Education in Spain: 2026 A Guide

Spain’s education system is a central consideration for expat families planning a move in , especially as recent reforms and regional differences can directly affect school choices and long-term residency plans.  

For foreign parents, the mix of free public schools, concertado (semi‑private) options, fully private institutions, and a growing network of international and bilingual programs creates opportunities when deciding where their children will study.  

Our guide focuses on what expats need to know when considering Education in Spain. This includes how the Spanish education system works from preschool to university, typical fees, and more.

Education in Spain: Key Takeaways

Education in Spain is free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 16, specifically for primary school and secondary education (ESO). Spain has three types of schools: Public, state-subsidized, and private schools. 

The system is regulated by the LOMLOE law and managed by both the national government and the 17 autonomous regions. The regions control up to 50% of the curriculum and 40% in areas with co-official languages. 

The Spanish education system has four main stages: Pre-primary (0–6), primary (6–12), ESO, and post-compulsory options like university or Vocational Training (FP). 

Public education in Spain is free, but private and international schools can be expensive, as the costs increase at higher levels. 

The education system in Spain is highly regarded across the world. It ranks 19th in the Global Citizen Solutions Education report, which ranks the world’s higher education regions. 

Primary education in Spain, also called Educación Primaria, is compulsory for children aged 6 to 12. It is structured into three two-year cycles, and the curriculum focuses on foundational skills such as literacy, mathematics, and science while integrating alternative topics such as digital literacy and gender equality. The stage is made up more of continuous assessments and specific performance tests in the 4th and 6th years to monitor progress before students move to secondary education. 

Dependents of applicants under the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa or the Spain Digital Nomad Visa can be enrolled in a Spanish school, especially because, under Spanish law, children between the ages of 6 and 16 are required to attend an educational institution, regardless of the parents’ visa type or nationality. 

Compulsory secondary education in Spain, also known as ESO (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria), is a free four-year program for students aged 12 to 16 that bridges the gap between primary school and higher studies. It is structured into two cycles: Years 1–3 and Year 4, and mainly works on developing critical thinking, digital literacy, and social studies.  

Students who successfully complete the program earn the Graduado en ESO certificate, which is required to move on to either the academic Bachillerato or intermediate vocational training. 

Post-secondary education in Spain includes the Bachillerato and Vocational Training, but it is not compulsory, since mandatory schooling ends at age 16. However, it is an important and structured part of one’s schooling career, especially for students who wish to attend university or gain specialized job skills.  

The phase starts at ages 16 to 18, and it gives students the option to choose between an academic route focused on the university entrance exam (PAU) or a practical vocational path that leads to more technical professional certifications. 

The cost of education in Spain is very different depending on whether you choose a public, semi-private, or fully private institution. Public education is free for all residents, but private education costs increase as students move through higher levels of school. While subsidized schools are still affordable across all stages. 

College in Spain has three main levels: Grado (Bachelor’s degree), Máster (Master’s degree), and Doctorado (PhD). The system follows the rules of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), which makes degrees comparable across Europe. To enter a public university, students must pass an entrance exam called the PAU. The exam now focuses more on critical thinking and practical skills. 

Public universities are regarded as some of the best in Spain and across the world, and they are more affordable, with costs ranging between €800 and €2,500 per year. Private universities are much more expensive and can be over €20,000 per year.

Non-EU students will pay higher fees than their EU counterparts. Additionally, students from the EU/EEA, countries with specific reciprocity agreements, and holders of qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) typically apply through the UNEDasiss accreditation system.  

UNEDasiss converts their academic results into the Spanish admissions scale and, where required, administers the Specific Competency Tests (PCEs). Most applicants from other non-EU countries instead need to obtain homologación (official recognition of their secondary school diploma) through Spain’s Ministry of Education before applying to university. 

Free education in Spain for international students is possible at a school level when a resident. However, university students will need to pay fees unless they can find a complete scholarship.  

With this in mind, Spain is an affordable European studying destination, especially at public universities, where tuition is set by the regional government. A public bachelor’s program commonly costs between €700 to €1,700 per year, while master’s programs often fall between €1,000 and €3,500 per year. Private institutions are much more expensive, sometimes reaching €20,000 annually. 

For EU/EEA students, studying in Spain is especially straightforward as they do not need a student visa, although they may need to register locally if they stay longer than three months. Non-EU students must apply for a student visa before arrival and typically need to show an admission letter, proof of funds, health insurance, and a valid passport.  

Scholarships can reduce costs significantly. International students may qualify for Erasmus+, national or regional scholarships, and university-specific funding, which can be merit-based or need-based. The Spanish Service for the Internationalization of Education (SEPIE) is a useful source for scholarship information.