School costs and aid in the País Vasco and Navarra

Key rules

• National grant call: The País Vasco and Navarra handle school aid through their own regional bodies, not the national call.
• Concertada fees: Concertada schools cannot charge for teaching, but they charge monthly fees for activities and services plus comedor.
• Timing: Regional aid calls usually open in spring or summer before the school year, so ask early.
• Who to ask: Each region's education department sets the current programmes, amounts and dates.

Aid programmes, amounts and dates change each year, so confirm them with the regional education department before you apply.

These regions run their own aid

The País Vasco and Navarra run their own aid systems and school models, outside the national MEFP convocatoria (the state grant call). If you live in either region, do not plan around the national call. Applications go through the regional education department instead. Before you rely on any exclusion or exception, read the current call text.

What school costs

Public schools charge no tuition. You pay for the comedor (school canteen), materials and activities.

Concertada schools are publicly funded and cannot charge for teaching. They do charge a monthly fee for complementary services or activities, usually tens of euros a month, plus the comedor. Comedor costs are often higher than in public schools.

Ikastolas in the País Vasco are mostly cooperatives within the concertada or public network. The same rules apply as for concertada schools. Expect fees for activities and often an enrolment contribution.

Fully private schools charge full fees.

Fees vary by school and year, so ask each school for its current price list before you choose.

Aid in the País Vasco

The Basque Government's education department runs its own aid. It can include:

• help with school books and materials, including book-reuse programmes in public schools
• comedor grants for families on low incomes
• transport aid
• grants for non-university students

Eligibility is based on family income. Applications usually fall in spring and summer before the school year. Ask the Basque Government's education department for the current programmes, amounts and dates.

Aid in Navarra

Navarra's education department runs its own aid. It can include:

• a free school-book programme in public and concertada schools
• comedor aid based on family income
• school transport

Eligibility depends on income and enrolment. Calls are usually published in spring or summer ahead of the school year. Ask the Government of Navarra's education department for the current details and dates.

Language models in Navarra

Navarra has several school models (A, B, D and English programmes). The model you choose affects which schools are open to you and, in some cases, transport. Comedor costs are broadly similar across models.

Because calls open months before the school year, check the dates as soon as you know where you will live. The questions below cover the most common doubts.

Frequently asked questions

Which regions are outside the national MEFP grant call?

The País Vasco is outside the national MEFP general study grant call, because the Basque Government runs its own grants. Navarra also handles applications through its own bodies. Read the current call text for the exact exclusions before you apply.

When do I apply for school aid in the País Vasco or Navarra?

Applications in both regions usually fall in spring or summer, before the school year starts. Eligibility is based on family income, and in Navarra on enrolment too. Ask the education department of your region for this year's dates.

How much does a concertada or ikastola school cost per month?

A concertada school or ikastola usually charges tens of euros a month for activities and complementary services, plus comedor (the school canteen). Teaching itself cannot be charged. Ikastolas often ask for an enrolment contribution as well, and fees vary by school.

Does the language model I choose in Navarra change what I pay?

Yes, in Navarra the model (A, B, D or English programme) can affect which school you choose and, in some cases, transport. Comedor costs are broadly similar across models. Ask the school what transport it offers for your model.