University programmes for over-55s (programas universitarios para mayores)

Key rules

• No exam: You do not sit an entrance exam, and you normally need no prior qualification.
• Not a degree: These are non-degree courses, so you do not earn an official qualification.
• Own rules: Each university sets its own age limit, fees and teaching language, so check the specific programme.
• Spanish level: There is usually no language certificate, but you need enough Spanish to follow lectures.

What these programmes are

Spanish universities run study programmes for older adults. They are not degrees. You attend lectures, earn no official qualification, and you do not sit an entrance exam. You may also see them called "aulas de la experiencia". Each university sets its own age limit, fees and language, so the details change from one programme to the next.

Age limits

Most programmes ask for a minimum age of 50 or 55. A few set it at 45 or 60. You normally need no prior qualification, and there is generally no upper age limit.

If you are younger, ask anyway. Some universities make exceptions for people who are retired, pre-retired or on a disability pension. Some also admit the spouse or partner of an enrolled student.

Language

Lessons are mainly in Spanish. Where a region has its own official language (Catalan, Basque, Galician, Valencian), they may be in that language, or in both.

There is usually no Spanish exam or certificate. Even so, you need enough Spanish to follow a lecture, so plan on a working or intermediate level. A few universities offer courses in English or programmes for foreign residents. Some also run separate Spanish classes. Ask the programme office what exists near you.

Cost

These programmes are usually cheap compared with a degree. The price depends on how many years and credits the course has, and on whether it is a full multi-year cycle or a short course. Enrolment is often charged separately from tuition. Many universities give reduced rates to pensioners or people on low incomes. Ask the university's senior programme office for the current price.

How to find one

1. Look at the websites of public universities in the area where you live.
2. Search for the senior programme, often listed under "mayores" or "aulas de la experiencia".
3. Ask the office about age, fees, language and the enrolment dates.

The questions below cover the most common doubts.

Frequently asked questions

Can I join a senior programme if I am younger than 55?

Yes, sometimes, because some programmes set the minimum age at 50 and a few at 45, and others make exceptions. Exceptions are often made for people who are retired, pre-retired or on a disability pension, or who are the spouse or partner of an enrolled student.

Do I need to speak Spanish to follow a senior programme?

Yes, you need a working or intermediate level of Spanish, although there is usually no formal exam or certificate. Classes are mainly in Spanish, or in the regional language such as Catalan, Basque, Galician or Valencian, and sometimes in both.

How much does a senior university programme cost?

It usually costs much less than a degree, but the exact price depends on the university and region. Fees vary with the number of years and credits, and with whether it is a full multi-year cycle or a short course. Enrolment is often charged separately from tuition, and many places give reduced rates to pensioners or people on low income.