When to start: Spanish course calendars across public and private providers

Key rules

• EOI applications: New-student applications usually run between April and June, with a second round in early September.
• Enrolment window: After admission you have about 10 days to enrol, or you can lose the place.
• No public courses in summer: CEPA and EOI courses do not run in July and August, so use a university, academy or charity course instead.
• Arriving mid-year: Charities, town halls and universities often start in January or February, and many charities enrol all year.

Dates differ by centre, region and year, so confirm them with each provider before you plan around them.

The short version

Most public courses follow the school year: sign-up in spring or early summer, classes from late September or October. If you arrive mid-year, you still have options. Town halls, charities, universities and private schools often start in January or February, and many charities take students all year.

Official language schools (EOI)

New-student applications usually run between April and June, with a second round for leftover places in early September. If you plan to move, aim to be in Spain, or at least able to apply online, by April.

Once you are admitted, the enrolment window is short, about 10 days, and missing it can mean losing the place. Check the dates the day the admission list comes out. Dates differ by region and year, so look at your regional EOI's website. Step-by-step application detail is in the EOI article.

Adult-education centres (CEPA)

A CEPA is a public adult-education centre. It follows the school year:

• Enrolment is usually in June and early July, with a second period in early September.
• Classes start in late September or October.
• Many centres accept students on a rolling basis if places remain, so ask even if you arrive late.
• Some open a second term in January or February.

Town hall and charity courses

Municipal and charity courses usually start in October and in January or February, and sometimes in April. Enrolment opens a few weeks before. Many charities enrol all year, so they are the best option if you arrive off-season. Ask at your town hall or a local charity.

University Spanish courses

Universities offer semester courses for foreigners starting in September or October and in January or February. They also run intensive summer courses from June to August. Enrol a month or two ahead.

Summer

Regular public courses (CEPA and EOI) end in late May or June and do not run in July and August. For summer, look at:

• university intensive courses (June to August)
• private language academies
• the Instituto Cervantes
• some charity or town hall volunteer-led courses, which keep running or offer shorter summer sessions

Some EOIs run intensive July courses, but in most regions not for Spanish. Summer provision varies by town.

If you arrive after enrolment has closed

Do not wait for the next September. Start with a charity or town hall course, or a private school, then move to a CEPA or EOI at the next intake. The timeline and planner below show the dates side by side.

Timeline and deadlines

• Enrol at the EOI once admitted: In the weeks after admission lists come out, often late June to July, or September if you were admitted in the second round.

• Join a CEPA mid-year: Any time if places remain, or for a second term in January or February

• Choose a summer option: In July and August, when public CEPA and EOI courses are closed, use a university intensive course, private academy or the Instituto Cervantes

Plan your enrolment dates for public Spanish courses

Your arrival month decides which course you can join first. Public language schools (EOIs) take new students once a year, so a late arrival can mean a wait. Adult education centres (CEPAs), NGOs and municipal courses are more flexible.

What to do by arrival month

After you are admitted

Once you are admitted to an EOI, the enrolment window is short, typically about 10 days, and missing it can mean losing the place. Check the admission list the day it is published.

Differences by region

Each region sets its own calendar and publishes it every year.

• Madrid: EOI admission is in spring, around May, with leftover places in September.
• Catalonia: Pre-enrolment at the EOI is often in June or July, with a second period in September.
• Andalucía and Valencia: EOI applications generally run from about May to June, with vacancies in September.
• All four regions: CEPAs generally enrol from June to September.

Not every EOI offers Spanish for foreigners, so check that your nearest one does.

Confirm the exact dates

Dates change by region, centre and year. Go to your region's education department website and look for "Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas" and "Educación de personas adultas". Search by the department's name, because web addresses change. Each EOI and CEPA also has its own website, and its secretaría answers by phone or email.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take a public Spanish course in July or August?

No, regular public courses at CEPAs and EOIs do not run in July and August, because they end in late May or June. Centres are mostly closed or only open for administration. Summer options are university intensive courses, private academies, the Instituto Cervantes and some reduced town or charity sessions.

What if I arrive in Spain after the main enrolment period has closed?

If you arrive late, ask the centre whether places remain, because many CEPAs accept enrolment on a rolling basis if places are left. Some CEPAs also open a second term in January or February. Many NGOs enrol all year, so they are the quickest way to start.

When do university Spanish courses for foreigners start?

University courses usually start in September or October and again in January or February, as semester courses.

When do town hall and charity Spanish courses start?

Town hall and charity courses usually start in October, January or February, and sometimes April. Enrolment opens a few weeks before each start. Ask the provider directly, since dates differ by town.