Opción B - 5 · Inglés PAU Madrid Ordinaria (2ª lengua) 2018

5.- Write about 150 to 200 words on the following topic: Do you think Spanish university students have to face the same financial problems as their English counterparts? Explain why.

Solución: University education represents a major financial challenge across Europe, though the economic difficulties faced by students in Spain and England differ substantially. On the one hand, English undergraduates incur massive debts due to exorbitant tuition fees, which can exceed £9,000 per year. In addition, living away from home requires heavy maintenance loans that take decades to repay. Consequently, young graduates in the UK begin their professional careers under considerable financial pressure. On the other hand, Spanish public university fees are significantly lower, usually ranging between €1,000 and €2,000 annually. Moreover, a high proportion of Spanish students continue living with their parents during their degrees, which reduces accommodation and living expenses. However, Spain offers fewer well-funded scholarships, and part-time employment opportunities compatible with university schedules are scarce due to high youth unemployment. In conclusion, while Spanish undergraduates do not graduate with devastating loan debts like their English peers, they still suffer from limited financial independence and a precarious job market.