Spain has become a magnet for international families—and it’s easy to see why. Friendly people, a laid-back lifestyle, sunshine nearly year-round, and a lower cost of living? Yes, please. Add to that the growing possibilities of remote work and a renewed interest in slow living, and Spain feels like a dream destination for multiculturally minded families looking for a fresh start. Whether you’re drawn to the beaches of Valencia (or its fabulously scifi City of Arts and Sciences), the cultural buzz of Madrid, or the mountain air in Granada, it’s not just jet-setting digital nomads who are enticed—families are moving to Spain with teenagers too. And if your children are in secondary school or approaching it, that brings a whole new set of questions. What kind of school should they attend? Will they be able to go to university in another country? Will this move limit their options—or open new ones? Moving to Spain with teenagers raises all sorts of questions.

At Hyll, we’ve been hearing from more and more families making this leap, and many of them share a common concern: 

How do I set my teenager up for success when it comes to university admissions?

If that’s you, you’re not alone—and we’re here to help. Whether you’re planning for university in Spain, the US, the UK, or elsewhere in Europe, here’s what you need to know when choosing a high school and preparing for the next step.

 

What Kind of High School Should I Choose When Moving to Spain with Teenagers?

That depends on your child’s learning style, university goals, and your budget. Spain offers a wide variety of excellent public, private, and semi-private (concertado) schools, but one of the most important decisions you’ll make is not about type, but about curriculum. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Spanish Curriculum. The easiest option for students planning to attend university in Spain, as it does not require homologación (a formal recognition of foreign credentials). A Spanish diploma also allows for access to universities across Europe, the UK, and the US, though additional testing or documentation may be required. It should be noted that the Spanish curriculum is fairly traditional, privileging long lectures, exams, and rigorous curriculum over more progressive approaches.
• International Baccalaureate (IB). A rigorous and globally recognized program that is accepted in Spain and abroad. IB students applying to Spanish universities must meet certain additional criteria, but do not need to complete homologación. The IB is widely accepted by universities throughout the world.
• British Curriculum (GCSEs and A-Levels). Respected worldwide and particularly relevant for university entry in the UK. If students plan to attend university in Spain, homologación is required, however the British curriculum is a strong choice for university applications to other countries. It privileges depth over breadth, with students focusing on just three subjects (occasionally four for exceptionally strong students) during their final two years, known as Sixth Form. This period prepares them to complete their A-levels—standardized exams taken at the conclusion of high school.
• American Curriculum. A good fit for students aiming to study in the US. However, we recommend that families ensure the school offers AP exams (or IBs, which some American schools offer as an alternative to APs), as many international universities base admissions decisions on standardized exam scores. Without these, students may not have a viable path to certain universities in Europe or the UK.

 

What If My Child Is Splitting High School Between Countries?

This is usually fine, as long as students join their new curriculum with enough time to complete the final two years. Most European systems (including the Spanish Bachillerato, IB, and A-Levels) concentrate university preparation in these final years—so entering earlier is typically not an issue. However, switching in for just one year is much harder, as students would be joining midway through multi-year courses.

Note: While most international universities will be evaluating only these final two years, the US admissions system considers all four years of high school, not just the final two. Accordingly, students aspiring to US universities (especially selective ones) are strongly advised to begin their university planning in US 9th grade (or the equivalent in their new school).

 

What should I know about planning for university in the US after Moving to Spain with Teenagers?

US universities use a holistic admissions process, which considers a range of factors beyond academics:

• Course rigor
• Grades
• Standardized test scores
• Extracurricular activities
• Recommendation letters
• Essays
• Interviews (sometimes)

Many Spanish and international schools prioritize academics and discourage extracurriculars, which can put students at a disadvantage. For students targeting the US, meaningful involvement in extracurriculars is essential—especially in areas where they can grow and demonstrate leadership and increasing levels of achievement over time.

Letters of recommendation are also important, and they are often unfamiliar territory for schools not accustomed to US applications. We recommend informing your school early and—if needed—connecting them with an expert (like us!) who can support the process.

 

What should I know about planning for university in the UK after Moving to Spain with Teenagers?

Admissions in the UK are exam-focused. The key components are:

• Predicted and final exam results (A-Levels, IB, or equivalent)
• Personal statement

For students following:

• British Curriculum: A-Levels serve as the main credential.
• IB: IB exams are evaluated directly.
• Spanish Curriculum: The “Evaluación del Bachillerato para el Acceso a la Universidad” (EBAU or selectividad) results are used.
• American Curriculum: AP exams are typically required. If the school doesn’t offer them, students may struggle to apply to UK universities.

 

What should I know about planning for university in the Netherlands, Ireland, and Other European Countries after Moving to Spain with Teenagers?

In many European countries, university admission is also exam-based. Applications typically require:

• Final exam grades (IB, A-Levels, AP, or EBAU)
• A personal or motivational statement
• Sometimes an interview or subject-specific test

Important Update: The Dutch government has announced plans to limit English-language bachelor’s degrees to ensure access for domestic students. It’s worth watching how this develops if you’re considering Dutch universities.

 

How Much Should I Expect to Pay for University?

It depends on where your child studies, but here are a few key considerations:

• Degree Length. Many countries (like the UK, Netherlands, and much of Europe) offer 3-year bachelor’s degrees, which can significantly reduce overall cost. The US, Spain, and Scotland, however, are outliers in this, generally offering 4-year degrees.
• Total Cost of Attendance. US universities provide comprehensive cost breakdowns (tuition, room & board, living expenses). European universities often only list tuition. For example, a €12,000 tuition in Amsterdam might really cost €35,000/year once you account for rent, food, and other living expenses.
• Scholarships & Financial Aid. Scholarships outside the US are limited and often merit-based. In many cases, US universities with generous financial aid end up being more affordable than European options, especially for students with strong academic or extracurricular profiles.

 

How does the homologación process work, and when should I start it?

Homologación is the official recognition of foreign academic qualifications by the Spanish government, and be advised: it is lengthy (requiring 3-9 months to complete), cumbersome (your child will need to take additional exams), and we recommend avoiding it if possible. If your child is studying in a non-Spanish system (e.g. British, American), and they plan to apply to a Spanish university, however, they’ll likely need to homologate their diploma to the Spanish Bachillerato. Start the process as early as possible—ideally in the final year of high school—so that it’s complete before university applications begin. Some universities will accept conditional applications if the homologación is in progress.

 

Can my child complete their degree in Spain in English, or do they need fluency in Spanish?

Yes, Spain offers a growing number of English-taught bachelor’s degrees, especially at private universities and some public ones in fields like business, engineering, and international relations. However, many public universities still teach primarily in Spanish, and even in English-language programs, students often need basic Spanish to navigate daily life and certain classes (e.g. electives or language requirements). For Spanish-taught degrees, a B2 level of Spanish is typically required, and many universities will ask for proof (e.g. DELE, SIELE exams or school transcripts).

 

What if we’re not sure which country my child wants to attend university in?

That’s totally normal—and there are ways to keep options open:

• Choose a curriculum with broad recognition, like the IB or British A-Levels.
• Ensure that your school offers external exams (AP, A-Levels, or IB) if you’re in the American system.
• Begin building a profile that meets US holistic admissions requirements (extracurriculars, essays, etc.) while also preparing for exam-based systems in Europe and the UK.

Working with a counselor can help your child clarify their interests, strengths, and long-term goals—and build a flexible admissions strategy.

 

What role do standardized tests like the SAT or ACT play in Europe or the UK?

Standardized tests like the SAT or ACT are not required by most universities in Europe or the UK. These systems rely primarily on final exam grades (IB, A-Levels, APs, or EBAU). However, some universities in the UK, the Netherlands, Spain, or Germany may accept SAT/ACT as a supplement if your child doesn’t have traditional credentials. If you’re keeping US options open, it’s a good idea to take the SAT or ACT (even if test-optional policies remain in place) and build a testing timeline accordingly.

 

How do university application timelines differ across countries?

Here’s a simplified timeline overview:

• Spain: Applications for public universities typically open in May/June of the final year of high school. Private universities have rolling admissions, starting in January or earlier. Applications to IE University, which is increasingly popular, should be submitted before Christmas.
• UK: Applications through UCAS are due in January of the final year, with the exception of Oxford, Cambridge, and medicine, which have mid-October deadlines.
• US: Early deadlines begin in November; regular deadlines are in January of the final year. We recommend candidates submit to early deadlines whenever possible to increase the chances of admission and scholarship offers.
• Netherlands/Ireland/Other EU: Varies by institution, but most deadlines fall between January and May.

It’s important to build a calendar early, especially if applying to multiple countries.

Can my child apply to multiple countries at once? Is that advisable?

Absolutely—but it requires careful planning. Each country has different application systems, requirements, and timelines. At Hyll, we often build multi-country admissions strategies that allow students to pursue the best opportunities without overloading themselves.

 

What support do Spanish or international schools offer for university applications abroad?

It varies widely. Some international schools have full-time university guidance counselors, but many public or concertado schools in Spain do not provide guidance for applications outside of Spain.

If your child is applying to universities abroad, ask early:

• Do they help with writing recommendation letters in English?
• Do they know how to send transcripts or predicted grades?
• Are they familiar with systems like Common App or UCAS?

If not, it’s wise to work with an external advisor who can support the process and help bridge communication with the school.

 

Should we work with an external counselor, and how can they help navigate all this?

If your child is applying to multiple countries, especially if the application processes are unfamiliar to your family, working with an experienced educational advisor can be invaluable.

A good counselor can:

• Help you choose the right curriculum and school setup
• Build a multi-country admissions plan
• Guide the essay writing and interview process
• Liaise with your school on letters, transcripts, and testing
• Offer emotional support and time management strategies

At Hyll, we specialize in working with globally mobile families and multiculturally minded students—helping them find the university pathway that best fits who they are and what they want to become. If you are moving to Spain with teenagers, whether your child is applying to universities in Spain, the US, the UK, or elsewhere in Europe, our team brings deep expertise across multiple national systems and application processes. We understand how complex it can be to navigate different curricula, timelines, and requirements—and we’re here to make it simpler, clearer, and more personalized. If you’re looking for guidance that’s thoughtful, strategic, and rooted in real experience, we’d be delighted to support you.