Higher education in Spain

Higher education in Spain comprises a wide range of institutions, including 89 universities, the majority of which are publicly funded. Thirty-nine universities are private, with seven affiliated with the Catholic Church. The Spanish higher education system traces its origins to medieval and Islamic educational institutions, notably with the foundation of the University of Salamanca in 1218, one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in Europe. During the Spanish Empire, universities and schools played a central role in administrative and missionary efforts across Spain and its colonies.

Following the reforms associated with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), Spain transitioned from traditional degrees such as the Licenciatura and Diplomatura to a system based on the título de grado (Bachelor's degree) and título de máster (Master's degree). Admission to Spanish universities is competitive and based on academic performance and entrance examinations. Spanish universities are regularly featured in global and national rankings, with institutions such as the Universitat de Barcelona, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid consistently placing highly.