private school, enter into an agreement with the state, according to which the latter takes on the bulk of the funding. As a result, a child can have access to education for an almost symbolic amount. The state, by subsidizing private schools, receives in return three places in each class for socially vulnerable children. They are usually quickly occupied by children from Latin American countries, who are well aware of the ins and outs of the Spanish education system and enjoy all its benefits: free place in a private college, free books and food in the canteen. In general, for textbooks, uniforms and beyond school curriculum All parents pay, regardless of the type of school chosen.
Since the institution of the church is traditionally strong in Spain, more than half of private schools are religious.
In such schools for many years there has been no clearly expressed pious orientation, there are no prayers in the morning and mass once a week, although the idea of “not only educating, but also educating” remains. That is, the education is quite standard, but they are controlled by religious organizations that set the general policy. One of the methods for implementing this policy is, for example, the tendency to form FEAC committees (Familia, Escuela, Acción Compartida - “school and family act together!”). At these meetings, parents and betrayers discuss common problems in children - from Internet addiction to appetite problems and exchange their own recipes for dealing with them. FEAC meets by age group, usually once a month on Mondays from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. In general schools there is an analogue - the Association of Parents (Association de padres), which also organizes conferences and round tables, although the attendance of parents in this case is much more difficult to control. However, in any institution there is a full-time psychologist who monitors the mental state of schoolchildren.
Language learning
During primary education in public schools, students develop language skills in Spanish (Castilian) and learn the official language of the autonomous community. In the last year of primary school they begin to learn a foreign language, usually English or French. During the period of secondary education, as a rule, another foreign language is added to the program.
In international kindergartens and schools, children automatically become bilingual, learning in a foreign language, in some - in two languages, one of which is their native language. If a child in a public school does not speak Spanish well, he is provided with additional lessons, the number of which depends on the school and region.
It is noteworthy that in Catalonia, where all teaching is in Catalan, Spanish is allocated three hours a week, along with other foreign languages.
In private schools, additional intensive training language for speedy linguistic adaptation. They also serve as a kind of “help” summer programs, which last about a month (usually July) and, in addition to language training, offer various kinds of extracurricular activities: sports courses, excursions, hikes, concerts and theatrical performances, etc. Such programs provide “immersion” of the child into the language environment, faster adaptation and special attention from future teachers, however, official language training in summer courses is not enough for the child to be able to comprehend the school curriculum without difficulties. The best option for children who barely speak the school language are language centers, where for a small fee the child can receive additional lessons “in addition” to school ones.
Daily routine in primary and secondary schools
The school day in most primary schools in Spain runs from 09:00-12:00 and from 15:00-17:00. At noon, children take a break for lunch and afternoon rest, usually for 2.5-3 hours. During the break, many go home to “free bread”; others have lunch in the school canteen, if there is one. In schools located in large cities, the day usually lasts from 09:00-14:00, in which case the lunch break is shorter. Some schools offer students the opportunity to arrive early, have breakfast, and then lunch at school - to conduct extracurricular activities in the afternoon. Typically, the school management coordinates the schedule with parents. In September and June, schools are always open only in the morning, from 09:00-13:00.
The school day in a secondary school is usually longer than in a primary school - from 08:30 to 15:00 or from 09:00 to 15:00, including lunch break, but even here hours can vary significantly depending on the location and the school itself. establishments.
Classes and teachers
Lessons in Spanish schools last 45-50 minutes. Classes are usually small, especially in private institutions; in public schools there can be a maximum of 20-30 people per class. Mixed groups are becoming increasingly popular; girls and boys continue to be separated only in religious colleges (for example, Opus Dei).
In preschool education, all classes are usually taught by one teacher-teacher, sometimes two. In primary and secondary schools, subjects are taught by a teaching staff of 8-10 people, depending on the number of disciplines and age group; often one teacher can teach several subjects (up to 5).
Each class, as in a Russian school, is assigned “ class teacher“- tutor (tutor), in addition, each cycle of training is controlled by the head (jefe de estudios), in some schools there is also a director (director de estudios) and an academic director (director académico).
The final authority is the school director (director de colegio). Tutors play the role of educators and serve as a kind of connecting link between parents and teachers. For example, it is quite difficult for a parent to directly meet with a philosophy teacher - first you need to talk with the tutor and, if necessary, with the head of the cycle. Absences are not encouraged, but however, no one really monitors them - everything is based on written explanations from parents in the visit log (Agenda Escolar), which are often successfully forged by naughty people.
Items
The content of the program is determined by the council of each school, but there is a standard set of subjects required to be studied. These are natural and social sciences, history and geography, foreign languages (the first is introduced at 8 years old, the second - optional - at 12), Spanish and the language of the region, mathematics, information technology, physical education, music and religion (optional). In secondary school, other languages, natural and social sciences, art, etc. are added. Often two subjects are combined into one: for example, Spanish language and literature, history and geography, physics and biology, drawing and computer science, etc.
In international schools combining programs, courses may be taught in different languages For example, at International School Barcelona history is taught in English and geography in Spanish. Teachers come to class, replacing each other.
Lessons are taught in the good old blackboard tradition, using textbooks and projectors and, increasingly, computers.
Textbooks and school materials will cost from 100 to 200 euros per year.
Homework
From the age of 6, children are given independent work at home. Volume " homework“usually depends on the teacher and the age of the students - the load increases gradually, but never exceeds 10-20% of the total training program. Bachilerrato students have more disciplines and, accordingly, exams and more workload, including independent work with textbooks.
Extracurricular activities
In Spain, there is an analogue of extended day groups - actividades extraescolares, which lasts until a maximum of 21-22.00 and is paid additionally. Most often, children play sports or do homework. It’s interesting that you don’t have to go to an after-school program at your own college - you can improve your English at the British School, and take up sports at the Sánchez-Casal Tennis Academy. Naturally, for an appropriate fee and without taking into account these achievements of the child “on the side” when studying at his own school.
Exams
At each stage of education, from primary school to Bachillerato, at the end of each trimester, students go through a kind of mini-session, passing exams in all main subjects. However, this does not mean that you can “relax” during the trimester - depending on the will of the teacher, tests and checks can be poured in almost every week. At the end of the school year, Spanish schools take a transfer exam (examen de todo el curso), which also covers all the disciplines studied, which can be used to “save the situation” if the grades in the current exams are not very pleasing to the eye. The final verdict is made by the teaching council, which evaluates the child’s progress from different points of view before issuing grades to parents for signature.
As in Russia, if during the June session some exams were “failed,” they can be retaken in September (maximum two subjects). If there is a failure here, the student will be promoted to the next course, but must take the “failed” subjects again within a year.
At the end of the Educacion Secundaria ( high school) students also take exams. If the results are negative, they can continue for a second year, but no more than twice, up to a maximum of 16 years of age. Students who successfully pass the transfer exams receive the ESO compulsory secondary education diploma (Graduado ESO) and can continue their education by enrolling in Bachillerato. By the way, exams for continuing education after ESO do not have any special characteristics; these are ordinary final exams of the entire course.
Spanish school exams are graded using a 10-point system (designations may vary depending on the institution):
0,0 – 4,9 unsatisfactory, not passed / SUSPENSO(SS) or DEFICIENTE (D),
5,0 satisfactory / SUFICIENTE (S),
6,0 good / BIEN (BI)
7.0 – 8.0 excellent / NOTABLE (NT),
9,0 – 9,9 excellent/SOBRESALIENTE (SB),
10 outstanding result / MATRICULA DE HONOR (MH).
When the Bachillerato course ends, students face final and entrance exams. May is traditionally the deadline for submitting documents to the university. To enter the university, you need to score a required minimum score, which varies depending on the discipline. The highest passing score is for future doctors (9.5).
The overall grade consists of two components - the Selectividad exam (40% of the final grade) and average rating for the entire Bachillerato course (60% of the final grade). In Catalonia there is also the so-called TDR (Trabajo de Investigación), a thesis-monograph that makes up 10% of the Bachillerato total. Despite the fact that this work is innovative and could be a clear chance for future Kulibins, Catalan children do not like TDR and consider it an additional burden.
If, as a result of the examination pains and the summation of points, the lower threshold of certification has not been passed, the applicant has two options for admission to the chosen discipline: apply to a private university, where the conditions are a little softer, or use the Lomonosov method and go to another region (each region has its own minimum passing score).
Academic year and holidays
The academic year in Spain begins in mid-September, ends in mid-June and consists of three semesters, each lasting 11 weeks:
1) The first lasts from September to December and ends with two weeks of the Christmas holidays (Vacaciones Escolares).
2) The spring semester begins after the Day of the Magi (Da de los Reyes Magos or Epifania) on January 6 and lasts until Easter (Pascua, in March or April) and ends with two weeks of spring break.
3) The third semester ends in mid-June with departure for summer holidays, which last 10-11 weeks.
The length of trimesters is constant throughout Spain, but in some regions it can be changed to take into account holidays and important events regional scale.
Recently, Spain has switched to the European practice of “fragmenting” monthly vacation in enterprises, which has also affected the holidays: now the so-called “empty week” (semana blanca), an additional week of vacation, is now mandatory in schools, usually in the spring. Schools are also closed in holidays and local religious holidays (depending on the autonomous communities). In order for parents to plan joint trips and vacations in advance, the dates of holidays and vacations in Spanish schools are published in advance.
Search for schools and quotas
Upon arrival in the region, the family must register on the list of the Padron Municipal de Habitantes and then visit the Department of Education of the Government (Departamento de Enseñanza del Ayuntamiento). School registration form and medical certificate forms (filled out by a doctor) are issued on site. The medical report must include the child’s outpatient card, and it is important to make sure in advance that all mandatory vaccinations have been completed - information about them must be presented in the card. The school registration form must be completed indicating the NIE (Numero de Identificacion de Extranjeros, i.e. Foreigner Identification Number) and other details of the student's parents or guardians. When filling out the form, you can indicate your preference for dialect of instruction (Spanish or local), as well as religion or ethics.
Catholicism is taught in public schools, but some schools teach other religions (Judaism, Islam). The Department of Education in Ayuntamiento determines which public school and grade the child will attend and notifies parents.
Applications to private and international schools should be made as early as possible as many schools have a waiting list. To enroll in a private international school, you must contact the school directly or through agencies that specialize in such services.
The procedure for enrolling in a public school depends on the autonomous region. Registration typically occurs between February and April, but it is best to contact the school in advance to confirm enrollment dates as these may vary by region. Often, with a limited number of places, students have to go through a competition in order to score maximum points. Each school has its own system of “indulgences” for applicants, which is worth familiarizing yourself with before enrolling. For example, if the applicant’s brother or sister is studying at the school (or one of the parents once studied), 40 points are automatically credited to his account, if there are three children in the family - 15 points, if the school is located near the student’s home - 30 points, etc. .d.
The school decides not only on the possibility of admitting a child to school, but also on issuing quotas to him. Sometimes a serious struggle unfolds between two neighbors on the landing for admission to the college of their choice; as a result, one is partially or fully paid for his studies and provided with all the necessary textbooks, while the other is left without “indulgences.”
Tuition fees in Spanish schools
Cost of study in primary school a decent Spanish private school costs from 500 euros per month. Senior classes will cost a little more. To this must be added the costs of transportation, food, school materials and uniforms. Fees at Spanish private schools are generally lower than other private schools in Europe.
Public school tuition is free, but parents usually have to pay educational materials(except for some autonomous regions).
International schools in Spain
Globalization has not spared Spanish parents either. More and more families are choosing international schools that offer different educational programs (usually English- or American-Spanish) and intensive language training. Another part of the audience of international schools is the growing army of immigrants in Spain, who prefer to “immerse” their children in a new language environment with an eye, if not on their native language, then on the most promising one.
Some international schools provide only primary education, while others provide education for children of all ages, including pre-school and toddler age.
At the same time, an undeniable advantage is that the training is taught by teachers from the founding countries of the school’s education system. Thus, the French College of Barcelona maintains the standards of its education system, gradually introducing Catalan and Spanish, and all staff, right down to the cooks, are French. Children in such schools have a unique opportunity to combine extensive general education knowledge with additional language skills and other developmental disciplines. Thus, in English schools, at the age of 12, Spanish children already have a First Certificate in language, and after Bachillerato, before entering university, they have the Proficient level.
Private international schools have their own calendar of school holidays and opening times, depending on the school's "nationality". Regardless of the specialization, before enrolling in any educational institution, it is advisable to check whether it is recognized by the Spanish authorities and whether it belongs to an accredited organization. Many British schools in Spain belong to the National Association of British Schools in Spain (NABSS - National Association of British Schools).
As a rule, such schools are based on educational system owner countries. Many offer specific educational programs to prepare for British GCSE and A-Level exams, American high school diploma and college entrance exams (for example, ACT, SAT, achievement tests and AP exams), International Baccalaureate(IB), as well as the Spanish Bachillerato. Thus, the private bilingual British School of Barcelona offers a curriculum in England and Wales for children of different nationalities from 3 to 18 years old. Basic subjects are taught in English, additional subjects are taught in Spanish, and Russian is taught separately. At the school St. Peterґs, on the contrary, the curriculum is Spanish, but instruction is conducted in English. In addition, children study Catalan, German and French with the corresponding issuance of certificates (Cambridge: First Certificate, Advanced, Proficiency, Generalitat de Catalunya: Nivell C, Institut Français: DELF B1, B2 and Goethe Institut: Fit in Deutch).
Some schools combine programs so that after graduation, children, in addition to a solid language “baggage,” have both an International Baccalaureate qualification and a Bachillerato from a local high school.
For example, at the Benjamin Franklin International School in Barcelona, all core subjects are taught in English, and additional subjects are taught in Spanish, Catalan and French. Upon graduation, students receive an American high school diploma and a Spanish Bachillerato certificate, which guarantees them admission to both Spanish and US universities. Since 2011, the school has also been issuing an International Baccalaureate Diploma, which provides access to all universities in the world. Such multi-programs are a great advantage for those who see the future of their children in the international space.
Another big advantage of international schools is the learning environment. A multilingual environment allows children to adapt and learn the language very quickly (although, of course, not to an academic level). As a rule, international schools have smaller classes, and in groups of “beginners” there is a more “relaxed” atmosphere - children are given time to integrate and feel more confident. International educational institutions are more flexible in providing additional benefits: some guarantee individual teachers, others - student exchange with European partners, others - a fourth foreign language... The extracurricular program of such schools is also usually richer and more interesting than in other educational institutions, which is why it is often Children of “mere mortals” Spaniards also visit.
Like all private educational institutions, international schools offer paid education. Compared to the rest of Europe, international schools in Spain are relatively cheap, with tuition fees ranging from €3,000 to €7,000 per year for pre-school and primary schools and from €8,000 to €20,000 per year for secondary schools.
To enroll in international schools in Spain, you must pass an interview; in addition, some schools may set their own admission requirements, for example, a test in mathematics or the school's major language.
When entering higher education institutions in Spain, the Russian certificate of secondary education is, as a rule, recognized as equivalent to the Spanish one (if it has good grades), but foreigners will have to take entrance exams.
As a rule, they include tests in Spanish and a foreign language, two compulsory subjects and two elective subjects (humanitarian or technical, depending on the university). If the applicant has a diploma of passing the DELE language exam (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera / Spanish as a Foreign Language), he may be exempt from taking the language test upon admission to the university.
Structure of the education system in Spain. According to current legislation, the Spanish education system has the following structure:
- Preschool education;
- Initial;
- Average;
- Bachelor's and secondary vocational education.
Such a well-organized structure allows you to gradually increase the load on the child and prepare him for admission to higher education institutions. According to the law, areas in sports, art and languages are separated into a separate group. The law also protects the rights of children who require special conditions. The government of the country, through special documents, establishes basic training programs and, accordingly, assessment criteria for each group of students. 65% of all hours are allocated for studying the basic program in areas with one language, and 55% of hours for autonomies with several official languages.
Preschool education
It includes two stages: from 0-3 years and from 3 to 6 years - it is optional. But recently, more and more parents still prefer to send their children to kindergartens. The first stage focuses on physical, emotional, social and intellectual development through games. The child gets acquainted with the world around him, gradually developing independence.
The second stage includes the study of specific subjects: languages, writing, reading, basic mathematical operations, familiarity with musical instruments and information technology.
Primary education
This is a compulsory and, among other things, free stage of education, which covers the period from 6 to 12 years. The period of 6 years is divided into 3 cycles of 2 years each, resulting in 6 academic courses.
The main goal of this stage is for the child to acquire basic skills in mathematical calculation, oral speech, writing and reading, social adaptation, personality formation and the development of their own unique skills. Educational process built according to a system of blocks, which do not destroy the integrity of education, but, on the contrary, complement it:
- Physical education;
- Creative development;
- Natural sciences;
- Languages and Literature;
- Law and civil society.
By decision of the administration, additional foreign languages may be introduced in the last cycle of training. In principle, most Spanish schools focus primarily on learning foreign languages. Each block has its own degree of importance; the higher it is, the more attention is paid to it. Areas such as reading, writing, speaking, information technology, communication and values are considered in each block and are fundamental. Be sure to allocate time for reading so that students do not forget and gradually develop a useful habit.
Monitoring of progress and mastery of the material occurs on an ongoing basis: the student will not be admitted to a new stage of training if he does not meet the established standards. After each stage, an extended report about each student is provided.
Secondary education
It is mandatory for all segments of the Spanish population, without exception. A person who does not have a certificate of secondary education: does not have the right to continue studying at universities, and will also be forcibly sent to special programs professional qualifications.
This stage covers the age of 12-16 years, accordingly, it is divided into four courses. The basic program at this stage includes the multifaceted development of the student and preparing him for entering universities or entering the labor market. The emphasis is again on languages, science, law and literature, information technology and mathematics. In the final year, the student is given the opportunity to choose additional subjects that will be directly related to their future profession.
To move to the next stage, the student must complete a number of tasks that were set in each individual subject. If the results are unsatisfactory, that is, three low grades, the student takes the course again. Only by decision teaching staff, the student may transfer to the next course. You can retake the course only once, in exceptional cases 2. Those who still failed to obtain a certificate of secondary education are sent to qualifying programs that include three courses. Each of which allows you to master a profession and gain the necessary knowledge to obtain a certificate.
Bachelor's degree
It is not a compulsory part of Spanish education. To transfer, a certificate is required. The basic program includes both general subjects and specialized ones, and the student is given the opportunity to choose several subjects independently. Each subject and the knowledge gained from it provide an opportunity to advance to a higher level.
Everyone is assessed separate item, and the rating scale for each area is different. After successful completion, each graduate receives the title of Bachelor. After this, there are two ways: to continue studying to improve the level of knowledge or to move into a professional field of activity. The duration of training is four years, which are divided into two courses - only successful completion of both courses gives the right to receive the title.
Higher education institution
This stage becomes available only after receiving a bachelor's degree, and the student will also have to pass unified exam, which actually allows you to assess the level of knowledge and readiness of the applicant to receive higher education. Grades obtained at the previous stage of training are also taken into account.
The exam consists of two parts:
- Mandatory: includes general subjects and special subjects for the chosen specialty;
- Optional: allows you to increase your grade, and also gives the applicant the opportunity to maneuver and not be tied to one specifically chosen specialty.
The grades for the subjects selected in the second part are valid for two years. The applicant is given the opportunity to take these two selected subjects as many times as he likes. Every exam successful completion, can increase your grade by 1-2 points, depending on the university. At the beginning of each year, universities are required to notify applicants about priority subjects for each specialty.
Applicants over 25 and citizens over 40 years of age also have the right to receive higher education. Even if they do not have any education, much less work experience, this is all regulated by the Royal Decree. It specifies all the norms and rules of admission for the same citizens.
Vocational education
This level is divided into two cycles - medium and high. For access 1st, the student must have a certificate of secondary education, and for 2nd the title of Bachelor. The main goal of this stage is to prepare a person for work.
The learning process is divided into two modules - a theoretical basis and practice. The program and list of subjects that will relate to a particular specialty: the government agrees with the administration of the Autonomous Region. If an applicant cannot fulfill the requirements for a certificate or bachelor's degree, then, by decision of the administration of the educational institution, upon successful passing of the exam, he may be enrolled.
The student is assessed by module and the cycle is considered successfully completed if the student has a positive grade in all subjects. Upon completion, the path to universities opens for the student.
Other directions in education
As mentioned above, a separate category includes the following types:
- Sports education;
- Studying foreign languages;
- Study of art: dance, drama, design, music.
Despite the fact that these types are separated into separate groups, the process of obtaining is practically no different from conventional education. Also, to obtain the highest level, you must successfully pass the previous stage, a modular system of studying subjects and a huge number of additional courses.
Adult education is an ongoing process that is encouraged by the government and guarantees the right to receive vocational or higher education, even to adult citizens. After all, the economy is constantly transforming: old specialties are being replaced by new ones, and it is difficult to train a sufficient number of workers government system He just doesn’t have time physically.
Numerous university courses, both part-time and part-time, come to the rescue. The first involves using the full potential information technology. That is, being far from an educational institution, a citizen can receive a European-style diploma upon graduation.
Spanish school system
The public and private school sectors are quite developed in Spain; In addition, there are educational institutions that receive the bulk of their funding from the church. Every Spaniard under the age of sixteen is required to receive a school education; for this purpose, an extensive network of free schools funded by the state has been created. Unfortunately, it is practically impossible for a student from abroad to enroll in such a school, since the right to free school education is primarily given to children from poor Spanish families. Therefore, the most suitable option for foreigners is to enroll in a private school.
There are not many private schools in Spain, but they are extremely in demand. This is due to the fact that education in a private school is considered prestigious; the quality is strikingly different from the education provided by public schools. High standards of academic performance, a strict daily routine, and a focus on the comprehensive (including physical) development of the child characterize Spanish private schools.
Private schools
In Spain, such schools are of particular interest to foreigners for another reason. The fact is that among them there are specialized educational institutions, in which teaching is carried out simultaneously in two programs and in two languages (most often it is Spanish and English). Thus, a foreign student has the opportunity to study two languages at the same time. However, in order to get into such a school, you must already have certain knowledge (in some cases, Spanish). After successfully completing secondary school, students usually continue their studies in the Bacchilerato program. This level of education is not compulsory, but without completing it, further education in Spain is impossible.
The Spanish education system consists of the following stages:
- Preschool education
- Basic school education
- Bachilerato
- Higher education
Pre-school education includes kindergartens and primary schools. Spanish kindergartens are called Jardin de enfancia - children aged two to three or four years old are kept here. After this, children move to primary school and study at this stage from three to five years old. Pre-school education is optional.
At the age of 6, schoolchildren begin their basic secondary education program, which is compulsory. For the first five years, children are taught by one teacher (Educación Primaria). For the next three years, training is conducted by several teachers (Educación Secundaria).
The educational program in Spanish schools includes a number of subjects that are required to be studied (including Spanish, geography, history, etc.). Students can choose other subjects independently based on their own preferences.
Upon reaching fourteen years of age, the student has the opportunity to continue his education at school or receive an initial level of vocational education (Formacion Profesional). Upon successful completion of the exams, students can enter Bachillerato.
The final stage of school education - Bacchilerato - is focused on preparing for admission to a higher educational institution. At this stage, students are divided in accordance with the chosen specialization for in-depth study of natural, humanities, art, social and technological subjects. Before completing the Bacchilerato program, you must pass a screening test. Upon completion, you also take the Selectividad final exam, which is also the entrance exam for admission to a university.
The Selectividad entrance exam is held centrally and is an analogue of the unified state testing in Russia. For foreigners, the possibility of taking the exam in absentia is of particular interest, although successfully passing the test usually requires preliminary preparation.
Procedure for admission to higher education institutions in Spain
The Selectividad exam allows you to assess the student’s general level of education and training in specialized subjects. Each university sets its own passing score upon admission.
Passing the exam requires some preparation. In order to successfully pass the exam, a foreigner must either take the Bachillerato course or take an accelerated training course. Also, to enroll in a Spanish university, a foreigner must confirm his knowledge of the Spanish language by passing the DELE exam, Diplomade Espanol como Lengua Extranjera. This exam can be taken both in Spain and in Russia.
Spanish higher education system
Like secondary education, higher education in Spain is divided into private and public segments. In 2010, Spain joined the Bologna European Education System. According to new system, the structure of higher education includes three levels.
- Bachelor's degree (Grado)
This degree can be obtained in any specialty. The duration of training is 4 years.
- Master's degree
The second stage of higher education can be completed only after completing the first. A master's degree allows you to obtain a narrower specialization in a specific field, as well as prepare for research activities in your chosen field.
The duration of master's studies is from 1 to 2 years.
- Doctorado
This degree is equivalent to our postgraduate degree.
The education system in Spain is somewhat different from the Russian or Ukrainian one, it is considered more thoughtful and provides much more opportunities in the future. Diplomas from any institution are valued in any country in the world, they are trusted and are happy to invite students for further education and to work even in serious organizations. In terms of level, education in Spain ranks second in the world after Great Britain, because this system has a lot of advantages and disadvantages.
The educational system consists of six levels:
- Preschool Guardería is for children from 3 months to 3 years old; it is not necessary to send your baby to such a kindergarten, although most Spaniards already accustom their children to attending a group by the age of one year;
- Preschool Escuela or infantil, Preescolar from 3 to 6 years old, attendance at the preparatory level is mandatory, absolutely all children who reach this age go to such groups;
- Primary Primaria is an analogue of primary school, children from 6 to 12 years old study;
- Secondary school Educación Segundaria Obligatoria for students from 12 to 14 years old;
- Bachillerato (El Bachillerato) high school from 14 to 16 years old;
- Higher education (La Enseñanza Universitaria) from 16 years of age.
You can start your education in Spain at any age, choosing both public and private institutions.
Preschools
Preschools are similar to regular kindergartens, but the curriculum is somewhat expanded. In Spain, in addition to general education subjects (mathematics, ethics, logic and reading), children learn the basics of working with a computer, drawing and dancing under the guidance of a teacher. The daily routine may vary, depending on the age of the child and the type of kindergarten. For example, groups for children from 3 to 6 years old begin work at 9:30 and finish only at 17:00. Children have breakfast at home, they are offered lunch and afternoon tea in the garden; quiet time is not available everywhere.
In the case of private gardens, both the schedule and the list of disciplines may be different. There are also Catholic preschool institutions, however, they put forward quite serious demands on parents and children. But the level of preparation is much higher.
A private kindergarten will cost from 250 to 400 euros per month, it differs from the state one a large number additional classes and smaller group sizes (up to 10 people).
You can start enrolling your child in kindergarten in May; in September there are practically no free places left in good institutions.
Schools
School education consists of two parts: Educación Primaria and Educación Segundaria. From 6 to 12 years old they learn from the same teacher and have their own classroom. In fact, Educación Primaria is almost completely identical to our elementary school. They begin to study a foreign language at the age of 8; in addition, the program includes mathematics, Spanish, natural history, physical training and music.
Second part school course— Educación Segundaria involves studying with different teachers, new subjects appear: physics, chemistry, computer science and many others. Additionally, for those who wish to enroll in a university, there is two-year course Bachillerato. It resembles the senior classes of a Russian comprehensive school, but is not compulsory. Training is provided in 6 specialties: Performing Arts, Fine Arts, Economics and Management, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and Technology.
Separately, it is worth highlighting international schools where education is conducted in several languages at once. Such institutions are much more prestigious, since a high school diploma complements the First Certificate in a foreign language. Tuition fees range from 3,000 to 7,000 euros per year.
Colleges
Private colleges, although more expensive for parents, will give the child many more opportunities in the future. Training is offered according to an expanded program; in addition to the basic subjects, great attention is paid to physical development: good swimming pools, tennis courts, and sports grounds have been built. Don't forget about development creativity, music and drawing are taught at a professional level.
Colleges often offer the opportunity to live in their own comfortable buildings. Girls and boys are housed in separate buildings.
The average cost of training is 500 – 800 euros per month with meals. Accommodation will cost another 700-1000 euros. School uniforms and textbooks are paid separately and are not included in the tuition fee.
There are a number of university colleges (Colegios Universitarios), the completion of which greatly simplifies admission to the university to which they belong.
Universities
When entering higher educational institutions, the Russian certificate of secondary education is recognized, and the examination commission pays attention to the grades it contains. However, you will have to take the exams in any case. As a rule, testing includes checking the level of knowledge of Spanish and one foreign language and two technical or humanitarian subjects, depending on the type of university. To make admission easier, you can try to take the language exam in advance. If an applicant can provide a DELE diploma (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera), then he is exempt from taking the Spanish entrance exam.
Like ours, higher education can be divided into three parts:
- Grado - the first cycle, which lasts four years, is analogous to the bachelor's degree;
- Master – magistracy;
- Doctor is a postgraduate course; to successfully obtain a diploma, you must write and defend a dissertation.
Admission is possible at any stage, and it is not at all necessary to start studying from the very beginning. A diploma from a Russian or Ukrainian university gives the right to enter a master's or graduate school. It is not necessary to confirm it with the Spanish Ministry of Education.
However, one should take into account the difference in educational programs, if it is too significant, then enrolling in graduate school with a diploma from a foreign university will be very difficult, and sometimes impossible, without studying for a master’s degree in Spain.
Courses
Courses in Spain can be divided into two areas:
- Language;
- Professional.
Language courses are taught by both native speakers and Russian-speaking teachers. On initial stage It is important that the teacher can explain all the nuances in as much detail as possible, talk about the teaching strategy and motivate students.
Once the student has basic skills, he begins to study with a Spaniard. This is important because correct articulation is formed and enriched vocabulary. The process of learning from a native speaker is more effective.
There are courses:
- For employees who are most often paid by the employer. They are distinguished by narrow specialization and much more intensive training.
- Foreign +, where entertainment events are combined with language learning: fun, interesting and effective.
- Family courses, where students of different ages study at the same time. It's convenient, you don't need to spend too much time on classes.
Professional courses - help you master a skill, for example, if you have medical education, then you can undergo training in massage and then apply your knowledge in practice.
