A friend’s child was thinking about studying art in Spain and asked me to help them look into local schools. I spent quite some time gathering information and asking local friends, so I put together a quick guide on art schools in Spain. I figured I’d post it on the forum as a reference for students or parents who are also planning to pursue art studies in Spain. These schools are quite international, many offer programs in English, and the admission requirements are relatively friendly.
Istituto Europeo di Design (IED)
When you talk about design schools in Spain, IED is a name you can’t ignore. Although it originated in Italy, its campuses in Spain are extremely famous, making it a star player in the design world. IED’s strength lies in its practical approach and integration with the business world. The school collaborates with many major brands, giving students the chance to work on real projects during their studies. A friend of mine who studied fashion design graduated from IED and said her biggest takeaway was that the school doesn’t teach abstract art, but rather skills that are directly applicable in the market. The downside? The tuition is quite expensive, so be prepared for that.
ESDESIGN (Escuela Superior de Diseño de Barcelona)
ESDESIGN is a relatively new online design school, but it’s growing rapidly. Its main advantage is the flexibility of its courses, which are taught entirely online. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to upskill while working, or for anyone who can’t attend a physical campus due to geographical constraints. The curriculum is very modern and keeps up with industry trends, offering popular specializations like UI/UX design and motion graphics. Despite being online, the teaching quality and interactivity are well-regarded. However, if you’re looking for a traditional campus experience with face-to-face interaction, ESDESIGN might not be the right fit for you.
Other Schools Worth Noting
Besides the two most-discussed schools above, there are other institutions with unique strengths. For example, LCI Barcelona, located in Barcelona, is part of a global network of design schools and is well-known for fashion design. Then there’s the TAI School of the Arts in Madrid, whose film and photography programs have a great reputation in the industry.
I’ve made a simple table below to compare the features of these schools, giving you a quick overview of Spanish art schools:
| School Name | Main City | Key Majors | Teaching Style |
|---|
| IED | Madrid, Barcelona | Fashion, Product, Interior Design | Practical, strong industry collaboration |
| ESDESIGN | Barcelona | Graphic, UI/UX, Marketing | 100% online, flexible model |
| LCI Barcelona | Barcelona | Fashion Design, Graphic Design | International network, focus on fashion |
| TAI | Madrid | Film, Photography, Performing Arts | Focus on film and stage arts |
Choosing the right school ultimately depends on your major, budget, and learning style. I recommend visiting the schools’ official websites to check out their curriculum, and if possible, try to talk to current students. After all, this is a big decision for your future, so no slacking
!. I hope this information is helpful! If you have other recommendations, feel free to share them in the discussion below!
