Education Levels in Spain in

Compulsory Education

Primary Education

Ages 6-12

Six years of compulsory education covering basic subjects.

Divided into three cycles of two years each. Subjects include Spanish language, mathematics, social and natural sciences, foreign language, arts, and physical education.

Compulsory Education

Secondary Education (ESO)

Ages 12-16

Four years of compulsory education divided into two cycles.

Core subjects include Spanish language and literature, mathematics, geography and history, biology and geology, physics and chemistry, foreign languages, and physical education.

Non-Compulsory Education

Baccalaureate

Ages 16-18

Two-year non-compulsory program preparing students for university.

Students choose a specialized track: Arts, Sciences and Technology, or Humanities and Social Sciences. Ends with the university entrance exam (EBAU/EVAU).

Non-Compulsory Education

Vocational Training

Ages 16+

Career-focused programs with direct labor market integration.

Available at three levels: Basic (FPB), Intermediate (CFGM), and Higher (CFGS). Covers various professional sectors with practical training.

Higher Education

University Degrees

Ages 18+

Bachelor's degrees typically last 4 years (240 ECTS credits).

Programs follow the European Higher Education Area framework. Public and private universities offer degrees across all academic fields.

Higher Education

Master's Degrees

After Bachelor's

1-2 years of specialized studies (60-120 ECTS credits).

Provides advanced training in specific academic or professional areas. Can be research-oriented or professionally oriented.

Higher Education

PhD Programs

After Master's

3-5 years of original research culminating in a doctoral thesis.

The highest academic degree focused on original research contribution. Includes research training activities and the development and defense of a doctoral thesis.

Infantil (Early Childhood Education) – Not Mandatory

0-3 years: Nursery school (Guardería)
3-6 years: Preschool (Educación Infantil)

Educación Primaria (Primary Education) – Mandatory

6-12 years
6 grades

Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO - Compulsory Secondary Education) – Mandatory

12-16 years
4 grades (1º ESO – 4º ESO)
Ends with a Graduado en Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (GESO)

Post-Compulsory Secondary Education (Choose Between Two Paths):
A. Bachillerato (High School – Pre-University Track)

16-18 years
2 years (1º Bachillerato & 2º Bachillerato)
Specializations: Science, Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts
Ends with a Bachillerato Diploma and requires EvAU (Selectividad) for university admission

B. Formación Profesional (Vocational Training – FP)

Two levels: Grado Medio (Intermediate Level) – 16-18 years → Leads to a Técnico diploma
Grado Superior (Advanced Level) – 18+ years → Leads to a Técnico Superior diploma
Allows access to university

Higher Education – University & Vocational Paths
A. University (Grado, Máster, Doctorado)

Grado (Bachelor’s Degree) – 3-4 years (180-240 ECTS)
Máster Universitario (Master’s Degree) – 1-2 years (60-120 ECTS)
Doctorado (PhD) – 3-5 years

B. Higher Vocational Education (FP Grado Superior) → Leads to specialized careers
Other Education Paths

Adult Education (Educación para Adultos) – ESO/Bachillerato for Adults
University-Specific Access for Adults (Over 25, 40, 45 years old)
Specialized Education (Music, Art, Dance, Sports, Languages, etc.)