INSTITUTION
TYPES & CREDENTIALS
Types of higher education
institutions:
Universidad
(University)
Facultad (Faculty)
Universidad
Politécnica (Polytechnic University)
Colegio Universitario
(University College)
Escuela
Técnica Superior (Higher Technical School)
Escuela
Técnica (Technical School)
Escuela Universitaria
(University School)
Instituto
Universitario (University Institute)
Centro de Estudios
Superiores
School leaving and higher
education credentials:
Título de
Bachiller
Título de
Técnico
Curso de
Orientación Universitaria (COU)
Prueba de Acceso a la
Universidad
Título de
Técnico Superior
Diplomado
Título de
Arquitecto Técnico
Título de
Conservador y Restaurador de los Bienes Culturales
Título de
Ingeniero Técnico
Título de
Maestro
Título
Superior de Arte Dramático
Título
Superior de Danza
Título
Superior de Diseño
Título
Superior de Música
Licenciado
Título de
Arquitecto
Título de
Ingeniero
Master
Doctor
STRUCTURE
OF EDUCATION SYSTEM
Pre-higher
education:
Duration
of compulsory education:
Age of
entry: 6
Age of
exit: 16
Structure of school system:
Primary
Type of
school providing this education: Primary School
Length
of program in years: 6
Age level from: 6 to: 12
Secondary
Type of
school providing this education: Institutos de Educación Secundaria,
Colegios Privados y Colegios Concertados
Length
of program in years: 4
Age
level from: 12 to: 16
Certificate/diploma awarded: Graduado en
Educación Secundaria Obligatoria
Higher Secondary
Type of
school providing this education: Institutos de Educación Secundaria,
Colegios Privados y Colegios Concertados
Length
of program in years: 2
Age
level from: 16 to: 18
Certificate/diploma
awarded: Título
de Bachillerato or Título de Técnico
School
education:
Primary education lasts for six years.
Following the 1990 reform, compulsory secondary education (ESO) lasts for four
years (from 12 to 16) divided into two two-year cycles (from 12 to 14 and from
14 to 16). It leads to the Graduado en Educación Secundaria Obligatoria
Certificate. This certificate is required for a) Bachillerato studies (16 to
18) and b) intermediate vocational training (Ciclos Formativos de Grado Medio).
Bachillerato students who have completed all subjects successfully are awarded
the Título de Bachillerato (before the 1990 reform, students also had to
complete the Curso de Orientación Universitaria). To enter university,
students must sit for an entrance examination (Prueba de Acceso a la
Universidad). In intermediate vocational training (Ciclos Formativos de Grado
medio) students who successfully complete their training are awarded the
Certificado de Técnico in the relevant field. This certificate enables
them to work in areas related to their training, to pursue further training, or
to study for a Bachillerato.
Higher
education:
Higher education is mainly provided by both
public and private universities. Universities are divided into facultades universitarias,
escuelas técnicas superiores, escuelas universitarias, institutos
universitarios, and other centres, notably the Centros de Estudios Superiores
and the Colegios Universitarios. The Consejo de Universidades (where the
Ministry, the Comunidades Autónomas and the Universidades are
represented) coordinates the activities of state and private institutions and
proposes the main lines of educational policy. It also sets up guidelines for
the creation of universities, centres and institutes. It can also propose
measures concerning advanced postgraduate studies, the defining of
qualifications to be officially recognized throughout the country and standards
governing the creation of university departments. The legislation on university
autonomy provides for administrative, academic and financial autonomy.A new law
on Universities (Ley Orgánica de Universidades n° 121/000045)) was voted
on 20 December, 2001 and is being implemented.
Main
laws/decrees governing higher education:
Decree: Ley Orgánica de Calidad de la
Educación (LOCE) Year: 2002
Decree: Ley Orgánica de las Cualificaciones y
de la Formación Profesional (LOCFP) Year: 2002
Decree:
Ley
Orgánica de Ordenación General del Sistema Educativo (LOGSE) Year: 1990
Concerns: All institutions
Decree:
Ley
Orgánica de Universidades (LOU) Year: 2001
Concerns: Universities
Decree: Ley Orgánica del Derecho a la
Educación, no. 8 (LODE) Year: 1985
Decree:
Real
Decreto 86/1987 of 16 January (BOE of 23 January) and Ministerial Order of 9
February 1987 Year: 1987
Concerns:
Regulations
for the recognition of foreign higher education qualifications
Academic
year:
Classes
from: Oct to: Jul
Languages
of instruction: Spanish,
Basque, Galician, Catalan
Stages
of studies:
Non-university level post-secondary studies
(technical/vocational type):
Non-university
level:
Centros de
formación profesional especifica de Grado superior offer to holders of
the Título de Bachillerato three-year full-time courses leading to Grado
superior qualifications in areas such as Agriculture, Commerce and
Administration.Higher education studies in Music, Dance and Drama lead to a
Título Superior de Música, Danza, Drama which is equivalent to
the Licenciado degree.Higher education courses on Preservation and Restoration
of historical works of art and Design as well as Ciclos Formativos de Grado
Superior in Plastic Arts and Design lead to qualifications that are equivalent
to the Diplomado degree.
University level studies:
University
level first stage:
Primer
ciclo:
The first cycle of university studies (short
term courses), which is followed in Escuelas Técnicas Superiores,
Escuelas Universitarias and Facultades lasts for three years and leads to the
Diplomado, Ingeniero Técnico or Arquitecto Técnico degrees. These
courses lead to long term courses.
University
level second stage:
Segundo
ciclo:
The courses of study leading to Licenciado,
Ingeniero and Arquitecto degrees consist in first cycle and second cycle
studies (long term studies) but a degree is only awarded when the studies of
both cycles have been completed successfully. The Ingeniero and Arquitecto
degrees are awarded following an end-of-course project (proyecto fin de
carrera). Medical studies last for 6 years but Odontology and Veterinary
studies last for five years. These long term courses are followed at Facultades
and Escuelas Técnicas Superiores. The former offer courses in Humanities
and Science and the latter offer courses in Technology, Engineering and
Architecture. There are also second cycle only studies that lead to the Licenciado
or Ingeniero degrees.
University
level third stage:
Tercer
ciclo, ciclo de especialización para la investigación y docencia:
The third stage is
open to holders of Licenciado, Arquitecto or Ingeniero degrees and leads to
the Doctor's degree (Título de Doctor) which is awarded after at least
three years' further study and research, following the submission and defence
of a thesis. Another postgraduate degree, although it is not officially
recognized (Título propio de la Universidad) is the Master degree, awarded
after 1 or 2 years of further study.
Teacher education:
Training
of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers
Primary-school teachers are trained in
Escuelas universitarias de Formación de Profesorado. A three-year course
leads to the Título de Maestro.
Training
of secondary school teachers
In order to be able to teach in secondary
schools, holders of Licenciado, Ingeniero or Arquitecto degrees must also hold
the Certificado de Aptitud Pedagógica (CAP). This requirement does not
apply to a) holders of Licenciado en Pedagogía degree or b) holders of
Maestro degrees who also hold a Licenciado, Ingeniero or Arquitecto degree.
Training
of higher education teachers
Higher education
teachers are trained in Facultades universitarias or Escuelas técnicas
superiores. They must hold Licenciado, Arquitecto or Ingeniero degrees. After
two years of third-cycle study and the submission of a thesis, they are awarded
a Doctor degree, which is the prerequisite for teaching in faculties and
higher-technical schools. However, in Escuelas universitarias, only
catedráticos (holders of a chair) must meet this requirement. The
requirement for Profesores Titulares is a Licenciado, Ingeniero or Arquitecto
degree.
Non-traditional studies:
Distance
higher education
The Universidad Nacional de Educación
a Distancia (UNED) organizes distance learning courses in Law, History and
Geography, Philology, Philosophy and Education, Psychology, Economics and
Management, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, Political Sciences and
Sociology, and Industrial Engineering. UNED also organizes courses giving
direct access to university for adults over 25 who do not hold the required
qualifications and distance courses for which no specific qualification is
required. In 1992, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports created the
Centre for Innovation and Development of Distance Education (CIDEAD). Other
educational administrations, amongst which the education Departments for the
Communities of Galicia, Navarre and Valencia, have established distance
education for adults in their respective regions creating the relevant
establishments for distance education. There is also the Universitat Oberta de
Catalunya.
Lifelong
higher education
Continuous vocational training is conceived
as a number of training activities aiming at the personal, social and
professional promotion of workers. The Instituto Nacional de Cualificaciones
(INCUAL) is in charge of the setting up and management of the Sistema Nacional
de Cualificaciones profesionales (SNCP) to facilitate the coordination of
vocational training policies proposed by the Administración General del
Estado, the Autonomous Communities and Social Agents.National agreements have
been reached in order to promote continuous training. The Fundación Tripartita
administers most of the funds on a nation-wide scale.Ministries, Autonomous
Communities and different institutions in the public and private sectors also
organize special courses outside the general education system for the personal
and professional upgrading of their employees.
Higher
education training in industry
Postgraduate
professional courses are offered in universities and by private bodies and
associations and lead to the award of a diploma.
NATIONAL
BODIES
Administration
& co-ordination:
Responsible
authorities:
Ministerio de
Educación y Ciencia (Ministry of Education and Science)
Head: María Jesús
San Segundo Gómez de Cadiñanos, Minister
C/
Alcalá, 34
28071 Madrid
Spain
Tel: +34(90) 221 8500
Fax: +34(91) 701 8648
WWW: http://www.mec.es
Conferencia de
Rectores de las Universidades españolas (Conference of Rectors of
Spanish Universities)
Head: Juan Antonio Vázquez
García, President
Administrative officer:
María Teresa Lozano Mellado, Secretary-General
Plaza de
las Cortes, 2-7° planta
28014 Madrid
Spain
Tel: +34(91) 360 1200
Fax: +34(91) 360 1201
EMail: sgcrue@adm.uned.es
WWW: http://www.crue.org
Fundación
Agencia Nacional de Evaluación de la Calidad y Acreditación
Head: Francisco Marcellin
Español, Director
Administrative officer: Eduardo
Coba Arango, Coordinador General
C/Orense,
11
7 planta
28020 Madrid
Spain
Tel: +34(91) 417-8230
Fax: +34(91) 556-8642
EMail: informacion@aneca.es
WWW: http://www.aneca.es
ADMISSIONS
TO HIGHER EDUCATION
Admission
to non university higher education studies
Name of
secondary school credential required: Título de Bachiller
Admission
to university-level studies
Name of
secondary school credential required: Título de Bachiller
For
entry to: Facultades,
Colegios Universitarios, Escuelas Superiores Técnicas, Escuelas
Universitarias, Centros de Estudios Superiores
Alternatives
to credentials: Over
25 Aptitude test organized by Universities, Bachillerato (or former Curso de
Orientación Universitaria) and a specific aptitude test for artistic
studies. Título de Técnico Especialista (or Técnico
Superior) for direct access to specific university studies related to previous
studies.
Entrance
exams required: Students
must sit for the Prueba de Accesso a la Universidad
Foreign
students admission
Admission
requirements: Students
must have completed their secondary education studies and have them recognized
by the Spanish Ministry of Education. They must also sit for the Prueba de
Aptitud de Acceso a la Universidad.
Entry regulations:
Foreign
students must have a residence permit and financial guarantees.
Health
requirements: Health
visa
Language
requirements: Students
from non-Spanish speaking countries must sit for an examination. Universities
organize language courses.
Application
procedures:
Application
closing dates:
For
non-university level (technical/vocational type) studies: 1 Jul
For
university level studies: 1 Jul
For
advanced/doctoral studies: 1 Jul
Recognition
of studies & qualifications:
Studies
pursued in home country (System of recognition/accreditation): The Agencia Nacional
de Evaluación de la Calidad y Acreditación is responsible for the
evaluation of degrees (www.aneca.es).
Studies
pursued in foreign countries (bodies dealing with recognition of foreign
credentials):
NARIC España,
Subdirección General de Títulos, Convalidaciones y
Homologaciones, Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia
Head: Álvaro
Martínez-Cachero, National Coordinator
Administrative officer: Nieves
Trelles, Asesora Técnica
Paseo del
Prado, 28
28014 Madrid
Spain
Tel: +34(91) 506 5593
Fax: +34(91) 506 5706
EMail: nieves.trelles@educ.mec.es
WWW: http://www.mec.es
Deals
with credential recognition for entry to: University and Profession
Services
provided & students dealt with: Provides information to foreigners wishing
to follow studies in Spain who apply for the recognition of their diplomas or
partial studies obtained or pursued abroad.
Other
information sources on recognition of foreign studies: Universities'
governing bodies have full authority to recognize both the courses taken in
foreign institutions which have not led to a standard qualification and the
courses which have led to standard qualifications but whose recognition has
been refused by the Ministry of Education.
Special
provisions for recognition:
For
access to university level studies: Foreign higher education qualifications
awarded by authorized higher education institutions (where the courses leading
to the awards have been taken), once they have been recognized, have the same
academic and professional equivalence as the corresponding Spanish official
higher education qualifications. The recognition of foreign qualifications can
only be applied to qualifications included in the catalogue of official university
qualifications.The Universities Council plays a major role in the recognition
process. The contents and duration of courses leading to the respective
qualifications submitted for recognition and their equivalence with the
educational content of Spanish and EU qualifications are evaluated by
sub-committees of experts on different areas of knowledge.
Multilateral
agreements concerning recognition of foreign studies
Name of
agreement: Convention
On the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in
Europe
Year of
signature: 1979
References
to further information on foreign student admissions and recognition of studies
Title: Cursos para
extranjeros en España
Publisher: Secretaría de Estado de
Universidades e Investigación
Title: Estudios en
España: II. Nivel universitario
Author:
Ministerio
de Educación y Ciencia. Secretaría General Técnica
Publisher: Ministerio de Educación y
Ciencia
Title: Guía
básica sobre régimen académica y acceso para alumnos con
estudios en el extranjero
Publisher: Universidad Complutense de Madrid -
Vice-Rectorado de Alumnos
Title: Guía de las
Enseñanzas universitarias
Publisher: Ministerio de Educación,
Cultura y Deporte, Consejo de Universidades
Title: Homologación y
Convalidación de Títulos y Estudios Extranjeros
Publisher: Ministerio de Educación,
Cultura y Deporte. Secretaría General Técnica
Title: Las Enseñanzas
universitarias en España y en la Comunidad Económica Europea
Author:
Ministerio
de Educación y Ciencia
Publisher:
Ministerio
de Educación y Ciencia
STUDENT
LIFE
Health/social
provisions
Social
security for home students: Yes
Social
security for foreign students: Yes
Special
student travel fares:
By
road: Yes
By
rail: Yes
By air:
Yes
Available
to foreign students: Yes
Student
expenses and financial aid
Student
costs:
Home
students tuition fees: Maximum: 4000 (Euro)
Bodies
providing information on student financial aid:
Ministry of Education
and Science
Dirección de
Becas, Ayudas y subvenciones
C/ Alcalá, 36
28071 Madrid
Spain
Tel: +34(90) 221 8500
WWW: http://www.mec.es/mecd/jsp/plantilla.jsp?area=becas&id=4
Deals
with: Grants
Category
of students: Students
with Spanish citizenship or with legal residence in Spain.
Publications
on student services and financial aid:
Title: Convocatoría
general de Becas para Realizar Estudios en España
Publisher: Agencia
española de Cooperación internacional (AECI), Madrid
Title: Study Abroad
2004-2005, 32nd Edition
Author:
UNESCO
Publisher:
UNESCO
Publishing
Year of
publication: 2003
INTERNATIONAL
COOPERATION & EXCHANGES
Principal
national bodies responsible for dealing with international cooperation and
exchanges in higher education:
Ministry of Education
and Science
Subsecretaría
- Secretaría general técnica - Subdirección general de
Cooperación internacional
Paseo del Prado, 28 - 2ª Planta.
28071 Madrid
Spain
Tel: +34 (91) 506 5600
Fax: +34 (91) 506 5704
EMail: sgci.informacion@educ.mec.es
WWW: http://www.mec.es/educa/internacional/index.html
GRADING
SYSTEM
Usual
grading system in secondary school
Full
Description: 0-10:
10 sobresaliente (matricula de honor); 8.5-9 sobresaliente; 7-8.4 notable;
6-6.9 bien; 5-6 suficiente; below 5 Insuficiente.
Highest
on scale: 10
Lowest
on scale: 0
Main
grading system used by higher education institutions
Full
Description: 10:
matrícula de honor; 9-9.9: sobresaliente; 7-8.9: notable; 5-6.9:
aprobado; below 5: suspenso
Highest
on scale: 10
matrícula de honor
Pass/fail
level: 5
aprobado
Lowest
on scale: 4-0
suspenso
Other
main grading systems
For theses: no apto;
aprobado; notable; sobresaliente; 'cum laude'
NOTES
ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM
Data
for academic year: 2004-2005
Source:
Ministerio
de Educación, Cultura y Deporte, Secretaria de Estado de Educación
y Universidades, Consejo de Coordinación Universitaria, Madrid (Spain),
2005
Note on
Higher Education Institutions: Also Universidad Internacional Menendez Pelayo with
branches in Barcelona, Cuenca, Seville, Tenerife, Valencia, Pontevedra and
Formigal (Huesca). (www.uimp.es).