Education in Spain
Spain's education system offers free public schooling and some of Europe's most affordable university education, along with international school options for expat families.
K-12 Education System
Structure:
- Infantil (Preschool): Ages 0-6 (optional)
- Primaria (Primary): Ages 6-12 (compulsory)
- Secundaria (ESO): Ages 12-16 (compulsory)
- Bachillerato (Upper secondary): Ages 16-18 (optional)
School Types:
| Type | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Public (Colegios Públicos) | Government-funded, Spanish curriculum | Free |
| Concertado (Semi-private) | Government-subsidized, often religious | €100-300/month |
| Private | Independent, various curricula | €500-1,500/month |
| International | Foreign curricula (British, American, French) | €8,000-20,000/year |
Public Education (Free)
Quality: Generally good, varies by region
- Catalunya, Madrid, Basque Country: Best-funded
- Taught primarily in Spanish (or regional language)
For expat children:
- Free enrollment for all residents
- Language support programs available
- Integration typically takes 6-12 months
- Children adapt quickly to Spanish
International Schools
Major cities (Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia):
- American schools: US curriculum, €12,000-20,000/year
- British schools: GCSE/A-levels, €10,000-18,000/year
- French Lycée: French baccalaureate, €3,000-8,000/year
- IB schools: International Baccalaureate, €12,000-20,000/year
Popular schools:
- American School of Barcelona (€15,000-22,000)
- Benjamin Franklin International School Madrid (€12,000-18,000)
- British Council School Madrid (€8,000-14,000)
Note: Apply 1-2 years in advance—long waiting lists
Higher Education
Spanish public universities:
- Tuition: €1,000-3,000/year (Bachelor's)
- Master's: €1,500-4,000/year
- Among cheapest in Europe
- High quality
Top universities:
- University of Barcelona
- Autonomous University of Madrid
- Complutense University of Madrid
- Pompeu Fabra University
Business schools (world-renowned):
- IE Business School (Madrid): €65,000-85,000 MBA
- ESADE (Barcelona): €70,000-85,000 MBA
- IESE (Barcelona): €80,000-95,000 MBA
Language of Instruction
Public schools: Spanish (or Catalan in Catalunya, Basque in Basque Country)
International schools: English, French, German
Universities: Mostly Spanish, some English Master's programs
Enrollment Process
Documents needed:
- Passport or residence card
- Birth certificate (translated, apostilled)
- Proof of address (empadronamiento)
- Vaccination records
- Previous school records
Process:
- Register at town hall (empadronamiento)
- Apply during enrollment period (March-June)
- International schools: Apply directly, earlier
School Calendar
Academic year: September-June
Holidays: Christmas (2 weeks), Easter (1 week), Summer (July-August)
Daily schedule: Often 9am-2pm or 9am-5pm with lunch break
Pro Tips
- •Public education is free and generally good—international schools not necessary for all
- •Apply to international schools 1-2 years early—long waiting lists
- •Spanish universities incredibly affordable—€1,000-3,000/year for quality education
- •Children adapt to Spanish schools quickly—6-12 months typical
- •Catalunya: Schools teach in Catalan, not Spanish—important consideration
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