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Language schools in Madrid, Spain

31 language schools in Madrid, Spain. Open a profile for programmes, fees and admission details.

Madrid is a common choice for learning Spanish as a foreign language. Courses run all year round, many schools are in the historic centre close to the Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía, and students practise what they learn every day in a large capital city.

Our directory lists 31 language schools in Madrid. Most teach Spanish to adults from abroad, from short holiday courses to programmes of several months. Others, such as International House Madrid, also teach English, French and German and prepare students for Cambridge and IELTS exams.

What the schools offer

Several Spanish schools in Madrid are accredited by the Instituto Cervantes. Under its accreditation system (SACIC), accredited centres pass an evaluation that is repeated every three years. Examples include Academia EUREKA, which has offered courses since 1988 and is an authorised SIELE exam centre; Inhispania, founded in 2002 and located near Gran Vía; Club de Español, between the Chamberí and Salamanca districts; TANDEM, which has taught languages since 1982; and Academia Contacto, which has taught since 2001. Hispania Estudio-2, on Calle Mayor next to the Puerta del Sol, was founded in 1991.

Typical options at Madrid's Spanish schools are:

  • intensive group courses of 20 lessons a week, and super-intensive courses of 30
  • long-term courses for students who need a student visa
  • evening classes for people who live or work in Madrid
  • DELE and SIELE exam preparation
  • one-to-one lessons and Spanish for specific purposes, such as business or medicine
  • accommodation with a host family, in a shared flat or in a student residence

Groups are small: EUREKA takes a maximum of 10 students per class, Inhispania a maximum of 9, and TILDE Madrid, a school for adults near the Royal Palace, works with groups of 2 to 4. Students who already speak some Spanish can usually start any Monday after a level test; beginners have fixed start dates.

The DELE diplomas are official qualifications that the Instituto Cervantes awards on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education. They cover all CEFR levels (A1 to C2), have indefinite validity, and candidates can register without having taken a preparation course. Madrid is also a base for teacher training: International House Madrid trains teachers of Spanish, and TtMadrid runs a Level 5 TEFL certificate for future teachers of English, with programmes for non-EU citizens that include a one-year visa, according to the school.

Costs

EUREKA charges €200 for one week of its 20-hour intensive course and €710 for four weeks (2026 prices), plus a €50 registration fee. Inhispania lists €190 for one week and €690 for four weeks of 20 classes a week, and €3,960 for a 24-week long-term course. Accommodation is extra: at EUREKA, a single room with a host family costs €275 a week with breakfast and dinner, and a single room in a shared flat in the school building €200 a week (2026).

Public transport is cheap for young students. The Abono Joven costs €10 for 30 days of unlimited travel in all fare zones of the region for anyone from age 15 until their 26th birthday, according to the Consorcio Regional de Transportes de Madrid. From age 26 a monthly zone A pass costs €32.70. These reduced fares apply until 31 December 2026.

Visas and practical tips

Study stays of less than 90 days do not require a study visa, although some nationalities need a short-stay Schengen visa. For longer courses, Spain's study visa for stays of more than 90 days also covers Spanish language studies. The consulate asks for proof that the course fees have been paid and proof of financial means. Inhispania states that its long-term courses, with 20 hours a week, meet the visa requirements; check this with each school before booking.

  • Take the school's online level test before you arrive
  • Beginners should check the fixed start dates
  • Look for the "Centro Acreditado por el Instituto Cervantes" logo if accreditation matters to you

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Spanish course in Madrid cost?

An intensive course of 20 lessons a week costs around €190 to €200 for one week and €690 to €710 for four weeks at the schools we checked (2026 prices), without accommodation.

Do I need a visa for a Spanish course in Madrid?

Not for a study stay of less than 90 days, although some nationalities need a short-stay visa. Courses of more than 90 days require a study visa, which covers Spanish language studies.

Can I prepare for the DELE in Madrid?

Yes. Many schools offer DELE and SIELE preparation courses, and EUREKA is an authorised SIELE exam centre. You can also register for the DELE without having taken a course.

When can I start a course?

Most schools teach all year round. Students with some Spanish can usually start any Monday; beginners start on set dates.