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Meta description: Spanish courses in Spain: Cervantes-accredited schools, university courses from $1,906, the study visa for courses over 90 days, renewal rules and work limits.
Last modified: 2026-09-24

# Spanish Language Courses in Spain: Accredited Schools, University Courses, Prices and the Student Visa

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There are two main ways to learn Spanish in Spain. The first is a private language school; for visa purposes, the ones that matter are those accredited by the Instituto Cervantes, whose official list has almost 200 addresses across the country. The second is a university language centre, such as those at Complutense in Madrid, Salamanca, Granada or Valencia. A full-year course at the Complutense Centre for Spanish Teaching costs from $4,100 (€3,595) for 360 hours, and a ten-week intensive course in Salamanca from $1,906 (€1,670).

A course of up to 90 days does not require a student visa; if your nationality needs a Schengen visa, you apply for a short-stay one. A course longer than 90 days requires a national study visa. The course must be in person at a Cervantes-accredited centre or an official language school (EOI). The permit lasts at most one year and can be renewed only once, if you have passed DELE, registered for it or obtained a SIELE certificate.

South façade of the Magdalena Palace in Santander, the main summer venue of the Menéndez Pelayo International University (UIMP), known for its summer courses and Spanish programmes for international students, Spain. Photo: Jl FilpoC / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fachada_meridional_del_Palacio_de_la_Magdalena,_Santander.jpg), [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

## Two types of course: private school or university {#section-1}

|  | Private language school | University language centre |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Start dates | Usually every Monday; set dates for beginners | Fixed semesters, terms or months |
| Length | One week to a year | Two weeks to a full academic year |
| Intensity | 15–30 lessons a week; a lesson is often shorter than an hour | 12–20 teaching hours a week, more on intensive courses |
| Groups | Small, lots of speaking practice | More academic, more grammar and writing, level exams |
| Extras | Cultural programme, sport, housing through the school | Library, sports facilities, sometimes culture courses and PCE preparation |
| Best for | Short trips, flexible schedules, getting fluent | University applicants, DELE/SIELE candidates, a year in an academic setting |

The key difference for a long course is the visa. Spain's immigration regulation names two bases for a language-study visa: centres accredited by the Instituto Cervantes and official language schools. Many university centres are on the Cervantes list, but not all. If a centre is not listed, ask on what basis it issues visa letters (for example, a course run as the university's own programme, a "título propio"). The consulate makes the decision.

## Where to find accredited schools {#section-2}

The Instituto Cervantes accreditation list (SACIC) is the main filter. Listed centres pass an assessment against 300 criteria and are re-assessed every three years. As of September 2026 the list for Spain includes:

| City | Accredited addresses | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Madrid | 26 | The capital, the widest choice of schools and university courses |
| Barcelona | 22 | Bilingual city: Catalan is common in daily life |
| Valencia | 22 | Large student city by the sea, cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona |
| Málaga | 15 | Resort city with many short courses; the University of Málaga's centre is listed |
| Granada | 13 | University city; the University of Granada's modern languages centre is listed |
| Seville | 13 | Andalusian accent, very hot summers |
| Salamanca | 12 | The classic city for learning Spanish; the University of Salamanca's Cursos Internacionales |
| Alicante, Marbella, Cádiz, Valladolid and others | 1 to 5 | Less choice, more immersion |

University centres on the Cervantes list include, for example, the Centro de Lenguas Modernas at the University of Granada, the Centre d'Idiomes at the University of Valencia, Idiomes UPF in Barcelona, the University of Málaga's international Spanish centre, the University of Zaragoza's courses and UIMP in Santander.

## What courses cost: examples from official websites {#section-3}

### Complutense Centre for Spanish Teaching (CCEE UCM), Madrid

The 2026/27 annual course runs from 5 October 2026 to 15 June 2027 in three terms. Your level is set by an online test about 15 days before the start, and each term ends with an exam to move up.

| Format | Hours | Price |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual course | 360 hours (12 h/week) | $4,102 (€3,595) |
| Annual course | 420 hours (14 h/week) | $4,496 (€3,940) |
| Annual course | 600 hours (20 h/week) | $6,447 (€5,650) |
| One term | 120–200 hours (12–20 h/week) | $1,603–2,523 (€1,405–2,211) |
| One month | 48–80 hours (12–20 h/week) | $685–1,118 (€600–980) |
| Immersion course | 600–700 hours (25 h/week) | $6,333–7,411 (€5,550–6,495) |
| SIELE preparation | — | $160 (€140) |

The annual course includes a DELE preparation module. For the visa, the centre issues a provisional enrolment certificate for a separate fee.

### Cursos Internacionales, University of Salamanca

Courses run all year and last 2, 3, 4 or 10 weeks; you can add one to three electives to the compulsory language block. The ten-week course from 1 October to 15 December 2026 costs:

| Hours | Price |
| --- | --- |
| 3 hours a day | $1,906 (€1,670) |
| 4 hours a day | $2,353 (€2,062) |
| 5 hours a day | $2,761 (€2,420) |

The next ten-week courses start on 11 January and 5 April 2027.

### Puente a la UAM: language plus university preparation

The Autonomous University of Madrid's one-year programme runs from 7 September 2026 to 14 May 2027: 14 hours of intensive Spanish a week, PCE preparation and the SIELE exam in the second semester, aiming at B2. The 2026/27 price is $9,129 (€8,000) for the bachelor's track and $8,558 (€7,500) for the master's track. Fees are refunded if the visa is refused, except the place deposit. Such programmes cost more than a plain language course but cover two goals at once: Spanish and the admission exams.

### Private schools

Private schools price by the week, depending on intensity, season and city. Compare hours per week rather than "lessons", group size, registration and material fees, and refund terms if your visa is refused. For a course longer than 90 days, check that the school is on the Cervantes list.

## Types of programme {#section-4}

- General Spanish: about 20 lessons a week, the standard format for any level.
- Intensive: 25–30 lessons a week, often with one-to-one classes.
- DELE or SIELE preparation: usually from B1, timed to exam dates. See [DELE and SIELE Spanish exams](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-dele-and-siele-spanish-exams).
- Academic year or language-plus-admission courses: September to May or June, with PCE preparation and help with certificate recognition.
- Business Spanish, teacher training, Spanish for health professionals: usually from B1–B2.
- Teen courses and summer camps: for a visa, a minor needs authorisation from both parents, and the guardian in Spain signs a notarised statement accepting responsibility.
- Courses for adults 30+ and family programmes at larger schools.

## The student visa for language courses {#section-5}

Up to 90 days. No study visa is needed. If your nationality requires a Schengen visa, you apply for a short-stay visa.

Longer than 90 days. You need a national study visa. Conditions for a language course under Royal Decree 1155/2024:

- the course is in person at an official language school or a Cervantes-accredited centre;
- Spanish must not be your native language or an official language of your country;
- you are enrolled and have paid; the enrolment document states start and end dates and teaching hours;
- the permit lasts as long as the course, up to one year;
- it can be renewed only once, with a DELE diploma, a DELE registration or a SIELE certificate; at an official language school, by passing the course.

Documents (per the Consulate General of Spain in Moscow; other consulates use similar lists):

- national visa application form and photo;
- passport valid for at least one year;
- proof of enrolment and payment;
- funds of at least 100% of IPREM per month, $685 (€600) a month in 2026, or about $6,850 (€6,000) for 10 months; the amount can be reduced if housing is prepaid;
- health insurance for the whole stay with cover at least equal to the Spanish public system's basic package;
- a police certificate covering 5 years with apostille and translation, if the course lasts more than 180 days;
- a translated medical certificate.

Timing and fees. Apply at least two months before the course starts. In the Moscow consular district, student visas have been filed through BLS visa centres since 1 June 2026; from 1 July 2026 the consular fee there is RUB 7,547 (about $90) plus RUB 1,233 (about $15) for BLS. Other consulates charge in local currency. Once the stay is approved, the visa is issued within a month.

Work and family. A language-course permit does not automatically allow work; you can work only with a separate authorisation. The automatic 30 hours a week apply to higher-education students. Spouses and children can get accompanying visas for university students, not for language-course students.

If you plan to enter university after the course, build the route so that your next visa is a study visa for the degree. See [the student visa for Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-visa-spain).

## Where to live during the course {#section-6}

- Host family: full or half board and the most language practice; good for the first months and for minors.
- Student residence or hall: single or shared room, sometimes with meals; places for the academic year are booked in spring.
- Room in a shared flat: the most common choice for long courses; landlords often ask for a deposit.
- Housing through the school: the school may provide proof of accommodation, which helps with the visa application.

Room prices vary by city even more than course prices do. Idealista's figures for the second quarter of 2026 put the average room in a shared flat at:

| City | Room per month |
| --- | --- |
| Barcelona | $685 (€600) |
| Madrid | $628 (€550) |
| Málaga | $513 (€450) |
| Valencia | $434 (€380) |
| Seville | $422 (€370) |
| Spain average | $485 (€425) |

University residences can be cheaper: at UAB's campus residence near Barcelona, a single room in a five-person flat costs $443 (€388) a month from September 2026 on a 10-month contract. Those places go to university students first.

The earlier you prepay housing for the whole stay, the lower the funds the consulate may require. See [student housing in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-housing-spain).

## Choosing a course for your goal {#section-7}

| Goal | What to choose |
| --- | --- |
| Become fluent in 2–8 weeks | An intensive course at an accredited school on a short-stay visa |
| Pass DELE or SIELE by a set date | An exam-preparation course in a city with an exam centre; check DELE dates and how long results take |
| Enter a public bachelor's programme | A language-plus-PCE year such as Puente a la UAM, or a university annual course plus separate PCE preparation. See [applying to Spanish universities](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-spanish-universities) |
| Spanish-taught master's | A course to B2 or C1 with a certificate the programme accepts; see [master's degrees in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-spain) |
| Recognition of a medical degree or MIR | A course to B2 (recognition) or C1 (MIR) plus DELE; see [studying medicine in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-studying-medicine-in-spain) |

If you are already choosing a university, see our guides to [universities in Spain for international students](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-spain-for-international-students), [Madrid](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-madrid) and [Barcelona](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-barcelona), and the profiles of [Complutense](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-complutense), the [University of Salamanca](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-salamanca), the [University of Granada](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-granada), the [University of Valencia](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-valencia), the [Autonomous University of Madrid](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-autonoma-madrid), the [University of Barcelona](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-barcelona), [UAB](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-autonoma-barcelona) and [Pompeu Fabra](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-pompeu-fabra). For English-taught business without long language preparation, compare [EU Business School](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-eu-barcelona), [GBSB Global Business School](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-global-business-school-barcelona) and [Les Roches Marbella](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-roches-marbella). The country overview is at [studying in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-spain).

## Which mistakes to avoid {#section-8}

- Choosing a school outside the Cervantes list for a course over 90 days. For language-study visas the regulation names only accredited centres and official language schools.
- Counting on a part-time job. Language students can work only with a separate authorisation.
- Planning two or three years of language courses. The permit lasts at most a year and can be renewed once, only with DELE, a DELE registration or SIELE.
- Enrolling in an online course. The visa requires in-person study.
- Comparing schools by number of lessons. A private-school lesson is often shorter than an hour; compare hours per week.
- Applying for the visa at the last minute. Leave at least two months between the application and the course start.

## FAQ {#faq}

### Do I need a student visa for a language course in Spain?

Not for a course of up to 90 days; if your nationality needs a Schengen visa, a short-stay visa is enough. For longer courses you need a national study visa, and the course must be in person at a Cervantes-accredited centre or an official language school.

### How much do Spanish courses in Spain cost?

At the Complutense Centre for Spanish Teaching, for example, a 360-hour annual course costs $4,102 (€3,595) and one month at 20 hours a week $1,118 (€980). In Salamanca a ten-week course at 3 hours a day costs $1,906 (€1,670). Private schools charge by the week depending on city and intensity.

### Can I work while on a language course?

Not automatically. A language-course student may work only after obtaining a separate authorisation. The right to work up to 30 hours a week without a separate permit belongs to university students.

### Can I renew a language-course visa?

Yes, once. You need a DELE diploma, a DELE registration or a SIELE certificate; at an official language school, a passed course. Each permit lasts at most a year.

### Which city is best for learning Spanish?

Madrid (26), Barcelona and Valencia (22 each) have the most accredited centres. Salamanca and Granada are university cities with strong university courses and lower costs. In Barcelona you will hear a lot of Catalan.

### How can I combine a language course with university admission?

Choose an annual course that includes PCE preparation, or combine a course with separate preparation for the UNED exams. For example, Puente a la UAM runs from September to May and includes PCE preparation and SIELE.

## Sources {#section-10}

- [Instituto Cervantes — centres accredited in Spain (SACIC)](https://acreditacion.cervantes.es/centros_espana.htm)
- [Instituto Cervantes — what SACIC accreditation means](https://acreditacion.cervantes.es/estudiantes/que_es.htm)
- [UCM — Centre for Spanish Teaching fees](https://www.ucm.es/ccee/precios-cursos)
- [UCM — annual Spanish course 2026/27](https://www.ucm.es/ccee/cursos-anuales-1)
- [UCM — enrolment and visa certificate](https://www.ucm.es/ccee/matricula)
- [University of Salamanca — language and culture courses](https://cursosinternacionales.usal.es/en/spanish-language-and-culture)
- [University of Salamanca — ten-week course, October 2026](https://cursosinternacionales.usal.es/en/spanish-language-and-culture/3480)
- [UAM — Puente a la UAM programme 2026/27](https://www.uam.es/uam/studyabroad/cursos/puente)
- [BOE — Immigration Regulation RD 1155/2024, Articles 52, 55, 57](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2024-24099)
- [Consulate General of Spain in Moscow — student visa](https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/moscu/ru/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-de-estudios.aspx)
- [Consulate General of Spain in Moscow — consular fees from 1 July 2026](https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/moscu/es/Consulado/Documents/Tasas/TASAS.pdf)
- [Idealista — average room rents by city, Q2 2026](https://www.idealista.com/news/inmobiliario/vivienda/2026/09/22/915080-alquilar-solo-en-espana-sale-caro-de-los-425-euros-de-una-habitacion-a-los-984)
- [UAB Vila Universitària — room prices from 1 September 2026](https://vilauniversitaria.uab.cat/en/choose-your-flat/individual-room/)
- [Consulate General of Spain in Moscow — student visas via BLS from 1 June 2026](https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/moscu/ru/Comunicacion/Noticias/Paginas/Articulos/20260414_NOT1.aspx)

Dollar amounts use the ECB rate of 23 September 2026 (€1 = $1.1411); rouble fees use the Bank of Russia rate for the same date ($1 = RUB 84.07). Figures are rounded.

During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step. [Apply](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)

## Next steps

- [DELE and SIELE Spanish Exams: 2026–2027 Dates, Fees and the Level You Need to Study in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-dele-and-siele-spanish-exams)
- [Master's Degree in Spain: Admission with a Non-EU Degree and 2027 Costs](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-spain)
- [Studying Medicine in Spain as an International Student: Admission, Cut-off Marks, Costs, MIR and Degree Recognition](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-studying-medicine-in-spain)
- [Applying to Spanish Universities: A Step-by-Step Plan for Non-EU Applicants in 2027](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-spanish-universities)
- [Studying in Spain for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-spain)
- [EU Business School (Barcelona)](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-eu-barcelona)

Updated: September 2026