Choosing a Bachillerato modality

Key rules

• University access: Every modality lets you apply to any degree; your choice affects your admission mark, not your eligibility.
• Length: Bachillerato lasts two courses, normally for ages 16 to 18.
• Regional offer: Each region decides which modalities and subjects schools offer.
• Foreign certificate: A foreign title usually needs recognition of equivalence from the Ministry of Education before you enrol.

Which modalities can you choose?

Bachillerato lasts two courses. There are four modalities: Ciencias y Tecnología, Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales, Artes and General. Artes has two paths: Artes Plásticas, Imagen y Diseño, and Música y Artes Escénicas.

Regions decide which modalities each school offers. The General modality is offered in few places, so check the schools near you first.

What is compulsory?

Every student takes common subjects:

• Lengua Castellana y Literatura I and II
• The co-official language and literature, where your region has one
• Lengua Extranjera I and II
• Educación Física and Filosofía in first year
• Historia de la Filosofía and Historia de España in second year
• Ciencias Generales in first year, General modality only

On top of that, each modality has its own core subjects. Ciencias y Tecnología includes Matemáticas, Física and Biología. Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales includes Latín, Economía and Matemáticas Aplicadas a las Ciencias Sociales. You then add optional subjects from the school's list, plus a religion option in first year.

Exact lists and hours vary by region, so ask the school for its subject table before you decide.

How much does your choice limit you?

Less than most people fear. Any modality lets you sit the university entrance exam (PAU) and apply to any degree. The PAU has common compulsory parts and optional subjects. Your modality and subjects therefore change your admission mark and how competitive you are, not whether you are eligible.

Any Bachillerato title also gives access to FP Superior (advanced vocational training). Some regions give priority to certain modalities or related branches, so check the region where you will apply.

Weightings are set by each university or region and can change each year. If you already know your degree, pick the modality whose subjects carry the most weight for it.

Can you change modality?

Yes, between first and second year, within the school's and region's rules. First-year subjects with no equivalent in the new modality stay pending and you must pass them. You cannot take a second-year subject without having passed or enrolled in the first-year subject it depends on. Ask the school how it handles this.

How do you get in with a foreign certificate?

Direct access comes with the Spanish ESO title, a Técnico title from FP Grado Medio, or a Técnico in Artes Plásticas y Diseño or Técnico Deportivo. Foreign qualifications also count when they are homologated or recognised as equivalent to ESO. In many cases you need that recognition from the Ministry of Education, so start it early. The documents list below shows what to gather. Requirements for legalisation and translation vary by country and region, so ask the school or your regional education office.

If you have no recognised title, the FP entry test is an alternative route for vocational training. It does not need homologation.

Documents you need

• Your foreign secondary certificate, showing studies equivalent to the Spanish ESO title for Grado Medio or to Bachillerato for Grado Superior.

• Recognition of equivalence or homologation from the Ministry of Education. This is needed in many cases, especially for qualifications from outside the EU or countries without an agreement with Spain.

• A credential from UNED, the national distance university, if you also want university access.

Frequently asked questions

Does my Bachillerato modality limit which university degree I can study?

No, any Bachillerato modality gives you access to any university degree through the PAU, the university entrance exam. Your modality and subjects only affect your admission mark, because each degree gives extra weight to related subjects. Pick subjects linked to the degree you want to be more competitive.

Can I still do FP Superior with any Bachillerato modality?

Yes, any Bachillerato title gives access to FP Superior, but some regions give priority to applicants from a related modality. Ask your regional education department how places are ranked for the course you want.

How do I enter Bachillerato with a foreign secondary certificate?

You can enter directly if your foreign qualification is recognised as equivalent to the Spanish ESO title, either homologated or validated. If you have no recognised title, check with your regional education department which route your school accepts.