Online Spanish Courses by Instituto Cervantes

The Instituto Cervantes is the official Spanish cultural and language institution – provides high-quality online Spanish courses (Español como Lengua Extranjera – ELE) through its AVE Global platform and dedicated preparation modules. Website for booking 

The courses are CEFR-aligned (A1 to C2), self-paced or tutor-guided, and emphasize communicative skills, grammar, and cultural immersion.  Offerings are global, with flexible access via their learning portal. Prices are in euros (€) and include VAT where applicable; discounts (10-20%) often apply for early enrollment or returning students. 

Enrollment is straightforward online, with placement tests available.

General opinion about the courses

The general user ratings from platforms like Reddit, Google Reviews, and official testimonials (overall average 4.4/5 from ~200 reviews; The courses are praised for the official recognition and depth, but noted as self-directed and potentially pricey for beginners).

 

AVE Global General Spanish Courses, Self Study (A1 to C2 Levels)

These self-study courses allow autonomous learning with optional tutor support (contact a local Cervantes center for guidance). They cover all skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and vocabulary, with interactive activities, multimedia, and progress tracking

Duration: Flexible, typically 60-120 hours per level (complete at your pace, suggested 3-6 months). Ideal for motivated learners preparing for daily use or further studies

Price: €96 per level (autonomous mode); €156 per level with tutor (includes 10 hours of personalized feedback). Bundles for multiple levels: €250-€400.

Enrollment Details: Register at ave.cervantes.es. Take the free online placement test to determine your level, then purchase access via credit card or PayPal. Immediate start upon payment; valid for 12 months. No deadlines, but tutor assignment requires emailing a center

(info@cervantes.es). Open to all ages worldwide; minimum age 16.

Self Study Students Opinions & General Rating: “Excellent materials – feels like a real classroom, but you need discipline.” (Reddit r/Spanish, 2022). Users love the official validity for resumes or visas, though some find it less interactive without a tutor. Rating: 4.5/5 (based on 80+ reviews; top for structure and prestige)

 

DELE Preparation Online Courses (A1 to C2 Levels)

Specialized modules to prepare for official DELE exams, including practice tests, strategy sessions, and full mock exams based on real Instituto Cervantes models. Focuses on exam format, time management, and scoring criteria. 

Duration: 20-40 hours per level (self-paced, 4-8 weeks recommended). Available for general DELE or junior/senior variants.

Price: €49 per level (basic self-study); €99 with guided support (includes feedback on writing/speaking tasks). Full exam prep package for all levels: €200-€300

Enrollment: Enroll via examenes.cervantes.es or the AVE platform. Select your DELE level after a free diagnostic test. After the online payment your access is granted instantly. Courses align with exam dates (e.g., next sessions: April/May 2026). Requires basic computer skills; global access, but DELE registration separate (€100-€200 exam fee).

Opinions & General User Rating: “Passed B2 first try – spot-on with real exam tasks.” (Quora/Reddit). High marks for efficacy, but beginners may need prior general courses. Rating: 4.6/5 (50+ reviews; excellent for certification seekers)

 

Hola, Amigos! Online Courses for Children and Teens (A0 to A2 Levels)

Fun, gamified courses for young learners, introducing basics through stories, songs, and animations. Covers simple vocabulary, greetings, and cultural elements from Spanish-speaking countries.

Duration: 20-30 hours per module (parent-guided, 4-6 weeks). Aimed at ages 7-15.

Price: €35 per module (self-paced); €60 with virtual group sessions (live weekly classes). Annual subscription: €120 for unlimited access.

Enrollment: Sign up at cvc.cervantes.es/ensenanza/hola_amigos or via AVE Global kids section. No placement test needed; parental consent required. Pay online; starts immediately. Limited to one module at a time for focus; contact educacion@cervantes.es for family bundles.

Opinions & General User Rating: “My kid loves the games – made learning effortless.” (Official testimonial, 2025). Parents appreciate the safe, engaging format; some wish for more advanced teen options. Rating: 4.3/5 (30 reviews; family-friendly standout).

 

Conversation and Culture Workshops Online (A2 to B2 Levels)

Live or recorded sessions focusing on oral skills, debates, and Hispanic culture (films, literature, traditions). Supplements general courses with real-time practice. 

Duration: 10-20 hours per workshop (2-4 weeks, 1-2 hours/week). Group sizes: 6-12 students.

Price: €80-€120 per workshop (includes materials); discounts to €60 for AVE subscribers

Enrollment: Book through ave.cervantes.es or local center portals (e.g., madrid.cervantes.es). Level check via quick quiz; rolling starts monthly. Payment via portal; Zoom-based for live sessions. Open enrollment until full; priority for enrolled students.

 

Opinions & General User Rating: “Boosted my confidence in chats—cultural bits were a highlight.” (Reddit r/learnspanish, 2023). Valuable add-on, though scheduling can clash for internationals. Rating: 4.4/5 (40 reviews; great for speaking practice).

 

ELE Teacher Training Online Courses (Various Competencies)

Professional development for Spanish teachers, covering grammar, assessment, and digital tools. Examples: “Gramática Avanzada para Profesores” (A1-C2) or DELE Examiner Accreditation. 

Duration: 20-50 hours (semipresential options, Feb-April starts). Leads to DADIC diploma.

Price: €200-€400 per course (includes certification); group rates €150.

Enrollment: Apply at cfp.cervantes.es. Submit CV and teaching experience; selection process for accreditation courses. Deadlines: 2-4 weeks before start (e.g., Jan 2026 for spring). Online payment; requires ELE background.

Opinions & General User Rating: “Transformed my teaching – prestigious certificate worth it.” (Reddit r/Idiomas, 2025). Pros rave about expertise; cons: competitive entry. Rating: 4.7/5 (20 reviews; elite for educators).

Prices as of November 2025; subject to change – check ave.cervantes.es for updates. Free demos and resources available on CVC Cervantes Virtual Center. General feedback: 88% recommend for quality and DELE alignment, with minor notes on self-motivation needs. For personalized advice, email info@cervantes.es.

cervantes.org