Language Courses and Cultural Immersion Programs Schools and Programs in Spain

Language Courses and Cultural Immersion Programs Studies in Spain

Spain is one of the main destinations for learning Spanish where it is spoken every day. Language courses here range from a week of classes during a holiday to a full academic year, and many schools combine lessons with cultural activities, excursions and accommodation with local families: what the industry calls cultural immersion. Our directory lists 188 schools in Spain under this subject, from private language schools to university language centres and public official language schools.

Types of language course

• Private language schools: general and intensive Spanish, small groups and activity programmes
• University language centres: Spanish courses for foreigners run by universities
• Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas (EOI): public schools with official certificates and public fees
• Specialised courses: business Spanish, exam preparation (DELE, SIELE) and training for teachers of Spanish

Among private schools, Colegio Delibes in Salamanca, for example, states that classes have a maximum of 12 students and offers ten course types, from general Spanish to business Spanish, DELE preparation and teacher training. Universities run their own centres: Alcalingua at the Universidad de Alcalá, the Centro de Lenguas Modernas of the Universidad de Granada and the Centro Superior de Lenguas Modernas of the Universidad de Cádiz all teach Spanish to foreigners alongside other languages. The Universidad de Cádiz states that its programmes follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Public official language schools (EOI)

According to the Ministry of Education, Spain's official language schools are run by the regional governments and form a network of 471 centres across the country. They teach 23 languages, from basic level (A1-A2) to proficient user (C1-C2), and many of them teach Spanish as a foreign language. The EOI Barcelona Drassanes, for example, runs four-month intensive Spanish courses from A1 to B2.2 with groups of 25 to 30 students; passing certain levels gives an official certificate valid throughout Spain. It also states that it does not handle visa applications, so it suits people who already live in Spain better than short-stay visitors.

Quality and official exams

The Instituto Cervantes accredits schools that teach Spanish as a foreign language through its SACIC scheme; accredited centres go through an evaluation that is repeated every three years. Its public list of accredited centres in Spain includes schools in our directory such as Malaca Instituto in Málaga, the Centro de Lenguas Modernas of the Universidad de Granada, Castila and Montalbán in Granada. Accreditation is one useful check among others, not a ranking.

Two official exams certify your level. The DELE diplomas, awarded by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education, cover all CEFR levels and have official validity, indefinite duration and international recognition; candidates do not need to have taken a course first. SIELE, promoted by the Instituto Cervantes, the UNAM, the Universidad de Salamanca and the Universidad de Buenos Aires, is taken by computer and gives results within three weeks at most.

Cultural immersion and accommodation

Immersion programmes add life outside the classroom. Colegio Delibes lists host families, student residences and shared flats, plus activities such as a tapas tour, sports and Spanish cooking classes. Alcalingua offers places in residences, shared flats and homestays, and helps with medical insurance and visa paperwork. The cities with the most schools in our directory are Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Granada and Salamanca, followed by Seville and Valencia.

Visas for language students

According to the Spanish consulate in London (page dated 15 September 2025), study stays of less than 90 days do not require a study visa, although some nationalities need a short-stay Schengen visa. For longer stays, language studies of Spanish are one of the programmes that qualify for a study visa. Applicants need acceptance at an authorised school for a full-time programme, proof of financial means equivalent to 100% of Spain's IPREM income indicator, and health insurance from an insurer authorised in Spain with cover of at least €30,000; travel insurance is not accepted. Applications must be submitted at least two months before the course starts. For stays of more than six months, students must apply for a foreigner identity card (TIE) within one month of arrival. Requirements vary by consulate, so check the consulate for your place of residence.

Frequently asked questions

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

Not for study stays of less than 90 days, although some nationalities need a short-stay Schengen visa. Longer courses require a study visa and a full-time programme at an authorised school.

What is the difference between DELE and SIELE?

DELE diplomas certify one CEFR level and have indefinite validity. SIELE is a computer-based test promoted by the Instituto Cervantes and three universities, with results within three weeks.

How can I check the quality of a language school?

The Instituto Cervantes publishes a list of accredited centres in Spain, which are re-evaluated every three years. It also helps to compare group sizes, hours per week and accommodation options.

Are there cheaper public options?

Yes. The Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas are public schools with official certificates and public fees. Their courses run in fixed terms, and some, such as the EOI Barcelona Drassanes, do not handle visas.