Mathematics Schools and Programs in Spain

Mathematics Studies in Spain

A mathematics degree in Spain trains students in abstract reasoning and in the tools used to model and solve problems in science, engineering, finance and technology. The core subjects are algebra, calculus and analysis, geometry and topology, probability and statistics, differential equations and numerical methods, together with computing tools for mathematics. The UNED describes the aim as developing analytical and abstraction skills, intuition and rigorous logical thinking.

How the degree is organised

The bachelor's degree (grado en Matemáticas) has 240 ECTS credits, normally four years, and ends with a final project (Trabajo Fin de Grado); at the UNED the project is worth 15 credits. The first year covers basic training such as linear algebra, calculus and discrete mathematics; later years add probability, numerical methods, modelling and optional subjects. After the bachelor's, official master's degrees of 60, 90 or 120 credits lead to a doctorate, and many students specialise in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics or data science at this level.

A search of the Ministry's Register of Universities, Centres and Degrees (RUCT) for bachelor's degrees with "Matemáticas" in the title returns 47 records. Besides the classic degree there are combined degrees such as mathematics and computer science at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, mathematics and data science at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, and mathematics and computing (also titled Mathematics and Computing) at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, as well as statistics degrees.

Where to study mathematics

Almost every public university in Spain teaches mathematics. Examples of universities in our directory with the degree listed in the RUCT:

• Madrid: Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (Getafe campus), plus the UNED, the national distance-learning university
• Barcelona: Universitat de Barcelona, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, whose Facultat de Matemàtiques i Estadística also runs an interuniversity statistics degree with the Universitat de Barcelona
• Andalusia: Universidad de Granada, Universidad de Sevilla and Universidad de Cádiz
• Elsewhere: Universidad de Valladolid, Universidad de Zaragoza, Universidad del País Vasco, Universidad de Cantabria, Universitat de València and Universidad de La Laguna in Tenerife

Teaching is mainly in Spanish; in Catalonia, the Valencian region, the Basque Country and Galicia part of the degree can be taught in the co-official language. The UNED's distance degree is an option for students who work or live outside Spain.

Admission, fees and recognition

Students who finished secondary school outside Spain usually apply through UNEDasiss, the UNED service that assesses international students' records and runs the tests needed to enter Spanish bachelor's degrees. Public prices are set per credit by each region: at the UPC in 2026-27 a first-time credit in a bachelor's degree costs 17.69 €, or 30.00 € for non-resident students who are not EU nationals.

Holders of a foreign bachelor's degree from outside the European Higher Education Area can be admitted to a Spanish master's without homologación, after the university checks the level of their degree. A declaración de equivalencia certifies the academic level of a foreign degree; homologación is only needed for regulated professions.

Careers

Mathematicians work in data analysis and statistics, software and IT, banking, insurance and finance, consulting, engineering and research. Teaching is a common route: secondary school teaching is a regulated profession in Spain and requires, in addition to the degree, an official 60-credit master's in teacher training (Máster de Formación del Profesorado). Academic research careers go through a master's and a doctorate.

Frequently asked questions

How long is a mathematics degree in Spain?

The bachelor's degree has 240 ECTS credits, normally four years, including a final project. A master's adds one or two years.

Can I study mathematics online in Spain?

Yes. The UNED, Spain's public distance-learning university, offers an official bachelor's degree in mathematics, with tutoring and a published exam calendar.

Can I teach mathematics in a Spanish secondary school with a mathematics degree?

Not with the degree alone. Secondary teaching is a regulated profession, so you also need the 60-credit master's in teacher training; with a foreign degree you need its homologación.

Are there mathematics degrees taught in English?

Few. Most degrees are taught in Spanish or a co-official language; some combined degrees, such as the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid's mathematics and computing degree, carry an English title, so check the language of instruction with each university.