Spain Education System Explained: Structure, Stages, Grading & Costs

Overview of Spain Education System

To begin with, the Spain education system is primarily divided into four main stages. These are Preschool, Primary, Secondary, and Post-Secondary education, which is later followed by Higher or University education. Out of these four, the primary and secondary education in Spain is compulsory and free (Public schools) for students aged around 6 to 16.

Furthermore, the education system in Spain is completely decentralised and is supported by the national as well as the regional government of the 17 autonomous regions in Spain.

As for International students, Spain offers several public and private universities which are highly accessible despite any language barriers. They offer a structured three-cycle system (Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate) which is aligned with the EHEA.

Key Highlights of the Spain Education System

Below, we have listed a few highlights regarding education in Spain for international students:

• As of 2026, there are a total of 76 universities in Spain. Out of these, around 45 are public, and 31 are private universities.
• The courses in Spain are usually taught in Spanish. However, there has been a significant increase in the number of English-taught as well as bilingual programs for international students.
• To study at a public university, International students usually need to pass a university entrance exam or a special exam for foreign students (PCE).
• Students from outside the EU/EEA will have to apply for a long-term student visa (Type D) at a Spanish consulate before coming to Spain. If they stay longer than 6 months, then they need to apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) after arrival.
• After graduating, students can apply for a job-seeking visa (Autorización de residencia al estudiante para la búsqueda de empleo) that lets them stay in Spain for up to 12 months to look for work related to their studies.

Different Stages of the Education System in Spain

As mentioned above, the Spanish education system is primarily divided into four main stages. But besides this, the last stage is further branched into two stages and is then followed by a Bologna Process-aligned higher education system.

Let’s take a look at these in more detail below with a breakdown:

Preschool Education in Spain (Ages 0–6)

Students around the age of 0-6 generally start with their preschool education, which is also called Preescolar or Educación Infantil. This is further divided into two cycles, one is for age group of 0 to 3 years, and the other is for 0 to 6 years. The first cycle is completely optional and is not funded by the government, so the parents are required to pay the fees. In this, students usually go to day-care centres or Nursery school (guarderia).

In the second cycle, the students are sent to preschool and are taught learning, reading, writing, and other mental and physical skills. This is compulsory and free for all students attending public school.

Primary Education in Spain (Ages 6–12)

Students aged 6 to 12 then progress to primary education, which consists of three main cycles, each lasting 2 years. This includes:

1. First cycle: 1st & 2nd Grade
2. Second cycle: 3rd & 4th Grade
3. Third cycle: 5th & 6th Grade

This Spanish education system stage is completely free and mandatory for all. In this, the students are taught general subjects like mathematics, sciences, languages, social sciences, physical education, and so on. Moreover, students are graded for each subject and are required to repeat a class if they fail.

Secondary Education in Spain (Ages 12–16)

The third stage of the Spanish education system is Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO) or secondary education. This is also compulsory and is divided into two main stages, which last for 2 years each. In this, students get to learn similar subjects as primary education, but at an advanced level. This education system in Spain includes private, state, and state-funded private schools.

Post-Secondary Education (Ages 16+)

Once students complete the four years of secondary education, they can leave the school and go for optional upper secondary education or post-16 education, which includes Bachillerato or Vocational Training (FP).

Spanish Baccalaureate

A Spanish Baccalaureate or Bachillerato is an optional two years of high school education, which is required for students who want to enrol in a university or pursue higher education. In this, students receive specialised education in their chosen field of study, like humanities, sciences, social sciences, and arts.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

The next is Vocational Education and Training, aka VET. This allows students to learn practical job skills and can last up to four years. It is divided into two levels. The first level, called Grado Medio, takes two years and focuses on basic job skills. The second level, Grado Superior, also lasts two years and provides more advanced training. Students must be at least 18 years old to enter Grado Superior, so it is an option even for those who have already finished Bachillerato and want a more practical education.

Higher Education in Spain

Once students have received their Bachillerato certificate and passed the entrance exam of their desired institute, they can move on to higher/university education. Spain is home to some of the world’s most prestigious and highly ranked universities, like the University of Barcelona, the Autonomous University of Barcelona, and the Complutense University of Madrid.

These provide high-quality education, which makes higher education in Spain highly appealing to international students. It is further divided into three main cycles, which include Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral studies.

Types of Schools in Spain

The schools in the Spanish education system are primarily divided into three main types based on their funding type. These include:

Public Schools (colegios públicos)

The public schools in Spain are funded and managed by either the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training or local autonomous communities. Because of this, they are completely free for all students regardless of their age. However, parents are required to bear the extra costs, such as textbooks and other school-related items.

State-Funded Private Schools (colegios concertados)

These types of school in Spanish education are run privately but receive significant state subsidies, which offer students an affordable alternative to private schools. These generally follow the Spanish national curriculum and have larger class sizes than private schools.

Most of these Schools can be very different from each other. Some follow Catholic education, others are private schools that teach in more than one language, and some are international schools where classes are mainly taught in English.

Private Schools (colegios privados)

These are 100% privately funded and managed schools which also follow the Spanish educational standards, but have more flexibility in the teaching methods, extra-curricular activities, and class sizes. However, there are also International Schools, which are a subset of private schools. These are private and mostly focus on students from foreign families or Spanish families looking for a worldwide approach to learning.

Comparison of Public, Concertado & Private Schools

Take a look at the comparison table below of the different types of schools available in the Spain education system:

Cost of Education in Spain (EU vs International Students)

Studying in Spain is relatively affordable compared to other European countries. Monthly living expenses, including housing, food, and transport, usually range from €800 to €1,200, depending on the city and lifestyle. Tuition fees vary for EU and non-EU students, as shown in the table below:

Public University Tuition Fees

Private University Tuition Fees

Higher Education & Qualifications in Spain

In the Spain education system, universities provide both recognised (official) and non-recognised degrees. Moreover, the courses use the ECTS credit system, which gives students the flexibility to study a wide range of fields. Here are the different types of institutions which offer higher education qualifications:

1. Universities (Public and Private): These offer academic and research programs in many areas, such as arts, sciences, health, and social or legal studies.
2. Polytechnic Universities: Focused on practical training in subjects like engineering and architecture.
3. Higher Arts Schools: Provide hands-on programs in music, dance, theatre, design, and cultural heritage, giving degrees equivalent to university qualifications.
4. Advanced Vocational Education (VET) Centres: Offer higher-level vocational programs (Grado Superior) that lead to a “Higher Technician” qualification, a non-university credential (EQF Level 5) for skilled jobs.

Language of Instruction in Spain’s Education System

The Spain education system includes more than one language, depending on the region and type of school. Spanish (Castilian) is the main language of instruction across the country and is used in all public education. However, in some regions, classes are also taught in co-official regional languages such as Catalan, Basque, or Galician.

In bilingual regions, students usually study in both Spanish and the regional language, especially in public and state-funded schools. This helps students become fluent in more than one language from an early age.

Private and international schools often offer instruction in English or follow foreign curricula, such as British, American, or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Many universities also offer degree programs fully or partially taught in English, particularly at the master’s level.

The Grading System in Spain

In Spain education system, the grading criteria are highly structured, but the methods and scales vary between primary, secondary, and higher education.

Primary and Secondary Education

In primary education, the grades are numerical and range from 1 to 10. In this, 5 is the minimum passing grade, and the scale shows both knowledge acquisition and skill development:

• 9–10: Outstanding or excellent performance
• 7–8: Good or notable achievement
• 6: Satisfactory or sufficient
• 5: Pass (barely meets the required standards)
• 1–4: Fail

Baccalaureate and Vocational Education

At the Bachillerato level and in vocational programs, the same 1–10 scale is used. But the grades directly impact university admission. Moreover, students also receive a Grade Point Average (GPA), calculated from core subjects, which forms part of their university entrance score.

Higher Education

Spanish universities primarily use a 10-point scale that is similar to secondary education, but with additional qualitative distinctions for honours:

Documents Required to Enroll at Universities in Spain

International students who want to study in Spain at a top university will have to submit the following documents:

1. Academic Records

• High school diploma or equivalent for undergraduate programs.
• Bachelor’s degree for master’s programs.
• Official transcripts showing your grades and courses.

2. Proof of Language Proficiency

• For programs taught in Spanish, a certificate of Spanish proficiency, such as DELE, is required.
• For programs taught in English, proof of English proficiency is required, such as TOEFL or IELTS.

3. Identification Documents

• Passport or national ID card for EU students.
• Passport for non-EU students.

4. University Entrance Exam Results

• Depending on the program, students may need to provide results from the Spanish university entrance exam (Selectividad/EBAU) or a foreign equivalent.
• Non-EU students may also need the PCE (Prueba de Competencias Específicas), a specialised exam for foreigners.

5. Other Supporting Documents

• Motivation letter / personal statement
• Letters of Recommendation
• Passport-sized photographs
• Proof of financial means or scholarship documents
• Medical insurance coverage for non-EU students

Spain Education System Vs Other European Countries

Here is a comparison of what Spain education system offers you as compared to other European countries:

Conclusion

Summing up, Spain education system offers a great blend of historic prestige, global recognition, and affordability. In the last couple of years, an increasing number of international students have been choosing Spain for their higher education because of its quality universities, diverse programs, multilingual learning opportunities, and welcoming environment. If you are someone who is planning to study in Spain, then connect with the study abroad consultants at Gradding. They can guide you through the entire process, from choosing the right university and program to handling applications, visas, and accommodation.

FAQ

1. Is Spain’s Education System Decentralised?

Yes, Spain has a fully decentralised education system where the educational responsibilities are shared between the central government and the governments of each autonomous region. While the national authority sets general guidelines and standards, regional administrations have the power to manage, adapt, and implement education policies based on local needs.

2. What is 12th Grade Called in Spain?

In Spain, the 12th grade is called “Segundo de Bachillerato”, which means second year of Bachillerato. This is the final year of the upper secondary education in Spain and is generally completed by students aged around 17-18.

3. How Does the Spanish Education System Differ from Other European Education Systems?

What differentiates the Spanish education system from other European education systems is that it is highly decentralised. In Spain, the regions control curricula and language of instruction, often using regional languages alongside Spanish. Moreover, in Spain, high-stakes exams play the biggest role in grading. Whereas in many other European countries, students are often assessed through regular coursework and classwork.

4. Is Education in Spain Free for International and EU Students?

In Spain, only the compulsory primary and secondary education (ages 6–16) in public schools is free for all residents, along with international and EU students. The university education in Spain, on the other hand, is not free, but it is highly affordable, especially at public universities.

5. What Languages Are Used In Spanish Schools, and How Do Regional Languages Affect Education?

Most schools teach in Spanish, but in regions like Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Galicia, regional languages are also used as the main language of instruction. This bilingual approach helps preserve local languages and cultures.