- Immigrant Times
- Sep 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 22
Teaching and training for refugees in Spain
Spain provides government-funded, private-sector and university-led programmes to equip refugees and immigrants with the skills the country’s business needs.
By The Immigrant Times
Teaching and training programmes offered by Spanish regions, such as the Canary Islands or Catalonia, are tailored to provide refugees with the skills needed by local companies
September 2025: In Spain, refugees and asylum seekers can access training through government-funded programmes, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), partnerships with the private sector, and specific university initiatives. A key component of these programmes is Spanish language training, which is provided alongside courses for vocational skills, professional certification, and higher education to boost employability and integration.
Government-led programmes
National Reception System
The government's system for international and temporary protection (SAPI) provides individualised integration pathways for beneficiaries who lack economic resources. These services cover basic needs and include support for vocational training and language learning.
Canary Islands vocational programme
Since early 2025, a programme has provided vocational teaching and training in high-demand sectors like hospitality, construction, and agriculture for young migrants aged 16 and over. The programme also includes Spanish language courses and can lead to professional certifications.
Murcia employment programme
A personalised programme in the Murcia region helps refugees overcome barriers to employment through a coordinated effort between the Regional Employment and Training Service and NGOs. It offers language classes, job counselling, and courses to help certify skills.
Catalonia mentoring programme
In December 2023, the Catalan government launched a call for mentors to support asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection in their integration process.
NGO and university initiatives
UNHCR and Coursera
Through a partnership with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), refugees and asylum seekers in Spain can gain free access to over 12,000 online courses and specialisations offered by prestigious universities on the Coursera platform. These courses provide official certifications and are available in various languages.
Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid (CEAR)
This long-standing NGO defends refugee rights and offers comprehensive support, including assistance with training and access to employment. CEAR partners with other organisations to facilitate teaching and training initiatives.
University programmes
Several universities run programmes to support refugee and immigrant students
Camilo José Cela University (Integra Project)
This initiative provides full scholarships for higher education, including pre-degree language and cultural courses, internships, and psychosocial support.
University of Burgos (UBU-Refuge Programme)
This programme provides free enrolment, Spanish courses, accommodation, grants, and employment support for refugees and immigrants seeking to begin or continue their university studies.
University of Barcelona (UB Solidarity Foundation)
The university coordinates academic, educational, and social integration support for refugees and asylum seekers.
Private sector collaboration
Tent España
A coalition of over 45 companies, including Banco Santander, collaborates with the government to connect refugees to the labour market. The programme provides resources for HR teams, best practice sharing, and connections to refugee talent through specialised partners.
Government-IKEA protocol
In June 2024, the government signed an agreement with IKEA to improve refugees' employability. The protocol includes initiatives for certifying professional skills, providing language training, and facilitating access to the job market.
Employer outreach
UNHCR provides a list of NGOs for employers to contact, including Red Acoge and CEAR, to help facilitate the hiring and integration of refugees.
‘Teaching and Training Refugees’ is part of The Immigrant Times’ open research project. You are invited to contribute, correct and comment. Email
Further reading: Teaching and training refugees in Europe || Teaching and training refugees in Germany || Teaching and training refugees in Sweden || Teaching and training refugees in Spain || Immigrant workers boost the Spanish economy ||
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