Why Study in Spain?

Spain is a European country located on the Iberian Peninsula. It is made up of 17 autonomous regions, each with diverse geography and cultures. Madrid, the capital, is home to the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum, where works by major European artists are displayed.

Spain’s proximity to Morocco is a major advantage for Moroccan students. Depending on their geographical location in Morocco, many students are Spanish-speaking and wish to pursue their studies in Spain.

The quality of life is very pleasant, as is the climate. Spanish cities also offer many activities and leisure opportunities, allowing students to enjoy life in Spain alongside their studies.

Education System

In Spain, there are two types of higher education:

• 
  University Higher Education
  
• 
  Non-University Higher Education
  

Non-university higher education is a form of vocational training and also includes artistic and sports programs.

University higher education includes public universities, private universities, and religious universities. Tuition fees vary between public and private institutions, generally ranging from €2,500 to €6,000 per year.

The academic year is organized in a similar way to Morocco. The academic year starts in September, the first semester ends in December, and the second semester runs from January to May.

Types of Programs

Spain follows the same LMD system (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate) used in Morocco and France.

• 
  Grado: equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in Morocco. It lasts 3 to 4 years.
  
• 
  Postgrado: equivalent to a Master’s degree, lasting 1 or 2 years. Students may choose between a research-oriented or a professional Master’s program.
  
• 
  Doctorado: doctoral studies last 3 years, but may extend to 4 years depending on the agreement between the student and the thesis supervisor.
  

Students may also choose two-year programs, including artistic and sports fields.

Spanish higher education includes 78 universities, of which 51 are public and 27 are private or religious. Academic programs are diverse: some universities focus on science and engineering, others on social sciences and humanities, while others specialize in economics and management.

Admission Requirements

Spanish universities are open to all international students who meet certain admission requirements.

To access a Spanish university with a Moroccan baccalaureate (or another foreign diploma), students must:

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  Apply for equivalence of Moroccan (or other) diplomas with their Spanish counterparts.
  
• 
  Register for the university entrance exam “Selectividad” through the National University of Distance Education (UNED). Registration usually takes place in April or July.
  
• 
  Pass the Selectividad exam (candidates may sit the exam up to four times; however, to improve their score, they may retake it as many times as they wish).
  

The Selectividad exam consists of two phases: general and specific, and the exams take place in Rabat.

After passing Selectividad, students must complete pre-registration within the deadlines set by each Spanish faculty. Candidates may apply to the university of their choice. Each university publishes its own admission procedures, deadlines, and required documents.

Some faculties or higher technical schools offer a very limited number of places and therefore require the highest grades in the University Entrance Exams (P.A.U.).

For studies in Fine Arts, Translation and Interpretation, Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, and programs leading to a double Spanish and foreign degree, universities may organize specific entrance tests to assess candidates’ skills. These may include artistic aptitude, translation skills in a modern foreign language, or physical and sports abilities, as well as oral and written communication skills in the chosen foreign language.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees in public universities are set each year by the autonomous regions within a nationally defined range. Fees vary depending on the chosen program and level of study.

For example, during the 2010–2011 academic year, the average cost of a first year of Grado (Bachelor’s) was around €878, while a year of Master’s studies averaged €1,500.

Tuition fees in private universities are freely set, with no upper limit. A Master’s year generally costs around €8,000, but some programs can reach up to €20,000 per year.