Education in Spain – guide for expats, families, and international students

Spain’s education system blends tradition with modern European standards, making it an attractive choice for families, expats, and students from around the world. From public schools to international academies and top-ranked universities, education in Spain offers flexibility and accessibility at nearly every level.

This guide explains how the Spanish education system works, the options for foreign students, and what you should know about costs, languages, and quality.

Overview of the Spanish education system

Education in Spain is regulated by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (Ministerio de Educación y Formación Profesional). Schooling is compulsory from ages 6 to 16, and divided into clear stages:

The curriculum includes Spanish, math, natural sciences, languages, and cultural studies. Regional governments manage education locally, so the language of instruction may vary in Catalonia, Galicia, or the Basque Country, classes often include both Spanish and regional languages.

Related: Living in Spain

Preschool, primary and secondary education

Public schools in Spain are free, well-structured, and often offer optional English-Spanish bilingual programs. Attendance is mandatory from age 6, but many parents start their children in preschool (educación infantil) much earlier to integrate linguistically and socially.

Private and semi-private (concertado) schools combine public funding with tuition fees, offering smaller classes and often bilingual education.

School year:
Runs from September to June, with a long summer break and shorter Christmas/Easter holidays.
School hours:
Usually 9:00–14:00, with optional afternoon activities or extended daycare.

Related: Working in Spain

International schools in Spain

Spain is home to over 200 international schools, making it a top choice for expat families. These schools follow British, American, International Baccalaureate (IB), or European curriculums, and are found in every major expat hub –  Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Malaga, Marbella, and Palma de Mallorca.

These schools provide smaller class sizes, extracurricular programs, and bilingual teaching. Many expat families choose them to ensure international mobility and smoother university admissions abroad.

Related: Cost of living in Spain

Spanish universities for foreigners

Spain has over 75 public and private universities, several ranking among the top 200 globally (e.g., University of Barcelona, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, University of Navarra).

Tuition fees:

• Public universities: €700–€2,500/year for undergraduate programs.

• Private universities: €5,000–€15,000/year depending on course and institution.

• Master’s degrees: €2,000–€4,000 (public), €6,000–€20,000 (private).

Popular universities for international students:

• University of Barcelona

• Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM)

• Complutense University of Madrid

• University of Valencia

• IE University (Madrid/Segovia, private)

Many offer English-taught degrees in business, law, technology, and hospitality. EU/EEA citizens pay the same fees as locals; non-EU students pay slightly more.

Application process, visas and recognition of degrees

Foreign students from outside the EU need a student visa for programs longer than 90 days.
Typical requirements:

• Proof of admission to a recognized institution.

• Health insurance valid in Spain.

• Financial means to support yourself (~€600–€800/month).

• Proof of accommodation.

If you’re bringing academic qualifications from abroad, you may need to validate (homologar) your degree through the Spanish Ministry of Education.
EU degrees are usually recognized automatically.

Related: Healthcare in Spain

Costs of education and living as a student

Living as a student in Spain is relatively affordable compared to the UK or Northern Europe.
Typical monthly budget: €900–€1,400 depending on city.

• Rent (shared apartment): €350–€600
• Food: €250–€350
• Public transport: €40–€60
• Books & materials: €30–€50
• Entertainment: €100–€150

This is monthly expenses on avarage, read more about the cost of living on Spain here

Education and career opportunities after graduation

Graduates of Spanish universities are well-positioned for international careers, especially within the EU. Many programs include internships (prácticas) that lead directly to employment.

Foreign students can also apply for a post-study residence permit to stay and work in Spain for up to 12 months after graduation, extendable under certain conditions.

Related: Working in Spain

Quick checklist:

• Decide between public, private, or international school.

• Review visa or residency requirements for students.

• Explore tuition fees and scholarship options.

• Prepare health insurance and housing before moving.

• If you are near retirement, read about retirement in Spain here

FAQ – Education in Spain

Is education in Spain free?

Yes, public education is free and compulsory from 6–16 years old. Preschool and university involve small or moderate fees.

Are international schools expensive?

Tuition ranges from €6,000–€18,000 per year depending on curriculum and location.

Can foreign students study at Spanish universities?

Yes. Spain welcomes international students, and many universities offer English-taught programs.

Do schools teach in English?

Public schools teach mainly in Spanish but many regions have bilingual programs. International and private schools often teach in English.

What are the top universities in Spain?

University of Barcelona, UAM, and IE University are among the highest ranked globally.

What is needed for a student visa?

Proof of admission, financial means, valid health insurance, and accommodation details.