Education in Spain
Spain runs a decentralized education system: national law sets the framework, but the 17 autonomous communities administer schooling — and several teach in a co-official regional language (Catalan, Basque, Galician, or Valencian) alongside Spanish (Castilian). Compulsory education runs to age 16, university admission hinges on a national entrance exam, and Spain is one of the world's most popular study-abroad destinations — the number-one destination for Europe's Erasmus students.
Structure & stages
The system is organized as:
- Educación InfantilPre-school (0–6)
- Educación Primaria (6 years)Ages ~6–12
- ESO — Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (4 years)Ages ~12–16, ending with the ESO certificate
- Post-16The academic Bachillerato (2 years, leading to university) or vocational training (Formación Profesional, FP)
Compulsory education & enrolment
Education is compulsory and free from age 6 to 16 (Primaria plus ESO). Public schooling is free, and the school year runs September to June. In bilingual communities, instruction is delivered in both Spanish and the co-official language.
Public schools
Spanish students attend free public schools, state-subsidized "concertado" schools (privately run but publicly funded, often Catholic), or fully private schools. The public and concertado sectors together educate the large majority of students.
Private & international schools
Beyond concertado schools, Spain has fully private and international schools (offering British, American, IB, and other curricula), concentrated in Madrid, Barcelona, and along the coasts.
Curriculum & language of instruction
The curriculum covers Spanish language and literature (and the co-official language where applicable), mathematics, the sciences, social sciences, and foreign languages (English is widely taught; many schools are bilingual Spanish–English). The Bachillerato offers specialization tracks (sciences, humanities/social sciences, and arts).
Exams & qualifications
Completing ESO earns the ESO certificate; completing the Bachillerato leads to the university-entrance examination — the EvAU/EBAU (long known as the Selectividad) — whose results, combined with Bachillerato grades, determine university admission and program access.
Higher education
Spain has a large public university system — including the Complutense University of Madrid, the University of Barcelona, the Autonomous Universities of Madrid and Barcelona, and the historic University of Salamanca (founded 1218, the oldest in Spain) — plus private universities. The system is Bologna-aligned and EU-recognized.
Studying in Spain from abroad
Spain is one of the world's top study-abroad destinations, especially for Spanish immersion and exchange:
- Erasmus & exchangeSpain is the most popular destination in the Erasmus program, and a magnet for study-abroad students worldwide
- Spanish immersionCities across Spain host language schools and immersion programs
- LanguageMost degree programs are in Spanish (or a co-official language); a growing number of English-taught programs exists, especially at master's level
- VisaEU students enjoy free movement; non-EU students need a student visa
Special education & support
Spain supports inclusive education, integrating students with additional needs into mainstream schools with support, alongside special schools, backed by national and regional policy.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling occupies a legal gray area in Spain and is uncommon; compulsory-schooling law generally expects attendance at a recognized school. Verify the current legal position.
Costs & funding
Public schooling is free, and concertado schools are largely publicly funded (with some fees). Fully private and international schools charge tuition. Public-university tuition is moderate (set by region). Spain uses the Euro (EUR).
Key facts for families
- LanguagesSpanish (Castilian) + co-official regional languages (Catalan, Basque, Galician, Valencian)
- StructurePrimaria (6) + ESO (4) + Bachillerato (2) or FP
- CompulsoryAges 6–16, free
- University entryVia the EvAU/Selectividad
- Higher edComplutense (Madrid), University of Barcelona, Salamanca (oldest)
- DistinctiveDecentralized/regional languages; Europe's #1 Erasmus destination
Where to verify the details
This guide is a starting point, not the final authority — and details vary by autonomous community. For current details: