In Spanish, escuela, colegio, and universidad all relate to places of learning, but they refer to different types and levels of education. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Escuela: A general word for "school," usually referring to primary (elementary) education.
- Colegio: Often a private or specialized school; can cover primary and secondary education.
- Universidad: A university; a place for higher education and obtaining degrees.
These distinctions help you choose the right word depending on the educational stage and context.
Escuela
Use escuela to refer to a general school, especially for young children in elementary or primary grades.
- Refers primarily to elementary or primary school.
- Can be a public or private institution.
- Used broadly; sometimes combined with location (e.g., "escuela rural").
Example:
- Mi hermana va a la escuela todos los días.*
“My sister goes to school every day.”
Colegio
Colegio usually refers to a school that covers a wider range of grades, often including secondary education. It’s commonly used for private or specialized schools but can also be public.
- Commonly private or specialized (e.g., religious schools).
- Covers primary and secondary education.
- Students might wear uniforms.
- In some countries, “colegio” is the standard term for high school.
Example:
- Estudio en un colegio bilingüe.*
“I study at a bilingual school.”
Complete the Spanish sentence with the correct vocabulary word: "I study at a bilingual ___."
Estudio en un colegio bilingüe.
'Colegio' is used here because it refers to a school that may cover primary and secondary education and can be bilingual or specialized.
Universidad
Universidad means university, the institution for higher education where students pursue degrees.
- Offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
- Includes a wide range of academic fields and research.
- Students are usually young adults.
- It's the equivalent of “college” or “university” in English.
Example:
- Voy a la universidad para estudiar medicina.*
“I’m going to university to study medicine.”
Summary Table
| Spanish Word | English Equivalent | Typical Education Level | Common Context | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| escuela | school (elementary) | Primary/Elementary | General, public or private schools for young children | Mi hijo va a la escuela cerca de casa. |
| colegio | school (private/specialized) | Primary & Secondary | Private, religious, or specialized schools; may have uniforms | Mi prima estudia en un colegio católico. |
| universidad | university | Higher Education | Colleges and universities for degrees | Estudio en la universidad de mi ciudad. |
Which Spanish word refers specifically to higher education institutions, where students pursue degrees?
universidad
'Universidad' means university, where students go for degrees beyond secondary education.
Regional Notes
- In Latin America, “colegio” is commonly used for what English speakers call high school, while “escuela” is more for younger students.
- In Spain, “escuela” is for primary levels, “instituto” is used for secondary education (instead of “colegio”), and “universidad” remains the same.
- Regardless of region, “universidad” consistently means university.
Quick Tips
- When talking about young children going to school, escuela is your safest bet.
- If the school is private, religious, or offers education beyond primary, colegio is likely correct.
- For anything beyond high school—college, degrees, etc.—use universidad.
Understanding these differences will help you sound more natural and precise when discussing education in Spanish.
Flashcards (1 of 3)
- Typical Education Level: Primary/Elementary
- Common Context: General, public or private schools for young children
- Example: Mi hijo va a la escuela cerca de casa.
- English Equivalent: school (elementary)
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
