FAQ on studying in Spain

The cost of education depends on the educational institution you choose, the duration of your studies, and the region. Let's consider the following options based on average values:

1. Courses lasting from 1 to 15 weeks will cost from €400 per week.
2. Secondary education is compulsory for children aged 6-16. You can study at a public school, where all subjects are taught in Spanish. Tuition at such schools is free, but you will have to pay extra for uniforms, meals, textbooks, and excursions, and these expenses can reach several hundred euros per year. In Spain, there are semi-public schools where part of the cost is covered by the state and part by the school. These are often religious schools: they offer the same general education program, but with the addition of religious subjects. The church itself selects the teachers. Donations are mandatory in such schools and can reach up to €200 per month. The third option for secondary education is private schools. They usually offer a joint Spanish-English program. The cost can reach up to €500-700 per month.
3. All higher education in Spain is fee-based.

• Bachelor's degrees last four years (with the exception of medicine and architecture, which take five or more years). Tuition at public universities ranges from €800 to €2,200 per year. Tuition fees at private universities are significantly higher, starting at €3,000 per year, but there are more opportunities for admission.
• Master's programs last 1-2 years. Tuition fees range from €900 to €3,300 per year at public universities and from €5,000 at private universities.
• Doctoral studies at a public university can start at €1,000 per year, and at a private university, from €3,000 per year. The term for obtaining a degree is 3 years.
• MBA programs cost from €20,000 per year.

Tuition fees do not include additional costs such as accommodation, meals, excursions, study materials, and insurance.

Some universities offer scholarships and grants to foreign students. In such cases, the state covers up to 75% of the costs of tuition and accommodation.

The cost of studying at a university in Barcelona depends on the university, faculty, and program chosen.

If we take public universities, the cost of studying there starts at €700 per year. It is quite difficult for foreign students to enroll in such universities.

Most often, students choose private universities. One of the most popular educational institutions is the University of Barcelona: a year of study there starts at €3,000 for a bachelor's or master's degree. Classes are conducted in Spanish.

Another popular university in Barcelona is CETT University, which offers bachelor's and master's degree programs in both Spanish and English. For example, a bachelor's degree program in Spanish starts at €8,000 per year, and in English, it starts at €7,000 per year. Master's programs start at €6,000 per year in English and €7,000 in Spanish.

If you are interested in technical fields, then you may consider the Polytechnic University of Catalonia. Here, bachelor's and master's programs cost from €1,000 per year. The language of instruction is Spanish.

Another prestigious institution is the European Business School of Barcelona. It also offers various degrees. Classes are taught in English. Bachelor's programs cost from €6,500 per semester, and master's programs cost €4,700 per semester.

All prices are for reference only. This cost does not include accommodation, meals, insurance, excursions, and teaching materials. As a guide, the minimum cost of living is around €1,000 per month.

In Spain, you can study at either a public or private institution. At a school, college, or university, in different cities and regions — it all depends on your needs and opportunities. For example, if you want to study at a Spanish school, you have the option of enrolling in a public school where all subjects will be taught in Spanish. Tuition at such a school is free, but you will have to pay extra for meals, uniforms, and educational materials.

Or you can get an education at a private school, where tuition is paid and depends on the region you choose. Subjects here are most often taught in English, and the program itself is similar to the British education system.

It is also possible to study at a Catholic school affiliated with a church or a sports school. Such schools are present in every region and major city: in Granada, Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.

Among the prestigious Spanish schools are Swans School International, English International College, Aloha College, and Caxton College.

The same applies to Spanish universities. There are 76 universities in Spain, 45 of which are public. All higher education in Spain is fee-based. There are state universities with tuition fees starting at €700 per year and private universities that cost from €3,000 per year. Universities offer various programs of study, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. If you are interested in art, you can study at higher art schools in Spain. For example, there are conservatories, theater schools (Escuela Superior de Arte Dramático), and design schools (Escuela de Diseño).

Well-known universities are located in large cities, for example, the University of Alicante, the University of Barcelona, the University of Andalusia, the University of Madrid San Pablo, and the Polytechnic University in Valencia.

Children in Spain start to attend school at the age of 3: this is known as preschool education, which lasts for 3 years. Here, children are prepared for primary school and taught to read, write, and count.

This is followed by primary and secondary education, which lasts 10 years. The school curriculum consists of two blocks — primary (ages 6-12) and secondary (ages 12-16).

After completing the basic compulsory program, there is the option of taking an additional secondary education program — bachillerato: it lasts two years and allows students to enter university.

This educational structure applies to both public and private schools.

After completing your education at a public Spanish school, you receive a certificate of completion: private schools (based on the British education system) issue an A-level certificate, while schools with American or international programs award an IB diploma.

The cost of education in Madrid depends on a number of factors: the level of education (courses, school, college, university), educational programs and areas of specialization, the language of instruction (Spanish or English), the type of educational institution (public or private).

Educacion primaria (primary education, ages 6 to 12) is mostly free, but there are public-private and fully private schools. In private educational institutions, tuition costs an average of €27,000 per year.

There are many children's (ages 6 and up) language and sports camps in Madrid. For example, there is the Real Madrid soccer camp. Most courses last two weeks and cost between €1,050 and €1,690 per week.

Secondary education in Madrid is free at public schools. In private schools, tuition fees range from €27,000 to €30,000 per year. For example, at SEK El Castillo International School Madrid, where instruction is in English, the annual fee is €27,000.

Tuition at Madrid colleges costs an average of €27,500 per year. For example, at King's College Madrid.

Higher education in Madrid, consisting of three cycles, is estimated to cost between €21,000 and €24,300 per year. The most affordable higher education in this city can be obtained at the National University of Distance Education (Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia), where any educational program costs €1,500 per year.

In addition to tuition fees, it should be borne in mind that Madrid is one of the most expensive cities in Spain. Students here spend significant amounts of money each month on accommodation, utilities, internet, food, transport, student fees, study materials, health insurance, and other needs. Therefore, every student in the Spanish capital must have at least €1,500-2,000 per month available for such expenses.

To study in Spain, you first need to decide on an educational program and type of educational institution, as admission requirements may vary. Despite the uniform basic requirements for applicants to schools, colleges, and universities, each of the country's 50 provinces may establish its own methods and deadlines for submitting documents, as well as a list of entrance exams. Information about these features can be found on the websites of the educational institutions themselves or on the electronic platforms of the ayuntamiento (city hall).

Education in Spain is conducted in Spanish or English, so you need to be prepared to be tested on your knowledge of these languages at a level not lower than B2 (DELE). It should be noted that this exam can only be taken at a strictly defined time (twice a year, in November and May). It takes about six months or more to receive a DELE certificate.

In addition to the language test, all applicants, both local and foreign, must take the PAAU (Selectividad) exam, which consists of two parts. The first part consists of a test to determine the candidate's general level of education. The purpose of the second part is to test knowledge in the chosen specialty.

Options for taking this exam:

• graduates of Spanish schools at the schools where they studied
• students of preparatory courses at colleges and universities at their place of study;
• anyone who wishes to do so through the National University of Distance Education.

As for foreign applicants, it is practically impossible for them to pass this exam without preparatory classes. For example, applicants who have chosen to study in Spain can be recommended one of three forms of preparation for Selectividad.

• The first is to study at a Spanish school for at least two years under the Bachillerato program, after which they take the exam there.
• The second form involves completing high school in their home country and then studying in one of the special one-year programs at a Spanish private school.
• The third option is to enroll in language courses that offer educational and methodological services to prepare for this exam.

Before submitting documents to a university, you must first go through the procedure of having your school certificate recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education, which can take several months.

Anyone who is a citizen of Spain can study for free in Spain. Foreigners aged 6 to 16 can also receive an education in Spanish schools. According to the law, including the Spanish Constitution, free basic education is guaranteed to everyone until the age of 16. For example, children from all countries of the world living in this country with their parents (guardians) are provided with free education at the primary (educación primaria, from 6 to 12 years old) and secondary (educación secundaria, from 12 to 16 years old) school levels. At the same time, it should be noted that their parents are required to pay for school uniform, meals, educational materials, and various extracurricular activities. Large and single-parent families usually receive benefits.

As for further free education for foreigners in colleges, universities, and graduate schools, they have virtually no chance. Even after applicants from other countries have successfully passed exams such as Selectividad and obtained a DELE certificate, preference is given to Spanish citizens. The widely advertised scholarships and grants offered by Spanish educational institutions are awarded to native residents or citizens of the European Union and Latin America.

It is important to note the massive cuts in funding for state and regional education programs in recent years. This situation has arisen due to the economic crisis in the country, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Currently, the most popular and relevant programs are exchange and mobility projects covering almost all countries. As a student of a domestic university, you have the opportunity to participate in exchange programs and receive the right to free education at one of the universities, and then a double degree. For example, most countries in Europe and Africa, and others participate in the ERASMUS international academic mobility program, which allows students to study in different countries, including Spain.

Detailed information about opportunities for free education, scholarships, and grants can be found on the websites of the educational institutions themselves, as well as on the official website of the Ministry of Education.

For foreign students, education in Spain is fee-based. It consists of several stages.

• The first stage is preschool (Educacion Infantil) for children aged 3-6. At this stage, education is optional, but in private kindergartens, which are now very popular, it is fee-based.
• The second stage is compulsory primary education (Educacion Primaria; ages 6-7 to 11-12).
• Secondary education (Secundaria, ages 12-15/16).
• Complete secondary education, Bachillerato (upper grades, ages 16-18).

Vocational secondary education occupies a special place in this system, with a quarter of the academic hours of the curriculum devoted to practical training. At this level of education, educational programs are offered in 142 specialties.

The next and final stage in the education system is higher education (Educacion superior), which consists of three levels:

• Bachelor's degree (Grado; three to four years);
• Master's degree (up to two years);
• Doctoral studies (three to six years).

The cost of education in Spain depends on factors such as:

• type of educational institution,
• age of applicants,
• duration of educational programs.

Let's consider educational expenses in this order. ​​​​​​​

1. Summer camp; age of children – 5-18 years; duration – 1-8 weeks; minimum cost – €344 per week.
2. Language courses: from 4 years old; 1-15 weeks; from €182 per week.
3. Secondary schools: 12+ years old; 1-4 years; €3,026 per year.
4. University preparatory courses: ages 17+ years old; 1-2 years; from €4,034 per year.
5. Bachelor's degree: 18+ years old; 4 years; from €756 per year.
6. Master's degree: 20+ years old; 1-2 years; from €1009 per year.
7. MBA (business schools): 20+ years old; 1-2 years; from €18,162 per year.
8. Doctorate: 20+ years old (usually from 23); 3 years; from €909 per year.

Studying in Spain is not limited to the cost of educational services. You also need to take into account the cost of living, which averages €500-900 per month.

Many private schools in Spain offer education entirely in English. To enroll in such programs, it is sufficient to have a basic level of Spanish. However, many schools in Spain are also bilingual: 50% of subjects are taught in English and 50% in Spanish. To study in such programs, your Spanish level must be at least B1.

The IB program is currently considered the most popular international educational program and is accepted by universities around the world. If you plan to consider universities mainly in England, it is recommended that you take the IB program or British A-levels in your senior years.

Yes, Sotogrande International School has a professional golf section. The program is available to students aged 10-18 and also allows them to apply for scholarships to American universities.

If the field of study in the bachelor's program does not differ significantly from the chosen master's program, you can apply directly to the first year of the master's program. The exact English language requirements vary from university to university, but for most programs, the level of English must be no lower than B2-C1.

The process of acquiring fundamental knowledge in secondary schools in Spain ends at the age of 16 or 18. According to the country's legislation, students are required to receive secondary education in public, Catholic, or private schools.

Children are enrolled in first grade at the age of 6, and compulsory secondary school provides academic knowledge and comprehensive development to students up to the age of 16. If desired, at this stage, a student can complete their education, obtain a certificate of incomplete secondary education, and enroll in college or special courses to acquire knowledge and skills in their chosen profession. If a student plans to continue their education at university, they remain in upper secondary school for two years. As a result, students receive a secondary school certificate at the age of 18.

Spain offers a wide range of leading general education institutions where instruction is conducted in Spanish, English, and Catalan. In public and religious schools, instruction is conducted in Catalan and local dialects. In prestigious private boarding schools, international schools, and universities, the educational process is conducted within the framework of dual educational programs: compulsory subjects are taught in two languages — Spanish and English (national program, A-Level, IB, GCSE).

Studying in Spain often results in a double degree that is recognized almost worldwide, as well as the opportunity to stay and find work in a country with an affordable standard of living.

The number of years spent in Spanish schools ranges from 10 to 15 years and depends on several factors. If parents plan to send their child to preparatory school at the age of 3, followed by 10 years of compulsory schooling, the total time spent in school will be approximately 13 years. In addition, if a 16-year-old teenager decides to complete 2 years of high school (from 16 to 18 years old), the total will be 15 years.

Compulsory secondary education in Spain is only 10 years according to the law — from 6 to 16 years old. The Spanish secondary education system consists of four stages:

• Preschool education. It is optional and paid for in both public and private schools. Children are taught in two age groups: 0-3 years and 3-6 years. The 3-6 age group undergoes preparatory training for enrollment in primary school: children undergo their first socialization, learn to be independent, begin to study their first subjects, and engage in creative and sports activities.
• Primary school. Attendance is compulsory for children in grades 1-6, aged 6-12. Education is free only in public schools, private and international schools charge tuition. Subjects studied include natural sciences, mathematics, music and art, Spanish, English, and Catalan. In international schools, German and French are added to this list.
• Secondary school is also compulsory under Spanish law. It is attended by students aged 12-16. From the age of 12, students are divided into three streams: arts, humanities, and technical studies, with in-depth study in their chosen stream.
• High school provides a complete secondary education and is attended by students aged 16-18. High school education is not compulsory. After completing lower secondary education at the age of 16, students can transfer to special courses or college to obtain a profession in their chosen field. Students who have chosen to enter university remain in high school.

In Spanish schools, students receive compulsory secondary education for 10 years — from 6 to 16 years old. However, at the parents' request, children can be enrolled in an educational institution for training from the age of 3, and upon reaching compulsory secondary education, they can remain in high school for another 2 years (high school, where teenagers actively prepare for university admission in special international courses). This means that the minimum number of compulsory school years is 10, and the maximum is 12.

There are private and public institutions in the country. Education is divided into:

• Preschool — optional, paid, for children aged 0-3 and 3-6. In preschool, children socialize, learn to be independent, and acquire the initial knowledge required for enrollment in the first grade of elementary school.
• Elementary school — compulsory, for students aged 6-12 (grades 1-6).
• Secondary school — compulsory, provides incomplete secondary education, for students aged 12-16. In primary and secondary school, students begin to study compulsory academic subjects: languages, natural sciences, mathematics, music, literature, and, if desired, religion. Teaching methods are designed to ensure that students' development is more complete and comprehensive.
• Upper secondary school is optional and provides a complete secondary education for students aged 16-18. In upper secondary school, students study for two years and take in-depth courses in the humanities and social sciences, science and technology, art, and natural sciences.

The school year begins in mid-September and is divided into three terms.

Primary school in Spain is called Educacion primaria, and children aged 6-12 attend it. Secondary education in the country is compulsory for schoolchildren aged 6-16, and there is paid preschool education for children aged 3-6.

The school year usually begins in the first half of September and ends in mid-June. Primary school children study compulsory subjects such as:

• comprehensive sports and creative development
• mathematics
• reading
• music
• literature
• Spanish
• Catalan
• English

The curriculum becomes more difficult each year, with more subjects and more hours, and teachers take a stricter approach to the learning process.

Secondary education in the country's schools is called Educacion Secundaria Obligatoria. It is compulsory for all children aged 6-16 and is divided into two parts: Primaria, primary school, where children aged 6-11 are educated, and Secundaria, secondary school, where children aged 12-16 are educated.

Subjects studied in secondary school include Spanish, mathematics, literature, reading, natural and social sciences, foreign languages, art, physical education, and moral and social education. The secondary school education system has undergone a number of changes in recent years and has become more similar to the British education system. More than 40 secondary schools in the country offer a bilingual Spanish-British curriculum. Secondary schools in Spain have become more focused on the personal development of students' abilities and the creation of project and research work.

The school year in Spain usually begins in mid-September and lasts until mid-June. Public secondary education in Spain is free, but some schools may require payment for teaching materials, and some schools provide financial assistance to students. Lessons are conducted in English, Spanish, or the regional language.

The higher the status of the school, the more demanding it is of applicants, with students increasingly required to take tests and entrance exams.

• First, an interview with the parents is arranged.
• Then, the child's academic performance at their previous school is assessed, with a translation into Spanish or English, as well as their personal characteristics.
• Tests are conducted to assess their knowledge of English, mathematics, and essay writing.
• This is followed by an invitation and observation of the student's socialization directly in the school environment.
• Remote enrollment is also possible.

It is important to note that each school has its own deadlines for enrolling students, but it is best to start preparing the paperwork at least one year before the start of the school year. The documents required for school admission are as follows:

• Passport and photos of the established standard
• Application from the school
• Letters of recommendation from teachers and the principal
• Grades for the last 2-4 years
• Portfolio with personal achievements
• Certificate of proficiency in English or Spanish.

Proficiency in Spanish is a plus, but not a requirement. Proficiency in English must be at a sufficient level (B2-C1).

The cost of one academic year at a public university in Spain starts at €600/year, and at a private university — from €1,500/year and above. The price is based on factors such as the prestige of the university and the chosen faculty, as well as the location (region).

The country attracts schoolchildren and students with the opportunity to obtain a European diploma and low tuition and living costs. There is no completely free education in Spain, but many universities offer scholarships and grants that partially cover tuition.

Spain is a member of the Bologna Agreement, which introduced the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). One credit in the country is equal to 25 academic hours, and one academic year is equal to 60 credits (1,500 hours of study). Each university sets its own cost per credit (ECTS), based on which the annual tuition fee is determined (credit * 60).

Bachelor's programs are 60 ECTS/year. The double degree program (Spanish/English) is 75 ECTS/year.

Top 5 universities in Spain:

• University of Barcelona – from $1,000/year
• Autonomous University of Madrid – from $1,000/year
• Autonomous University of Barcelona – from $3,000/year
• Complutense University in Madrid – from $3,000/year
• Pompeu Fabra University –from $3,000/year

After graduating from 11th grade, students can enroll in the Selectividad educational course, which will effectively prepare them for admission to their chosen Spanish university. The training program is designed to last 29 weeks, during which the level of knowledge of a foreign student becomes equal to a Spanish citizen.

The course is divided into specializations: humanities and natural sciences, with both compulsory and optional subjects. Students will learn Spanish to a high level, get to know the country and its traditions, and adapt to new living and learning conditions. The course allows ащкушпт graduates to enter the university without entrance exams.

The Selectividad program ends with two exams:

• General compulsory (Fase Obligatoria) taken by all applicants
• Additional (Fase Voluntaria) is the second part of the exam, which is optional. It is taken by foreign students in order to improve the final results.

The Foundation program is taught at many educational institutions in Spain and is designed to help foreign students who have completed 11th grade prepare and enter a Spanish university. However, not all universities accept this preparation (certificate), so you need to check with your chosen university.

The University of Madrid is a prestigious educational institution whose degree is recognized by leading companies around the world. Carlos III University in Madrid is currently the most popular university among international students. Admission to bachelor's programs does not require mandatory exams. Classes are taught in Spanish and English.

To enroll, you must provide:

• Educational documents (certificate homologation is required)
• Motivation letter
• Resume
• TOEFL 90/IELTS 6.5 certificate

In order to enroll in bachelor's programs, you must pass the Selectividad exam, which is required for admission to many departments. A Selectividad certificate with excellent results in written exams in Spanish, history, and a foreign language, plus an additional exam in your chosen specialty, must be presented to the university.

You can also enter the university through the Erasmus+ exchange program.

The academic year at the university consists of two semesters, with classes usually starting in September.

English-language education is more common in private Spanish educational institutions. Private schools range in price from €10,000 to €40,000 per year. For example, the private school Sotogrande International School offers various programs in English:

• Primary school – from €12,100 per year
• Middle school – from €33,000/year
• IB Program – from €39,100/year
• Summer English for children and schoolchildren – from €2,350/2 weeks
• English + golf – from €3,200/2 weeks
• English + tennis lessons – from €3,200/2 weeks
• English + summer holidays – from €1,500/week.

The international school San Patricio Toledo in Madrid invites you to study the following programs:

• Primary school – from €6,885/year
• Middle school – from €28,200/year
• High school – from €32,500/year
• English courses + soccer – from €2,100/week
• Conversation & Speaking Skills – from €2,100/week
• Summer English for children and schoolchildren – from €675/week
• Summer course “Business + Surfing” – from €2,100/week.

Universities have different costs – it all depends on the chosen educational institution and program. The starting price is €2,000/term. For example, Marbella International University Centre offers programs taught in English:

• Master's program – from €19,900/year
• English language courses – from €4,900/semester.

EU Business School Barcelona offers:

• Bachelor's degree in English – from €6,400/semester
• Master's degree in English – from €4,600/trimester
• International Foundation – from €4,900/semester
• MBA – from €6,950/trimester.
• Program for future business leaders – from €3,200/3 weeks.

Private educational institutions offer a wide variety of programs that allow students to obtain double certificates/diplomas – Spanish and English. Spanish-English private schools are in high demand among most foreign students.