University preparation in Madrid 2024

If your child is attending high school, then your thoughts may be on the possibility of continuing their education abroad. If you are considering Madrid as a primary option, then you should keep in mind that you need to plan your enrollment in the best universities in Madrid  well in advance and be prepared to lose a year. It is not talking about the famous practice of gap years (breaks between school and university education), when a teenager decides to take a break in their studies in order to travel, volunteer in a foreign country or for their first work experience.

This applies to admission to public universities with high passing scores and which must pass final accreditation. Private universities do not have a pass mark system and usually an accredited certificate is sufficient for admission.

There are three levels of education in Spain.

1. Grado - Bachelor's degree. In the framework of this level, the basic level of preparation is carried out with the development of general skills and knowledge. The "Spanish bachelor's degree" is offered in certain areas: arts, humanities, medicine, law, architecture and engineering. The duration of the education is 4 years, but in some educational areas there may be other durations - up to 5 years.

2. Master - Magistrate. This level of education is only available for undergraduate graduates. It allows you to continue studying an existing profile or start mastering a new career. The duration of professional development here amounts to 1-3 years. It is important to note that in order to work in certain professions, a master's degree is mandatory. This rule applies to workers in the fields of medicine, education, propaganda, industry and aviation, as well as engineering.

3. Toradol - PhD. it is important to have a master's degree. Graduate students must perform and defend research work. The duration of education is 3-4 years.

In Spain, you can find the following types of universities.

• Private universities. Here the development of the profession is carried out exclusively on a commercial basis, since it acts as an autonomous center, entirely at the expense of profit. The enrollment activity in these centers is purely personal, but in most cases the conditions of admission are more moderate and more accessible to everyone, and the list of directions is mainly in the demand profile.
• Status. This educational family operates strictly under the direction of the state and carries out educational activities on a budgetary and commercial basis. The main funding is provided by the state. It is important to note that the budgetary location applies only to residents of the country! Foreign citizens can receive higher education free of charge only within the framework of grants.
• Classical universities. Here applicants can acquire a wide range of expertise in various sectors of the national economy. Their education is applied in nature, fully immersed in theory. There are undergraduate and graduate programs, less often - postgraduate programs.
• Research. Here, the curriculum is more focused on natural research, attracting students of the first course to scientific conferences, conducting experiments and scientific research, preparing monographs and dissertations. In most cases, master's programs (about 30% of all fields) and postgraduate (doctoral) programs are implemented here.
• Highly specialized universities: polytechnic, art, architecture, construction and architecture. In each of these institutions, only those specializations are directly related to the field of activity. In 0% of the cases in Spain, highly specialized universities educates specialists in applied and technical, creative professions.
• Business schools and university schools, online schools. On top of these educational centers, there are undergraduate programs, which, in addition, aim to educate specialists in applications.

The admission activities of each university are carried out individually, but within a strictly defined time frame.

Madrid offers a range of university prep courses designed to facilitate successful university entry. These courses, varying in structure and cost, are tailored to meet the diverse needs of students.

Type of Preparation Courses for University in Madrid

• Exam Focus: Courses typically include exam preparation in specific subjects, with optional Spanish language classes. Tailored to individual needs, education can be group-based or one-on-one with a tutor.

• Language Proficiency: Depending on your Spanish proficiency, you have the choice to commence with a language course or delve directly into academic subjects. For direct entry into academic subjects, a minimum Spanish level of B1 (intermediate) is usually required, with some institutions demanding B2 (intermediate to advanced) or C1 (advanced).

• Flexible Scheduling: Some centers offer "closed" packages with fixed schedules, while others allow personalized scheduling, letting you decide the weekly study hours.

• Learning Formats: Colleges offer various formats, including classroom-based and distance learning, or a combination of online resources and individual teacher sessions.

It's essential to check with specific centers, as offerings and fees can vary significantly.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

• Selectividad Exam: A distinctive feature of Spanish universities is the Selectividad exam (Pruebas de Acceso a Estudios Universitarios), akin to the USE exam. It includes Spanish language and history or philosophy, a second foreign language (German, Italian, French, or Portuguese), and specialized subjects. Registration typically opens in March, with exams in June, August, or September.

• Preparation Duration: Comprehensive preparation for Selectividad takes about 8 months. The maximum score is 14, with a passing level of 10 for medical and engineering programs, and 5 for others. While not all universities require this for international students, it is essential for prestigious programs and top universities in Madrid, Catalonia, and Valencia.

• English Proficiency: Many institutions also require proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+.

Legalization of Certificates. In addition to standard documents, school graduates must legalize their certificates to meet local requirements. The review process can take six months to a year, so preparing documents in advance is advisable.

Starting Your Prep Course in Madrid

Planning: Deciding to study abroad requires careful consideration. Consulting with experts is recommended. You'll need to decide on the language of the prep course, with the understanding that Spanish proficiency is eventually essential. Ideally, six months of language preparation is recommended, plus an additional six months for document collection and formalities.

• Start Dates: Courses typically start three times a year: October, January, and May.

• Fees: Expect to pay around 2,250 euros for a 4-month program or 4,200 euros for an 8-month program, excluding living expenses in Madrid and document processing costs. Note that these fees don't cover external exams like the DELE or institution registration fees.

In conclusion, preparing for university in Madrid involves a blend of academic preparation, language proficiency, and understanding the local admission process, all of which are catered to by the diverse university preparation courses available in the city.