Education in Andorra
Plan your children’s future in Andorra. We simply explain all the educational options so you can make the best decision for your family.
LIVING IN ANDORRA
Guide to the Education System in Andorra
One of Andorra’s great advantages is its exceptional educational offering. We explain how its unique model works, with three free public systems, private options, and higher education.
What You’ll Find in This Guide
🌍 A Unique Educational Model in the World
Andorra’s education system is a reflection of its history and its geographical position between Spain and France. It is one of the few countries in the world that offers three high-quality, free public education systems, allowing parents to choose the one that best suits their children. Schooling is compulsory from age 6 to 16, and the country’s literacy rate is 100%, a testament to its commitment to excellence.
3
Public Systems
100%
Tuition-Free
6-16
Compulsory Years
A fun fact: Skiing is a mandatory physical education activity in all elementary schools. Taking advantage of the country’s natural environment, children learn to ski as part of their education.
🏫 The Three Public Systems: Choose Your Path
The main feature of the Andorran model is the coexistence of the country’s own system with those of its neighbors. All are free and regulated by the Andorran Ministry of Education, although each follows its own curriculum and calendar.
🇦🇩 Andorran System
This is the choice for the majority of families (about 40%). Its goal is to promote the Principality’s identity and culture. The main language of instruction is Catalan, but with strong immersion in French, Spanish, and English from an early age. Its schools, known as “Escola Andorrana,” are distributed throughout all parishes.
🇪🇸 Spanish System
Managed by the Spanish Ministry of Education through a delegation in Andorra, it follows the Spanish educational curriculum. The main language is Spanish, although Catalan is also a language of instruction. There are secular schools subsidized by Spain, like the Colegio María Moliner, and religious schools like Sant Ermengol.
🇫🇷 French System
Fully funded and managed by the French government, it follows their educational program. The language of instruction is French. The most well-known school is the Lycée Comte de Foix. Students who graduate from this system can access French universities for free.
📊 Systems Comparison Chart
| Feature | Andorran System | Spanish System | French System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Language | Catalan | Spanish | French |
| Other Languages | Spanish, French, English | Catalan, French, English | Catalan, Spanish, English |
| Curriculum | Andorra’s Own | Spanish Ministry of Education | French Ministry of Education |
| Final Diploma | Andorran Batxillerat | Spanish Bachillerato | French Baccalauréat |
| University Access | EHEA Countries | Spain and rest of EHEA | France (free) and rest of EHEA |
🗓️ Educational Stages and Enrollment Process
Understanding the educational structure and the steps for enrollment is key to a stress-free family transition. Below, we detail the educational journey and the administrative process.
The Educational Stages
- ›Preschool Education (Ages 0-6)Not compulsory. It is taught in “Escoles Bressol” (daycares) and in the preschool cycles of schools.
- ›Primary Education (Ages 6-12)Compulsory. Corresponds to elementary school and focuses on basic skills.
- ›Secondary Education (Ages 12-16)Compulsory. Equivalent to middle/junior high school, it consolidates knowledge and guides the student.
- ›High School or Vocational Training (Ages 16-18)Not compulsory. Prepares for university access (High School Diploma) or the workforce (Vocational Training).
Enrollment Process (Step-by-Step)
- 1Obtain ResidencyThis is the essential requirement. First and foremost, you must apply for and obtain your residency permit in Andorra.
- 2Pre-enrollment PeriodThe Ministry of Education opens a pre-enrollment period, usually during the month of May. It is crucial to be aware of the official dates.
- 3Submit DocumentationYou will need to submit the requested documents: ID/passport, residency card, family book, and academic records from the previous school.
- 4Placement ConfirmationOnce the documentation is reviewed, the ministry will notify you of the assigned school to finalize the registration.
Expert Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute. Although the enrollment period is in the spring, we recommend contacting the Andorran Ministry of Education as soon as your move is confirmed. They can guide you on your specific case and the necessary documentation, especially if any validation or homologation is required.
⭐ Private and International Schools
For families seeking a different approach, especially with English as the primary language, Andorra has excellent private options. These schools are not free and offer a multicultural environment.
The British College of Andorra
Located in Andorra la Vella, this school follows the British National Curriculum, and instruction is entirely in English. It accepts students from ages 3 to 18. It is the ideal option for English-speaking expatriates or families who prioritize this language. Annual tuition is around €10,000.
Agora International School Andorra
Located in La Massana, this school follows the Spanish system but with a multilingual approach (Spanish, Catalan, French, and English). It offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, a highly prestigious worldwide qualification. Its annual tuition starts at around €7,450.
🎓 Higher Education and University
Although many students choose to pursue their higher education in Spain or France, Andorra also offers solid tertiary education.
The University of Andorra (UdA), founded in 1997, is the country’s main higher education institution. It offers bachelor’s degrees in fields like Business Administration, Computer Science, Nursing, and Law, all adapted to the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), ensuring their international recognition. A recent study showed that over 90% of its graduates find a job before graduation or within the first month of searching.
In addition to the UdA, there are Vocational Training (FP) centers and internationally renowned specialized schools like Vatel, which focuses on hotel and tourism management.