I’ve been looking at schools for my child recently, focusing on the northern regions like Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country. I assumed the cost of living in the north would be lower than in Madrid or Barcelona, and that school fees would be more affordable. However, after looking around, it seems to be a significant expense. I’ve gathered some information I found and am sharing it here for other parents on the forum with the same needs. Let’s discuss it together.
Overview of Tuition Fees by Region
My overall impression is that international schools in the Basque Country are the most expensive, which is understandable since it’s one of Spain’s wealthiest regions. Cantabria and Asturias are relatively more moderate, but they are by no means ‘cheap’. Many schools have fees that increase with grade level. Early childhood education might cost around €7,000-€8,000 a year, but by high school, it can easily exceed €10,000, or even €15,000 or more.
Breakdown of Specific Costs
It’s important to note that what we usually call ‘tuition fees’ is just the basic cost. On top of that, there are many other miscellaneous fees to consider:
- Enrollment Fee: Usually a one-time or annual payment, ranging from several hundred to over a thousand euros, and it’s non-refundable.
- Meal Plan: Around €150-€200 per month, which is generally mandatory.
- School Bus: If needed, this is another €100-€200 per month.
- Books and Materials: Several hundred euros per year.
- Uniforms, extracurricular activities, insurance, etc.…
When you add all these up, the total annual cost for one child can easily be three to four thousand euros more than the basic tuition fee. So, when looking at tuition, be sure to ask exactly what’s included and what’s not to avoid a shock when the final bill arrives.
Sample School Fees
I’ve compiled a simple table with information on some international schools in the north. The data is from school websites or education forums, so there might be discrepancies. This is for reference only. You must confirm the exact fees directly with the school’s admissions office.
| School Name | Grade Levels | Approx. Annual Tuition (€) |
|---|
| American School of Bilbao | Primary - High School | 10,000 - 18,000+ |
| St. George’s School | Nursery - High School | 8,000 - 15,000 |
| Colegio Inglés de Asturias | Nursery - High School | 7,000 - 12,000 |
| Cantabria International School | Nursery - Secondary | 6,000 - 10,000 |
This is indeed a significant investment for a child’s education. Personally, I feel that if the family budget allows and you want your child to have more international opportunities in the future, then it is worth it. But if the budget is tight, stretching to afford it might impact the whole family’s quality of life. I’m curious to hear what you all think. Are there any parents whose children are currently attending international schools in the north? Could you share your actual experiences and costs? Thank you very much!
