The Government of Spain provides compulsory free education to all students up to the age of 16. Read more about the education system of Spain in the following article.

Education System in Spain

Spain is a developed nation and one of the largest economies of the world. Education system of the country has played a very significant role in the present economic status of Spain. The current education system of the country is known as LOE after the Ley Orgánica de Educación, which means Fundamental Law of Education. In Spain, education is compulsory and the Government provides free education to all children from 6 to 16 years of age. Spain’s education system is quite flexible and organized, providing large number of opportunities for personal growth and academic achievement to students. In past two decades, the education system of Spain has witnessed several changes. The current higher education system of Spain offers wide range of study options to address diverse academic aims of students, and their varied interests, abilities and attitudes. In Spain, education system is divided into various categories such as infant education, primary education, compulsory secondary education, Spanish baccalaureate and university education. Read further to know more about the education system in Spain.
 
Education System in Spain
 
Infant Education
Pre-primary education begins as early as one year of age and continues up to the age of six years. It is divided into two cycles. The first cycle is up to the age of three years while the second cycle is up to the age of six.
 
Primary Education
Primary education in Spain consists of first six years of compulsory schooling and is divided into three cycles of two years. Primary education generally runs from the age of 6 till the age of 12.
 
Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO)
Compulsory Secondary Education, also known as ESO, covers the four years from the age of 12 to 16. It consists of two cycles of two years. After successfully completing this stage, students are given the Certificate of Secondary Education. Secondary education is free in all state schools and in some private schools which are public funded.
 
Spanish Baccalaureate (Bachillerato)
After completing ESO, students can apply for this stage of education. Bachillerato last for two years and usually covers the age of 16 to 18. It leads to Bachillerato Certificate. Successful completion of this stage can help student to apply for various courses at university level or move on to vocational training.
 
Vocational Training
Students can apply for vocational training after ESO or after the Spanish Baccalaureate. Vocational training provides two different types of programs: Middle Grade Training Cycles (Ciclos Formativos de Grado Medio), which require the ESO diploma and Superior-level Training Cycles (Ciclos Formativos de grado Superior), which need Spanish Baccalaureate. Students, who successfully complete Superior-level Training Cycle, can directly apply to several related University degrees.
 
Universities in Spain
 
Undergraduate
In Spain, the first level of university education is known as Primer ciclo and these undergraduate courses last for 3 years. Institutions across the country provide short and long term courses in various disciplines. There are 2 year courses available which can give diploma degrees.
 
Graduate
The graduate degree in Spain consists of two levels. The graduate degree is awarded only after the successful completion of both levels, along with the final project known as master thesis. The master degree is called as Segundo ciclo and covers minimum of 2 years.
 
PhD
In Spain both bachelor and master degree holders are eligible for doctorate degrees. The Doctorate degree also known Título de Doctor is awarded after at least three years further study in case of masters degree. If the candidate is a bachelor degree holder, he has to study for more than 5 years to get his PhD. Candidate are also required to submit and defend a thesis related to his research to complete the PhD program.
 
Study Abroad in Spain
 
Study Abroad
Spain is famous destination for international students, particularly for students from US and Latin American countries. There are students from 80 countries of the world, studying various courses at universities of Spain.
 
Summer Programs
There are various summer programs available in Spain, which are very popular among students from European countries and American countries. Universities offering summer programs also provide facilities of accommodation and leisure activities along with the studies.
 
Learning Languages
Spanish is one of the widely spoken languages of the world. For international students or those who are interested in internships in Spain, learning Spanish can be very helpful. There are a number of institutions in Spain that provide summers courses for Spanish.


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