Choosing where to study Spanish

It is for anyone thinking about, planning or carrying out a move to Spain. By the end, you will know which kind of Spanish class suits you, what it costs and how to find one where you live.

Start with "Where to learn Spanish in Spain: your options compared". It sets official schools, adult education, academies, tutors, online lessons and free classes side by side, so you can see which route fits you before you look at the detail.

From there, read these:

• "What Spanish classes cost and who can help pay" helps you budget and look for employer, public or other funding.
• "Finding Spanish classes in your town or region" helps you locate providers and rules for your area, including small towns.
• "Studying Spanish before you move: options in your home country" covers study before you leave, with Cervantes centres, online schools or tutors.

Key rules

• CEPA classes: Adult education centre (CEPA) Spanish classes for foreigners are generally free, though you must register and places are limited.
• Academy diplomas: Diplomas from private academies have no official value, so for nationality you need a DELE diploma at A2 or higher plus the CCSE test.
• Goal first: Choose by what you need: daily life, work, or an official certificate for residency or nationality.
• Cheapest route: Public adult education centres and NGO classes are the lowest-cost options, so check them before paying a private school.
• Employer payment: Your employer does not have to pay for classes unless your contract or collective agreement says so.

Documents you may need

• DELE diploma at A2 or higher — Where to learn Spanish in Spain: your options compared
• CCSE test result — Where to learn Spanish in Spain: your options compared
• SIELE certificate — Where to learn Spanish in Spain: your options compared
• Private academy diploma — Where to learn Spanish in Spain: your options compared
• Town hall integration report — Where to learn Spanish in Spain: your options compared
• Your collective agreement — What Spanish classes cost and who can help pay

Choosing where to study Spanish: questions that cross several articles

Where can I find free Spanish classes if I am a newcomer?

You can find free Spanish classes at adult education centres (CEPAs) and at NGOs such as Cruz Roja, CEAR, ACCEM and Cáritas. NGO classes are usually for migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, and local branches often have waiting lists. Read "What Spanish classes cost and who can help pay" for the money side, then "Finding Spanish classes in your town or region" to locate a provider.

Can I study Spanish at an Escuela Oficial de Idiomas in any region?

No, only some regions teach Spanish for foreigners at their Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas (EOIs), and the schools and levels change. Regions without it usually send foreigners to adult education centres instead. Read "Finding Spanish classes in your town or region" to check your area, and "Where to learn Spanish in Spain: your options compared" to weigh it against other options.

Which Spanish certificate do I need if I want to apply for nationality?

You need a DELE diploma at A2 or higher plus the CCSE test, which covers Spanish culture and institutions. Some nationals of Spanish-speaking countries are exempt from the language part. Read "Where to learn Spanish in Spain: your options compared" to see which type of course prepares you for them.

Can I start studying Spanish before I move to Spain?

Yes, you can start at home with online lessons or a private tutor, and you can prepare for DELE exams the same way. Online tutors typically charge about 12-30 euros per hour, while apps are generally the cheapest option. Read "Studying Spanish before you move: options in your home country", then "What Spanish classes cost and who can help pay" to plan your budget.