The choices after achieving the Bachillerato or Occupational Training become more varied.

1. Firstly there is post secondary occupational training, an extension of the occupational training that takes place from 16-18 years this allows students to further enhance their training to a higher level (grado superior) and lasts either one or two years.

The entrance requirement for post secondary occupational training is either a bachillerato (12 years of schooling), or técnico plus some work experience. Holders of this qualification may enroll at universities in fields related to the trade for which they have been trained, or they may enter the work force.

Leaving Certificate: Técnico Superior (higher technician).

2. University education is a popular choice and there are some 59 universities in Spain, including several Catholic and private institutions of higher education. 

Admission is based on a national university entrance exam (Prueba de Aptitud para a la Universidad). The exam is held each June and due to the huge demand for higher education in Spain and the limited number of places, students with low score may not be admitted to the school of their choice, or even gain university entrance at all.

Programs and Degrees

Stage 1: Short-cycle degree programs that last three years are generally professional in nature. There are two types of short programs:

• Programs leading to the Diplomado (university diploma) are offered at university schools (escuelas universitarias), which are attached to a university. These programs are offered in a wide range of subjects, including fine arts, information technology, library science, nursing, allied health, social work and teaching at the basic education level.
• Programs leading to the Diplomado Ingeniero Técnico (engineering technician) or Diplomado Arquitecto Técnico (architectural technician) are offered at university schools of technical engineering and architecture (escuelas tecnicas universitarias de ingeniería y arquitectura).

Students who successfully complete their short-cycle programs generally do not undertake any further university study. However, if they choose to do so they may be required to complete a one-year adaptation course (Curso de Adaptación) to compensate for any curricular deficiencies in their education. They can then begin studies in Stage II programs in related disciplines leading to the licenciado.

Stages 1 & 2: Long-cycle programs, offered at universities, last between four and six years and lead to a Licenciado (licentiate degree) or a professional degree (for example Ingeniero or Arquitecto). These programs are divided into two cycles. The first cycle lasts two-to-three years and is comprised of general education plus studies in a major field; the second cycle requires two-to-three years of further specialization, ending with the conferral of a licenciado or professional degree.

Licenciado programs require a minimum of four or five years in such disciplines as arts, biological sciences, chemical sciences, economic and business sciences, law, pharmacy, political science and sociology, psychology and mathematical sciences. However, medicine and veterinary medicine each lasts six years.

Professional programs leading to ingeniero or arquitecto degrees in architecture, engineering and related fields require five-to-six years of study.

Master's Degrees in Business

Several universities and business schools currently offer master's programs in business administration. There are several bilingual and English-language programs, and some business degrees are being offered jointly with the traditional licenciado. Although some of these programs are not formally recognized by the Ministry of Education, many enjoy solid international reputations.

Stage 3: Students who wish to go on for a Doctorado must hold a licenciado degree or arquitecto or ingeniero. Doctoral programs generally require two years of further study and consist of both coursework and a dissertation.