1 best international colleges in Madrid 2024

The best colleges in Madrid are opportunities for foreigners to obtain effective and quality preparation before entering university and to increase their chances of being admitted to prestigious institutions around the world. The pre-university programs are not limited to the Spanish education system, but also include American and English, and after graduating from university, you can enter a university in the United States, the United Kingdom or Canada.

Currently, the Spanish education system is based on four main levels.

1. Pre-school education - Educación Infantil.

2. Elementary Education - Educación Primaria.

3. Secondary Education.

Compulsory Secondary Education - Educación Secundaria Obligatoria.

Singles - Singles;

4. Higher education - Educación Superior.

There is also vocational education (Cyclos Formativos) , colleges and technical schools. Vocational education in Spain is divided into two stages, consisting of Ciclos Formativos de Grado Medio and Ciclos Formativos de Grado Superior, which can be obtained instead of bachilerato after completing compulsory secondary education. Graduates of Ciclos Formativos de Grado Superior have the same status as those holding the title of Bachillerato and are entitled to higher education in Spain through attendance at an appropriate educational institution.

In addition to the four main levels mentioned above, the Spanish educational system includes adult education (evening schools - Escuela de Adultos), as well as professional language, artistic or applied education.

Pre-school education in Spain (Educación Infantil)

The Spanish education system starts with preschool education at the youngest age, not defined as compulsory, free in public institutions (guaranteed free in public institutions is the education of children from 3 to 6 years old) and paid for privately. It can be divided into two stages.

1. For children from 0 to 3 years old

2. Applies to children between 3 and 6 years old.

Compulsory education in Spain (Educación básica)

Basic schooling is compulsory under current national legislation. As with preschool education, it is free in public institutions and paid for in private institutions. In addition to public and private colleges, the Spanish basic education system also includes religious educational institutions funded by the Church.

The country's education system is controlled by the Spanish Ministry of Education. The state is responsible for monitoring the quality of education and setting standards for the number of teachers, class sizes, approval of methodological programs, and control of funding issues. Education is compulsory at all types of Spanish universities, and students are educated in two stages from the age of 6 to 16.

The initial stage (educación primaria). Children between 6 and 12 years old, divided into 3 cycles of 2 years each: primary cycle (6-8 years old), middle cycle (8-10 years old), and high cycle (10-12 years old) ;

Phase II (educación secundaria obligatoria). Completes the basic education of students aged 12 to 16 years. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a secondary education diploma.

The main subjects taught within the framework of the school curriculum of the Spanish secondary education: natural sciences (geography, natural history), humanities (history, social sciences, literature, civic education and human rights), languages (Spanish, foreign languages) , autonomous languages - Valencian, Catalan, Galician, Basque) Mathematics, Physical Education, Music and Visual Arts.

Graduates of schools with a secondary education diploma can continue their studies in secondary vocational education programs, in universities under the bachilerato program, or start working.

Bachilerato

The Spanish education system includes the bachilerato level, which is reminiscent of the advanced classes in general education schools and consists of two courses. Bachilerato is not compulsory, but voluntary education. This level of study is chosen mainly by students who plan to continue their education in higher education institutions. The second course of bachilerato deals with the main areas in which the student chooses to specialize: exact sciences or humanities and social sciences, arts. The final exam of the bachelor is the university entrance exam. In the highly competitive conditions of university admission, graduates with a high final average have a significant advantage when choosing a university. Studying bachelor in Spain starts at the age of 16, after the completion of basic schooling.

Professional education in Spain takes place in 3 areas.

1. Arts (Artes) (fine arts and design (Artes plásticas imagen y diseño) or performing arts, music and dance (o Artes escénicas, música y danza).

2. Science and Technology (Ciencias y Tecnología).

3. Humanities and Social Sciences (Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales).

Only students who have successfully passed all exams can transfer from one course to another. Failure to pass 2 subjects allows you to retake the course and transfer the exams to the next course. Failure to pass 4 or more exams will result in the student automatically leaving the second year.

Graduates who successfully pass all final exams will receive the full Spanish Secondary Education Diploma (Título de Bachiller, "bachelor"). Such a diploma confers the right to pursue higher education in Spain.

Secondary vocational education in Spain

Secondary vocational education occupies an important place in the Spanish education system. It can be obtained in 142 specializations. The duration of each course is determined individually for each specialization, usually between 1300 and 2000 hours, and 25% of the study time must be devoted to industrial practice.

• Secondary vocational Spanish education (Formación Profesional de Grado Medio) can be obtained by the following categories of citizens.
• University graduates with a basic education diploma (Título de Educación Secundaria).
• Specialist Assistants (Técnico Auxiliar).
• Specialists (Técnico).
• Second-year undergraduate graduates (Bachillerato Unificado y Polivalente).
• University graduates.
• Successfully pass an entrance exam (the minimum age to pass this exam is 17 years old).

Students who complete the secondary vocational education (Formación Profesional de Grado Medio) and the higher vocational education (Formación Profesional de Grado Superior) receive the Técnico and Técnico Superior diplomas, respectively. The Diploma of Specialization entitles you to continue your studies in Spain as a bachelor. The Diploma of Chief Specialist grants the right to continue your studies in the same direction without exams in Spanish higher education institutions.

Higher Education

Higher education in Spain (Enseñanza Universitaria) is divided into three cycles according to European and global standards and the criteria of the Bologna Process.

The Grado degree (Bachelor's degree). Awarded upon completion of a three- or four-year university program. The duration of the first stage of higher education depends on the profession. For example, a medical bachelor's degree lasts up to 6 years. The first cycle of higher education in Spanish grado can be obtained in all fields - including humanitarian and natural sciences as well as social.

Degree Master (Master). Awarded after the completion of a one-year or two-year highly specialized university program. Enrollment in such programs is possible only with a grado degree.

Doctorate (Doctorado) degree. The duration of the program is 3-6 years. You can enter a doctoral program after obtaining a master's degree and, in some cases, after obtaining a bachelor's degree program. The final stage of doctoral studies will be the defense of the doctoral thesis.

Madrid, as a center of education in Spain, offers a wide array of options for those seeking quality education, particularly in language learning and preparation for university.

Pre-School and Basic Education in Spain

• Early Years Education: Madrid's education system starts with non-compulsory pre-school education, free in public settings for children aged 3 to 6, and available for younger children at a cost.

• Compulsory Basic Schooling: Mandatory for children from 6 to 16, this is free in public institutions and paid for privately, including religious educational institutions funded by the Church. Overseen by the Spanish Ministry of Education, this system ensures quality across various institutions.

Higher Education in Spain

Degree Structure: Aligning with the Bologna Process, higher education in Spain includes Bachelor’s (Grado), Master’s (Máster), and Doctorate (Doctorado) programs, with duration varying based on the field of study.

Doctoral Programs: These offer an advanced level of study, often culminating in a thesis defense.

Secondary and Post-Secondary Education in Spain

Bachillerato: A voluntary educational level post-basic schooling, aimed at students planning to pursue higher education. It offers specialization in sciences or humanities and culminates with a university entrance exam.

Vocational Training: Secondary vocational education is a significant part of the Spanish system, offering various specializations with an emphasis on practical training.

Advantages of Studying at Madrid’s Colleges

• High-Quality Education: Colleges in Madrid are known for their excellent academic standards.

• Language Proficiency: Studying in Madrid significantly improves English and Spanish language skills.

• International Exposure: Students gain valuable experience living and studying abroad.

• Access to University: Many colleges offer pathways to university without entrance exams.

• Globally Recognized Qualifications: Diplomas and certificates from Madrid’s colleges are recognized worldwide.

Jake Wilson

Russia, the CIS and Europe Students Admission Regional Director at the National Mathematics and Science College

What subjects have been most commonly chosen in recent years?

STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) is becoming incredibly popular: it is logical, because it is the real key to the future, capable of providing you with a great job and a high salary. Biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, mathematics are consistently popular because they are basic to any STEM degree.

• Language Proficiency: A key requirement is proficiency in English or Spanish, depending on the program.

• Application Process: It’s advisable to apply six months in advance, with documentation translated into the relevant language.

Required Documents for Admission

• Secondary education diploma.

• Language examination certificate.

• Passport.

• Teacher and principal recommendations.

• Personal achievements and portfolio.

• Public Institutions: Fees start at around 1000€ per year.

• Private Institutions: Costs are higher, starting from 7,000 euros per year.

• Master’s Programs: Completion of these programs typically costs between 2,500-3,000 euros per course.

Madrid's education system offers a comprehensive range of opportunities, from language courses to higher education programs, catering to a diverse student population and ensuring a robust educational experience.