International Baccalaureate (IB) schools in Spain
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is one of the most prestigious educational programs in the world. Spain has over 140 centers authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), making it one of the countries with the largest IB offering in Europe.
What is the IB program?
The IB is an international educational framework founded in 1968 in Geneva. It offers three main programs covering ages 3 to 19:
PYP — Primary Years Programme (ages 3-12)
Focused on the holistic development of the child through six transdisciplinary themes. It fosters curiosity, inquiry, and critical thinking from an early age.
MYP — Middle Years Programme (ages 11-16)
Connects academic learning with the real world through eight subject groups. Includes a personal project in the final year.
DP — Diploma Programme (ages 16-19)
The best-known and most valued program. Students take 6 subjects (3 at Higher Level and 3 at Standard Level), plus three mandatory components:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK): Reflection on the nature of knowledge.
- Extended Essay (EE): A 4,000-word independent research paper.
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Projects outside the classroom.
IB advantages for university admission
- Global recognition: The IB Diploma is accepted by over 3,300 universities in 90 countries.
- Validation in Spain: Can be validated as Spanish bachillerato, with direct access to the university entrance exam (EvAU).
- Competitive advantage: Universities especially value the research, critical thinking, and time management skills developed by the IB.
- Access to Anglo-Saxon universities: Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, and MIT recognize and value the IB Diploma.
IB schools in Spain by city
Madrid
- SEK El Castillo — PYP, MYP, DP
- International College Spain — PYP, MYP, DP
- Colegio Brains — DP
Barcelona
- SEK Catalunya — PYP, MYP, DP
- Agora International School — PYP, MYP, DP
How much does an IB school cost?
| Program | Approximate monthly price |
|---|---|
| PYP (Primary) | €600-1,200 |
| MYP (Secondary) | €700-1,300 |
| DP (Diploma) | €800-1,500 |
IB vs Spanish Bachillerato: comparison
| Aspect | IB Diploma | Spanish Bachillerato |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
| Subjects | 6 + TOK + EE + CAS | 8-10 subjects |
| Assessment | Internal + external (IBO) | Continuous + EvAU |
| Language | English, Spanish, or French | Spanish |
| Recognition | Global (90+ countries) | Spain + EU |