Spanish Grading System: The Simplified Guide

Spain has seen an increase in the number of international students in recent years. Students pursuing full-time degrees and those participating in mobility programs usually express interest in studying abroad in Spain. Spain is very friendly to international students, so it continues to draw thousands of curious minds each year. Spain boasts a pleasant environment, an exciting culture, and top-notch educational institutions. Also, its grading system is simple and easy to understand.

Spain’s education system awards grades as follows:

University Education Grading System

The quality of university education in Spain is well recognized. Students in Spain must earn a Bachillerato diploma and pass the Selectividad university admission exam to enroll in higher education. Spain has about 76 universities, of which 45 are state-funded.

A 0 to 10-point grading system is used to evaluate student performance, with "0" indicating the lowest possible grade and "10," indicating complete knowledge of the learning goals.

The university grading system in Spain has two grading scales, and it awards grades as shown below:

10-Point Grading Scale

According to the calculations, the grade point average (GPA) is determined by dividing the total number of credits the student has earned by the sum of the credits they have received, multiplied by the appropriate grade for each course (subject).

Any credits earned through credit recognition or credits related to extracurricular activities will only have a "PASS" score rather than a numerical grade and will not be taken into account for determining the academic average.

4-Point Grading Scale

ECTS Grading Scale

The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System, or ECTS, is a standard European grading system created to promote academic interchange between European nations. Since many EU students prefer to study abroad in other regions of the continent and because each university has its own interpretation of the marking system, a mutual grading system has become necessary.

Here are the Spanish grades converted into the ECTS:

Secondary School Grading System

In Spain, primary education is followed immediately by secondary education. There are pupils between the ages of 12 and 16. Secondary education is divided into two two-year cycles for students in the 12–14 and 14–16 age ranges. In secondary school, grading is a critical part of the evaluation.

GPA Requirements to Study in Spain

Here are the top universities in Spain and their GPA requirements:

Higher Education System in Spain

No matter your major or the university you want to attend, Spain offers a lot of opportunities to learn. The higher educational system is well-planned and successfully managed, and it is created to offer pupils of all skill levels the best learning chances possible. Together with the UK, Italy, and France, Spain is among the top choices for foreign students from the United States, ranking third in terms of popularity for international study.

Spain focuses a lot of emphasis on preparing students for real-world experiences, and this dedication is reflected in its higher education system. Although Spanish is the primary language for most study programs in Spain, you can also discover programs and courses taught in English. You have a lot of possibilities if you want to study in Spain in English as an international student who doesn't speak the language.

There are also bilingual degree programs, or instructed in both Spanish and English, in case you don't yet speak the language fluently and intend to learn it once you arrive. If you are applying to a program that is taught in English and you are from a non-English speaking nation, Spanish colleges will ask you to submit proof of your English language skills.

Related: Spain Student Visa, Requirements and Application Process.

How to Calculate The Final Grade in the Spain?

To calculate your final grade in Spain you can use Erudera's Final Grade Calculator.