Public and free Spanish classes

It is for anyone thinking about moving to Spain, planning the move or already settling in. By the end, you will know which public or free class you can join, when to apply and what to bring.

These classes run on their own calendars and rules, and they differ by region, so timing matters more than it does with private schools. Start with "When to start: Spanish course calendars across public and private providers". It shows when each type of provider takes new students, so you can plan your arrival and registration around the next intake. From there, move to the article for the type of class that suits you.

Key rules

• CEPA cost: CEPA Spanish classes are normally free, though some centres charge a small enrolment or materials fee.
• Minimum age: The general minimum age for an EOI course is 16 in the year you enrol.
• CEPA age: Adult-education classes (CEPA) are normally for people aged 18 or over.
• EOI application window: New-student applications to an EOI usually run between April and June, with a second round for leftover places in early September.
• Enrolment after admission: After you are admitted, the enrolment window is short, typically about 10 days, and missing it can mean losing the place.
• Padrón registration: Municipal courses usually require you to be registered on the padrón of the town, while most CEPAs and NGO courses rarely do.

Public and free Spanish classes: the whole process, step by step

• Find out which providers near you teach Spanish and check their calendars: Before you start, ideally several months before the school year

• Apply for a place at an official language school (EOI): Usually between April and June, with a second round for leftover places in early September

• Take a placement test if you want to start above the first level: Before or just after the course starts, set by each school

• Enrol at an adult-education centre (CEPA): Usually in June and early July, with a second period in early September; some centres take late enrolments if places remain

• Complete your enrolment once you are admitted to an EOI: Within about 10 days of the admission lists, often late June to July, or September for the second round

• Sign up for a town hall or charity course: A few weeks before the October, January/February or sometimes April start; many charities enrol all year

• Enrol on a university Spanish course: A month or two before the September/October or January/February semester, or before intensive summer courses from June to August

• Start classes: Late September or October for most school-year courses, with a later term in January or February in some places

Dates differ by region, centre and year, so confirm each window with the school or provider before you plan around it.

Documents you may need

Identity and residence

• Your passport
• The enrolment form from the school — Applying to an official language school (EOI), placement tests and waiting lists
• Identity document — Official language schools (Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas) for learning Spanish
• Padrón registration — Free Spanish classes from town halls (ayuntamientos) and charities
• Your padrón certificate — Public adult-education Spanish classes (CEPA): when they fit better
• A residence document — Public adult-education Spanish classes (CEPA): when they fit better

The home and the lease

• Proof of address in the region or town — Applying to an official language school (EOI), placement tests and waiting lists

Payments and receipts

• The receipt for the fee — Applying to an official language school (EOI), placement tests and waiting lists

Other documents

• Proof that you paid the course fee — Official language schools (Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas) for learning Spanish
• A prior certificate or a level placement test result — Applying to an official language school (EOI), placement tests and waiting lists

Each article lists the other documents it asks for, where you need them.

Public and free Spanish classes: questions that cross several articles

Do I need legal residence in Spain to join a public Spanish class?

No, most official language schools and adult-education centres do not require legal residence, though each school may ask for specific documents. A passport, an NIE or residence card, or an EU national ID is usually enough, and some adult-education centres accept any official ID. Read the articles on official language schools and on adult-education classes (CEPA).

Do I need a visa to take a university Spanish course?

Yes, you need a student visa if the course lasts over 90 days and you are a non-EU national, but short courses under 90 days may not need one depending on your nationality. A visa for longer courses requires a full-time programme, proof of funds and health insurance. Read Spanish courses at Spanish universities: who can join and what you get.

Is Spanish for foreigners taught at every official language school?

No, not every official language school in a region teaches Spanish, and availability varies most in regions with a co-official language, where adult-education centres often cover it. Check the school's offer and calendar first.

What happens if there are more applicants than places?

Regions apply priority rules first, such as continuing students, and then usually a public draw (sorteo) for equal applicants. See Applying to an official language school (EOI), placement tests and waiting lists.

Which course should I choose if I am a total beginner and want to start soon?

Adult-education centres, town hall courses and charity courses are often the quickest, as they have several start dates and some enrol all year. Total beginners usually skip the placement test.