What are the differences between a master's degree and a maestría?

When exploring postgraduate studies, many professionals and recent graduates face a common question: is a master’s degree the same as a maestría? Although both concepts represent the same academic level—the second cycle of higher education—their meaning varies depending on the region. Understanding these differences is essential to choosing the program that best fits your professional and academic goals.
According to the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), the master’s degree is part of a system designed to harmonize university education across Europe, while the term maestría is commonly used in Latin America.

What is a master’s degree?

A master’s degree belongs to the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), an initiative that unifies academic standards across 49 countries to ensure degree comparability and student mobility.
This qualification corresponds to the second university cycle, after a bachelor’s degree and before a doctorate, with a duration ranging from 60 to 120 ECTS credits, equivalent to one or two academic years.
In Spain, there are two main types: official master’s degrees and university-specific master’s degrees, differentiated by their legal recognition and professional orientation.

Official master’s degree

The Official Master’s Degree is a program accredited by the National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation (ANECA) and approved by the government. It has academic and professional validity across the entire EHEA, allowing access to doctoral studies and public sector exams.

University-specific master’s degree

The University-Specific Master’s Degree is a qualification awarded directly by a university under its own autonomy. It does not have official state recognition, but it offers practical and up-to-date training, highly valued for its connection to the business world and immediate employability.
The MBA in Healthcare and Pharma is an example of a university-specific master’s degree focused on developing managerial and strategic skills, key to boosting the careers of professionals in leadership roles.

What is a maestría?

In Latin America, the term maestría refers to the postgraduate level of study that follows a bachelor’s degree. Its usual duration is two years, divided into four academic semesters.
Unlike Europe, where the ECTS credit system is used, each Latin American country regulates its own educational model and requirements. For example, Ministries of Education define credit load, academic focus, and accreditation processes.
Maestrías are generally divided into two main types:

Professional (Applied) maestría

Designed to expand applied knowledge and improve professional skills, with a focus on workplace performance.

Research (Academic) maestría

Designed to develop research skills and prepare students for doctoral studies or academic teaching.
Both represent the same academic level, but with different purposes depending on the student’s goals.

What do you need to study a master’s or maestría?

The main requirement to access a master’s degree or maestría is holding an undergraduate university degree (bachelor’s degree). This qualification must be accredited and, if obtained abroad, legalized or apostilled for international recognition.
Other common requirements include:

• Academic transcript with a minimum grade, usually above 8.0/10.
• Previous professional experience, especially in executive or professional programs.
• Admission tests or interviews to assess the candidate’s profile.
• Properly validated administrative documentation.

These criteria ensure that students have the necessary competencies to successfully complete a high-level academic program.

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Key differences

Although both terms refer to the same educational level, the differences between a master’s degree and a maestría are mainly geographical and regulatory.