School costs and aid in the Balearic Islands

Key rules

• Regional aid: The Balearic government offers aid for comedor, transport and books that is separate from state grants.
• Comedor price: The Conselleria sets one daily comedor price per school year for public schools, with aid based on income.
• Interisland travel: If your child must study on another island, transport and island travel aid is available.
• Private fees: Each international school sets its own fees and adds enrolment, deposit and uniform charges.

Aid programmes, dates, comedor prices and private fees change each year, so confirm current figures with the Conselleria d'Educació i Formació Professional and each school.

What drives school costs on the islands

Your school budget in the Balearic Islands comes from four things: island price levels, regional aid, the school canteen (comedor) price and transport rules. Public school is the cheapest route. Private international schools cost the most, and each one sets its own fees.

Private international school fees

Fees rise with the child's age. Infant years cost a few thousand euros a year in tuition, and secondary and IB years cost well above that. Fees in the Balearic Islands are slightly lower than or similar to Madrid and Barcelona. Add enrolment, deposit and uniform charges on top. Schools update fees every year, so ask each school for its current fee sheet before you compare.

Comedor

In a public school, the Conselleria d'Educació sets one daily comedor price for each school year. Children who use the service regularly pay the same price. Families on low incomes can apply for comedor aid, which covers all or part of the price depending on income. Ask the Conselleria d'Educació for the current daily price and income limits.

Regional aid

The Balearic government offers aid of its own, separate from state grants. It includes:

• comedor aid based on income
• help with school transport
• school-book and materials support, such as book banks and individual grants for low-income families

You request aid through the school or the Conselleria, normally in spring or summer. Programmes and dates change, so ask the school secretary early.

Transport

School transport is a regional service. In compulsory education it is usually free or subsidised if you live far from the nearest school with a place. Post-compulsory levels may involve a fee or aid. If your child must go to another island to study, the Balearic Islands also provide transport and island travel aid. Check the current rules and your eligibility with the regional education department.

Before you commit

Ask the school which fees, canteen costs and materials are not included. Then ask the Conselleria which aid you qualify for. The questions below cover the most common points.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get help with school transport if my child must go to another island?

Yes, the Balearic government also provides transport and island travel aid for pupils who must go to another island to study. Ask your child's school or the Conselleria d'Educació for the current conditions.

When do I apply for regional school aid in the Balearic Islands?

You normally apply in spring or summer, through the school or the Conselleria d'Educació. The aid covers comedor, transport, and school books and materials, such as book banks and individual grants for low-income families. Confirm the dates for the coming year before the school year starts.

Are international private school fees in the Balearic Islands lower than in Madrid?

Fees in Baleares are usually slightly lower than or similar to Madrid and Barcelona, and they rise with your child's age. Each school sets its own fees every year, and enrolment, deposit and uniform charges come on top. Ask each school for its current fee list.