University degrees
From Law to Veterinary Medicine, university degrees are studied at universities in different Spanish-speaking countries. In Mexico many are called licenciaturas and in Spain, grados.
If you already know you want to go to university but not which degree, start with the area that attracts you most: health, engineering, art, social sciences…
What university degrees have in common
A university degree usually combines theoretical subjects, practical work and exams, and in many you have to do a final project or internships before graduating. It is usually a longer and broader path than a technical or tertiary degree, which focuses more on a specific trade. What each qualification is called and how long it lasts changes from one country to another.
Each country has its own rules about which institutions can award university degrees, how to get in and how long the degree lasts. What is always the same is that studying at university requires organizing your time, reading a lot and studying on your own. To confirm what applies in your country, check your country's official government site: for example, that of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities of Spain or that of the Ministry of Education of Colombia.
University degrees
Business and economics
Managing, accounting, selling, managing resources: degrees for those who enjoy organizing teams, understanding how money moves or building their own project. See all business and economics degrees.
Health
Caring for, healing and understanding people's body and mind, or researching how they work. Many combine theoretical classes with practical training in care centers. See all health degrees.
Engineering
Designing, building and improving things: from buildings and machines to energy systems. In many, mathematics and physics carry a lot of weight. See all engineering degrees.
Technology and computing
Programming, analyzing data and designing systems: for those who spend hours with code or apps and want to know how they work inside. See all technology and computing degrees.
Sciences
Wondering how the world works and looking for the answer methodically: mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geology. See all science degrees.
Social sciences and humanities
Understanding people, history, and society. Many involve a lot of reading, writing, and debating. Check out all the degrees in social sciences and humanities.
Art and design
Creating works, images, spaces, and objects. Many are learned by doing, with your own projects, and several require a test or a portfolio to get in. Check out all the art degrees and design degrees.
Education and communication
Teaching others, or communicating and sharing messages. Many involve working with people and with words. Check out all the education degrees and communication degrees.
Law, security, agriculture and environment
Two different areas: law and security on one hand, the countryside and the environment on the other. Check out all the law and security degrees and agriculture and environment degrees.
Tourism, gastronomy and transportation
Hotels, cooking, travel, aviation, and ships: degrees for those who enjoy service, movement, and organizing trips, meals, or shipments. Check out all the tourism and gastronomy degrees and aviation and transportation degrees.
Where to study university degrees
If you're looking for another university, check the complete directory of institutions.
Universidad de Chile (UChile)Santiago · Public
Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC)Mexicali · Public
Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP)La Plata · Public
Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes (UAA)Aguascalientes · Public
Universidad del Salvador (USal)Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires · Private
Universidad Antonio Nariño (UAN)Bogotá · Private
Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez (UACJ)Ciudad Juárez · Public
Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano (UTadeo)Bogotá · PrivateHow to choose between them
Start with what you do when no one asks you to: if you read about science, if you make programs or videos, if you help your friends with their problems, if you organize the group trip, or if you fix things at home. That clue helps you choose the area before the degree.
Then think about which school subjects feel easy to you or make you curious, and which ones you avoid. An engineering degree usually has a lot of math; a social sciences degree, a lot of reading and writing. You don't have to like everything, but it helps to know what you'll be spending your time on.
If you're deciding between Architecture and Civil Engineering, or between Psychology and Medicine, compare the subjects in each one and the admission requirements. The career test can give you a first idea of where to start.
To read before choosing
Frequently asked questions
What is a university degree?
It is a degree studied at a university and ends with a university degree. The exact name of the degree and the rules for awarding it depend on each country.
How is it different from a technical or tertiary degree?
Technical and tertiary degrees are usually more focused on learning a trade or a specific specialty, and university degrees have a broader path. What they are called and how valid they are varies by country, so check the official information for yours.
How long do university degrees last?
Medicine, Dentistry or Pharmacy are usually among the longest, while Programmer Analyst or Business Management are closer to the short ones; most of the others have a similar length to each other.
Can I study a university degree remotely?
It depends on the program. Some institutions offer distance or blended learning and others require in-person attendance, especially when there are internships. Check the format at each institution.
How do I know if a program is recognized in my country?
Look for it in the official registry of programs or on your country's ministry of education website, and ask the institution itself about its status. Do this before enrolling.
What if I don't know which degree to choose?
Start with the area that appeals to you most and read the profiles of some degrees. Read what subjects they include and, in the interviews, what day-to-day life is like for those who study them. Comparing two or three helps you narrow it down.