Classes in Catalan, Valencian, Basque or Galician at university

Key rules

• Check per subject: Language of teaching varies by degree and by subject, so check each one.
• Spanish groups: Spanish-language groups often exist, but may be limited or full, especially in Catalonia.
• Exams: You can usually answer in Spanish, except in language subjects or where a specific language is required.

Some of your classes may not be in Spanish

Regional universities teach partly in the co-official language, so check the language subject by subject. The share of teaching in that language differs by university and by degree.

Where this applies

• Catalonia: Catalan, and Aranese in the Val d'Aran. Examples are the Universitat de Barcelona, UAB, UPF and UPC.
• Balearic Islands: Catalan, at the UIB.
• Valencian Community: Valencian, a form of Catalan, at the Universitat de València.
• Basque Country and Navarre: Basque, at the UPV/EHU.
• Galicia: Galician, at the universities of Santiago de Compostela, Vigo and A Coruña.

Choosing a Spanish-language group

Often you can, but it depends on the university and the degree. At most universities in these regions you pick between Spanish and co-official-language groups when you enrol. The share of Spanish groups varies. In some degrees, especially in Catalonia, almost all classes are in Catalan, and the Spanish groups may be few or full. Check the group language offer for your degree before you apply.

Exams and written work

You can generally answer in Spanish, even when the class is taught in Catalan, Basque or Galician. Universities in these regions normally recognise your right to use either official language in exams and coursework.

There are exceptions. Language and philology subjects, or any subject that requires a specific language, may not allow it. Exams are usually written in the language of the course, though some lecturers accept either. Read your university's language policy.

How to find the language of each subject

Look for the guía docente, the course guide for each subject. It is on the university website or the degree page. Many show a language field for each subject and group. The timetable and the enrolment system (matrícula) often label groups by language too. Check the plan de estudios and the guides for the year you plan to start. Format and detail differ by university.

The questions below cover the most common doubts.

Frequently asked questions

Can I choose a Spanish-language group at a university in Catalonia, Galicia or Valencia?

Generally yes, but it depends on the university and degree. Most universities in these regions let you pick between Spanish and co-official language groups when you enrol. In some degrees, especially in Catalonia, nearly all classes are in Catalan, and Spanish groups can be limited or full.

Can I take exams and hand in work in Spanish if the class is taught in Catalan or Basque?

Yes, you can normally answer in Spanish even when the class is taught in the co-official language, except in language and philology subjects or where the subject needs a specific language. Exams are usually set in the language of the course, though some lecturers allow either. Check the university's language policy for your degree.

Where can I find out which language each subject is taught in?

Look at the guía docente (course guide) or ficha de asignatura for each subject on the degree page. It often has a language field per subject and per group. The timetable or enrolment system (matrícula) usually labels groups by language too, so check the guides for the year you want.

Which universities teach partly in a co-official language?

Universities in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, the Valencian Community, the Basque Country, Navarre and Galicia do. Examples are the Universitat de Barcelona, the Universitat de València, the UPV/EHU and the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. The share taught in that language varies by degree and university.