RU
Blog
Work
Property
Business
Dream Programs
Education
Medicine
Education in Spain
A complete guide for parents and students
Start Your Dream
Popular
The Spanish education system is recognized as one of the most progressive and inclusive in Europe. The country invests about 4.3% of its GDP in education, which ensures high-quality learning at all levels — from kindergarten to university. Spain attracts families from all over the world not only with its wonderful climate but also with excellent opportunities for children’s development.

Why do parents choose Spanish education?

The Spanish education system is built on the principles of humanism and an individual approach to each child. There is no cult of grades and harsh competition here — instead, the focus is on the all-round development of personality, creative abilities, and social skills.

Why do parents choose Spanish education?

The Spanish education system is built on the principles of humanism and an individual approach to each child. There is no cult of grades and harsh competition here — instead, the focus is on the all-round development of personality, creative abilities, and social skills.

Key advantages:

  • Multicultural environment — children grow up in an international atmosphere

  • Personalized approach — teachers work with each child individually

  • No school fees for “curtains” or other classroom needs

  • Inclusive education — support for children with special needs

  • Emotional well-being — priority is the child’s psychological comfort

  • Flexibility of the system — the possibility to enroll at any time of the year

Structure of the Spanish education system

Structure of the Spanish education system

Preschool education (Educación Infantil) — 0–6 years

First cycle (0–3 years):
  • Not compulsory
  • Nurseries (guarderías) or family centers
  • Development of basic skills and socialization
  • Cost: €150–400/month (public), €300–800 (private)
Second cycle (3–6 years):
  • Free education in public schools
  • Preparation for primary school
  • Learning basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic
  • Development of creative abilities

Primary education (Educación Primaria) — 6–12 years

Primary school is compulsory and free in public institutions. Education is divided into three cycles of two years each.
Features of primary education:
  • Small classes — maximum 25 students
  • Integrated learning — subjects are studied in connection with each other
  • Project-based learning — children work on real tasks
  • Stress-free grading — no numerical grades until 3rd grade
  • Foreign languages — English from 1st grade, often a second language from 3rd grade
Subjects:
  • Spanish language and literature
  • Mathematics
  • Natural sciences
  • Social sciences
  • Foreign language (English)
  • Art education
  • Physical education
  • Regional language (Catalan, Basque, Galician)

Secondary education (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria — ESO) — 12–16 years

ESO is a compulsory stage of education and lasts 4 years. Upon completion, students receive a diploma of secondary education.
Structure of ESO:
  • 1st and 2nd years — general education subjects
  • 3rd and 4th years — elective subjects are introduced
  • Individual tracks — academic or applied profile
New subjects in ESO:
  • Physics and Chemistry
  • Biology and Geology
  • Geography and History
  • Second foreign language
  • Technology and programming
  • Music and visual arts

Bachillerato — 16–18 years

This stage is optional, but it is important for university admission. It lasts 2 years and offers specialization in specific areas.
Bachillerato tracks:
  • Natural sciences — for future doctors, engineers, scientists
  • Humanities — for philologists, historians, psychologists
  • Social and economic sciences — for economists, lawyers, sociologists
  • Arts — for designers, artists, architects

Types of schools in Spain

Types of schools in Spain

Public schools (Colegios Públicos)

Advantages:
  • Completely free education — no hidden fees
  • High standards — strict quality control by the state
  • Multicultural environment — children from different social backgrounds and countries
  • Excellent teachers — high qualification requirements
  • Modern equipment — regular investments in technology
What free education includes:
  • All textbooks up to 12 years old (the “book bank” program)
  • School supplies
  • Excursions and educational trips
  • Clubs and extracurricular activities
  • School buses (in rural areas)
Features:
  • Teaching in Spanish (+ regional language)
  • English as a foreign language
  • Secular education
  • Inclusive approach for children with special needs

Semi-public schools (Colegios Concertados)

Private schools receiving state funding. They combine the advantages of public and private education.
Features:
  • Low cost — €100–300/month
  • Small classes — 20–25 students
  • Religious or pedagogical concepts — Catholic, Montessori, Waldorf
  • Additional programs — extended language learning, sports, arts
  • Selective admission — the ability to choose students
Additional expenses:
  • School uniform: €100–200 per year
  • Meals: €100–150 per month
  • Extracurricular activities: €50–100 per month
  • Excursions: €200–500 per year

Private schools (Colegios Privados)

Fully private institutions offering premium education.
Advantages:
  • Small classes — 12–20 students
  • Individual approach — personalized learning programs
  • Multilingual education — English, French, German
  • Modern infrastructure — laboratories, sports complexes, theaters
  • International programs — IB, Cambridge, French Baccalaureate
Cost of private schools:
  • Economy segment: €300–600 per month
  • Mid-range: €600–1200 per month
  • Premium segment: €1200–2500 per month
Additional expenses in private schools:
  • Admission fee: €1000–5000
  • Textbooks and materials: €300–800 per year
  • School uniform: €200–500 per year
  • Meals: €150–250 per month
  • School bus: €100–200 per month
  • Extracurricular activities: €100–300 per month

Languages of instruction in Spanish schools

Languages of instruction in Spanish schools

Spanish schools
  • Main language: Spanish
  • English: from grade 1, 3–5 hours per week
  • Second foreign language: French, German, Portuguese (from age 12)
Bilingual schools
  • 50/50: half of the subjects in Spanish, half in English
  • CLIL programs: studying science, mathematics, arts in English
  • Regional languages: Catalan, Basque as a second main language
International schools
  • Entirely in English: American School, British School
  • International Baccalaureate (IB): programs in English or Spanish
  • French lycées: education in French
  • German schools: Deutsche Schule with German language instruction

Best schools by cities in Spain

Best schools by cities in Spain

Public Schools:
  • CEIP Ramón y Cajal — innovative teaching methods
  • IES San Patricio — strong university preparation
  • CEIP Miguel de Cervantes — bilingual program
Private Schools:
  • Colegio San Patricio — prestigious private school (€1500-2000/month)
  • International School of Madrid — IB programs (€1800-2200/month)
  • American School of Madrid — American system (€1600-2000/month)
  • British Council School — British curriculum (€1400-1800/month)

Adaptation of Foreign Students

The Spanish education system is renowned for excellent adaptation programs for immigrant children. No matter the age or time of year a child enters school, full support is guaranteed.

Adaptation of Foreign Students

The Spanish education system is renowned for excellent adaptation programs for immigrant children. No matter the age or time of year a child enters school, full support is guaranteed.

Language Adaptation Programs

Aulas de Enlace (Madrid):
  • Special classes for learning Spanish
  • Gradual integration into regular classes
  • Psychological support
  • Cultural adaptation
Aulas de Acogida (Catalonia):
  • Intensive study of Catalan and Spanish
  • Cultural mediators
  • Family support
  • Individual adaptation plans
PASE Programs (Education System Adaptation Program):
  • Available in all autonomous communities
  • Free Spanish courses for children and parents
  • Psychological assistance
  • Academic support

Teacher Support

Spanish teachers receive special training to work with foreign students:

Teacher Support

Spanish teachers receive special training to work with foreign students:

  • Multicultural pedagogy — understanding different education systems

  • Teaching Spanish as a foreign language

  • Adaptation psychology — addressing children’s emotional needs

  • Family work — support not only for children but also for parents

School Transport and Meals

School Transport and Meals

School Buses

In Public Schools:
  • Free buses for children living far from school (usually more than 2 km)
  • Safe routes with supervisors
  • Modern buses with safety systems
  • Insurance for all passengers
In Private Schools:
  • Extensive route network throughout the city
  • Cost: €80-200/month
  • Comfortable buses with air conditioning
  • Monitors to oversee children

School Meals

Public Schools:
  • Canteens with full meals
  • Cost: €90-120/month
  • Menu designed by nutritionists
  • Consideration of allergies and special diets
  • Discounts available for low-income families
Private Schools:
  • Own kitchens with diverse menus
  • Cost: €120-200/month
  • Organic products
  • International cuisine
  • Vegetarian and vegan options

Extracurricular Activities

Spanish schools offer rich extracurricular programs, included in public school tuition and available for an additional fee in private schools.

Extracurricular Activities

Spanish schools offer rich extracurricular programs, included in public school tuition and available for an additional fee in private schools.
Sports Sections:
  • Football — the most popular sport
  • Basketball — strong female and male teams
  • Swimming — available in schools with pools
  • Tennis — popular in private schools
  • Judo and Karate — discipline development
  • Athletics — preparation for competitions
Creative Clubs:
  • Theater studios — artistic development
  • Music ensembles — choirs, orchestras, rock bands
  • Visual arts — painting, sculpture, design
  • Dance studios — from flamenco to modern dances
  • Literature clubs — writing skills development
STEM Activities:
  • Robotics — programming and building robots
  • Programming — learning various coding languages
  • Science labs — experiments and research
  • Astronomy clubs — space exploration
  • Environmental projects — caring for the environment

Higher Education in Spain

Spain is one of the most popular destinations for international students in Europe. Spanish universities offer high-quality education at affordable prices.

Higher Education in Spain

Spain is one of the most popular destinations for international students in Europe. Spanish universities offer high-quality education at affordable prices.

Bachelor’s Degree (Grado) — 4 years:

  • 240 ECTS credits
  • Wide range of majors
  • Practical internships
  • Thesis project

Master’s Degree (Máster) — 1-2 years:

  • 60-120 ECTS credits
  • Specialization in a chosen field
  • Research projects
  • Master’s thesis

Doctorate (Doctorado) — 3-5 years:

  • Research work
  • Academic publications
  • Thesis defense
  • International internships

Best Universities in Spain

Best Universities in Spain

  • Oldest university in Spain (founded 1499)
  • Strong humanities programs
  • Tuition: €800-1500/year for EU citizens
  • Tuition: €4000-8000/year for non-EU citizens

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and Grants

Government Scholarships:
  • Becas del Ministerio — up to €6000/year
  • Becas Erasmus+ — for exchange programs
  • Becas de Excelencia — for outstanding students
Regional Scholarships:
  • Programs from autonomous communities
  • Support for talented students
  • Social grants
University Scholarships:
  • Academic scholarships
  • Sports scholarships
  • Scholarships for international students

Business Schools and MBA Programs

Spain is home to some of the best business schools in the world.

Business Schools and MBA Programs

Spain is home to some of the best business schools in the world. Top Business Schools:

IE Business School (Madrid):

  • Ranking: top 10 worldwide (Financial Times)
  • MBA program: €89,000
  • Executive MBA: €95,000
  • International recognition

IESE Business School (Barcelona):

  • Affiliated with University of Navarra
  • MBA program: €93,500
  • Strong executive program
  • Global alumni network

ESADE Business School (Barcelona):

  • Top 15 worldwide
  • MBA program: €85,000
  • Specialization in innovation
  • Dual degree programs

EAE Business School:

  • Campuses in Madrid and Barcelona
  • MBA program: €25,000-45,000
  • Affordable tuition
  • Practical orientation

Language Schools

Learning Spanish

Language Schools

Learning Spanish
Instituto Cervantes:

  • Official institution promoting Spanish
  • Schools across Spain
  • International DELE and SIELE certificates
  • Tuition: €200-400 for a 4-week course
Private Language Schools:

  • Enforex — network of schools across Spain (€180-350/week)
  • don Quijote — immersive programs (€200-400/week)
  • Academia Iria Flavia — personalized courses (€150-300/week)

Language Camps for Children

Language Camps for Children

Summer Camps:

  • Combination of language learning and leisure
  • Sports and creative activities
  • Accommodation with families or in residences
  • Cost: €800-1500 for 2 weeks
Year-Round Programs:

  • Study in Spanish schools with language support
  • Cultural events
  • Excursions and trips
  • Cost: €500-1000/month

Features of Regional Education Systems

Features of Regional Education Systems

  • Catalan as main language of instruction
  • Immersive Catalan learning programs
  • International orientation — many programs in English
  • Innovative methods — project-based learning

Admission to Spanish Educational Institutions

Admission to Spanish Educational Institutions

Documents for School:

  • Child’s passport
  • Vaccination certificate
  • Academic transcripts from previous school
  • Translations of documents into Spanish
  • NIE (Foreigner Identification Number)

Enrollment Procedure:

  1. Application submission to selected schools
  2. Preliminary assessment of child’s level
  3. Interview with child and parents
  4. Placement in class according to age and level
  5. Organization of adaptation support

Application Deadlines:

  • Public schools: March–May for next academic year
  • Private schools: year-round, best before May
  • Emergency cases: admission possible anytime

Education Costs — Detailed Overview

Education Costs — Detailed Overview

Public Schools (completely free):

  • Tuition: €0
  • Textbooks: €0 (up to age 12)
  • School supplies: €0
  • Excursions: €0
  • Extracurriculars: €0
Additional Costs:
  • Meals: €90-120/month
  • School uniform (if required): €50-100/year
  • Personal supplies: €50-100/year

Semi-Private Schools:

  • Monthly fee: €100-300
  • Admission fee: €200-1000
  • Textbooks: €200-400/year
  • Meals: €100-150/month
  • Uniform: €100-200/year
  • Bus: €50-100/month

Private Schools:

  • Economy Segment (€300-600/month): small schools, basic infrastructure, standard program
  • Mid-Segment (€600-1200/month): good infrastructure, extra languages, sports & creative programs
  • Premium Segment (€1200-2500/month): elite international schools, IB/American/British systems, excellent facilities, small classes (10-15 students)

University Education — Costs and Opportunities

Public Universities:

University Education — Costs and Opportunities

Public Universities:
For EU citizens:
  • Bachelor’s: €700-1600/year
  • Master’s: €1000-3000/year
  • Doctorate: €300-800/year
For non-EU citizens:
  • Bachelor’s: €3500-8000/year
  • Master’s: €4000-12000/year
  • Doctorate: €1000-3000/year
Private Universities:
  • Bachelor’s: €8000-20000/year
  • Master’s: €12000-35000/year
  • MBA: €25000-95000/program

Accommodation and Additional Student Expenses

Accommodation and Additional Student Expenses

Student Housing:

  • University residences: €300-600/month
  • Private residences: €500-900/month
  • Shared apartments: €250-500/month (per room)
  • Homestay: €400-700/month
Student Housing:

  • University residences: €300-600/month
  • Private residences: €500-900/month
  • Shared apartments: €250-500/month (per room)
  • Homestay: €400-700/month

International Student Support System

International Student Support System

University International Offices:
  • Document assistance
  • Orientation programs
  • Language support
  • Cultural adaptation
  • Visa consultations
Mentorship Programs:
  • Buddy System — mentor student for every foreigner
  • Language exchange with Spanish students
  • Cultural events and excursions
Special Services:
  • Psychological support
  • Career counseling
  • Job search assistance
  • Legal advice

Recognition of Foreign Diplomas

Recognition of Foreign Diplomas

Homologación Procedure:

  • Submission of documents to Ministry of Education
  • Translation and legalization (apostille)
  • Evaluation of equivalence to Spanish system
  • Issuance of recognition certificate

Required Documents:

  • Diploma with apostille
  • Academic transcript with grades
  • Spanish translations
  • Passport and NIE
  • Curriculum description

Time and Cost:

  • Duration: 6-12 months
  • Cost: €150-400
  • Expedited processing possible

Career Orientation and Employment

Career Orientation and Employment

Education–Labor Market Connection:
  • Mandatory internships
  • Career centers in universities
  • Job fairs with employers
  • Internships in international companies
In-Demand Professions:
  • IT and programming — high demand, good salaries
  • Engineering — especially renewable energy
  • Medicine and healthcare — stable growth
  • Tourism and hospitality — traditionally strong
  • Finance and banking — international opportunities
Average Graduate Salaries:
  • Engineers: €28,000-45,000/year
  • IT specialists: €25,000-50,000/year
  • Doctors: €30,000-60,000/year
  • Economists: €22,000-40,000/year
  • Lawyers: €24,000-45,000/year

Education for Children with Special Needs

Education for Children with Special Needs

Inclusive Education:

Spain is a leader in inclusive education. Children with special needs are integrated into regular classes with support.
Support Includes:
  • Special teachers (PT and AL) in every school
  • Adapted learning plans
  • Assistive technologies
  • Psychological support
  • Family involvement

Types of Support:

  • Speech therapy
  • Psycho-pedagogical assistance
  • Adapted materials
  • Extra time in exams
  • Alternative assessment methods

Specialized Centers:

  • CEE (Special Education Centers) — for severe disabilities
  • Aulas Enclave — special classes in mainstream schools
  • Early intervention centers — for children aged 0-6

Summer Programs and Holidays

Summer Programs and Holidays

School Holidays in Spain:

  • Christmas: December 23 – January 7 (2 weeks)
  • Easter: 1 week in March/April
  • Summer: June 20 – September 10 (almost 3 months)
  • Regional holidays: additional days

Summer Camps (Campamentos):

Day Camps:
  • Cost: €80-150/week
  • Programs: sports, arts, science
  • Hours: 9:00-17:00
  • Meals included
Residential Camps:
  • Cost: €300-600/week
  • Programs: adventure, languages, sports
  • Duration: 1-4 weeks
  • Full accommodation provided

Educational Trips:

  • Language camps abroad
  • Scientific expeditions
  • Cultural exchanges
  • Sports camps and tournaments

Digital Technologies in Education

Digital Technologies in Education

Digitalization Program:

Spain is actively implementing modern technologies:
  • Digital textbooks and interactive materials
  • Tablets and laptops for every student
  • Interactive whiteboards in every classroom
  • Educational platforms and apps
  • Virtual reality for history and science learning
Programming and STEM:

  • Robotics from primary school
  • Programming as a compulsory subject
  • 3D modeling and printing
  • Artificial intelligence in high school
  • Bioinformatics and data analysis

Parent Communities and Support

Parent Communities and Support

AMPA (Parent Associations):

  • Parent associations in every school
  • Participation in decision-making
  • Event organization
  • Family support
  • Problem-solving
Support for Foreign Families:

  • Multicultural parent groups
  • Translation services at meetings
  • Cultural mediators for conflict resolution
  • Info sessions in different languages
  • Support groups for adaptation

Our Services: Dream Education — Your Path to Quality Education in Spain

We help families and students access the best education in Spain:

Our Services: Dream Education — Your Path to Quality Education in Spain

We help families and students access the best education in Spain:

🏫 School Enrollment

Public Schools:

  1. Consulting on choosing district and school
  2. Assistance with document preparation
  3. Guidance through enrollment process
  4. Support during adaptation

Semi-Private and Private Schools:

  1. Needs and budget analysis
  2. Selection of suitable schools
  3. Organization of visits and interviews
  4. Document assistance
Submit an Application

🎓 University Admission

Bachelor’s:

  1. Consulting on majors and universities
  2. Assistance with diploma recognition
  3. Entrance exam preparation
  4. Application support

Master’s & Doctorate:

  1. Program search tailored to your profile
  2. Help with motivation letters
  3. Scholarship consultation
  4. Enrollment guidance
Submit an Application

📚 Language Schools

  1. Spanish course selection
  2. Intensive program organization
  3. DELE/SIELE exam preparation
  4. Special programs for children and teens
Submit an Application

🏢 Business Schools

  1. MBA program consulting
  2. Admission preparation support
  3. Guidance during studies
  4. Career counseling
Submit an Application
Fill out the form and we will contact you for a personalized consultation on education in Spain!